markelliot's 52. W44 Pair. Re Edited! W45 Safety Added... W38 Fun Added!

Thanks all for the comments!

What im amazed at is you all think it's a train timetable... t's for a bus! And I'd never have made it as I deliberately set my watch to that time for the shot... as it fitted in with the best place composition wise for the shot... also I wanted my watch to be at the time as there was meant to be a feeling of oh no i've missed it to highlight a bit more the time theme!

Aston was good I got some other shots of Lambo's and Ferrari's too... however this was the best shot in terms of panning technique and sharpness but with good blur too of the day.

Off work this week so it's my aim to catch up on the few weeks ive missed!

Thanks all for your interest in my 52!

Mark
 
Hi all.

I have just had a week off and done loads of photography work shooting Edinburgh... however nothing that fits in with my outstanding themes! I really am doing this 52 my way! Weave especially really does not inspire me and apart from the obvious picture of a basket we have in the house im lost for ideas... it needs more thinking time to come up with something. for volume I have the idea just not had the time to shoot it yet as I need the assistance of my good lady wife. Fun I have a shot I just need to process!

So Abstract.... the main thing I've learnt from this weeks theme is exactly what abstract art is. I thought I knew but I could not have written a definition but now I could. Rather than create a piece of abstract art and then take a picture of it... my first thought was an odd sculpture in the garage using random items... I decided that I wanted the picture itself to be the art and not a picture of some abstract art id made! Then I remembered my New York Taxi shot i'd first shown on here for blur. It defo was an abstract and to me represents the hustle n bustle and speed of New York itself! As I dont think i'd do anything better than this for this theme... and the fact I still love the end result even though a lot of you think not much of it... them im happy to make this my final shot for abstract as to me it really is part of my years photography and probably suits this theme far better than blur!

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Hiya Mark,

Oh my .... how the tables turn through this project?

Abstract is something I am passionate about ... and to be honest ... your shot says nothing for me!

It reminds me of one of my absolute failure shots that I try to recover to something artistic. But in this case it doesn't work! (sorry)

I've even tried to do something with the image, artistically, but there is just nothing there!

So I am sorry, on this count, it is a no go for me.

Dawn
 
Got to admit mark. Abstract looks like you used the motion blur filter to the extreme... No actual definition. Nothing to latch onto. [head scratch]....is weird...but only because you actually posted it..not for the content.
 
Most abstract art doesnt say much to anyone bar the artist often... So im quite happy with the fact that some like... Some dont like and some just scratch their head! It means as a piece of abstract art it does what it should! For me the big challenge with this weeks theme is your actual photo is abstract and not a record photo of someone elses or your own abstract art in another artistic medium!
 
Abstract art uses a visual language of form, color and line to create a composition which may exist with a degree of independence from visual references in the world
 
Hi, Mark, I ssssoooo want to like this one because abstract art is a genre I like, a lot.

I don't really need to see something with a piece of abstract art, but I do need to 'connect' with it and at the moment I'm not connecting.

I'll come back to this one and review it. I suspect this theme may a Marmite theme.

Cheers.
 
markelliot said:
Most abstract art doesnt say much to anyone bar the artist often... So im quite happy with the fact that some like... Some dont like and some just scratch their head! It means as a piece of abstract art it does what it should! For me the big challenge with this weeks theme is your actual photo is abstract and not a record photo of someone elses or your own abstract art in another artistic medium!
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Touché Mark

I personally think you are deluded by this week's theme.

Your take on abstract has absolutely no relevance to the theme! And is an absolute cop out! (lazy git!)

You always c&c my posts in detail, which I appreciate, but I have to say you fail on this theme!

Take it is you will, and if you never want to comment again on my posts, I will not be phased .... as will others!

What a pity you couldn't find yourself in the same league as us learning.

Always had to be better........ I wonder?

Take care

Cheers

Dawn :)
 
posiview said:
Hi, Mark, I ssssoooo want to like this one because abstract art is a genre I like, a lot.

I don't really need to see something with a piece of abstract art, but I do need to 'connect' with it and at the moment I'm not connecting.

I'll come back to this one and review it. I suspect this theme may a Marmite theme.

Cheers.
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Hiya Andy, I 100% know what you are expressing here!
 
markelliot said:
Most abstract art doesnt say much to anyone bar the artist often... So im quite happy with the fact that some like... Some dont like and some just scratch their head! It means as a piece of abstract art it does what it should! For me the big challenge with this weeks theme is your actual photo is abstract and not a record photo of someone elses or your own abstract art in another artistic medium!
Click to expand...

I guess for me though I actually went out and found something to shoot...not flicked through holiday snaps. I was just saying it was to much like motion blur with nothing else but blur...

I don't see why you're taking critique so bad. I took my record theme critique on the chin....and moved on. :shrug:
 
SamuelSlade007 said:
I with nothing else but blur...

I don't see why you're taking critique so bad. I took my record theme critique on the chin....and moved on. :shrug:
Click to expand...

I agree!!!!
 
Dawn

Im not sure what ive done bar be honest and open with you on your photography and if that has caused offence im sorry! Ive read your last few posts on my thread and realise im probably t person your on about in your own thread.

I thought we had reached a happy understanding of our differeing approaches to photography. I try to be critical when i can be... I cant really give pp crit so i dont.

Im not sure why you are on about tables being turned... Almost like you think this is a weekly competition... Its not! Ive learnt a lot in my 52... I still have masses to learn about lighting... I dont think im better than anyone here. None of us are pro we are just enjoying our free time.

I will continue to give u constructive feedback on your images and i appologise for missing the odd week. I hope u can extend me the same!

I find your comments on my take on abstract a tad unneccessary, however your entitled to your opinion. I guess i feel and relate to the image because i know nyc... I dont think abstract art apeals to all so i think it will be a marmite week. I have learnt this week... Maybe nothing about photography... But I do know what abstract art is via an hour reading about it earlier today.

The 52 is my project, im a busy man, i dont have the time to do an individual photo shoot for each week. One thing im not is lazy... Its just my rules are different! But so what... As long as we all end up with 52 themed images we are happy with and in t year moved on our photography then great!

Thanks for your continued interest in my 52 and again appologies! It was never my intention to anger or upset you!

Mark
 
SamuelSlade007 said:
I guess for me though I actually went out and found something to shoot...not flicked through holiday snaps. I was just saying it was to much like motion blur with nothing else but blur...

I don't see why you're taking critique so bad. I took my record theme critique on the chin....and moved on. :shrug:
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Im not taking it bad... My reply was just a bit sarcastic which is me all over! Sorry it was not meant to sound like i was taking it badly. I liked the fact i got three differeing opinions on t shot... Its how i see abstract art in general... Some love it... Some hate it! I didnt just pick a holiday snap. Im behind, ive a busy week ahead. And guenuinely this will be t most abstract shot i shoot this year and hence its inclussion in my 52. Im not an abstract sorta guy!
 
Thanks Joe

Try Wikipedia for a definition that helped me fine in understanding it more.

I concluded that my image is abstract... but whether it is or not is up to individuals interpretations I guess.

The more I look at my image the more I like it... I've prob looked at it more than any image ive posted. I see it big on a canvas on a wall in a hotel in NYC with some similar type shots of a subway train etc. It was meant to come out like this as well... I deliberately took this pic, maybe not with that much blur, but I wanted a lot. No filters or PP was used. I know some of you think its odd... but im happy being deluded its good.
 
Hi Mark,

Well I just knew when abstract came up, it would cause some division amongst us. I think it is a horrible theme, and by its very nature detracts from photography, and the ability of togs to develop as better photographers. But that aside, the theme is the theme, and we must all interpret it as we see fit, and deliver a photo accordingly! :)

Before I can offer any c&c I best announce my view on abstract art, and what I see as "good" abstract art. My views will therefore be in context with this sphere.

I hate almost all "art" that you can't tell what it is, when the artist wants you to know what it is! When my wife says things like, "the artist is trying to convey a sense of... (insert pretentious b0ll0x here)" then I always reply, "Well then he has failed, cos that looks nothing like a (cat/dog/human etc..)"

Your photo is nice. I like it. I think I could happily use it as wallpaper on my laptop/phone etc. I could see it hanging on a wall of a coffee shop. Does it convey anything at all to me about NYC? NO.
Do I think it shows the struggle of abstract artists to have recognition in a post Raphaelite world? NO.
I see a screen of nice yellows. That is it.

Which is why I have a problem with the theme in general. There is nothing in your photo that I can constructively comment on. Focus, exposure, DoF, lead in lines, rules of thirds, nothing.

I think you have hit the brief with a piece of art, 10/10.
But as a photo, I think this misses. Sorry.

Hope all this makes sense :lol:

Adie
 
It does... and I feel exactly the same really... especially about modern art in general! I dont see much of it as particularly skilled... yet a classic landscape painting by John Constable I appreciate and would say the artist has a tallent! How is a lump of dung or an unmade bed worthy of any prize!

When I took the photo I was really just playing with motion blur... I was not trying to be an abstract artist... however when this theme came up this photo jumped at me.

Im not sure a photo can be abstract at all really...
 
1, 2, 3....group hung...or massive slap on the back for us chaps...:D

I did supected this theme would cause a bit of friction. I guess abstract art is one genre that is guarenteed to elicit some excitment/apathy/growls...:thumbs:

Now I don't need to see a field, bird, house, etc to be drawn to a piece of art; often it's the opporsite (I do like Mark Rothco :)), but some people do - each to their own.

Anyway, we've done well not to fall out over the last 43 weeks, so 'Keep Calm and Photograph On!".

Regards.
 
posiview said:
1, 2, 3....group hung...or massive slap on the back for us chaps...:D

....

Anyway, we've done well not to fall out over the last 43 weeks, so 'Keep Calm and Photograph On!".
Click to expand...

andy...you make it sound like my cooking sherry club ... don't do group hugs...

though that gives me an idea... maybe i could do something abstract..?? thats still a photo... all i need is a washing machine, a stick of celery and 1976 rare edition of Pepe Rodiguez Montana's guide to Chihauhau's ... and it might just work...thanks guys .. :thumbs:
 
markelliot said:
Dawn

Im not sure what ive done bar be honest and open with you on your photography and if that has caused offence im sorry! Ive read your last few posts on my thread and realise im probably t person your on about in your own thread.

I thought we had reached a happy understanding of our differeing approaches to photography. I try to be critical when i can be... I cant really give pp crit so i dont.

Im not sure why you are on about tables being turned... Almost like you think this is a weekly competition... Its not! Ive learnt a lot in my 52... I still have masses to learn about lighting... I dont think im better than anyone here. None of us are pro we are just enjoying our free time.

I will continue to give u constructive feedback on your images and i appologise for missing the odd week. I hope u can extend me the same!

I find your comments on my take on abstract a tad unneccessary, however your entitled to your opinion. I guess i feel and relate to the image because i know nyc... I dont think abstract art apeals to all so i think it will be a marmite week. I have learnt this week... Maybe nothing about photography... But I do know what abstract art is via an hour reading about it earlier today.

The 52 is my project, im a busy man, i dont have the time to do an individual photo shoot for each week. One thing im not is lazy... Its just my rules are different! But so what... As long as we all end up with 52 themed images we are happy with and in t year moved on our photography then great!

Thanks for your continued interest in my 52 and again appologies! It was never my intention to anger or upset you!

Mark
Click to expand...

Hiya Mark,

I have read your reply and apologise for the delay in response, it has been a hectic few days (bit stressful actually), but now I am sat in the campervan with a gorgeous view over the Pennines and in my little sanctuary where I can relax with a clear mind.

Granted, you have always been open and honest with your comments and critique, which I do appreciate, even though harsh at times, but heyho I guess it is those times that feel like I have been given a slap to make me look at my work more critically :lol:

In my thread, I was making expressing my feelings regards the impact some c&c has had on me (and was not aimed at any one person in particular). Since the start of this project there have been many come and go ... so I was purely reflecting on the past 10 months.

I do believe we have reached a mutual understanding regards our very different photographic approaches. You prefer to take straight shots with no pp, which I respect and admire that you can achieve same. I on the otherhand see something that I think would make a good photo/image with a bit of pp. Swings and roundabouts really. If I could, and probably I can with practice and knowledge, capture what I see in a subject in camera, without pp, then I would be one very happy bunny :D But with my over-active imagination and limited resources I am not sure that will be possible, however I will persevere and maybe one day I will achieve same.

The tables being turned was perhaps misunderstood, I was merely referring to the fact that there are times when a theme will be a challenge to some, more than others. Abstract being a subject that I love, I just felt more comfortable with this theme. As for the Photo52 being a competition ..... that has never crossed my mind. If anything .... it is my own competition for myself, i.e., to take each new challenge and see what I can create for it .... a personal challenge/competition .... and at the same time learning more and more about photography. Of which I still have a lot to learn, and constantly reign myself back to the basics .... of which I sometimes go off on another tangent by experimenting :lol:

I apologise it you found my c&c on your last abstract a bit unnecessary, perhaps I could have worded it better. I will have another look at the pic and view it as you have expressed you saw same at time of taking the shot.

One thing you have learned though, this week, is what abstract art is .... but having said that .... and the definitions that are provided, to me 'abstract' art or photography is very much a personal thing ..... some will get it .... others won't, that is the beauty about 'abstract', you either love it or hate it. I personally have a few fav abstract artists, the likes of which Andy mentioned ... i.e., Mark Rothco. Then there is Picasso, Braque and Jackson Pollock. I also love the cubist art, and perhaps in some respects is the one I like to follow.

Apologies about the 'lazy git' expression, just a term I use in a jovial term. Granted, we all have busy lives and try to make the most of same for our individual 52's.

Be assured though that despite this misunderstanding, you will still have my continued support and good luck for the remainder of your 52.

Cheers

Dawn :)
 
Hi Ya Mark


Abstract has been a hard one to shot ! I like your image...doesn't say NYC to me but like the colors....& it is def Abstract :thumbs:

Just a thought....try turning it 90 degrees left....I borrowed your image & did it & seems to give a whole different feel to the image
 
I wondered why no one was posting any comments on my 52, it's because you're all here writing War and Peace!

Where am I, oh ye, it's abstract, let me scroll back up and view the picture again!

OK then.

For me a picture needs to hold my attention with something that makes me look again and enjoy looking at. This makes me look again, but I don't think I enjoy looking at it.

I see Aides point about it being on a coffee shop (was it a coffee shop, I'm not going back to read it!) wall and think it would work well large.
It's bright and would cheer up a dull wall. But other than that, there is nothing to make me want to look again. Sorry Mark.

Abstract is a difficult one which I think I understand, I guess I'll soon find out if anyone leaves this thread and goes on to mine :D, but for me, an "abstract photograph" is an image of part of an object ie we're not seeing the full picture/ object. In Marks image, we don't see the full picture, so from my understanding I guess it's abstract. Then there is the photograph of something that claims to be abstract, but I don't class this as an abstract photograph, but it still suits the theme (before you spit that sherry out Kev :p) and therefore is fine for the 52 in my rules!
 
Well behind again... Going to try and catch up over the next week... but how many times have I said that.

Here is my photo for pair...

A Pair of Pears!

I spent ages setting this up messing with sheets, paper etc etc... trying to get a studio feel backdrop. I had limited resources...I simply need to buy a small studio backdrop it would be a lot easier. Do you know how hard it is to get a pair so sit still... needed to use pins and discretely turn the pear so they where out of shot. Worked a bit on my lighting too using our new bounce flash along with a halogen worklight to get the shadows I wanted. For a first attempt at anything like this i'm happy... although it did involve a bit of cloning to get rid of a couple of lines where i'd used a sheet of A3 paper as the backdrop. Advice/ crit please!!!! I think the pairs could have been slightly further appart.

6326697887_6d17fd53b2_o.jpg
 
markelliot said:
Well behind again... Going to try and catch up over the next week... but how many times have I said that.

Here is my photo for pair...

A Pair of Pears!

I spent ages setting this up messing with sheets, paper etc etc... trying to get a studio feel backdrop. I had limited resources...I simply need to buy a small studio backdrop it would be a lot easier. Do you know how hard it is to get a pair so sit still... needed to use pins and discretely turn the pear so they where out of shot. Worked a bit on my lighting too using our new bounce flash along with a halogen worklight to get the shadows I wanted. For a first attempt at anything like this i'm happy... although it did involve a bit of cloning to get rid of a couple of lines where i'd used a sheet of A3 paper as the backdrop. Advice/ crit please!!!! I think the pairs could have been slightly further appart.

6326697887_6d17fd53b2_o.jpg
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OMG Mark, this is scary ........
You and I have actually come up with same idea for a theme :help:

I have been toying with my shot .....mainly because I don't know if I can handle thy critique! Which is actually so precise and gives me a real kick up the bumb lol :D
 
^ Im lost why could you not handle the critique... if someones not a fan of your shot its nothing to get emotional about... Who gives a sh!t!

... and if their critique is positive or helpful then you have learned something and advanced your photography!
 
markelliot said:
^ Im lost why could you not handle the critique... if someones not a fan of your shot its nothing to get emotional about... Who gives a sh!t!

... and if their critique is positive or helpful then you have learned something and advanced your photography!
Click to expand...

:banana: hear! Hear!
 
:D Wait until Kev sees this post....he'll have a field day with double entendres.

They look sharp and nice colour. I like the idea.

The composition's not to my taste. I can't really explain why...might be the gap between the two :thinking:

I quite like the shadows but there is a hint of flash on the LH pear.

The left one is the stronger for me and I'd like to see the other one in the same position, but inverted. Shot from above, perhaps.

Cheers.
 
.......[snarf].!!!... [lol]!!!........nice pair you have there mark...though... the one on the right.... [stiffles mirthy grin].....

though seriously, echo andy's points. and i thought the RH pear was in an awkward pose. the background lighting is good and compliments...and maybe its just me, but the RH pear looks real. the LH looks cut out. just an observation of how the lighting can effect our perception i guess..






...still a lovely pair though.. :naughty:
 
Mark,

I'm not qualified to give crit, but my opinions;

I like the idea (I had the same idea), and the placement is good to me. But is the left pear in focus? I think I would have preferred to see some more appetising pears, as the right one looks slightly on it's way out. I don't like that my eye is drawn to where the light hits the left pear (don't know if that can be helped).

Joe :D
 
Hi Mark, a very good first attempt here, and I like the composition, it may work with them a little father apart. Your lighting looks really good.

I would add some extra contrast and up the saturation a bit as well to bring them off the back ground, and maybe a slight rotation to give a little more impact on the subject.
 
Hi Mark.

I think you've gone the wrong way with the light.
The lighting is too even IMHO which makes them look flat.
Shadow to one side would give them that third dimension.

I agree with what some of the others have said too, they are too far apart from each other for the composition to be at it's best.

As for the back drop it's a little grey rather than white.
A custom WB or play with levels may help, that is if you wanted pure white.
I'm not sure the white BG works though. Something like a table or worktop would help place them in a more natural (natural in a domestic sense, obviously not on a tree!) environment. Exposure compensation and some flash, plus a suitable level of DOF would help lose the BG a little.
 
Well Mark,

Well done for a shot that has so much potential about it, and for doing something with the lighting that you controlled, and not the camera.:clap:

I think it is a nice shot. But more importantly, I think there is some great learning points, and simple areas that can be used in future shots to make them really special.

You have spotted it is all about how you light a subject that matters. Something as simple as two bits of fruit need to be lit cleverly to make them stand out.

You have created a simple infinity curve from A3 white paper (a cheap way that I also use :thumbs:), and have used your lights to create a simple uncluttered backdrop.

Unfortunately, I think with the use of mixed light and /or your white balance, the bg has a pink/grey colour cast to it. At the moment it is fashionable to have pure white bg when shot on a white infinity curve. This is a simple fix in PP (try a curves adjustment). However, it will leave your pairs “floating” in a sea of white, and make the shadows a bit strange. I think adding a layer to the photograph when you shoot will add more depth. This can be achieved by either making the pear shadows more defined, or by adding light falloff to the background (snooting a light source or flagging it.) This will stop the bg being just a single shade of white.

Here is an example of a shot of a model toy against a plain white background:

CoD by Adie Webster, on Flickr

Now the bg texture here is extreme (it's just an example), and I don’t think would suit your shot, but I think the plain white needs shadows and texture to focus the eye.

Next (as already pointed out) your pears are too evenly lit. The left hand side needs less light, so the pears have shadow and depth. Maybe bounce the light in from more of an angle.

Lastly, although there is nothing wrong with the composition, I think you could use the laying down pear to “lead in” the eye from the bottom right corner if it was turned around, and by having the pairs overlap slightly, you add more shadow and therefore more depth to the shot.

Overall, a good studio shot. Now just start to think about what bits you want lit, rather than how to light it :)


Rgds


Adie
 
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Wow! Thanks all for the comments. My pair of pears have opened up some varrying crit.

I need to work more on the lighting... and I think one thing that would have made a lot of difference is if i'd used a natural main source rather than a worklight. The problem at this time of year is im never in the house doing photography through the day. Secondly I actually did correct the WB so the background looked white to me... but now I look at it again I can see the cast.

I played with the composition a lot and actually prefered this... when one pair overlapped the other it did not empisise so much that it was a pair! I also wanted to try and get the two shadows of the pares in the shot!

My thoughts on the lighting... wish i'd taken a set up pic now... was that my work light became the sun effectively and made the shadows... the flash on the top of the camera and bounced off the ceiling was just to boost the light on the subject at the point of shooting.... probably a big flaw there... but I dont know it!

Can anyone recomend a good book for using flash?

Oh and someone said the pears did not look the best pears... these where tesco finest! I've eaten them since and they were v tasty... bit of a prob for doing a reshoot however!

Thanks guys for the comments... I defo have learned a bit this week and defo want to get a small infinity curve background! I never even knew that's what they where called!

Mark
 
What about this alteration... could only redo the PP and in particular the WB... I think its better now?

6332850678_57ed508df8_o.jpg
 
It defo looks far better on my apple screen in DPP or on flickr... the forum seems to grey it!
 
Hey Mark,

I guess we have called it true on the whole debate. You have your lighting issue, and I have my debate about lighting. We both have things to learn about photography ..... and in soctioes we will always go in different directions
because we are so different in that respect!
 
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