McNyat's 52. Still here!!! Work & Evolution added - More to follow soon... Hopefully

Great shot Ciaran i like it a lot what you have done in pp works really well you nailed it ...If i had to be hyper critical may have had the kids eyes on the camera ;)
 
I know where you are coming from Ciaran, my son is 3 on Valentines day.....it's going too too fast for me! And I feel really selfish for not wanting him to grow up :(

Anyway, lovely shot. The tones and softness gives it a lovely warm feel for me! not sure about the vignette, but i'm assuming it's masking out some background clutter? Lovely :)
 
Thanks all for your comments. I only wish I could go back and re-shoot with the cake fully in frame :'(
 
I really like your hard shot. It can certainly be hard to photograph young children as they dint seem to stay still for very long.
Well done

Sent from my iPad using TP Forums
 
Really struggled for inspiration this week. Wanted to do something in addtition to a still life of a messey room so got the girls to play and tried some slightly slow exposures and this was the result.........

'Clutter' in progress
Clutter_in_Progress_b_small.jpg


Felt that it just looked messy but couldnt decide if this was ok (given the theme). Also though it was a bit boring so decided to vary the idea slightly and ended up with this.....

Organised 'clutter'....... after Daddy tidied up (obviously):lol:
Clutter_in_Progress_c1_small1.jpg


I think I prefer the second one as it is more vibrant, but I just seem to be taking more of the same type of shot and struggle to take the camera outdoors as I feel awkward in public :shake: Anyone else experiencing this or have any suggestions?
 
Hi Ciaran, I deffo prefer shot one for the clutter theme. You really have summed up Clutter in progress and for me the picture is alive. It is a take on this theme I havent seen on here yet. Yes people have done untidy kids mess, but not captured the "in progress", great idea. Nice composition.

they look as if they play well together which is reminiscent of how nice they look together in your "Hard" image. great subjects for your pictures.

Nice work

Martin
 
Hi Ciaran

Really like the movement you have captured in shot 1 ,kinda gives the feeling they are rushing around creating clutter !
The 2nd shot has great sharpness & colors , good job on both :thumbs:

As for feeling awkward with the camera in public there's no easy cure just get out & try it .You'd be surprised at the reactions ,some stop n stare ,others come up & ask what/why etc & it's a great conversation starter ! Keep on trying & you'll soon wonder what ever stoped you :thumbs:
 
Hi,
For me the first shot just does not work. The colour is wrong, the motion blur doesn't really convey the dynamic nature of children at play, too much on the edge of shot has been "chopped" and the background (TV or oven thing on right hand side) is just distracting. Also the angle isn't enough to have that contemporary style I think you were after......

However...

Shot two seems absolutely perfect.
Strong vibrant colours, excellent DoF and focus on a strong element. Great positioning on the thirds, good lead in lines (dolls arms and tiger's arm) on the diagonals and the basket puts it all into context without distracting from the chaos within.

Overall, and top rated shot.

Rgds

Adie
 
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Hi Ciaran, I deffo prefer shot one for the clutter theme. You really have summed up Clutter in progress and for me the picture is alive. It is a take on this theme I havent seen on here yet. Yes people have done untidy kids mess, but not captured the "in progress", great idea. Nice composition.

they look as if they play well together which is reminiscent of how nice they look together in your "Hard" image. great subjects for your pictures.

Nice work

Martin

Thanks Martin, you have only seen the one pic of many.... believe me, these two 'princesses' can be right little witches when they feel like it:lol:
 
Hi Ciaran

Really like the movement you have captured in shot 1 ,kinda gives the feeling they are rushing around creating clutter !
The 2nd shot has great sharpness & colors , good job on both :thumbs:

As for feeling awkward with the camera in public there's no easy cure just get out & try it .You'd be surprised at the reactions ,some stop n stare ,others come up & ask what/why etc & it's a great conversation starter ! Keep on trying & you'll soon wonder what ever stoped you :thumbs:

Hi lynn,
Thanks again for your comments. I guess one of the resons that I'm doing this 52 is so that I'll bite the bullet and face the great out doors some day........ soon hopefully.
 
Hi,
For me the first shot just does not work. The colour is wrong, the motion blur doesn't really convey the dynamic nature of children at play, too much on the edge of shot has been "chopped" and the background (TV or oven thing on right hand side) is just distracting. Also the angle isn't enough to have that contemporary style I think you were after......

However...

Shot two seems absolutely perfect.
Strong vibrant colours, excellent DoF and focus on a strong element. Great positioning on the thirds, good lead in lines (dolls arms and tiger's arm) on the diagonals and the basket puts it all into context without distracting from the chaos within.

Overall, and top rated shot.

Rgds

Adie

Hi Adie,
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I can relate to where you are coming from with the first pic. I also felt that something wasnt maybe, (maybe it was all the clutter :D).

Have to say I was fairly happy with the motion blu though. I tried about 30 shots and with the girls messing about the results were varied to say the least.

Thanks also for your comments on the second pic btw. Glad you liked it.:)
 
I love the way that the whole picture (no.2) seems to pull you to the dolls eyes. But I really like the thinking in picture 1, for me I think the motion blur doesn't work as well because the girls' faces are totally unintelligible. I think with a slightly shorter shutter speed and concentrate the girls' movement on their arms and/legs so that their faces are clearer would make a huge difference. It is, however, exactly how I imagine clutter so the interpretation of theme is perfect for me.
 
I am the total opposite, BTW, I far prefer to be out and about with my camera and can't seem to be able to get myself motivate to take any sort of staged picture about the house. ? Strange isn't it. I do have a photo buddy though and that helps enormously.
 
Thanks Vicky, never thought of a shorter shutter speed and will keep that in mind.

I guess after being out in public with the camera it gets easier and you dont even think about it?
 
Ciaran, I like both images but far prefer the second as has been mentioned we are drawn to the dolls eyes and the varied colours are still there.

You will be surprised at how many people just ignore you when photographing outside. But broadly most are just curious and friendly in a way that we have become unfamiliar. Have a go, you will be fine :thumbs: To make is less stressful, decide what you want to photograph, then nip out with camera prepared and shoot then nip back in again, each dash will get easier ;)
 
Ciaran, I like both images but far prefer the second as has been mentioned we are drawn to the dolls eyes and the varied colours are still there.

You will be surprised at how many people just ignore you when photographing outside. But broadly most are just curious and friendly in a way that we have become unfamiliar. Have a go, you will be fine :thumbs: To make is less stressful, decide what you want to photograph, then nip out with camera prepared and shoot then nip back in again, each dash will get easier ;)

Thanks Tina :thumbs:
 
Ciaran,
really like both pics. No1 love the motion effect and the comp. No2 as great colour and the picture draws you to the dolls eyes, "spooky". :thumbs:
 
yes the second shot for me ...good bright colours and sharp well done :thumbs:
 
Ciaran, just seen you 'new' post and it's great!

My daughter, Isabelle, always has her mum's and my shoes on!

Cheers.

Thanks Andy,
It doesn't help when it's with mums new shoes either :D
 
After ALOT of thinking this week......

7_Delicate_b2_small.jpg


Cant help but always think how delicate the girls are when they are sleeping.
Struck me that Emma has her arm delicately placed on her mate Po and also that it really was a 'delicate' operation taking this without waking her :D

C&C welcome and very much appreciated.
 
Thanks MH05.
Is it just me or are the themes getting harder as the weeks go by?
Thought 'Delicate' was hard but 'Chaos' will be no better.

Time to get the thinking cap on again...........come to think of it, I'll just keep it on :lol:
 
A great take on the theme! I really like way her night light highlights her face. What White balance were you on? I would like to see what the picture would be like with the colours more natural. That's not a critism btw just curious.
 
Like you take on this theme. She looks very peaceful...

I could stare at my daughter while she's asleep for hours!

Cheers.
 
A great take on the theme! I really like way her night light highlights her face. What White balance were you on? I would like to see what the picture would be like with the colours more natural. That's not a critism btw just curious.

Thanks Vikki,
It was taken in tungsten WB and neutral pic style. It hasn't been changed that much in pp other than a second slightly lighter layer created to give more highlights to the side of Emma's face and the top edge of her 'jammies'. This was to compliment the lamps lighting.

Thanks for your comments as well Andy.
 
Hiya Ciaran

Another thread I seemed to have missed, so apologies. I'll do a quick catchup and then I will have your thread tagged so I can keep up to date with your progress.

Week 1: Have to agree with some that the second shot looks better. Like the angle at which you have taken this and I think it fits the theme well.

Week 2: I absolutely love this photo, especially the way Emma seems to be carefully inspecting and admiring her 'new' shoes :D

Week 3: Another super shot, nice DOF, lighting etc as has already been mentioned by others.

Week 4: Like this shot too, although would remove the edge of the table, but otherwise the composition, colours and DOF work nicely. Not sure about the letter box one though because I couldn't make out what it was until I read the story behind it, also not too keen on the processing (sorry). Perhaps if I saw the image in colour it may help me make up my mind.

Week 5: Like the processing that has added a softness to the image. Agree about the eyes on the camera. And definitely would have removed whatever it is under the cake board (the board doesn't bother me that much) but as you say not one you can take again. But at least you have a cherrished memory of your daughters 3rd birthday and they both look absolutely gorgeous :)

Week 6: I have mixed feelings about the first photo and think it boils down to the blur and angle. Find myself agreeing with Adie and Vikki's comments, however, I tried some of this motion blur yesterday at the park, with my son playing on some of the equipment there, and so I can appreciate you thinking behind this shot. Have to say that I like the 2nd shot though, and agree with others about being drawn to the dolls eyes.

Week 7: Wow, I really like this one, the colours and delicate ambiance in the photo, created by the lighting is just lovely. Well done.

I have really enjoyed looking through your project and look forward to your future photos.

As for the getting out .... have you tried taking your girls to the park and taking pics of them playing? I find it helps me to get out in the open with my son. I too was quite nervous at first about taking photos in public, but it gets easier the more you force yourself out, and folk (strangers) sometimes strike up a conversation and chat about photography.

Also what I find helps is going out on my own along the canal or in the woodlands and taking photos, I kind of get ingrosed in the moment and find myself in my own world. Don't think about what other people might be thinking when they see you taking photos, to be honest I don't even think they notice.

Another idea, is to try to get to some TP meets if you can.

Most of all ..... enjoy your photography, after all it is your hobby and only you can do it for you.

I look forward to seeing some of your future shots taken outdoors ;)

Cheers

Dawn :)
 
Went with a workmate (Sean) last week to his group of mates that get together every now and then to re-create old world war 2 scenarios. They do this with full kit and bb guns.

8_Chaos_b_small.jpg


It looked class and found myself wishing I was joining in. I had the yellow vest to prevent being hit. It run late on starting so I could only get about 20 mins shooting as I had other plans made. However this is definitely one for a re-shoot. I know the pic doesn't depict 'chaos' as well as I had anticipated but I haven't had much time so I guess it will have to do as I'm playing catch up :p.

BTW, this was Sean at work the following Monday morning after having taken a BB directly on the front tooth :shake:

BB_teeth.jpg
 
My 'finish' for this week.
Just finished preparing the veg for tomorrows dinner.

I know its not great but time has been minimal over the past couple of weeks so this keeps me up to date.

9_Finish_small.jpg


Off now to find out this weeks theme.
 
Hi, Ciaran, oooo, playing soldiers, looks good to me :D

I like the composition on this one, maybe crop to just below the leave at top, I did a quick crop and it seemed to improve, focused my gaze more on the guy on the floor - great eye contact as well between this guy and the camera/other soldiers.

If you processed this to have muted colours, nice one.

I'd like to see a B&W version.

On your 'finished', I find the blured foreground a bit distracting. I think I'd like to see a sharp foreground and OOF potatos...

I like the low angle to the photograph.

Is that glass on the wall below the blinds? I can see some sort of reflection..:thinking:

Bit too much of the blinds as well, but as you say didn't have much time...

:)
 
Hi Andy,
Thnaks for the comments.
That is a glass splashback btw thats giving the reflection.
 
Here's Ciara playing on the space-hopper.


10_Trio_small_b.jpg


Some may say that it's over exposed but I was going for the high key look.

Not sure how to get this pic bigger on screen?

Hoping for some C&C please.

Thanks guys
 
Hi Ciaran, I like this one, as you say it does look a little over exposed, but as you were going for the high key finish, then I think it works well, although I have never done any high key processing myself. Are these pictures in any particular order that you wanted? I am thinking that if you swap the middle and right hand photo around, it may help to balance it out a little, also I think it would benfit from having a black border/frame added to the image. :thumbs:
 
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