Mentalblock 52-1 - Accommodation

[Mentalblock]

I was thinking of getting a snap of mother nature's accommodation, but it's back to work tomorrow so no time to tog during the day.
So, I thought I'd have a play in my new DIY mini studio and some children's toys!

Sorry, but I had to post two.
I think I prefer #1, mainly because I couldn't get the light effect I wanted in #2

Thanks for looking and feel free to C&C.

 

[Just Dave]

Good luck with the 52

Nice start

 

[sparrow]

Really like the second one - the lighting makes it look like something out of a fairytale

 

[SarahLee]

Two really good fun shots to start with Neil

The first one edges it for me. Just a really pleasing composition, nice DoF and a happy, smiley feel-good shot. For me the only improvement would be to get a little more light onto the background to give it a lift. The grey just doesn't quite connect with the sunny atmosphere of the rest of it.

I can see what you were trying to do with the second.
The glow from inside the house is a lovely touch and the reflections on the surface work really well. I also like the high view point and the little detail of the character in the doorway.
Contrary to the first shot though, I would have liked the lighting levels on the background to be lower in this. Give it a real feel of it being night-time and the lights in the house giving off a welcoming glow.

 

[Mentalblock]

Two really good fun shots to start with Neil

The first one edges it for me. Just a really pleasing composition, nice DoF and a happy, smiley feel-good shot. For me the only improvement would be to get a little more light onto the background to give it a lift. The grey just doesn't quite connect with the sunny atmosphere of the rest of it.

I can see what you were trying to do with the second.
The glow from inside the house is a lovely touch and the reflections on the surface work really well. I also like the high view point and the little detail of the character in the doorway.
Contrary to the first shot though, I would have liked the lighting levels on the background to be lower in this. Give it a real feel of it being night-time and the lights in the house giving off a welcoming glow.

Thanks for the comments Sarah.
I'm only weeks in to playing with lighting and using my DIY still life studio!
I didn't think about projecting light on to the background of #1 to make it white, can't think why. I also can't think why I didn't switch to a black back drop in the second to help get the night feel :bonk:

I always find myself rushing my shots and not taking time to think aboout the options. I'll have to go back and try these two shots again, which I suspect will be the case with at least the first half of my 52.

My hope is that the 2011 52 will get me thinking about different photographic subjects and techniques, which will hopefully become almost second nature.

 

[SarahLee]

My hope is that the 2011 52 will get me thinking about different photographic subjects and techniques, which will hopefully become almost second nature.

The 52 is a great learning tool if only in that it makes you think about what you're photographing and try something every week - don't rush it and a lot will start to become second nature of its own accord.
Good luck for the next 51

 

[posiview]

Photographs that make me smile are always going to get a thumbs up.

No 1 for me, just the right d o f.

I wonder what a tighter crop on the 'model' would look like.

Well thoughtout.

Cheers

 

[onform]

I prefer the first, A big cheesy grin..lol

 

[luckless]

I really like both of these shots, that little chap looks very happy with his house!