Nick T's 52 for 2010 - Week 26 - Beginnings on page 16

[jennyb]

Nick, I missed last week's. I think your quad shot is great and fits the theme perfectly.

I like both of this week's but prefer the bullet smoking rather than without smoke. Very clever idea and IMHO much better than adding smoke using Photoshop.

The portrait is beautifully lit and the colours are just right for me. I can't imagine how you managed to capture 2 such angelic faces!

Well done

Jenny

 

[SarahLee]

Another superb week Nick.
I absolutely love the smoking bullet - just my type of shot
And the addition of the joss stick for the smoke is genius.
I really can't say anything else about it.

Like your quad shot too. I missed that the first time around.
All 4 are lovely shots (but the shot of Tabby is very special IMO).
I'm not too sure about the arrangement though. There seems to be a bit of a LHS / RHS division with the poses.

 

[Harlequin565]

Nice video on that 5DII. Must get me one of those at some point... Some stunning places, though I found myself wanting to see the waterfall as a long exposure still, and the dock on the reservoir at dusk. I like the idea, but I think I'd have preferred stills. Not overly helpful am I

A quad of quadrupeds... Nicely put together although it would have neeb nice to have had Mally facing the camera.

Shoot is a really good shot. Love the smoke still curling up from the bullet. Then I read about how you did it, and have to say it was worth it. Much better than the empty cartridge shot. It really does look like it's just fallen out of a .38 Special revlover.

Good stuff!

Ian.

 

[Nick T]

Really like the smoking bullet, I don't think it's cheating as it is still a shot from the camera and not really manipulated...

Great shot and great lighting as always, well done

Thank you very much

Nick, I missed last week's. I think your quad shot is great and fits the theme perfectly.

I like both of this week's but prefer the bullet smoking rather than without smoke. Very clever idea and IMHO much better than adding smoke using Photoshop.

The portrait is beautifully lit and the colours are just right for me. I can't imagine how you managed to capture 2 such angelic faces!

Well done

Jenny

Much appreciated Jenny

Another superb week Nick.
I absolutely love the smoking bullet - just my type of shot
And the addition of the joss stick for the smoke is genius.
I really can't say anything else about it.

Like your quad shot too. I missed that the first time around.
All 4 are lovely shots (but the shot of Tabby is very special IMO).
I'm not too sure about the arrangement though. There seems to be a bit of a LHS / RHS division with the poses.

Cheers Sarah - with the cats I tried to arrange it so they were all looking towards the centre of the frame - Diesel wrecked it for me though

Nice video on that 5DII. Must get me one of those at some point... Some stunning places, though I found myself wanting to see the waterfall as a long exposure still, and the dock on the reservoir at dusk. I like the idea, but I think I'd have preferred stills. Not overly helpful am I

A quad of quadrupeds... Nicely put together although it would have neeb nice to have had Mally facing the camera.

Shoot is a really good shot. Love the smoke still curling up from the bullet. Then I read about how you did it, and have to say it was worth it. Much better than the empty cartridge shot. It really does look like it's just fallen out of a .38 Special revlover.

Good stuff!

Ian.

So - you'd be wanting to see something like

and

then?

Made sure that all shots I took for the video I also took as a proper photograph The weather that day really was terrible though so we all just did the best we could.

I have my 'single shot' which I'll put up either later today or tomorrow. Just want to send out an apology to all those taking part in this, whose threads I've not commented on recently. I'm sure you all think I'm really ignorant, but I've been sooooooo busy recently, and I've been very stressed out with work and had to prepare for a really important interview that I just haven't had time to do the decent thing and visit all your threads.

I am sorry, the stress is now out of the way and this week I'll be doing my best to visit as many threads as I can

 

[Dogmatix]

Love the bullet casing pic! Amazing!

 

[dade_f]

Quad: the tabby shot is very good!!

Single: afraid to critic, no one owns JUST bullets
my input for what its worth, the smoke seemed to strong in the shot, perhaps if opacity was slightly less, or it looked more 'whispy' - dont know if that was clear, but liked it honest guv'nor!

 

[Nick T]

Love the bullet casing pic! Amazing!

Thanks

Quad: the tabby shot is very good!!

Single: afraid to critic, no one owns JUST bullets
my input for what its worth, the smoke seemed to strong in the shot, perhaps if opacity was slightly less, or it looked more 'whispy' - dont know if that was clear, but liked it honest guv'nor!

Hah, don't worry - they're only empty cases kept from when I went .22 shooting a while back - you have nothing to worry about

Righto - so here's my 'single' shot for the week.

A single tree, with a single crescent moon at sunset, taken last night in order to take advantage of the volcanic ash in the sky

See you next week!

 

[foggy4ever]

Great idea for shoot, the smoking version has alot more impact than the original one.

Very nice silhouette of the tree against one of many volanic sunsets I've seen this week

 

[68lbs]

That smoking bullet shot's super! I'm on viewing on iPhone at mn, but it looks great and I don't mnd the 'cheat' at all. The finished shot is the important bit as long as you are happy at how you achieved it.

I also like single. Nice silhouette and great colour in the sky!

 

[SarahLee]

Yet another absolutely beautiful shot from you Nick.

I don't know how much the volcanic ash contributed, but there are some stunning colours in the sunset.
I love the complexity of the tree that you chose and the little crescent moon sets it off really well.
There are some other lovely little details in it too - like the horse/cow/whatever it is grazing right on the skyline.

I'm in two minds about the sloping horizon. I'm sure that it really was on a slope, but part of me would like to see it straightened. On the other hand that would make the tree wonky so perhaps it's better as it is.

Either way, this is another one that I think is simply stunning.

 

[clud17]

beautiful shot nick, i love the way the blue in the sky gets deeper and deeper. I think i'd be tempted to clone out the other bushes on the horizon though but that's no criticism

 

[Nick T]

Great idea for shoot, the smoking version has alot more impact than the original one.

Very nice silhouette of the tree against one of many volanic sunsets I've seen this week

Ta. I'm always after a cliche'd landscape wherever possible

That smoking bullet shot's super! I'm on viewing on iPhone at mn, but it looks great and I don't mnd the 'cheat' at all. The finished shot is the important bit as long as you are happy at how you achieved it.

I also like single. Nice silhouette and great colour in the sky!

Thanks I don't consider it a cheat as the smoke was actually there. Adding stuff = cheating. Taking it away <> cheating

Yet another absolutely beautiful shot from you Nick.

I don't know how much the volcanic ash contributed, but there are some stunning colours in the sunset.
I love the complexity of the tree that you chose and the little crescent moon sets it off really well.
There are some other lovely little details in it too - like the horse/cow/whatever it is grazing right on the skyline.

I'm in two minds about the sloping horizon. I'm sure that it really was on a slope, but part of me would like to see it straightened. On the other hand that would make the tree wonky so perhaps it's better as it is.

Either way, this is another one that I think is simply stunning.

You're always very kind Sarah
It's actually sheep grazing. That field is full of them. Plus the field really is on a slope so that horizon is pretty accurate - but I do know where you're coming from

beautiful shot nick, i love the way the blue in the sky gets deeper and deeper. I think i'd be tempted to clone out the other bushes on the horizon though but that's no criticism

Thanks Was sn interedting sunset with really definec colour gradients was in the right place at the right time!

 

[DC2Z]

A stunning stunning shot for this weeks theme yet again

 

[jennyb]

That's a beautiful shot, Nick. Wonderful sunset with stunning colours. It fits the theme perfectly.

Jenny

 

[MadFrankie]

As always, another great photo. In fact I'm getting sick of looking on your thread...

It's always an amazing photo!

 

[RobC]

It's beautiful Nick, the colours are amazing and the little details on the horizon work exceptionally well.

 

[mich66]

how did I miss the cats?? - gorgeous kittys, look perfect together.. jess and tabby have impressive whiskers I must say

love the tree on 'single' wonderful shapes and perfect in silhouette against that fabulous sunset.. beautiful

 

[dade_f]

single: crackerjack!!! Nice shot and great colours

 

[holryn]

Superb shot for Single Nick. I submitted a single tree too but not in this league! Excellent colours.

 

[L'Cham]

Lucky so and so getting such a great sunset. As you know I was stood swearing under my breath about fellow photographers not having the decency to get the shot and GTFO the subject.
As said elsewhere, the moon really does add something to this and it's much better than the landscape one.

 

[The23rdman]

Stunning single shot, Nick. No crit at all cos it's bloody lush. I don't think the horizon needs straightening at all as it draws the eye and asks you to figure out why. Love it.

 

[Sonial]

Gorgeous shot! Much prettier sunset than we've had around here and I love the chosen tree too. For me the fact that the tree seems to be weighted slightly to the left balances the horizon so doesn't bother me at all. Lovely deep colours.

 

[Harlequin565]

Good grief. Another wonderful Single shot Nick. Lovely stuff.

And those stills are great too. Much better than the video - but that's just me

Ian.

 

[Tracer]

Wonderful colours, and the sliver of moon is the final touch. This would make a great poster and/or greetings card.

 

[philthejuggler]

Great shot - I love the silhouette against the colourful sky!

Phil

 

[jgs001]

A beautiful shot Nick, excellent colour and it works well for me. Did you see a bright star below the moon ? If so, that was a single planet also (Venus).

 

[daddy day care]

Yet another stunning landscape Nick. You never cease to amaze.

Lovely, vibrant colours, great composition. The clouds are horizontal and the tree is vertical so I didn't even notice the sloping horizon. It just looks like a slope on the field anyway.

Andy

 

[Nick T]

A stunning stunning shot for this weeks theme yet again

That's a beautiful shot, Nick. Wonderful sunset with stunning colours. It fits the theme perfectly.

Jenny

As always, another great photo. In fact I'm getting sick of looking on your thread...

It's always an amazing photo!

It's beautiful Nick, the colours are amazing and the little details on the horizon work exceptionally well.

how did I miss the cats?? - gorgeous kittys, look perfect together.. jess and tabby have impressive whiskers I must say

love the tree on 'single' wonderful shapes and perfect in silhouette against that fabulous sunset.. beautiful

single: crackerjack!!! Nice shot and great colours

Superb shot for Single Nick. I submitted a single tree too but not in this league! Excellent colours.

Lucky so and so getting such a great sunset. As you know I was stood swearing under my breath about fellow photographers not having the decency to get the shot and GTFO the subject.
As said elsewhere, the moon really does add something to this and it's much better than the landscape one.

Stunning single shot, Nick. No crit at all cos it's bloody lush. I don't think the horizon needs straightening at all as it draws the eye and asks you to figure out why. Love it.

Gorgeous shot! Much prettier sunset than we've had around here and I love the chosen tree too. For me the fact that the tree seems to be weighted slightly to the left balances the horizon so doesn't bother me at all. Lovely deep colours.

Good grief. Another wonderful Single shot Nick. Lovely stuff.

And those stills are great too. Much better than the video - but that's just me

Ian.

Wonderful colours, and the sliver of moon is the final touch. This would make a great poster and/or greetings card.

Great shot - I love the silhouette against the colourful sky!

Phil

A beautiful shot Nick, excellent colour and it works well for me. Did you see a bright star below the moon ? If so, that was a single planet also (Venus).

Yet another stunning landscape Nick. You never cease to amaze.

Lovely, vibrant colours, great composition. The clouds are horizontal and the tree is vertical so I didn't even notice the sloping horizon. It just looks like a slope on the field anyway.

Andy

Crikey. A lot of really positive comments - must mean I got a good shot this week

To all of those commenting on the sloping horizon - it really isn't a sloping horizon, the field is at a very steep angle, and if anything the horizon isn't sloping enough! As Daddy Day Care points out, it's the clouds on the lower right that give it away

John (jgs001): Yes - I did see a very bright star below the moon but I didn't twig it was Venus. I'm really not in the slightest bit educated with astrology but I do find it fascinating. In my stupidity I assumed the brightness meant it was the North star (but it almost got me to stay there for the night and get some star trails )

For everyone else: Thank you, I really appreciate your comments - especially when they're as positive as they have been this week!

 

[jeangenie]

Week 14 Shoot: Definitely the smoking version for me - it looks quite sinister and had me looking for blood stains on the carpet!

Week 15 Single: One word - beautiful!

Jean

 

[Nick T]

Thanks Jean

I have an idea for 'stare' but it relies on me finding a decent location and the right conditions

 

[Nick T]

Ok, so here's my 'stare' pic.

I had some really great ideas for this one - but the wife didn't want to help me so there was no way I was going to get them done on my own

So - I just had to resort to taking a self portrait instead

Lighting from an Interfit EX150 head with big FITP EZ-Fold softbox mounted... then given a harsh B&W treatment in Photoshop. Not best pleased with myself this week as I did have much better ideas, but if you've got nobody to help then what can you do? :shrug: Maybe I'm just going to have to start hiring models?

As is fairly traditional for me, have a shot of my cat, in full-on stalking mode, staring at one of my other cats which was about to walk past

 

[Tracer]

The SP is very atmospheric and looks quite scary - you look a bit like a Bond villain if you don't mind my saying so Something about the glassy eyes - but very effective.

As for the cat - lovely characteristic pose.

 

[clud17]

I'm in the same boat mate and that's why my last three have been self portraits. Still im developing my SP experience.

I like the idea, i think it would benefit from a touch more light to the right side otherwise the white eye seems to look a little strange( and slightly scary)
I love your cat shot too especially the way it is low in the tall grass

 

[foggy4ever]

Love the cat shot I also have a ginger ninja. Not sure about the processing on the SP, For me I would like to see more detail in the blown out side. Saying that it's the stare of a man who is past his bed time....must be 10 mins past 8pm


Oh and get your grass cut!

 

[dade_f]

For me the cat stalking works very well, the colour contrast and anticipation in the shot

 

[Harlequin565]

Hmmm... Compared to the cat, the self portrait isn't as good.

You've got a great depth of field with the moggy considering the blades of grass the AF was probably hunting for. Which lens if you don't mind me asking? I'm guessing you were on AF if you were shooting the cat? love the composition and lighting as well as the colours. Bit of +Saturation in there?

I know what you mean about lack of models, and I have had problems with my self-portrait. Everyone was pretty kind on here but when the wife saw it she told me in no uncertain terms how much she hated it. I told her to get in front of the camera then and she went off in a huff. Can't win 'em all.

Anyway, for me, the Self Portrait PS is a bit too overdone. I'm with Scott on the highlights being a bit too blown and the shadows a bit too dark. Nice expression and composition though, with some good detail and texture. It's also pretty well focussed considering the self-portrait difficulties.

Nice work as usual Nick

Ian.

 

[Nick T]

The SP is very atmospheric and looks quite scary - you look a bit like a Bond villain if you don't mind my saying so
Something about the glassy eyes - but very effective.

As for the cat - lovely characteristic pose.

Thanks Tracer

I'm in the same boat mate and that's why my last three have been self portraits. Still im developing my SP experience.

I like the idea, i think it would benefit from a touch more light to the right side otherwise the white eye seems to look a little strange( and slightly scary)
I love your cat shot too especially the way it is low in the tall grass

I did want a semi-evil look to the self portrait tbf, but I went a bit too far
Appreciate the comments

Love the cat shot I also have a ginger ninja. Not sure about the processing on the SP, For me I would like to see more detail in the blown out side. Saying that it's the stare of a man who is past his bed time....must be 10 mins past 8pm


Oh and get your grass cut!

I'll get to the SP down in Ian's reply - but as for cutting the grass... :razz: I can't because the mother in law has my mower

For me the cat stalking works very well, the colour contrast and anticipation in the shot

Cheers Dade

Hmmm... Compared to the cat, the self portrait isn't as good.

You've got a great depth of field with the moggy considering the blades of grass the AF was probably hunting for. Which lens if you don't mind me asking? I'm guessing you were on AF if you were shooting the cat? love the composition and lighting as well as the colours. Bit of +Saturation in there?

I know what you mean about lack of models, and I have had problems with my self-portrait. Everyone was pretty kind on here but when the wife saw it she told me in no uncertain terms how much she hated it. I told her to get in front of the camera then and she went off in a huff. Can't win 'em all.

Anyway, for me, the Self Portrait PS is a bit too overdone. I'm with Scott on the highlights being a bit too blown and the shadows a bit too dark. Nice expression and composition though, with some good detail and texture. It's also pretty well focussed considering the self-portrait difficulties.

Nice work as usual Nick

Ian.

Ok... Both shots were with the same lens - the utterly awesome Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS Mark II

For the cat, centre point autofocus over the cats eyes then recompose and take the shot at 200mm f2.8. Yep, there was a small amount of +sat and levels done... I really should leave it alone most of the time

As for the SP, the actual RAW file is perfectly exposed. Nothing blown, still most of the details in the dark areas. I may put it up later for comparison. The overblown PP is all my doing - mostly out of frustration at knowing I wasn't going to get the shot I wanted!
As for the setup - camera on tripod, af set to the rightmost point so as the camera was in portrait orientation it would be closest to the eyes. Then it was a simple matter of taking enough shots using my wired remote (as the wireless trigger was operating the studio head). Modelling lamp on just to help the camera focus a bit!

The evil look? All I had to do was think about me missing out on the job I'd been going for, and who did actually get it (my arch nemesis)

Thanks for your comments - off out tonight to hopefully get my 'peace' shot

 

[Harlequin565]

Ok... Both shots were with the same lens - the utterly awesome Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS Mark II

 

[Nick T]

Oh, it really is nice and Kerso did me a great sub-£2000 price (which he actually asked me not to reveal as it was *that* good

 

[holryn]

I like the SP Nick, except for the left eye - just a little too dark where it loses the iris.

The cat shot is great though - lovely colours.