weekly Phil-D's TP52 - 2014 week 52 Support added (archive shot)

[Tango32]

Ok first off all - Get rid of that bloody link on the chain before you kill yourself - that looks like a powerful bike for those dinky toy fittings, they are very prone to failing.

photo wise 2nd image works for me like the angle you come from - the BG is a bit untidy

Today I have taken all those bits off my bike and into the parts cleaner -never ending work with Bikes

 

[Phil-D]

Gotta say, hands down 2nd image for me. It's a much more interesting shot.

Cheers Simon

The second image works so much better for me, what bike have you got ?

Thanks Mandy, its a Honda VT750DC-2 US import

I was going to suggest a similar perspective when I saw your first photograph. Tne detail on the near section of the chain is much better.

Cleaner BG woould help, eother resposition the bike ro black card.

Looks like a nice bike

Cheers

Cheers Andy

Ok first off all - Get rid of that bloody link on the chain before you kill yourself - that looks like a powerful bike for those dinky toy fittings, they are very prone to failing.

photo wise 2nd image works for me like the angle you come from - the BG is a bit untidy

Today I have taken all those bits off my bike and into the parts cleaner -never ending work with Bikes

Cheers Craig. I've been riding motorcycles since the age of 8 years old, used and fitted correctly, (note used) I've never had or seen one fail. Ok we've all heard the great debate over split or rivet link, but on this particular bike, a split link is perfectly acceptable

Without getting into too deep a discussion ( that's not what I'm here for) I would be interested in what proof you have that split links are 'very prone to failing'?

 

[Pinkbikerbabe]

Just had a quick google on your bike very nice machine.

 

[Phil-D]

Just had a quick google on your bike very nice machine.

Thanks Mandy, I've done a few mods on it over the winter, stainless drag handlebars, changed mi pipes to 2" straights with baffles I made miself, the others were far to noisy also changed the rear light to a cats eye. I have a couple of pics on mi flickr of what it looked but I'm amazed how different it now looks with just a few mods

For the last ten years, up till last summer, I'd been riding a CBR 1000 but I thought it was about time I got something a little more comfy and sensible

 

[Pinkbikerbabe]

Thanks Mandy, I've done a few mods on it over the winter, stainless drag handlebars, changed mi pipes to 2" straights with baffles I made miself, the others were far to noisy also changed the rear light to a cats eye. I have a couple of pics on mi flickr of what it looked but I'm amazed how different it now looks with just a few mods

For the last ten years, up till last summer, I'd been riding a CBR 1000 but I thought it was about time I got something a little more comfy and sensible

Lol you can't get anything more comfy and sensible than a cbr 1000......... Well maybe you can in the form of a gsxr 750 . Tho to be fair I am somewhat a tad biased in that statement. While I am pleased with my little 12 plate ybr125, it's not a patch on the 06 cbr125 that I had and I am starting to find the bike very restrict full. Not to mention the fact I can't get my fav Bridgestone tyresfor the ybr, so don't have my confidence on the corners at the moment. But I will be taking the full bike test this year just as soon as finances allow.

 

[blondie606]

HI Phil


It's a bike...say no more ( I likes bikes I do !) ...& a wicked looking beast at that...all those shiny bits....yikes As for the shots.......2nd one for me ( ignoring the bg ) focus on the chain is spot on , links it to that mother of a rear tyre

 

[Allan.H]

Hi, second one a better image but as you have mentioned the BG is a little distracting

 

[Phil-D]

HI Phil


It's a bike...say no more ( I likes bikes I do !) ...& a wicked looking beast at that...all those shiny bits....yikes As for the shots.......2nd one for me ( ignoring the bg ) focus on the chain is spot on , links it to that mother of a rear tyre

Thanks Lynne

Hi, second one a better image but as you have mentioned the BG is a little distracting

Cheers Allan

 

[Phil-D]

Struggling again this week to come up with something a little more interesting :banghead:

This image reflects how I was feeling about my photography, but the last couple of weeks has made me think I should have had the steps behind in focus and called it 'A Few Steps Further Away'

Please be as honest as you like with your critique, I feel I need all the help I can get

A Step Nearer


A step Nearer 1 by Phil D 245, on Flickr

 

[Pinkbikerbabe]

Step - fits the theme nicely, I like the composition of the image. The crop works well for me, good focus on the step. I do find my self wondering what a b&w image would look like for this.

 

[blakester]

Hi Phil, honest critique? I feel the composition doesn't quite work.
There are some nice leading lines in the hedge beyond the main step in focus but feel they are lost because the main step is a visual barrier to my eye being drawn further into the scene.
I feel the main subject is those steps at the end of the hedge.
Perhaps if more of the background was in focus, it may help?
Sorry being sounding a little negative.

 

[Allan.H]

Hi, I am with Iain on this my eye is immediately drawn to the steps at the top but they are OoF
More DoF would certainly help, maybe a more straight on view too as the angle is a little strange or if you crop the top and LHS
you are right about it being not the most inspiring theme, at least you have something in

 

[minnnt]

For me the composition works... I like the fact the ones in the background are OOF as it makes you think you've ballsed it up but then realise the foreground is in focus and the the theme is STEP rather than steps.

Plenty of angles in there too!

 

[Phil-D]

Step - fits the theme nicely, I like the composition of the image. The crop works well for me, good focus on the step. I do find my self wondering what a b&w image would look like for this.

Thanks Mandy, B&W could be an idea

Hi Phil, honest critique? I feel the composition doesn't quite work.
There are some nice leading lines in the hedge beyond the main step in focus but feel they are lost because the main step is a visual barrier to my eye being drawn further into the scene.
I feel the main subject is those steps at the end of the hedge.
Perhaps if more of the background was in focus, it may help?
Sorry being sounding a little negative.

Iain, firstly, no apology needed, honesty is what I need. Photography isn't one of my hobbies I take too seriously but that doesn't mean I don't want to learn and improve . I was trying to make the main focus just the front step, by having the flight of steps at the back oof I was hoping to make it more obvious. I did think, like yourself and Allan below, that maybe it wasn't just working

I have a few images I took, I'll have another look. I might have one with the front and rear steps a little more in focus with the hedge leading from the B/L corner.

Thanks for the honest crit

Hi, I am with Iain on this my eye is immediately drawn to the steps at the top but they are OoF
More DoF would certainly help, maybe a more straight on view too as the angle is a little strange or if you crop the top and LHS
you are right about it being not the most inspiring theme, at least you have something in

Thanks Allan, The angle was deliberate, I was hoping it may have added a little more interest to rather a boring image As mentioned above, I'll have another look through the images I took, see if there's something else there

For me the composition works... I like the fact the ones in the background are OOF as it makes you think you've ballsed it up but then realise the foreground is in focus and the the theme is STEP rather than steps.

Plenty of angles in there too!

David, thanks, I was definitely trying to make the single front step the main focus

 

[Dark Knight]

Hi Phil

With Iain and Allan on this, Nice leading line with the hedge, so the in focus area needs to be the rear steps to guide your eyes into the image, the composition is good and would work well with a different focal point

 

[Phil-D]

Hi Phil

With Iain and Allan on this, Nice leading line with the hedge, so the in focus area needs to be the rear steps to guide your eyes into the image, the composition is good and would work well with a different focal point

Thanks DK, I was trying to make the front single step the main focal point, hence the play on words 'A Step Nearer'. I was hoping that having the rear steps oof it would help make it more obvious I do agree with most of the comments so far though......it doesn't seem to work

 

[Phil-D]

Taking on-board the comments so far, I've had another look at the images I took yesterday. Apart from a crop, it's sooc. I'm not sure its what I was trying to achieve though, I feel its lost the emphasis on the single front step, although I do feel it may have improved composition

At least it still fits the title 'A step Nearer'



A step nearer 2 by Phil D 245, on Flickr

 

[XenosElaine]

Bit of a rock and a hard place here Phil. I loved the way the long hedge in the first shot drew my eye to the far steps and really wanted to see them in more detail. With the second one I can see the steps, but have lost the interesting angle of the hedge I understand exactly what you were trying to do with the theme - ie drawing attention to the nearest step - problem is that the first shot was such a lovely composition that it made me want to see more of the distance

Sorry I'm not being very helpful and it's a totally pointless comment anyway because the shots are as they are and can't be changed, but on balance I'd say that for "a step nearer" the first shot is more fitting.

 

[overbez]

I'm of the thinking that ther's nowt wrong with the first.

The second is a pretty unremarkable shot taken from a standing position, of a not very interesting scene, in not very interesting light.

Whereas the first is more dynamic due to the low POV, and the light on top of the low hedge just seems more alive (dunno if thats your processing maybe? as the second is SOOC).

Yep, the lines lead you in to the far steps, when you realsise they're OOF, the front single step hits you even more. Nice it occupies the lower third and despite all the angles, the top is horizontal. Maybe with a greater DOF or focus point further in, the first could be improved.. but without seeing it's hard to say. Aperture really does make a difference, and it is often worth trying a range.

But for the theme, the single step is spot on.

(Not sayin anyone else is wrong about the focus point or DOF, but that's my opinion).

 

[Phil-D]

Bit of a rock and a hard place here Phil. I loved the way the long hedge in the first shot drew my eye to the far steps and really wanted to see them in more detail. With the second one I can see the steps, but have lost the interesting angle of the hedge I understand exactly what you were trying to do with the theme - ie drawing attention to the nearest step - problem is that the first shot was such a lovely composition that it made me want to see more of the distance

Sorry I'm not being very helpful and it's a totally pointless comment anyway because the shots are as they are and can't be changed, but on balance I'd say that for "a step nearer" the first shot is more fitting.

Elaine, thank you for the detailed reply, certainly not pointless at all. I'm thinking in exactly the same frame of mind as you. As Graham as said below, possibly the 1st image with a greater dof giving a little more detail to the rear set of steps would have worked better

I'm of the thinking that ther's nowt wrong with the first.

The second is a pretty unremarkable shot taken from a standing position, of a not very interesting scene, in not very interesting light.

Whereas the first is more dynamic due to the low POV, and the light on top of the low hedge just seems more alive (dunno if thats your processing maybe? as the second is SOOC).

Yep, the lines lead you in to the far steps, when you realsise they're OOF, the front single step hits you even more. Nice it occupies the lower third and despite all the angles, the top is horizontal. Maybe with a greater DOF or focus point further in, the first could be improved.. but without seeing it's hard to say. Aperture really does make a difference, and it is often worth trying a range.

But for the theme, the single step is spot on.

(Not sayin anyone else is wrong about the focus point or DOF, but that's my opinion).

Thanks Graham, different aperture settings is the one thing I didn't try :banghead: it certainly could have made a big improvement to the first image, note made

 

[Judi]

Hi Phil,
step.... #1 for me you are right in that the first step is your focal point there are steps in the background

 

[Phil-D]

So a bit of a split difference on the first image, I wasn't 100% happy either. Certainly preferred the 1st image for the theme but did think the 2nd image a better composition, just very boring

Well I've been out and about today and took this. The steps are around 4ft tall getting slightly smaller and narrower nearer the top. Its not cropped just tweaked in ACR. As with mi wind turbine I used a variable nd filter to smooth out the water but hopefully I haven't gone over the top.

I do feel happier with this, certainly the composition and hopefully there's a little more interest to view in the image

Step - 3rd Image .......Again, I'm very happy for honest crit


Giant Steps by Phil D 245, on Flickr

 

[Phil-D]

Hi Phil,
step.... #1 for me you are right in that the first step is your focal point there are steps in the background

Thanks Judi

 

[Judi]

Like the new one Phil

 

[posiview]

3rd for me. Good angle and nice detail. I had a crop and felt getting close worked better.

Cheers.

 

[XenosElaine]

Great shot Phil A really interesting and attractive subject and I love the colours in the trees and the shapes of the clouds. I know square crops are generally frowned upon, but I think this could definitely take it, with the water forming a nice diagonal.

 

[XFile2708]

Cracking 3rd shot Phil - definately my fav of the x3

 

[Phil-D]

Like the new one Phil

Thanks Judi

3rd for me. Good angle and nice detail. I had a crop and felt getting close worked better.

Cheers.

Thanks Andy, I did take a few closer and higher but thought having 2 images up already, just adding 1 more was enough

Great shot Phil A really interesting and attractive subject and I love the colours in the trees and the shapes of the clouds. I know square crops are generally frowned upon, but I think this could definitely take it, with the water forming a nice diagonal.

Thanks for looking again Elaine. I should have gone with this idea first off. Yes, like the idea, a square crop could work well

Cracking 3rd shot Phil - definately my fav of the x3

Thanks Marcus

 

[robj20]

Steps 3rd image, really like it, nice long exposure on the water, i think the background green and trees distracts from the main part of the image though.

 

[blondie606]

Hi Phil

Step #1.....essentially I agree with Iain & Allan's comments but I do kinda like the 1st shot , perfecrtly on theme with good use of DOF...the more I look the more it grows on me....& I do much prefer it to the 2nd , all in focus version which has less impact for me

The 2nd one of the DAM.....works a treat....good sky , lovely smooth water , steps everywhere you look..... As per Andy though I might have cropped a little from the lhs just to get closer in to the water

 

[superpippo]

Hi Phil
Step #1 and #2 have been commented upon - my fave has to be #3 - mush more impact and interest. really good colur in the grey, brown and white of the LHS and I would not crop any of it as I think that side is the most interesting with nice curving diagonals. I like the way that the water has been captured without motion and yet the blue sky and clouds have movement implied. Not really liking the RHS but obviously it cannot be cropped without it losing too much of that curving wall. Perhaps it is because it is winter and the leaves on the trees would help and deepen the greens and lose the bare browns

 

[cowboy]

I think the first step is more like a barrier to the rest of the picture but for me I like it, the low pov is great.

The third one is just great, the milky water really adds to it and I don't think it would work as well without it.

 

[bl0at3r]

For me the 1st and 3rd steps shots work the best - 2nd one looks a bit like a snap.

 

[Pinkbikerbabe]

A stunning third image for step spot on really like it.

 

[Tango32]

Ok the 1st and 2nd image did not work for me but after reading all the other comments there was no crit I could really add

how ever your 3rd image I really like the composition works well, the detail is good I find the greens a tad distracting but dont think you could have avoided that

Craig

 

[Delta Skies]

I much prefer #3 - there's more going on to keep the interest. It's nice to see the British weather providing some blue sky and white fluffy clouds

 

[Phil-D]

Steps 3rd image, really like it, nice long exposure on the water, i think the background green and trees distracts from the main part of the image though.

Hi Phil

Step #1.....essentially I agree with Iain & Allan's comments but I do kinda like the 1st shot , perfecrtly on theme with good use of DOF...the more I look the more it grows on me....& I do much prefer it to the 2nd , all in focus version which has less impact for me

The 2nd one of the DAM.....works a treat....good sky , lovely smooth water , steps everywhere you look..... As per Andy though I might have cropped a little from the lhs just to get closer in to the water

Hi Phil
Step #1 and #2 have been commented upon - my fave has to be #3 - mush more impact and interest. really good colur in the grey, brown and white of the LHS and I would not crop any of it as I think that side is the most interesting with nice curving diagonals. I like the way that the water has been captured without motion and yet the blue sky and clouds have movement implied. Not really liking the RHS but obviously it cannot be cropped without it losing too much of that curving wall. Perhaps it is because it is winter and the leaves on the trees would help and deepen the greens and lose the bare browns

I think the first step is more like a barrier to the rest of the picture but for me I like it, the low pov is great.

The third one is just great, the milky water really adds to it and I don't think it would work as well without it.

For me the 1st and 3rd steps shots work the best - 2nd one looks a bit like a snap.

A stunning third image for step spot on really like it.

Ok the 1st and 2nd image did not work for me but after reading all the other comments there was no crit I could really add

how ever your 3rd image I really like the composition works well, the detail is good I find the greens a tad distracting but dont think you could have avoided that

Craig

I much prefer #3 - there's more going on to keep the interest. It's nice to see the British weather providing some blue sky and white fluffy clouds

Thank you all for your thoughts and comments, as always, its much appreciated I was a lot happier with my 3rd image, if only I could have done that in the first place :banghead:

Apologies, I really am behind on comments this week ..........and I haven't even thought about nature/natural

 

[SRUK]

No.3 for me, as Peter said there is more going on for added interest. I like the leading lines, draws you straight into that waterfall thing which is also nice to see you took into consideration a long exposure.

For me the green grass has a little too much colour, same as maybe the sky - I think a slight desaturation of the greens/yellows/blues would give it a grittier look.

 

[Phil-D]

No.3 for me, as Peter said there is more going on for added interest. I like the leading lines, draws you straight into that waterfall thing which is also nice to see you took into consideration a long exposure.

For me the green grass has a little too much colour, same as maybe the sky - I think a slight desaturation of the greens/yellows/blues would give it a grittier look.

Thanks Simon

 

[Phil-D]

This is going to have to be a cop-out week for me, I haven't had time to even think about getting out with mi camera

Took this at the beginning of March, it was one of the warmest days we'd had and the frogs were on the move

This chap/chappess? was quite happy to sit taking in the warm sunshine whilst I took a few shots. I did actually place it on the old fence post that had been cut off very low down to the ground

Nature/Natural


Sunbathing Frog by Phil D 245, on Flickr