weekly pjm1's 52 in 2015... 8 (Relax) added

[Harlequin565]

You chose the best IMO there Paul. The others all look great but lack the impact that your chosen shot has. Cutting your subject from #5 out, shrinking it a bit, and sticking it in #4 might be even better but it wouldn't be real

I also like #1 & #2 as they have more classic components of Landscape shots. On their own, they'd be good but your chosen shot overshadows them.

Oh - and it's not a shameless ripoff! I think film photographers have been using contact sheets since before I was born, so it's not my idea . I find them extremely useful to critique my own work and pick the best from the good stuff. Would like to see more!

 

[p3ryg]

Wow, scenic and very cold - excellent shot, I look forward to seeing your pictures each week

 

[Delta Skies]

Lucky you to have the b*lls to get out there and up a mountain in such conditions. The planning and effort definitely paid off though. It's the type of shot you'd expect in a walking mag. With the crop it would work well as a two page spread although not doubt spoilt with lots of text all over it. You've done well with the exposure and WB as well as the composition. Your walking buddy looking into the picture makes it stronger. A big thumbs up from me Paul.

 

[sr1867]

You picked the best of the 5 but a wonderful story board leading to the peak shot.

 

[pjm1]

Wow... because work is a bit manic at the moment, I'm struggling even to keep up with comments on my own thread! I do like to thank everyone individually though, who's taken the time to look and comment

hi again, a bit of a correction - I meant #5....I seem t have lost the ability to count!

Don't worry Lorraine, thanks for the vote no matter which one it is!

Excellent shot Paul. Shows real dedication tramping up mountains in waist deep snow just to get a shot for this week's theme

Hi Russell, thanks for the comment - yes, I only ventured out because of this week's theme

Wow Paul ....mountains, snow, blue sky ....how scenic can you get ....a truly fabulous set of shots

Hiya Susie, thank you for the positive comment - glad you like it.

Hi Paul,

Fragile, great composition and the DOF works well.
Scenic, wow. You have done great work with the WB. I was trying to photograph in snow yesterday and it's a challenge. I've got myself a little grey card and actually set it according to that. certainly made life easier on some of them, but the changing light/ clouds can scupper that. The composition works well and the OOF foreground doesn't bother me, I'm more interested in amazing mountains than flattened grass.

Oh and it's entirely your fault now that all I want is a Double Decker and we can't get them here

Hi Marsha, glad Fragile works - it was a bigger success than I thought it might be
Scenic was a belter to get out and take... one of those times when having the camera is extra nice because it allow you to capture properly the scene and memory. Glad you like it and the OOF front isn't off-putting.

Can't help with the double decker, other than to try a bit of distraction: Boost, Starbar, Curly Wurly...

Loving your scenic shot Paul - like your description (for us beginners its a bonus to see how to think re shot and Great to see such a vibrant shot. I'm trying to get something in the drab dismal colours where I am just now!

Hi Mich... Thanks for commenting and looking. For what it's worth, I only picked up my DSLR about a year ago, so certainly don't count myself as an expert! My own journey has been as follows:
1. first 1 month: mucking around with how the camera works, modes, exposure triangle, using a 50mm f/1.8 lens only
2. next 2 months: pining after (and buying some) more lenses expecting this to allow me to take better shots (hmm... first fail!)
3. following 3 months: basically just playing and trying different styles, trial and error, with more of the latter!
4. last 6 months: playing with light... bought a couple of flashes, simple modifiers and then eventually a strobe and softbox. Lighting is the key! Good lighting won't guarantee good pictures, but bad lighting pretty much guarantees bad ones...

And best of all, enjoy!

 

[pjm1]

You chose the best IMO there Paul. The others all look great but lack the impact that your chosen shot has. Cutting your subject from #5 out, shrinking it a bit, and sticking it in #4 might be even better but it wouldn't be real

I also like #1 & #2 as they have more classic components of Landscape shots. On their own, they'd be good but your chosen shot overshadows them.

Oh - and it's not a shameless ripoff! I think film photographers have been using contact sheets since before I was born, so it's not my idea . I find them extremely useful to critique my own work and pick the best from the good stuff. Would like to see more!

Hi Ian, thanks for the detailed comments... yes, I'm sometimes up for a bit of PP and can see completely what you mean with faking it. But it's nice sometimes to have 90% of the shot you want out of camera. Ish

Glad you haven't taken offence at me nicking your contact sheet / filmstrip. It's not something I'm going to do much... probably only when I go out to do a "project" like this. Looking forward to next weeks theme now, although I'm sceptical I'll manage anything as exciting! I do have a darkroom course this weekend, so there's a slim chance I may shoot something, develop it myself and post it all in the same weekend Maybe a crowbar week coming up!

Wow, scenic and very cold - excellent shot, I look forward to seeing your pictures each week

Thanks Perry and that's very kind of you... I look forward to taking them! Yes, it was a bit chilly...

Lucky you to have the b*lls to get out there and up a mountain in such conditions. The planning and effort definitely paid off though. It's the type of shot you'd expect in a walking mag. With the crop it would work well as a two page spread although not doubt spoilt with lots of text all over it. You've done well with the exposure and WB as well as the composition. Your walking buddy looking into the picture makes it stronger. A big thumbs up from me Paul.

Thank you Peter. You already know I'm a bit fan of your photos and I see the strides your photography has taken (from an already high starting point!) during last year's 52 and find that pretty inspirational. Very pleased you like it and thank you for the very generous comments!

You picked the best of the 5 but a wonderful story board leading to the peak shot.

Thanks Simon - it was my favourite shot (just) so delighted I chose the right one for once!

 

[Dark Knight]

Hey Paul

For me you certainly chose the right image, no idea how you would do the WB differently, shot in raw is the best bet for me then at least you can play to your hearts content when back in the warm... the shot sure does include plenty of interest and your efforts really paid off going up there, my fav photo of the theme so far

 

[NickD]

Fragile works well, the oof figure, and the sharp pills is a good choice. I really like the blown background, it adds to the intensity of the hangover feel.

The final choice for scenic is incredible, best viewed large, and makes me wish I had a bigger monitor. Can't possibly offer anything on it other than 'well done'.

 

[pjm1]

Hey Paul

For me you certainly chose the right image, no idea how you would do the WB differently, shot in raw is the best bet for me then at least you can play to your hearts content when back in the warm... the shot sure does include plenty of interest and your efforts really paid off going up there, my fav photo of the theme so far

Thanks Dean... WB was tricky - in fact impossible to set "globally" across the entire picture. Haven't a clue what I'd have done with film Given I have three shots on film, I had better try to work that one out although I'll be "cheating" and scanning them in anyway at the weekend...

Wow - not sure I've had a fave of the theme so far from anyone so thank you! Time to have a to celebrate (sorry @posiview - not rubbing it in, honest)

Fragile works well, the oof figure, and the sharp pills is a good choice. I really like the blown background, it adds to the intensity of the hangover feel.

The final choice for scenic is incredible, best viewed large, and makes me wish I had a bigger monitor. Can't possibly offer anything on it other than 'well done'.

Thanks Nick - that was the intention with fragile (the blown background) but sometimes it's difficult to convey and always easier for anyone looking at it to think about "classic" technicals - i.e. it's blown, that's wrong...

Glad scenic is striking the right note - yes, it does look better big on flickr (although I wouldn't tell my mate that otherwise he'll think I like looking at him) - cheers!

Oh, and a big thank you to @SarahLee for an inspired lucky dip from the theme bag last Friday ... couldn't have scripted it better myself!

 

[ferg007]

He's only gone and done it again! [emoji3] another great shot there Paul..... I like the look of the first two on the strip, especially the blue sky vs snow in the second but the one you've chosen is the best I think - having your friend in it makes it kind of a scenic/inspirational/action shot all in one[emoji16]

 

[XenosElaine]

You definitely chose the right shot there Paul - a real "top of the world" feel to it - it would be just as fitting for a theme of "achievement" as it is for "scenic" I really like the diagonal shadows cast by the mounds of snow and don't mind the blue cast at all - for me it just adds to the shiver value

 

[gbmphoto]

Paul, that's a great shot! Thanks for the write up and the thought process behind choosing your image. I do like the light on the face of the person and you've exposed this well.

 

[Deleted member 59779]

Fab shot and the best from the film strip. it tells quite a story and also has a mystery about it in whether the mist is going to envelope your friend or not......

 

[pjm1]

He's only gone and done it again! [emoji3] another great shot there Paul..... I like the look of the first two on the strip, especially the blue sky vs snow in the second but the one you've chosen is the best I think - having your friend in it makes it kind of a scenic/inspirational/action shot all in one[emoji16]

Thanks Ferg... I think this is the one I'm happiest with so far of the 52 (although I quite liked Patterns in a simplistic way). Agree it's almost not as "on theme" as it could be, because of the inclusion of my pal! (I'd never describe him as scenic )

You definitely chose the right shot there Paul - a real "top of the world" feel to it - it would be just as fitting for a theme of "achievement" as it is for "scenic" I really like the diagonal shadows cast by the mounds of snow and don't mind the blue cast at all - for me it just adds to the shiver value

Thanks Elaine - yes, we did feel top of the world when we arrived at the second summit

Paul, that's a great shot! Thanks for the write up and the thought process behind choosing your image. I do like the light on the face of the person and you've exposed this well.

Thanks Graham - I find it's never easy up in the snow/ice and it's usually not helped by having to take gloves etc. off in sub zero conditions. At least there wasn't much/any wind this time...

Fab shot and the best from the film strip. it tells quite a story and also has a mystery about it in whether the mist is going to envelope your friend or not......

Cheers Mandy - we were worried about the same thing and we did get clouded in briefly, about half an hour after that shot was taken. Fortunately had clear tops though...

 

[pjm1]

Ok everyone, thanks so much for commenting so diligently. I feel a bit guilty as I haven't managed to get around to commenting on everyone's shots so far. I think I had a catch up at the weekend maybe (or Monday evening?) but since then have been snowed - literally and figuratively! It's a very pretty scene in our gardens but not exactly conducive to getting into Glasgow for meetings later today

I managed to take two rolls of film (i.e. 20 shots in total) on Saturday as part of my darkroom course... and for the first time, all of the shots were exposed within the latitude of the film (bear in mind my camera has no exposure meter). The plan was to capture a couple which could work for Companions, but sadly none of those really worked, image-wise. To be fair, I'm still getting used to my new light meter (an old Sekonic L308) and it does seem to overmeter by at least a stop versus my camera (which might well have shutter speed inaccuracy, of course). I'll be honest and say that the process of actually taking the photos (mechanically) probably took more of my attention than the composition - I was out and about with my fairly hefty medium format camera and tripod trying a mix of street photography and the like. I was also trying to capture some high contrast scenes to test the latitude of B&W film as well as my own abilities when wet printing.

Anyway, the long and short of it was I had time to print three of my 20 shots. I actually printed a couple mutliple times as I was also practising my dodging techniques where I'd underexposed my images. None of these really work for "Companions" and I'm also not happy with them as images (the three are here: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/show-us-yer-film-shots-then.53681/page-365#post-6687967 if anyone's interested). I'm utterly delighted with my first attempts at wet printing, mind! I've since had some Ilford Multigrade paper delivered so I can do more "proper" printing again

So no shots for Companions yet, I'm afraid. Have some ideas and two days to grab the shot if I can...

 

[Plumtreelad]

Paul, very impressed with your first attempt at wet printing. I have just purchased an olympus OMn2 and started using it for street photography last weekend. However, not brave enough to contemplate my own developing and printing. Has a look as your recent posting using the link above and loved the after Xmas shots. Now waiting to see your companions contribution

 

[pjm1]

Hi David, thanks for the thumbs up. Film development was surprisingly straightforward - as the guys in the film section have been saying to me! The trickiest bit was loading the 120 film onto the spool and getting rid of the backing paper - not a problem you'll have with 35mm (although you have to open your cannister instead). The slightly frustrating thing was my Paterson tank had a split down it (someone must have banged it too hard) which I only discovered after loading with two rolls of film and developer I did lose four images because of the light leak, but it could have been far, far worse.

I have to say, wet printing was tremendously good fun! I'm lucky to have access to a good darkroom with 6 enlargers and an automated wash bath, which makes it so much easier than trying to do it in a confined space. I'm actually planning on printing this crop (http://i.imgur.com/ol0jHdV.jpg) as a birthday present for my wife up to 12" x 16" - it's about 25% of the original 6x7 negative so should be able to print to that size without too much trouble, I think. Her birthday is next Wednesday so I might be spending Saturday morning in town at the darkroom!

Right, about to try to grab the shot for Companions... let's see how it goes...

 

[pjm1]

Ok, a slight case of PABD (Post And Be Damned) this week, I'm afraid.

Too little time, some shots which didn't really work and I'm left wondering whether I'll manage to get a shot in before Friday. There's no time limit for submissions, so I could just wait until I have more time to get the camera back out, but I'm not sure work is going to get any lighter any time soon!

It's a nice snowy wonderland outside so I wanted to capture it, but I also wanted something a bit more poignant. The idea I had hasn't translated quite to the image I've ended up with, but time is now against me so it's going onto the thread as is.


04: Companions by pjm1 (Paul), on Flickr

Shallow DOF chosen to try to throw some of the toys OOF, but I'm not sure it's worked as I hoped - maybe a touch to shallow in this instance. The edge of the snow and wall is nicely blurred to prevent (hopefully) it being too distracting, whilst still grounding the image. There is a touch of soft shadow under Minnie, in particular, helped by a very overcast sky - the biggest softbox you can get Other than that, the rest of the snow is blurred to plain white as intended... but with the panda's white fur being slightly offwhite (it is quite "loved"!) there should be enough contrast between the two.

I wanted a sense of intimacy, hence the very close crop and deliberate losing of the hand/foot/ears... against the grain a bit, but I do like breaking rules. The more I look at it, the less displeased I am with it, which is an ok sign, compared to my initial views on my photo (which weren't complimentary!) It's not up to the standards I'd usually like, but it's better than nothing

As per usual, here is the SOOC shot. You'll see I wasn't sure how close I'd want to crop in, so wimped out and just took a wider shot. This allowed me to play a bit more before ending up at my chosen crop. I didn't have any confidence in my camera meter exposing properly for the snow so I just ignored it and switched to manual using sunny-16 less two stops because of the very heavy sky. That seemed to work, exposure-wise. Since using my fully manual film camera a lot more, I'm far more willing to trust my own instincts nowadays on exposure... spending a week trying to take photos with no light meter and no ability to chimp does that to you!

Comments always welcome, but not expected since I've been so cr@p at commenting on others' photos this week...

 

[Harlequin565]

Hey Paul,
I guess the most noticeable thing for me is that the SOC shot is clearly taken "outside" whilst this one doesn't illustrate it for me. I also think this is the third photo I've commented on about tight cropping too, so I'm also beginning to think it's me rather than the photographers. That said, I'll justify it by saying that more wall space (in your SOC shot) gives a better sense of "two toys alone together". I also prefer the colour shot. That pink is so vibrant! It's all "I-prefer" stuff though so horses for courses.

Hope you enjoy the darkroom stuff. Wet printing is a real treat and whilst home devving isn't beyond the scope of most people, access to a darkroom for printing is a whole 'nother story. My first wet prints really made me see the magic of photography but I can't keep justifying night school courses just to get access to one I may sneak into the Film section to have a nose around

 

[Pinkbikerbabe]

Companions - I have to say sorry that this image does not wow me. I like the sooc shot much better. On the image you have posted, I am not a fan of Minis clipped ears, but as you say pabd.

 

[d00d]

Well Paul, I have to say I'm in agreement with the above.

 

[Cobra]

I have to agree about the ears, apart from that,
its like a distant memory, from childhood, with the processing.
So yeah I do like it

 

[posiview]

Hi Paul well you can't post the nuts every week

Sometimes you Gotta post what you have.

I actually prefer the SOOC myself, the pink works very well just a slight crop of this will be better than the one you posted, it did make me smile though.

Cheers.

 

[crazylady]

I too like the colour version cropped slightly off the bottom to lose the wall but and take it back to the snow. Think it needs the space around the toys as for me it emphasises it just being the two of them against the world. Did wonder whether it would have been best to have them facing the camera but think I would find their faces distract (guess its a bit like taking a street shot of a couple holding hands from behind)

 

[posiview]

@pjm1 you need to edit your thread title

 

[rpn]

I though the tight crop works OK in this instance to project the intimacy. However I would probably prefer the Panda is facing the way as Minnie.

 

[susiejb]

Hi Paul ....it's a difficult one this week as I actually like them both... I think the colour one with a very slight crop would be great for the theme, the colours on Minnie are excellent, I love those really black ears.
I do also really like the processing of your chosen shot, it has a very nostalgic feel to it, but I'm not so sure about the crop!

I think the topic is one of the worst we've had, so I shall be doing a PABD shot myself tomorrow

 

[Manc Man]

Companions

I do like to PP in your posted photo, not keen on the crop, but that a personal thing.

but i do feel the SOOC is a better photo.

 

[pjm1]

Thanks everyone who commented - it's appreciated, especially since I haven't done much commenting action this week, myself.

Obviously I wasn't exactly over the moon with my image, but usually I find I learn more from "the bad ones" than I do from the "not so bad ones"... which is just as well because I'm quite good at rustling up bad ones Your crit is particularly helpful in all of this learning so, again, thank you.

Hey Paul,
I guess the most noticeable thing for me is that the SOC shot is clearly taken "outside" whilst this one doesn't illustrate it for me. I also think this is the third photo I've commented on about tight cropping too, so I'm also beginning to think it's me rather than the photographers. That said, I'll justify it by saying that more wall space (in your SOC shot) gives a better sense of "two toys alone together". I also prefer the colour shot. That pink is so vibrant! It's all "I-prefer" stuff though so horses for courses.

Hope you enjoy the darkroom stuff. Wet printing is a real treat and whilst home devving isn't beyond the scope of most people, access to a darkroom for printing is a whole 'nother story. My first wet prints really made me see the magic of photography but I can't keep justifying night school courses just to get access to one I may sneak into the Film section to have a nose around

Cheers Ian... I have to say, the SOOC shot feels just like a quick snap to me - I really felt it lacked any impact. Hence the decision to make it a lot tighter and also lose the colour... I agree completely with you (and almost everyone else!) that it doesn't work, but I still find the SOOC shot "dead" for want of a better word, whereas at least the processed image is generating some interesting discussion and feedback

You're right about wet printing - there's a real magic to seeing the image start to appear on your paper while it's in the dev bath. Only problem I had was getting a bit too engrossed in the rhythmic agitation and forgetting to watch the timer! I'm very lucky that I have access to a really good dark room (with 35mm through to large format enlargers/lenses) for £10 a day including chemicals (but not paper obviously!)

Thanks for taking the time to comment on what is a pretty cr@p image

Companions - I have to say sorry that this image does not vow me. I like the sooc shot much better. On the image you have posted, I am not a fan of Minis clipped ears, but as you say pabd.

No worries Mandy - thanks for looking and taking the time to comment anyway, it's always appreciated!

Well Paul, I have to say I'm in agreement with the above.

Me too if I'm honest, David! Cheers anyway

I have to agree about the ears, apart from that,
its like a distant memory, from childhood, with the processing.
So yeah I do like it

Well, thank you Chris - I fear you may be a little on your own (well, except for a universal dislike of my ear-cropping activities ) Cheers anyway!

Hi Paul will you can post the nuts every week

Sometimes you Gotta post what you have.

I actually prefer the SOOC myself, the pink works very well just a slight crop of this will be better than the one you posted, it did make me smile though.

Cheers.

Hi Andy... Thanks for commenting & looking. I'll be honest and say I can't quite decipher the first line of your response but it sounds remarkably complimentary, so thank you... whatever it is

Cheers!

 

[pjm1]

I too like the colour version cropped slightly off the bottom to lose the wall but and take it back to the snow. Think it needs the space around the toys as for me it emphasises it just being the two of them against the world. Did wonder whether it would have been best to have them facing the camera but think I would find their faces distract (guess its a bit like taking a street shot of a couple holding hands from behind)

Hiya Hazel, thanks for taking the time to comment on my image - I think there have been more worthwhile photos deserving of everyone's time so thank you all the more. I agree it's a bit of a disappointing image and I tried to liven it up a bit with an usual crop which is unusual for good reason... it doesn't really work! I much prefer the story of them facing away from camera personally - as you say, a bit like a couple walking/looking away. I think that's the only bit I got right!

@pjm1 you need to edit your thread title

Cheers Andy well spotted - finally done now I'm back on the computer and not on my phone (couldn't work out how to do it on the app)...

I though the tight crop works OK in this instance to project the intimacy. However I would probably prefer the Panda is facing the way as Minnie.

Hi Stan, thanks for commenting & looking. That was the idea with the crop, but I don't think it's quite worked... The reason for positioning panda just so was so that I had a bit more of him visible in shot and also (critically) to allow us to see them holding hands (and for their hands to stay put!) Cheers - much appreciated.

Hi Paul ....it's a difficult one this week as I actually like them both... I think the colour one with a very slight crop would be great for the theme, the colours on Minnie are excellent, I love those really black ears.
I do also really like the processing of your chosen shot, it has a very nostalgic feel to it, but I'm not so sure about the crop!

I think the topic is one of the worst we've had, so I shall be doing a PABD shot myself tomorrow

Hiya Susie... thanks for commenting - I'm not a fan of my own shots this week, so thanks for being so kind. The crop is a unanimous no-no, so don't feel bad about saying it!

We live and learn and as long as we do that latter, that's all good...

Companions

I do like to PP in your posted photo, not keen on the crop, but that a personal thing.

but i do feel the SOOC is a better photo.

Thanks Darren... I love your Companions shot BTW - I will get around to posting on your thread at some point, I promise! Cheers for the feedback which is always helpful. Out of interest, whereabouts do you shoot horse events? I have a friend who does a lot of jumping, eventing etc. so always happy to recommend - especially based on the quality of your shots on Flickr!

 

[posiview]

Ooppss, edited my post

 

[Manc Man]

Hiya Hazel, thanks for taking the time to comment on my image - I think there have been more worthwhile photos deserving of everyone's time so thank you all the more. I agree it's a bit of a disappointing image and I tried to liven it up a bit with an usual crop which is unusual for good reason... it doesn't really work! I much prefer the story of them facing away from camera personally - as you say, a bit like a couple walking/looking away. I think that's the only bit I got right!



Cheers Andy well spotted - finally done now I'm back on the computer and not on my phone (couldn't work out how to do it on the app)...



Hi Stan, thanks for commenting & looking. That was the idea with the crop, but I don't think it's quite worked... The reason for positioning panda just so was so that I had a bit more of him visible in shot and also (critically) to allow us to see them holding hands (and for their hands to stay put!) Cheers - much appreciated.



Hiya Susie... thanks for commenting - I'm not a fan of my own shots this week, so thanks for being so kind. The crop is a unanimous no-no, so don't feel bad about saying it!

We live and learn and as long as we do that latter, that's all good...



Thanks Darren... I love your Companions shot BTW - I will get around to posting on your thread at some point, I promise! Cheers for the feedback which is always helpful. Out of interest, whereabouts do you shoot horse events? I have a friend who does a lot of jumping, eventing etc. so always happy to recommend - especially based on the quality of your shots on Flickr!

No rush Peter..
I shoot around Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Didnt think i had any event one on Flickr TBH. Just had a quick look, that girl is Vittoria Panizzon, she is a 3 day eventer and she is part of the Italian Olympic Team. She is in the air force, so for dressage and show jumping she wears her uniform. Pilots Harrier Jump Jets i think.
And thank you for the compliment, for some reason i never think my photos are that good, but people tend to buy them so guess i must be doing something right lol

 

[sr1867]

I have to go with the sooc shot as my preferred version.

 

[Dem55]

Hi Paul,

not the easiest of themes was it? (and this week's not much better at first glance, but hopefully the ideas will come).

I'm afraid I'm in the SOOC camp - I like the way the pink pops - it really lights the image up (if that makes sense given it was hardly a dark image with all of the snow ). I'd have cropped the SOOC a bit, but left the top of Minnie's ears in

 

[Dark Knight]

Hi Paul

Companions - For me I'm afraid to say the crop also doesn't work for me, the sense of outside does not come across, and the clipped figures are just odd - I like the bright colours of the SOOC and think a colour shot with a landscape crop would be much nicer

Hope the work eases up for you soon mate !!!

 

[Bruja]

with Dark Knight, nuff said

 

[pjm1]

I have to go with the sooc shot as my preferred version.

Hi Paul,

not the easiest of themes was it? (and this week's not much better at first glance, but hopefully the ideas will come).

I'm afraid I'm in the SOOC camp - I like the way the pink pops - it really lights the image up (if that makes sense given it was hardly a dark image with all of the snow ). I'd have cropped the SOOC a bit, but left the top of Minnie's ears in

Hi Paul

Companions - For me I'm afraid to say the crop also doesn't work for me, the sense of outside does not come across, and the clipped figures are just odd - I like the bright colours of the SOOC and think a colour shot with a landscape crop would be much nicer

Hope the work eases up for you soon mate !!!

with Dark Knight, nuff said

Thanks everyone... as I've said to others (the broad and almost unanimous consensus agree with you all), thank for the feedback as it really does help me to fine tune my photographic eye. Sometimes getting things wrong is more helpful

Onwards and upwards and I've managed to grab a shot for Elegant, so time to post that!

 

[pjm1]

Well, work hasn't let up and it has also been my wife's birthday today! I have just about found time to grab some shots in between everything (not being at home for half the week really doesn't help) although again, they're not ones I'm massively happy with.

Here is my chosen shot, which has a subject I'm VERY proud of. Yes, she's my daughter (well, a picture of her) but it's actually the first big wet print I've done from one of my own film photos. I printed this and another photo (of our other child) onto Ilford multigrade 12x16" and then mounted inside a very cheap Wilkinsons frame but one which does the job! The printing only took me two hours from start to finish, which including filling up the developing trays in the dark room, washing and drying the prints. Not bad for a first go, time-wise. I'm also pretty delerious with the results

Unfortunately, this photo of the ... erm... photo hanging on the wall doesn't really do it justice in my opinion, but I still think it's a fairly elegant shot so I'm going to choose it for this week's theme. The actual photo itself was used in the 52 last year (one of the December themes) and is from the very first roll of 120 I've ever shot. Sadly most of my subsequent photos haven't been as good

In terms of the printed photo, there was quite a bit of dodging (real, old-fashioned dodging using a card and my hand!) and mucking around with the contrast filter on the enlarger to get the look I wanted. I could probably have lifted the exposure a touch but aside from that I'm really chuffed.

In terms of the image for this theme, I just added an exposure grad to lighten up the wall a touch more and make it more even. I was rushing to get it taken before my wife came back as this was taken before her birthday and I didn't want her to see it, obviously! There was a strobe bouncing from the top left of frame (off the wall/ceiling perpendicular to the one the photo is hanging on). The table has the other printed photo (unframed at that point) on it.

Comments very welcome, but I still haven't had a chance to do the rounds on all of your photos (big catch up required) so not expected.


05: Elegant by pjm1 (Paul), on Flickr

And as usual, here is the SOOC shot.

Finally, here was a particularly elegant swan I snapped this afternoon at Loch Lomond, but it lacks punch for me, so I'm not choosing it for this week's theme:


Elegant swan by pjm1 (Paul), on Flickr

 

[ferg007]

Hey Paul.... Beautiful photo of your daughter there - great job! In terms of the theme photo (this is not confusing at all! Haha), I like the simplicity of the scene, vase of flowers add a nice sub-focal point without distracting from the hanging picture. I'm not sure if the chairs are necessary though - for me, I think I'd prefer the clean simplicity to follow through the whole frame?.... Still a beautiful print of you daughter though either way!

 

[sr1867]

2 good photos prefer the first one I think I'm all swanned out this week.
Only crit on shot 1 and its tiny I like the blue chair it adds a nice colour contrast but I would have lost the chair to the left.