ProG's 2010 52 Wk Challenge - Wks 26 & 27 - "BEGINNINGS/ART"

[aztec]

No2 for me, the first one is too much in your face type of shot if you know what I mean were no2 seems more balanced.

 

[bobsbabes]

#2 here aswell its a great shot

 

[Harlequin565]

#1 for me with no other reason than "I like it".


That's a clean bike!!

Ian.

 

[clud17]

I think i prefer nr 2 as well, it seems a more complete shot. Nice lighting and contrast.

 

[ProG77]

Shot 2 is still a crop but I much prefer the composition and processing on it over the first. I really like the contrast and clean white background used in this. Nice job

No2 for me, the first one is too much in your face type of shot if you know what I mean were no2 seems more balanced.

#2 here aswell its a great shot

I think i prefer nr 2 as well, it seems a more complete shot. Nice lighting and contrast.

Hmmm......think I'm building a reputation for selecting the wrong shots as my preferred shot - chopped, people and now mechanical! Thank you all for your constructive comments/feedback.

#1 for me with no other reason than "I like it".

That's a clean bike!!

Ian.

Finally, someone likes No 1! And I really like your reasoning of "I like it" as that is exactly the reason why I preferred No 1 despite knowing that No 2 possibly is technically better. Oh, as for a clean bike, only reason for that is I bought it quite late last summer, used it 2/3 times and has been in my garage ever since - it's yet to see any off road action yet, but can't wait for spring/summer to arrive so I can go out on it again.

 

[SpidersEye]

No 1 is my favourite too - I prefer the tighter crop

 

[philthejuggler]

No 1 is my favourite too - I prefer the tighter crop

Ditto! Nice shot!

Phil

 

[jgs001]

You know... They are both good... but... #1 for me... the tighter crop. I think it's more on theme too.

 

[blakester]

No 2 gets my vote, having the tyre in the shot sort of balances the image. The black off road tyre looks almost like another chain ring IYSWIM

 

[RobC]

#1 for me. Dunno why, just prefer looking at it over #2. Both good, both composed nicely, both lit well and the white background really set them off.

 

[SarahLee]

You've definitely split opinions on this, but it's number 1 for me.
I'm not really sure why and there's not much in the way of technical reasoning other than to say that I just prefer it :shrug:

If I had to give a reason : the composition seems to sit better for me, and there seems to be a subtle difference in the PP. A slight bluish tint in this one which I think works well.

 

[ProG77]

Thank you to everyone who has commented on my image for last week - looks like I really did split opinions amongst members here, but I do appreciate each and everyone of your comments.

So, off to the NEC on Sunday and decided to get this week's theme done a day earlier than usual and boy, did I have some fun!!

 

[ProG77]

First and foremost, I had so much fun doing this week's task! Secondly, I think this may be a marmite week for me - so you'll either love it or hate it!
So, here is the story/my thought behind this week's theme of 'Play':

I think Play itself has evolved over the years - I remember when I was a kid, a few wooden sticks, a few marbles and some simple board games would keep me entertained for hours............then came remote control cars, video games, more view games and the Playstation and Wii. I wanted to demonstrate the 'evolution of play' with my image this week and I think the combination of games from years gone by and one's from the present era does this in my image..

These 6 shots were selected from a total of over 50 shots of various games/toys that I took, so in a way, I've put in the most amount of effort this week in to taking a shot since the start of the project and I truly hope it's paid off.......

For anyone who would like to view the image in a larger size to see more detail, please click HERE.

Thanks for looking and look forward to any comments/feedback.

 

[clud17]

Great idea and some interesting individual shots, i think 8 images may be too much though, maybe 3 or 4 would have more impact. Your house sounds fun with all those games around.

 

[jgs001]

It's a great idea, and there's some great images in it. I have to agree with Chris though, it seems rather overcrowded, well done for the idea. Maybe try a triptych of a smaller selection (maybe pickup sticks, the toy car and WiiMotes)...

Enjoy your day at the NEC tomorrow.

 

[The23rdman]

Excellent idea and execution. Some of that stuff really brings back memories.

 

[aztec]

You can tell you have put the work in for this week play theme which works for me

 

[daddy day care]

Good idea and bang on theme. All well executed images but as has already been said, it may have been better with less pieces.

Very brave for admitting that you own singstar Abba and Take That

 

[Nick T]

I'll go with the others - great idea, but would have been better with fewer shots

 

[dlh]

It's been said already, but too many images to take it all in.

 

[ProG77]

Great idea and some interesting individual shots, i think 8 images may be too much though, maybe 3 or 4 would have more impact. Your house sounds fun with all those games around.

Point taken - and yes, I do live in a house of fun! Never a boring night in or short of things to entertain guests of all ages. Guess I'm still a big kid at heart

It's a great idea, and there's some great images in it. I have to agree with Chris though, it seems rather overcrowded, well done for the idea. Maybe try a triptych of a smaller selection (maybe pickup sticks, the toy car and WiiMotes)...

Enjoy your day at the NEC tomorrow.

Thanks - given the no of comments giving this view, I think I will definitely have a go at re-doing this with less images. I did think about going down the triptych route but wasn't sure how to do that in PS
Re: NEC, never been to Focus before, so really looking forward to it.

Excellent idea and execution. Some of that stuff really brings back memories.

Glad my images brought back memories - same here, I miss being a kid......

You can tell you have put the work in for this week play theme which works for me

Thanks Aztec, yes, did work hard, but going by comments here, maybe I did go overboard with my effort (I'm still pleased though!)

Ha ha! Was waiting for someone to point this out. It's the wife's, but I cannot deny having had a go after a few beers once or twice I think I'll stick to my day job and photography however as singing definitely isn't one of my talents!

I'll go with the others - great idea, but would have been better with fewer shots

Thanks and will definitely re-post.

It's been said already, but too many images to take it all in.

Thanks.

 

[Rich E500]

I like the idea, but have to agree with the number of shots comments already mentioned by the others, but every time I look at them I'm drawn to the Guess Who pic, there is something about it that just seems to catch my eye

 

[SarahLee]

Wow!!!
I can really see what a huge amount of effort has gone into this week's shot(s).

There's not a single shot there that doesn't have some merit as a standalone image and I'm finding it hard to choose a favourite.
If I had to pick one, I think the Connect4 really stands out, but I guess the whole idea of a collage is that you don't need to pick a favourite

I'm going to disagree with the majority and say that I don't think you have too many images there.
The clever thing that you've done is to choose red as a strong primary colour to give them all a common theme and link them together.

Where it's not quite so strong for me is the way that you've arranged them in the collage.
The two columns with modern on the right and traditional on the left is a bit too regimented IMO and I'd also prefer to see a bit more distinction between each individual image - either a black or white border around each one.

If you have one more image, I think I'd prefer a 3x3 grid pattern and a bit more randomness in the way that they're arranged . . . or maybe put your text ("evolution of play") in the 9th box . . . right in the centre of the 3x3 grid . . . that might work even better????

 

[Harlequin565]

Totally agree with Sarah. I don't see how you could reduce the number of images without reducing the impact, but it does need a different layout.

I strongly empathise with the subject and am starting to shake my head at the sheer number of toys/games these days are electronic and designed for one person. The Wii has tried to combat that, but there's nothing quite as social as a good tabletop game.

/old-aged-rant

Ian.

 

[ProG77]

I like the idea, but have to agree with the number of shots comments already mentioned by the others, but every time I look at them I'm drawn to the Guess Who pic, there is something about it that just seems to catch my eye

Thanks - let's hope the edited version is slightly better - what is it you like about the Guess Who picture in particular?

Wow!!!
I can really see what a huge amount of effort has gone into this week's shot(s).

There's not a single shot there that doesn't have some merit as a standalone image and I'm finding it hard to choose a favourite.
If I had to pick one, I think the Connect4 really stands out, but I guess the whole idea of a collage is that you don't need to pick a favourite

I'm going to disagree with the majority and say that I don't think you have too many images there.
The clever thing that you've done is to choose red as a strong primary colour to give them all a common theme and link them together.

Where it's not quite so strong for me is the way that you've arranged them in the collage.
The two columns with modern on the right and traditional on the left is a bit too regimented IMO and I'd also prefer to see a bit more distinction between each individual image - either a black or white border around each one.

If you have one more image, I think I'd prefer a 3x3 grid pattern and a bit more randomness in the way that they're arranged . . . or maybe put your text ("evolution of play") in the 9th box . . . right in the centre of the 3x3 grid . . . that might work even better????

Hi Sarah, once again, thanks for the very constructive feedback/suggestions. I'm glad you also picked up on the 'red' theme as I had set out to achieve that effect. I have also taken your suggestions of the 3x3 grid and adding the text to the centre - I think it works much better. Regards to the number of images, I too feel that I did need to show all the images to get the full effect of a collage and that 4 images would have been too few. I hope the 3x3 helps.

Totally agree with Sarah. I don't see how you could reduce the number of images without reducing the impact, but it does need a different layout.

I strongly empathise with the subject and am starting to shake my head at the sheer number of toys/games these days are electronic and designed for one person. The Wii has tried to combat that, but there's nothing quite as social as a good tabletop game.

/old-aged-rant

Ian.

Thanks Ian - glad you feel the same way as I did about the numver of images. Re: your rant, you are so true about what you have said. The wii is indeed a multi-player gaming system, but I think you still can't beat good old board games!

So.......here is the edited version - what do you think guys??

 

[SarahLee]

Hi Sarah, once again, thanks for the very constructive feedback/suggestions. I'm glad you also picked up on the 'red' theme as I had set out to achieve that effect. I have also taken your suggestions of the 3x3 grid and adding the text to the centre - I think it works much better. Regards to the number of images, I too feel that I did need to show all the images to get the full effect of a collage and that 4 images would have been too few. I hope the 3x3 helps.

I'm just glad that I was able to offer something helpful.

And for me, that re-edit is MUCH better
That's exactly what I could see in my mind when I saw your images. IMO it's given it loads more impact and really linked the shots together.
It'll be interesting to see what other people think.

 

[clud17]

thats much better and a well rounded presentation.

 

[ProG77]

Right then.......Wk10. As soon as I saw the theme for this week, I had a picture in my head that I wanted. I have always been fascinated by the reaction when you drop a berocca tablet or a soluble paracetamol in to water - the fizzzing action and the bubbles and I wanted a close up image of that reaction.

However, with no macro lens and only a set of cheapo close up filters to rely on, I don't think I've quite managed to capture the image as I had imagined it in my head. None the less, it's something and it's a chemical reaction, so fits the theme, and here it is........

The picture below is of the bubbles created as a result of dropping a soluble paracetamol in to a glass of water - I added some red food dye to add some interest and lighting was a table lamp pointing downwards at the top of the glass:

I was going to say that I will try and do better next week, but then I saw next week's theme!! :bang:

 

[dlh]

Nice bubbles and the colour is great. Like fizzing blood It does look a little soft, which could be the 1/10 shutter speed. Opening the aperture up and increasing shutter speed would have helped freeze any motion more.

 

[RobC]

I owe you 2 !!


Play. Your first shot is just way too busy for my eye. Having said that I like the idea and it's execution is spot on. 2nd time around is much better (perhaps it was the size of #1 that threw me).



Chemistry. Bubbles - grrrrrrrr. I had so many attempts at these and finally reminded myself I was supposed to be having fun and did something completely different. Your submission has now pee'd me off. I like it, the colour, the lighting and the definition all go to make a great image.

 

[SarahLee]

I really, really like this.
It's very simple, but the abstract nature of it appeals to me and I love the colour and lighting.

I agree with Darren that it does look just a little soft, nothing too major, but just a touch sharper and it would have been brilliant.

 

[jgs001]

The edit is far better for play... nicely done

Chemistry... a great idea, love the colour, but agree a little soft... Was this handheld or on a tripod ?

 

[ProG77]

Nice bubbles and the colour is great. Like fizzing blood It does look a little soft, which could be the 1/10 shutter speed. Opening the aperture up and increasing shutter speed would have helped freeze any motion more.

Thanks for the tip - my 1st ever attempt at taking close up shots of bubbles, so will definitely keep your advise in mind for the re-shoot.

I owe you 2 !!


Play. Your first shot is just way too busy for my eye. Having said that I like the idea and it's execution is spot on. 2nd time around is much better (perhaps it was the size of #1 that threw me).



Chemistry. Bubbles - grrrrrrrr. I had so many attempts at these and finally reminded myself I was supposed to be having fun and did something completely different. Your submission has now pee'd me off. I like it, the colour, the lighting and the definition all go to make a great image.

Thanks - I apologise for peeing you off Glad you like it though - not as easy as I thought it would be but relatively pleased with the final result. You are right about the fun aspect though and the same thought did cross my mind too, but I am really enjoying the challenging myself by trying new things as part of the 52 week project.

I really, really like this.
It's very simple, but the abstract nature of it appeals to me and I love the colour and lighting.

I agree with Darren that it does look just a little soft, nothing too major, but just a touch sharper and it would have been brilliant.

Thanks again Sarah - taken your and Darren's comments about the image being a tad soft on board and will definitely keep this in mind.

The edit is far better for play... nicely done

Chemistry... a great idea, love the colour, but agree a little soft... Was this handheld or on a tripod ?

Ta - was on a tripod. No way could I have handheld this. Ditto response on the image being too soft.

 

[foggy4ever]

Present....Classic wedding shot well taken

People...2 very good shots but the first one is a cracker, very well timed

Mechanical....I too chose my cycle for this weeks theme, they make a great subject. I prefer the second wider shot.

Play....the second composition works a lot better, fits the theme perfectly

Chemistry....Great idea to capture the fizzing, good use of the food dye also.

 

[ProG77]

Present....Classic wedding shot well taken

People...2 very good shots but the first one is a cracker, very well timed

Mechanical....I too chose my cycle for this weeks theme, they make a great subject. I prefer the second wider shot.

Play....the second composition works a lot better, fits the theme perfectly

Chemistry....Great idea to capture the fizzing, good use of the food dye also.

Thanks for the comments - glad you like 'em.

 

[ProG77]

Right then, Wk 11.........

Took this shot last weekend at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford. To fully explain this image, I'm afraid I also need to display a 2nd image.

First Image - CANDID:

OK, so the shot above was taken inside the American War Museum at Duxford of a visitor looking through the barrel of a gun - yep, that's right, the barrel of a supergun!

Saddam Hussein was planning to build a 'supergun' and this would have been just 1 of 26 barrels (imagine that?!). And here is the actual single barrel

Hopefully the 1st image here fits the 'candid' theme, but open to hearing all comments'feedback as usual.

Thanks for looking.

 

[Ellekes]

Nice, original shot and as far as I'm concerned, really fits the theme!

 

[Sonial]

Nice, original shot and as far as I'm concerned, really fits the theme!

Yup spot on!..... really nice interesting framing of the subject

 

[clud17]

great composition, what the hell is it though?

 

[The23rdman]

OOo, yes, like that very much. In context it looks like the subject is considering the implications of the supergun.