Sarah's 52 - FINAL WEEK - "Texture"

Sarah that is a cracking shot :clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

Just because you feel it was too easy doesn't make it a poor shot :nono:
 
God god I;ve got so behind!!!

Easy: Love them both but #2 rings my bell most - the colours and the bubbles - just lovely! :D

Colour: Ohhh with or without? With in that composition works best for me - the bubbles gve interest in that wonderful black background! The solso cube would look better with less black around it I think...in both though the colours are fantastic :thumbs:

Food: Beautifully composed and the dof and sharpness where it counts for me is spot on - a lovely natural shot that takes me back about 40 years :) :clap:
 
Your food shot is awesome. I really like everything about it. The DOF is great like the others said and the colour balance is too. Nice on the bamboo mat too.
 
Very good food shot, nice simple background, you've composed the shot well.

I like the use of dof and the way the open pod points to camera.

Good stuff.
 
I really enjoyed reading this thread. I'm just getting into photography and am hopefully getting a DSLR in a few weeks. I hope my first pictures are as good as yours!!

I can't wait to see your photos with the new camera. Which model did you get? I hope you're Bday isn't too far off. There's nothing worse than knowing you've got a new toy in the house and not being able to play with it! ;)
 
Colour - I'm in two mids about the bubbles but on the whole I would say without, but make it a tighter crop. Fantastic colours though and that after all was the theme! :clap:

Food - Lovely understated colours and the DOF give this a very natural feel. I like it a lot - and an outstanding choice of BG to place the food on as well. :thumbs:
 
Bruja said:
Sarah that is a cracking shot
Just because you feel it was too easy doesn't make it a poor shot :nono:
Click to expand...

Thank you so much. I guess that's something I'm going to have to get used to with the SLR. Everything with the old camera took so much effort! :)

Dark Star said:
Easy: Love them both but #2 rings my bell most - the colours and the bubbles - just lovely! :D

Colour: Ohhh with or without? With in that composition works best for me - the bubbles gve interest in that wonderful black background! The solso cube would look better with less black around it I think...in both though the colours are fantastic :thumbs:

Food: Beautifully composed and the dof and sharpness where it counts for me is spot on - a lovely natural shot that takes me back about 40 years :) :clap:
Click to expand...

I'm glad that you enjoyed them.
This 52 really is a great idea to get me to focus on taking a photo every week - hopefully they'll keep getting better.

Kiwi Jaz said:
Your food shot is awesome. I really like everything about it. The DOF is great like the others said and the colour balance is too. Nice on the bamboo mat too.
Click to expand...

Thank you. Seems like the food shot has gone down well all round :D
 
Hyster said:
Very good food shot, nice simple background, you've composed the shot well.

I like the use of dof and the way the open pod points to camera.

Good stuff.
Click to expand...

:nuts: The composition was more luck than judgement, but I'm glad that you liked it. Now I'm over the laziness factor it's starting to grow on me too.

hailinguk said:
I really enjoyed reading this thread. I'm just getting into photography and am hopefully getting a DSLR in a few weeks. I hope my first pictures are as good as yours!!

I can't wait to see your photos with the new camera. Which model did you get? I hope you're Bday isn't too far off. There's nothing worse than knowing you've got a new toy in the house and not being able to play with it! ;)
Click to expand...

Another week until my birthday, but my husband's let me have the camera a week early for this week's theme :D
Glad that you've enjoyed reading this thread - you really should think about joining the 52s - it's a great way to push yourself and start thinking more about your photos.

Any thoughts on which SLR you want to go for?
I was undecided between the Canon 40D and 450D. In the end I went 450D - the technical spec isn't hugely different except that the 40D has some faster shutter speeds - it also left me with a bit of budget spare to invest in lenses once I've decided what I want to get. The main reason for me though was size and weight . . . I've got really small hands :D :lol:

Daysleeper40 said:
Colour - I'm in two mids about the bubbles but on the whole I would say without, but make it a tighter crop. Fantastic colours though and that after all was the theme! :clap:

Food - Lovely understated colours and the DOF give this a very natural feel. I like it a lot - and an outstanding choice of BG to place the food on as well. :thumbs:
Click to expand...

I don't think colour was my best week, but glad that you liked food!
Thank you for the comments.
 
:bang: I've been plagued with broadband problems all weekend, so I'm a bit late this week. On the positive side, I got hold of my birthday present a week early :)
Once I've posted this, I'll catch up on everyone else's shots . . . I don't like looking before I get mine in.

Not the first idea that came to mind (that one could have got me in trouble); nor the second (too predictable) but I eventually decided to try to get a shot of exposed PC innards.

In an effort to try something different I've been having a play with saturation and spot colouring . . . I'm not quite sure if it's worked, so I'd be interested in your opinions on this one.



IMG_0023-2.jpg



And a second bonus shot this week too . . .
My predictable second idea was fruit / veg with the skin peeled back to expose the flesh. I've tried to stay away from this because it's a bit too similar to my shots from other weeks, but in the end I couldn't resist giving it a go :


IMG_0041.jpg
 
Last edited:
I think the apple shot is the better of the two shots. The exposed pc is just a little to cluttered for me. I do like the way you've processed it though!
 
I agree with Mark, the apple shot is very good, excellent take on the theme.
 
I think both are great shots. Although I have to agree with the first shot being too cluttered. If there was a focal point in the photo it would have worked much better. The second photo is up to your usual standard, fantastic! My OH even said it's the type of photo she would buy and put up on the wall... and she hasn't said that about any of my photos yet... :bat: :D
 
kennysarmy said:
I think I can see why your broadband has been playing up.....
Click to expand...
:lol::lol::lol:

I love the apple shot...:love:

as far as I can see your still on a roll with this photography bug you got...:clap::clap::clap:

both very good but the apple takes it this week...:thumbs:
 
You have really got your studio type shots nailed. Apple is fantastic.
I like what you have done with the PC shot..sorry dont have any critique that I can think of.
 
I can see why you went for the innards of the PC because you wanted to get away from your comfort zone, and it certainly meets the theme :thumbs:

But it doesn't do anything for me sorry :(

Now your apple shot is on another level entirely (and I'm not just saying that because my food one was similar :D) :clap::clap::clap:

I know what it's like to try and push yourself to do something different but some weeks what you are most comfortable with is spot on for the theme, but it feels like a cop out. But it's definitely not when you end up with a shot like that :clap:
 
I like your first Exposed picture. I toyed with the idea of something similar but couldn't imagine how to make it look as interesting as you have. Nice pic! :)
 
maddog.mark said:
I think the apple shot is the better of the two shots. The exposed pc is just a little to cluttered for me. I do like the way you've processed it though!
Click to expand...

Hyster said:
I agree with Mark, the apple shot is very good, excellent take on the theme.
Click to expand...

Thank you both.
On looking back on it I agree with the PC shot being too cluttered :bang:

karmagarda said:
I think both are great shots. Although I have to agree with the first shot being too cluttered. If there was a focal point in the photo it would have worked much better. The second photo is up to your usual standard, fantastic! My OH even said it's the type of photo she would buy and put up on the wall... and she hasn't said that about any of my photos yet... :bat: :D
Click to expand...

Thank you kg - and thank you too Mrs kg. That really is high praise :D

kennysarmy said:
I think I can see why your broadband has been playing up.....
Click to expand...

:lol: I was waiting for somebody to say that!
My OH used to be a computer technician and he still does odd repairs for friends / family.
There seems to be a never ending stream of computer bits coming in and out through the door ;)
 
Spartacus said:
I love the apple shot...:love:

as far as I can see your still on a roll with this photography bug you got...

both very good but the apple takes it this week...
Click to expand...

Thank you. I am really starting to get carried away with this photography stuff now - I just wish I was a bit more competent with outdoors type shots. That may be something I explore this week.

Kiwi Jaz said:
You have really got your studio type shots nailed. Apple is fantastic.
I like what you have done with the PC shot..sorry dont have any critique that I can think of.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Those studio type shots seem to come fairly easily to me. It's just everything else that I'm struggling with :lol:
Still I'll keep going and I was very pleased with the apple shot. I'm glad that you liked it.

Bruja said:
I can see why you went for the innards of the PC because you wanted to get away from your comfort zone, and it certainly meets the theme :thumbs:

But it doesn't do anything for me sorry :(

Now your apple shot is on another level entirely (and I'm not just saying that because my food one was similar :D)

I know what it's like to try and push yourself to do something different but some weeks what you are most comfortable with is spot on for the theme, but it feels like a cop out. But it's definitely not when you end up with a shot like that :clap:
Click to expand...

Thank you Jill.
That sums up exactly how I feel about this week :)
I'm really pleased with the apple shot, but I feel like I need to be pushing myself more out of my comfort zone.

For comparison, the apple shot took me about 10 minutes from start to finish (including peeling the apple and making the little radish butterfly) - the PC shot was probably closer to an hour.

bigsteve said:
I like your first Exposed picture. I toyed with the idea of something similar but couldn't imagine how to make it look as interesting as you have. Nice pic! :)
Click to expand...

Thanks Steve.
Yes, I was pleased with the processing on the PC shot, but I do tend to agree with the others that it's a tad cluttered, looking back on it.

On the plus side I did learn a few new processing tricks this week and even if it was in my comfort zone I got one shot that I was really proud of.
 
:) I really enjoyed this week!

This is an idea that I've had knocking about in my head for ages, but just couldn't think how to execute it until this week.

And for once, I'm not going to apologise for sticking to my comfort zone.

1) IMHO the image is simple enough that a mono conversion works for it (although I hope you'll forgive the slight tinting in the name of art)

2) It was challenging enough that I didn't feel like I was taking the easy option.

3) Quite simply . . . I like it.

I know that there are plenty of technical flaws in it . . .
and my husband thinks that the subject matter makes a really boring photo . . .
but :shrug: there's something about it that appeals to me.

Don't worry, just because I like this one I won't be offended if you don't :D
I'm always looking for some constructive criticism to help me improve.


Dandy2-4-1-1.jpg


Lessons Learnt

1) I must stop feeling bad about this type of shot. Just because it's my comfort zone I can still find ways to make it challenging.
2) Desk lamps, clothes pegs and paper fans can also double up as photography equipment.
3) If blowing directly at the seed head on a Dandelion makes for an impossible shot, work around it by blowing some loose seeds out of the palm of your hand :)
4) It's impossible to find a Dandelion with a nice straight stalk to give a uniform shadow.
5) It's really hard to find Dandelion seed heads after a wet and windy day (and even more difficult to carry them home intact)
6) When you're stood on a mini roundabout picking Dandelions, passing motorists give you some really funny looks.
 
Last edited:
The contrast between the highlights of the poppy head and the dark b/g are superb. I like this a lot.
 
I really really like this :clap:. It's so simple, and so effective. And I agree about the photography equipment, I've added a black T-Shirt, cocktail shaker, and mobile phone to my list of equipment :D
 
Smashing shot, LOVE this! Brilliant set-up, lighting and I LOVE the way you've blown off some of bits.Well done you, yet another absolute corker :clap: :thumbs:
 
Exposed: I agree with the general view on these: the first one is interesting and good on you for trying it, and the apple is a core-ker (sorry!)

Mono: This blows me away (another sorry!). I love the lighting and the 2 flying seeds catching the light. Beautiful shot, and you're right to feel pleased with it, and your Lessons made me laugh out loud - something I badly need at the moment!

The only thing puzzling me is: why did you have to go to a mini-roundabout to get dandelion seed heads - don't you have any in your garden?:D

Jean
 
maddog.mark said:
The contrast between the highlights of the poppy head and the dark b/g are superb. I like this a lot.
Click to expand...

Thank you Mark. I'm glad that you like it.

karmagarda said:
I really really like this :clap:. It's so simple, and so effective. And I agree about the photography equipment, I've added a black T-Shirt, cocktail shaker, and mobile phone to my list of equipment :D
Click to expand...

Thanks for the comment.
:lol: :D It really is amazing what you can improvise out of bits around the house.
:thinking: I can't quite work the cocktail shaker out though :shrug:

Shorty said:
Smashing shot, LOVE this! Brilliant set-up, lighting and I LOVE the way you've blown off some of bits.Well done you, yet another absolute corker :clap: :thumbs:
Click to expand...

Thank you Shorty.
Very kind of you.

jeangenie said:
Exposed: I agree with the general view on these: the first one is interesting and good on you for trying it, and the apple is a core-ker (sorry!)

Mono: This blows me away (another sorry!). I love the lighting and the 2 flying seeds catching the light. Beautiful shot, and you're right to feel pleased with it, and your Lessons made me laugh out loud - something I badly need at the moment!

The only thing puzzling me is: why did you have to go to a mini-roundabout to get dandelion seed heads - don't you have any in your garden?:D
Click to expand...

Thank you Jean (awful puns and all!)
:lol: I think we actually have quite a few dandelions growing in the lawn, but my husband's almost as obsessed with mowing the lawn as he is with cleaning the car!
 
Exposed..the apple shot is brilliant and bang on theme:clap:

Mono, another super take and very adventurous well done :clap::clap:
 
As usual, you have gone to a huge effort for this challenge and it has paid off. Always look forward to seeing your weekly challenge submissions.
 
Sarah that is great, you have achieved something i never have, the bits blowing off.

Very nicely done :D
 
karmagarda said:
Let's just say what was called a vase was actually a cocktail shaker
Click to expand...

:) :D It all becomes clear now!

corky said:
Exposed..the apple shot is brilliant and bang on theme:clap:

Mono, another super take and very adventurous well done
Click to expand...

Thank you Corky. Much appreciated.

Kiwi Jaz said:
As usual, you have gone to a huge effort for this challenge and it has paid off. Always look forward to seeing your weekly challenge submissions.
Click to expand...

KJ what a lovely thing to say!
Thank you so much. That's really made my day.

Toothie said:
Sarah that is great, you have achieved something i never have, the bits blowing off.

Very nicely done :D
Click to expand...

:) :D There was a little bit of cheating involved there.
I didn't manage to get a shot of the actual bits being blown off, so I just took some loose seeds from a different seed head and blew them across the shot.
A little bit of updraft from a fan kept them slow moving and suspended long enough to catch them.
 
Great shot from you again this week...how do you keep coming up with these very creative ideas...:thinking:

works for me...:clap::clap::clap:
 
Another massive thumbs up from me!
A great shot that you put a lot of work into.
So glad it paid off so well! :clap::thumbs:
 
Spartacus said:
Great shot from you again this week...how do you keep coming up with these very creative ideas...:thinking:

works for me...:clap::clap::clap:
Click to expand...

Thank you so much!

I seem to have dried up with creative ideas this week though . . . "Season" is really not doing anything for me :(


bigsteve said:
Another massive thumbs up from me!
A great shot that you put a lot of work into.
So glad it paid off so well! :clap::thumbs:
Click to expand...

Thanks Steve - very kind of you.
That was the first ever shot where I've visualised something and the end result has actually come out as I pictured.
 
Hi Sarah and glad you've realised doing what you are good at isn't the same as staying in your comfort zone ;)

What a cracking shot and what inventiveness :clap::clap:

There's something about the composition that feels a bit off to me though. I don't know whether it's because I'd like to see the stem go all the way to the bottom, or that it would be better a a square crop, to lessen some of the blank space :thinking: but that's just being picky :(

BUT that takes nothing away from the brilliance of the capture (although I think a picture of the set up would have been interesting :lol:) as we all seem to drag pieces of the household in as technical equipment. This week mine was standing the camera on a low storage box cos it was easier than getting out the tripod :cuckoo:
 
Last edited:
Sorry to be late :(

The apple shot works all the way for me :) Niely set up and exposed ;) Very very good!

The mono shot - wow but how that draws me in....its simplicity I'm sure belies the set up and care you've taken to shoot it! I really think its fantastic :clap:
 
Bruja said:
Hi Sarah and glad you've realised doing what you are good at isn't the same as staying in your comfort zone ;)

What a cracking shot and what inventiveness :clap:

There's something about the composition that feels a bit off to me though. I don't know whether it's because I'd like to see the stem go all the way to the bottom, or that it would be better a a square crop, to lessen some of the blank space :thinking: but that's just being picky :(

BUT that takes nothing away from the brilliance of the capture (although I think a picture of the set up would have been interesting :lol:) as we all seem to drag pieces of the household in as technical equipment. This week mine was standing the camera on a low storage box cos it was easier than getting out the tripod :cuckoo:
Click to expand...

Thank you Jill.

I think that if I'd shared a set up shot for that one, you'd all be questioning my sanity :D

I hadn't really thought about a square crop, but I've tried it out and I think you might be onto something with that actually!

Dark Star said:
The apple shot works all the way for me Niely set up and exposed ;) Very very good!

The mono shot - wow but how that draws me in....its simplicity I'm sure belies the set up and care you've taken to shoot it! I really think its fantastic :clap:
Click to expand...

Thank you.
I'm glad that you like them. I am gradually starting to produce shots that I'm happier with since starting this 52, so thank you all for your help and support.

Square Crop as suggested


Dandy2-4-1-2.jpg



I think this crop actually works rather well!
 
Last edited:
Very early from me this week. I just want to get this one over and done with.

SEASON? I absolutely HATED this theme :dummy: It said nothing at all to me in terms of inspiration.
In the end I went for salt & pepper . . . I just can't think of anything else.
I suspect that we'll get a lot of salt & pepper for "season" so the challenge is finding something interesting to do with it.



I also had a moment of total insanity this week :nuts:

I don't have a macro lens.
As much as I want a macro lens, it's going to have to wait a while.
So WHAT possessed me to try a close up of peppercorns with my kit lens?

As I said complete insanity on my part, and bound to lead to frustration :gag:
My first attempt was just horrible, but I did a reshoot this evening and I ended up with something that I'm satisfied with and not embarrassed to share with you!

So here we are . . .
I don't think I can face lessons learnt at the moment, I'm just glad that this week's out of the way.




Rock Salt and Black peppercorns

Season2.jpg


*EDIT* It just occurred to me that this has an almost Autumnal feel to it, so I guess it's seasonal from that point of view too :shrug:
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top