Sarah's 52 - FINAL WEEK - "Texture"

[SarahLee]

Catch Up:

Ebony - lovely shot and one I'm sure you will treasure

Low Down #2 - I think you have done what you set out to achieve with the processing but can't help agreeing with Jean about it being very symetrical.

Low Down #3 - Sometimes crazy PP works and for me, this one definately does!! Weird... in a good way

Doom & Gloom #1 & #2 - Spoooooky! I love the processing on both of these - care to share? I think there is quite a lot going on in the second and my eyes don't really know where to stop - because of that the prize goes to #1 for me.

Thank you.
There has been something bothering me about the "official" low down shot - and I think you and Jean have it with the symmetry thing.

Doom and Gloom - the second one wasn't really meant to be an image in its own right, just a zoom of some of the detail in the main pic. . . I absolutely love this location and just get a bit carried away with my enthusiasm for it

Now the processing on this one
Trying to remember what I did because it was a lot of trial and error . . .

Lots of layers, and looking back at the working image :

1) Original shot
2) Duplicate layer, inverted and blend mode set to luminosity to darken the sky.
3) Duplicate layer of the original and blend mode set to multiply to bring back the darks and shadows.
4) Masked out the main headstone in layers 2 and 3 to keep that the same as the original.
5) Black and white layer with sepia tint applied - opacity turned down to 50%
6) A tweak in a curves layer
7) A tweak in a brightness / contrast layer
8) Applied a gradient layer on top

And that I think was it

 

[karmagarda]

I can't believe I didn't think of this :bonk: there's a shot sitting in my flickr stream that I want to reshoot and it's right on the same line as this :bang:

Cracking shots and processing

 

[SarahLee]

Well you can't fault the Doom & Gloom in these shots...

I like what you have done in PP, excellent work young lady...

Thank you. The PP was more trial and error than actually knowing what I was doing, but I'm glad that the end result worked .

I can't believe I didn't think of this :bonk: there's a shot sitting in my flickr stream that I want to reshoot and it's right on the same line as this :bang:

Cracking shots and processing

But if you'd used your Flickr shot we would have missed Boom and Groom and that really made smile this week.

Thanks for the kind words KG. I'm glad that you liked it.

 

[kennysarmy]

half-expected Dr Who to step from behind that being chased by Darleks!

great moody feel to the photo....

 

[jeangenie]

Wow, Sarah - that defines Doom and Gloom! It's drenched in atmosphere and I'm so glad I'm looking at it in a warm, safe home - it's so scary.

The processing sounds really complicated but it's worked - what a result.

Producing shots like this in a 'mental' week is amazing.

Jean

 

[jgs001]

Stunning results Sarah, the PP worked a treat and really adds an air of menace... Gonna have to take notes on that...

 

[Toothie]

Low down all 3 shots are great imo but tbh doom and gloom, although they fit the theme they don't really grab me sorry

 

[SarahLee]

half-expected Dr Who to step from behind that being chased by Darleks!

great moody feel to the photo....

Thank you.
And funny you should mention Dr Who. Apart from the TARDIS shaped stone, they've actually filmed some episodes there
http://www.doctorwholocations.net/locations/stwooloscemetery

Wow, Sarah - that defines Doom and Gloom! It's drenched in atmosphere and I'm so glad I'm looking at it in a warm, safe home - it's so scary.

The processing sounds really complicated but it's worked - what a result.

Producing shots like this in a 'mental' week is amazing.

Jean

Thank you.
(although technically I did this the week before, which is the only reason I managed to get anything in this week at all )

Stunning results Sarah, the PP worked a treat and really adds an air of menace... Gonna have to take notes on that...

Thanks. Although the PP was really all a bit hit and miss rather than anything I actually thought out

Low down all 3 shots are great imo but tbh doom and gloom, although they fit the theme they don't really grab me sorry

Thank you.
No need to be sorry about Doom & Gloom. . . not going to be to everyone's taste

 

[corky]

Bang on theme and good shots, Prefer No2

 

[Tracer]

I love these, Sarah, particularly the first one, and they really convey the theme bang on. I certainly would not want to go there by myself - looks like something out of a horror film.

Your processing is superb! Thanks so much for sharing how you did it (or thought you did it ). I must experiment. You have achieved beautifully subtle colours and created a wonderful atmosphere

 

[SarahLee]

Bang on theme and good shots, Prefer No2

Thank you Corky - much appreciated.

I love these, Sarah, particularly the first one, and they really convey the theme bang on. I certainly would not want to go there by myself - looks like something out of a horror film.

Your processing is superb! Thanks so much for sharing how you did it (or thought you did it ). I must experiment. You have achieved beautifully subtle colours and created a wonderful atmosphere

Thank you.
It really isn't as spooky as the processing makes out. It's actually a very peaceful place - one of my favourites for a Sunday afternoon wander.

 

[SarahLee]

Another theme where I struggled for any inspiration at first and then got about 5 ideas all at once!

Which one to choose? Well in a week where Gordon Brown's handwriting has made headline news it just had to be the written word.

I got to thinking about how long it had been since I actually picked up a pen and wrote to somebody. Far too long - everything seems to be done through a keyboard these days.
Technological progress makes life so much easier and I've met loads of great people through forums like this one . . . but sometimes I can't help feeling a little bit sad for some of the things we've left behind.

It's only been 15 years since I left school, but things have changed so much. Back in those days, handwriting was a huge part of the curriculum and there even used to be Eisteddfod competitions for calligraphy.
I wonder if today's school children even know what the word "calligraphy" means ?????

In another 15 years time will children even be taught handwriting or will literacy all be through an electronic interface? And as for the beautiful art of calligraphy, will anyone actually pick up a pen and make an artform out of forming each individual letter?

So I dug out my old caligraphy set for this week. The ink in that bottle has to be about 10 years old and is completely dried out.

The last few weeks I've been experimenting with Photoshop. Nothing wrong with that. I took up this challenge to improve my PP as well as my photography.
But in line with my nostalgia for old fashioned writing, this week I wanted to post a straight photograph and not rely on any clever software.

Not sure if I've overdone the dof, but here's my attempt. Apart from a slight crop and resizing / sharpening for the web it's pretty much straight from camera.

WEEK 45 - COMMUNICATION

I've already rambled on enough this week, so no lessons learnt this time around
Well maybe just one.

I want a macro lens. Those nibs are really small and focusing close up with just the kit lens isn't easy

 

[Dark Star]

Ooops catch up time

Doom and Gloom - well those images are spot on - I never even thought of graveyards! Very nicely done and if I had to select one it'd be #2

Communication: that is just lovely - I love calligraphy (I'm pants at it but love having a go nonetheless ) Your idea of presenting it in a 'straight from the camera' way has worked and the framing and text just add to the style and age you've tried to convey or should I say communicate

The image itself is nicely balanced and I like the dof

Spot on again

 

[Kiwi Jaz]

Communication shot is lovely. Maybe would have liked to have seen a splotch of ink in the foreground but great shot all the same.

 

[jeangenie]

I see we've both been on a kind of nostalia trip this week.

I absolutely love this - the composition, the lighting, the framing - all spot on. It's got a sort of elegance from a bygone era, and I have to say a huge 'well done' for getting it just right in camera.

I sympathise with you over the macro lens - I went through exactly the same frustrations before I got mine. Your table top shots are already brilliant I can't wait to see what you'll do with a macro!

Jean

 

[SarahLee]

Ooops catch up time

Doom and Gloom - well those images are spot on - I never even thought of graveyards! Very nicely done and if I had to select one it'd be #2

Communication: that is just lovely - I love calligraphy (I'm pants at it but love having a go nonetheless ) Your idea of presenting it in a 'straight from the camera' way has worked and the framing and text just add to the style and age you've tried to convey or should I say communicate

The image itself is nicely balanced and I like the dof

Spot on again

Thank you John.
I love calligraphy, but unfortunately I'm probably even more pants at it than you are. That would be why those nibs have sat untouched for so long

But now that I've dug them out I'm getting this crazy idea about buying more ink and using them to write my Christmas cards this year.
I just don't want to think about how many I'll botch and end up putting in the bin. Maybe I'd better think about buying my cards in bulk

Communication shot is lovely. Maybe would have liked to have seen a splotch of ink in the foreground but great shot all the same.

Thanks KJ.
I did originally think about a blotch of ink. My calligraphy skills do at least extend that far! But the ink in the bottle had dried up.
I suppose I could have faked it with some black paint, but that didn't occur to me at the time :bonk:

I see we've both been on a kind of nostalia trip this week.

I absolutely love this - the composition, the lighting, the framing - all spot on. It's got a sort of elegance from a bygone era, and I have to say a huge 'well done' for getting it just right in camera.

I sympathise with you over the macro lens - I went through exactly the same frustrations before I got mine. Your table top shots are already brilliant I can't wait to see what you'll do with a macro!

Thanks Jean.
I'm really glad that you like this one.
Just been over to your thread and I'm surprised how much nostalgia "communication" has brought about this week. I was expecting everybody to have gone all high tech.

We'll have to see whether Santa takes pity on my macro aspirations this year

 

[karmagarda]

Nice work on Communication. I quite like the DOF

 

[Tracer]

What a lovely picture, right down to the frame that sets it off so well. There is a wonderful timelessness and sense of stillness in it - so far from today's modern bustle. I really like the warm tone and the arrangement of the nibs and bottle. I think ideally I would have liked just a touch more DOF, perhaps, but you have nailed it pretty close.

Well done!

 

[Daysleeper40]

Well I think the DOF is great as it is - and a good interpretation of the theme too. My handwriting isn't great but I've REALLY noticed that a lot of the younger people we emply at my work have truly terrible handwriting. To the point where I've had to tell them not to write addresses on envelopes going to customers but type and print them instead. They can all text at a million miles an hour though...

Lovely shot this week Sarah

 

[corky]

Sorry to be the odd one out, but I think the shot has suffered by having the tight DoF. Lovely take on theme though

 

[jgs001]

Lovely take on the theme Sarah. I'm in two minds on the DOF, I like it, but also think that perhaps a little more might work well to... (that's helpful, I don't think ).. As for the Macro lens, I know what you mean, the Raynox works well, but I'd love some proper Macro gear... ah well..

 

[kennysarmy]

Apart from a slight crop and resizing / sharpening for the web it's pretty much straight from camera.

WOW wish I had a camera that added a border and a title

also not sure about the DOF but certainly the idea is spot on...

shame about the ink drying out or we might have seen your caligraphy skills

 

[SarahLee]

Nice work on Communication. I quite like the DOF

What a lovely picture, right down to the frame that sets it off so well. There is a wonderful timelessness and sense of stillness in it - so far from today's modern bustle. I really like the warm tone and the arrangement of the nibs and bottle. I think ideally I would have liked just a touch more DOF, perhaps, but you have nailed it pretty close.

Well done!

Well I think the DOF is great as it is - and a good interpretation of the theme too. My handwriting isn't great but I've REALLY noticed that a lot of the younger people we emply at my work have truly terrible handwriting. To the point where I've had to tell them not to write addresses on envelopes going to customers but type and print them instead. They can all text at a million miles an hour though...

Lovely shot this week Sarah

Thank you all - much appreciated

 

[SarahLee]

Sorry to be the odd one out, but I think the shot has suffered by having the tight DoF. Lovely take on theme though

There's always one isn't there? :razz:
You're not alone, TBH I'm not totally convinced by it either.
That amount of DOF was deliberate - I wanted just enough to get the engraving on the nib in focus and throw everything else out. But at Laptop size the engraving is kind of lost, and I'm thinking that I may have overdone it a bit.

Lovely take on the theme Sarah. I'm in two minds on the DOF, I like it, but also think that perhaps a little more might work well to... (that's helpful, I don't think ).. As for the Macro lens, I know what you mean, the Raynox works well, but I'd love some proper Macro gear... ah well..

Thanks John.
Maybe Santa will smile on you with Macro gear too :shrug:

WOW wish I had a camera that added a border and a title

also not sure about the DOF but certainly the idea is spot on...

shame about the ink drying out or we might have seen your caligraphy skills

You mean your camera doesn't automatically add borders for you?

p.s. Believe me, you're not missing anything with my calligraphy skills

 

[Spartacus]

Sorry to be the odd one out, but I think the shot has suffered by having the tight DoF. Lovely take on theme though

OH no I feel the same as Corky...I so want a bit more in focus, only a tad mind you...

It's still a brillant idea a very well executed, love the frame...

well done...

 

[Kdot]

Sorry to be the odd one out, but I think the shot has suffered by having the tight DoF. Lovely take on theme though

I'd agree there. Fantatsic composition though, and a great take on the theme.

 

[Toothie]

I really like it although i think its cropped a little too tight on the right.

 

[SarahLee]

OH no I feel the same as Corky...I so want a bit more in focus, only a tad mind you...

It's still a brillant idea a very well executed, love the frame...

well done...

I'd agree there. Fantatsic composition though, and a great take on the theme.

I really like it although i think its cropped a little too tight on the right.

Thank you all.
A week on and I still can't decide whether I like the DOF or not
Ruth,
I think you're right with the crop. Hadn't really looked at it until you pointed it out.

 

[SarahLee]

Grrrrrrr . . . Not a subject that I enjoyed this week.
Portraits are really not something that I enjoy, nor something that I want to do more of.
And to top it all off a self-portrait too :bang:
I'm really far happier behind the camera than in front of it . . . mainly because I'd prefer to be judged by what I do than what I look like.

I suppose that I could have come up with something else to sum up "self", but I want to see what everyone else on the 52s looks like and I wasn't going to be the one to back out

I have no idea how to make an "interesting" portrait, so I took this week as a chance to play around in PP again.

And what do you know? I ended up with two different compositions (one quite structured and the other one very random) - and more images of my face than you probably want to look at !

Again, please don't feel obliged to comment on both.

Part II was going to be my official shot, but I thought I'd include Part I, for the non-photoshopped shot in the centre.
I'm sure I'm not the only nosey one that wants to see what everybody else looks like

Week 46 - Self Part I

Week 46 - Self Part II

​

Lessons Learnt

1) I love Photoshop
It can make even a week good fun!

2) Finally got my head around how to use LiveView on my camera.

3) Although it's not something I really enjoyed, I've taken my first ever self portrait!

 

[kennysarmy]

You've obviously put a lot of work in to the two "pictures"....especially the first one...

tbh the middle photo would have got a big thumbs up from me...

but I find the montage shot a bit "too much"...maybe if it had just been portrait shots without the additional "eye" ones....

also, did you mean to crop the bottom photo's corner off.....

IMO I think less could have been so much more....
A simple portrait of an attractive woman, well processed/converted to mono...

 

[karmagarda]

I have to agree with Kenny. Although I like the idea, the montage is a little bit overpowering. And that middle shot converted to B&W looks excellent. That on it's own would have been a winner!

 

[jeangenie]

I'm in two minds about both of these, Sarah.

The b&w portrait of you in the centre is fabulous - stylish, contemporary, striking. The photoshopped ones look a bit like you've tried all the filters and I think would have more impact if you'd chosen one filter and done several poses with it. (Sorry) I find both I and II a bit ott. BUT - the montage itself is beautifully done and the framing in II looks good, too. So a big 'well done' on your first sp and pushing your ps skills ever further.


Jean

PS You're right about me (and I suspect all the others) being nosey and wanting to 'meet' everybody!

 

[SarahLee]

:razz: You've all missed the point!
I was hoping that the PP would be enough to distract from that middle photo . . . and it allowed me to keep it nice and small I really don't like looking at photos of myself!

also, did you mean to crop the bottom photo's corner off.....

Oooops No! I hadn't actually noticed that.

The photoshopped ones look a bit like you've tried all the filters and I think would have more impact if you'd chosen one filter and done several poses with it. (Sorry)

That would probably because I did try all the filters! And good fun it was too! (even if it is a bit OTT)
I actually like the idea of several poses, but that would have involved more SPs than I really wanted to do

PS You're right about me (and I suspect all the others) being nosey and wanting to 'meet' everybody!

Glad I'm not the only nosey one



Well since you've all been so kind about the centre photo, here it is on its own. I've already put it in Betty's natural beauty thread so it had may as well go here too. :shrug:

The reason I didn't put this in on its own are partly because I don't like photos of myself (I think like everyone I have some insecurities about how I look and how others judge people on looks) and partly because I didn't think it was particularly good (I've never done portrait work before)

 

[Dark Star]

Sarah its a lovely portrait in its own right and two very good composites I must say

If I had to choose it'd be #1 for being that bit different

I've done a portrait already for 'Dark but it looks like I'll be doing one more for 'self'

Tomorrow

If I can get close to some of teh superb efforts already submitted, including yours, I'll be happy

 

[Kdot]

I really like the second montage actually - really nice work.

I was just typing that you should post the 'middle shot' alone, when it appeared, as if by magic!

I'm no expert, but I do like 'close up' portrait shots, cropped in tight, and for me that's a very good example - especially knowing it's a self portrait too. It's not too sharp which can always be dangerous territory in portraits, and the PP is very good as well.

You facial expression actually appears to give off quite a relaxed demeanor, which is surprising considering your self-admitted, self-consciousness.

You're :| portrait is very good - who knows what a portrait would have given us!

 

[maddog.mark]

Another vote for the simplicity of a single shot. It's a great self portrait Sarah, I like the montage shots, you've processed them really well.
But the mono conversion is a great picture, the tiniest of niggles would be that the focus point isn't on your quite on your left (our right) eye. Other than that brilliant!

Plus it's taken you out of your comfort zone.

Mark

 

[SarahLee]

Sarah its a lovely portrait in its own right and two very good composites I must say

If I had to choose it'd be #1 for being that bit different

I've done a portrait already for 'Dark but it looks like I'll be doing one more for 'self'

Tomorrow

If I can get close to some of teh superb efforts already submitted, including yours, I'll be happy

Thanks John.
Looking forward to seeing yours tomorrow.

I really like the second montage actually - really nice work.

I was just typing that you should post the 'middle shot' alone, when it appeared, as if by magic!

I'm no expert, but I do like 'close up' portrait shots, cropped in tight, and for me that's a very good example - especially knowing it's a self portrait too. It's not too sharp which can always be dangerous territory in portraits, and the PP is very good as well.

You facial expression actually appears to give off quite a relaxed demeanor, which is surprising considering your self-admitted, self-consciousness.

You're :| portrait is very good - who knows what a portrait would have given us!

Thank you - I obviously read your mind on the middle shot
I'm surprised that I look relaxed - I was actually concentrating on trying to focus the camera via the laptop screen (which was in front of me just below the camera)
The softness is deliberate. As I said I don't like SPs and I certainly wasn't going to try to get one absolutely pin sharp!

Another vote for the simplicity of a single shot. It's a great self portrait Sarah, I like the montage shots, you've processed them really well.
But the mono conversion is a great picture, the tiniest of niggles would be that the focus point isn't on your quite on your left (our right) eye. Other than that brilliant!

Plus it's taken you out of your comfort zone.

Thanks Mark - It certainly was out of my comfort zone!
Just couldn't get that focus spot on via LiveView. If I do it again (which I'm not planning to!) I might try autofocus and timer instead.

 

[karmagarda]

Excellent! That's a much better SP that you're giving yourself credit for. Pity about the chin being framed out, but that's such a small niggle it's irrelevant!

 

[Tracer]

I prefer no.1 to no.2, but best of all is your stand-alone portrait. Beautiful lighting and pose and I really like the close crop.

You are much braver than I am - well done

 

[jgs001]

Of the two original shots... I prefer the first montage. Nice work in PP with them all... But you know what... the stand alone shot is very very good indeed, it's worked superbly. You look relaxed and comfortable in that shot.