Sarah's 52 for 2010 - Now continued in part 2

[TheThistle]

Hello Sarah,

Another very good week for you I prefer the de-saturated version too but I would have liked a version in between the two. You shouldn't be too self critical there's no need you are extremely talented.

Just for fun is a nice addition, it works better with the brass screw at the front (dosen't look out of place), it blends with the pliers a lot better.

 

[mich66]

another good week sarah.. love how you come up with great ideas for the themes..

can only echo others comments, think older nuts might have worked? and somewhere between the two on the saturation.. look forward to seeing 'play'

 

[holryn]

Good interpretation Sarah - oh to have an imagination like that!

I prefer the first shot but I do agree with Ian:

...I think I'm the only one that sees that bag as a huge gaping mouth with red lipstick gobbling up all the nuts (shots #1 & #3). I must stop eating paint.

Ian.

 

[Daysleeper40]

Hellooooo

Sorry I havn't been in to comment recently - thought it was about time I had a shufty to see how you are getting on. Opened your thread at "Street" so I'll start there:

Street - LOVE the use of the IR filter and I actually agree with you that the shot sans ghosty isn't as strong as it could be. I think the less "in your face" ghost in the third shot you posted works the best.

Speed - Defintaly the hourglass shot. It really gives the feeling of movement and the PP to put the shots together is spot on. There is nothing wrong with the drugs shot - it just isn't nearly as inventive.

Present - I like the colours, I really like how you've used the steam BUT it just isn't as dynamic as Street / Speed.

People - Firstly let me just say that trying to shoot street photography leaves me cold as well and I like that you've found something that you could get enthusiastic about. I'm sorry though - I'm not keen on any of them. #2 is the best of the three but I'm not getting the theme and I can see that you were really trying to give the scene more interest but it just seems a little forced. I don't think I'm explaining myself very well here - in one way what you have done is very clever but at the same time I'm not sure it adds much meaning to the shots and the theme you were trying to represent.

Mechanical - I thought I'd seen this somewhere before... and this is a definate improvement. The only thing I can say is that it could use more DOF. Otherwise I like

SO - one thing I can say is that I can REALLY see how much you have progressed from last years 52. You are really developing your own style.

 

[jennyb]

This is another clever idea, Sarah, but I agree it would be better with more DOF. I prefer the first coloured version.

Jenny

 

[Tracer]

I much prefer the first desaturated version, but would like a little more to be in focus, I think.

For me the nuts and raisins weaken the image as an interpretation of the theme, but as a fun picture it is great.

 

[robp]

I have mixed views on your mixed bag, Sarah:

I think it needs more dof - there was too much out of focus for my liking.

I found it a bit cluttered and thought that the raisins and nuts could have been sprawled further afield.

I loved the contrast between the colouring of the bag and the more industrial colours of the rest of the image. A great touch

You questioned whether you should have included the old dull one. I think, yes, but with a few more to keep it company and to add depth and story.

I think your desaturated version is great.
Desaturation seems to fit this theme well. I like it that you retained a bit of colour contrast with the bag - that's the bit that really attracts me in both images.

Well on theme, but with a cunning difference.

I would have been happy to have shot this.

 

[ranarama]

I prefer the desaturated version but either way it's a great idea. As others have said it could do with a bit more DOF. Fits the theme well and an interesting shot too.

I'm really enjoying this 52 Sarah. Looking forward to see what you comme up with next.

 

[lizbeth]

Desaturated version for me : )

 

[DC2Z]

Another good shot.
I prefer the 1st shot as the red packaging works really well for me

 

[daddy day care]

I must be in the minority as I really like the just for fun version

 

[jollyjack]

Great image for the mechanical theme sarah, Very well done

 

[Lufbrarunner]

Interesting interpretation of the theme, which works well IMO, I prefer the first one but the variations on processing all work to some degree.

 

[louise-knight]

wow mechanical is brilliant! I don't think the old nutty screwy thing looks out of place too much, infact to me it pulls the image together in relation to the colour of the wrench (is it a wrench.. i dunno!) and the colour of the image on the front of the package. Lovely! I hope you didn't eat those raisins after!

Funny story.. actually, it's not that funny but what the hey:
When my sister was younger she thought it'd be funny to pick up some rabbit poop from the school playing field and pop them in her arch enemy's sandwiches for her to enjoy at lunchtime.. And I believe she got half way through her sandwich before realising those weren't raisins. Who has raisins in their sandwiches anyway!? WRONG!

 

[justlooking]

quite like the Just for Fun version. The raisins are not so dark.

 

[wilmorh]

Really like the second version

 

[SarahLee]

It's been a few days since I popped in here - so thanks again all for the comments.
It's strange how your perception changes when you've not looked at them for a while . . . also strange at how different things look on my works monitor.
Personally, I'm now leaning towards the third PP'd version

Sara really like the idea and the processing on these , and i think the desaturated version just nudges it for me.

Thanks Paul. On a second look I think that's my least favourite now, but it's good that we all like different things.

Hi Sarah, great shot yet again and love the idea of the nuts and raisins. Of the 3 images you've posted, definitely prefer the 1st one as I love the contrast between the red bag and the rest of the image. 2nd shot seems too dark and the 3rd shot looks a bit 'cartoon-y'. Not much else to say as you've already picked everything up with your self crit - only thing to say I guess is well done on (yet) another fantastic shot.

Thank you - it's much appreciated.

I think your first shot has the edge on this theme, Sarah. I like the idea but, as a raisin-lover, I wouldn't be tempted by these so I suppose I'm saying I'd like the raisins to be plump, succulent and yummy-looking, and then I think both the new shiny nuts the old brass ones would contrast. How did you light this? (I'm sorry if you explained anywhere, but I can't see it!)

Sometimes life just gets in the way of a 52 and I think you're feeling this on this one. The good news is - there's always next week, and knowing you, you'll be back at the top of your game.

Jean

Thanks Jean - and sorry for the manky raisins. They were fresh out of a new packet (honestly!)
Fortunately this week hasn't been quite so manic and play will be up shortly.

Lighting was 2 desk lamps either side with "home-made" diffusers (aka white tissue paper) to minimise reflections on the metallic parts. That part of it I think worked quite well.
Then I used an LED torch directed just at the raisins to try to pick out some detail . . . that part wasn't so great!

Desaturated version for me gives it a more workman like feel but that is just my take on it

Thank you . . . always good to hear different opinions

Interesting idea - I think the de-sat is my favourite. I think I'd prefer the nuts in the middle a little more spread out as they kind of roll into one blob, but it's a good shot!

Phil

Thank you Phil. Maybe one I'll re-visit, but not top of my reshoot list.

another great shot I prefer the first pic although when i first looked i didnt know that they were raisins

Thanks Bob.
I guess the lighting on the raisins wasn't too good, but we live and learn.

Hi Sarah,

I really like this shot - especially the desaturated version.

And after reading your comments, I think I'm the only one that sees that bag as a huge gaping mouth with red lipstick gobbling up all the nuts (shots #1 & #3). I must stop eating paint.

Ian.

Thank you Ian . . . and hmmmmm . . . sounds like you need a lie down!

Hey Sarah,

It's the desaturated version for me!
I agree that a mixture of old and new would have been better, rust is always a good texture to include in a shot. And yeah, tiny bit more DOF for the front few items to be sharp and that's all i'd say.

Good work

Thank you Rich.

Hi Sarah, what an incredibly interesting 52 I love the originality!

I especially like your speed shot no.1 brilliant concept and I think it has worked really well.

I really have to run now but will try to get back very soon to have another look through your images ..... Can't wait to see what else you come up with

Thanks Sonia. Glad that you're enjoying so far.

I recognise that bag ... I think the slightly desaturated version works the best. It's on theme and works well for me.

Thank you John . . . and it is the exact same bag.
I kept it in a drawer after last year, because I had a feeling that I'd want to revisit it.

 

[SarahLee]

I prefer the first one. Regarding your own comment about the slightly tarnished nut in the foreground, and thinking you should have stayed with all new, I am wondering if it would have worked better if there had been a couple more of the dull ones, so that the one you do have wasn't so prominent.

Thank you - and I think you might be right about the tarnished nuts.
One way or the other though, that odd one on its own doesn't look quite right to me.

What an amusing way of twisting the theme. I would never have thought of this. Well done.

Reading your notes on how you wish you'd stuck with the new nuts instead of putting the old one in I wonder how it would have come out with just the old ones. Just their colour would have been subtle and made them blend in with the raisins more.

Thanks - and that's another interesting thought on the tarnished nuts.
I suppose I thought about all new, just because I had more of them, but if I do ever revisit this again (maybe 2011's 52) I'll give all these ideas a try.

CLEVER STUFF

Once again you haven't disappointed. I'm not too keen on the desaturated version. But then it's all personal preference isn't it? Technically there's nothing I can say other than it looks perfectly composed, lit and shot, certainly 100 times better than anything I could produce. Bottom line is I saw it, I smiled and I thought "neat". What more could you want from a photograph other than a positive reaction ?

Well said.
I know it's not technically brilliant and certainly not the best of my 52 so far, but if it made somebody smile then I'm happy.

Hello Sarah,

Another very good week for you I prefer the de-saturated version too but I would have liked a version in between the two. You shouldn't be too self critical there's no need you are extremely talented.

Just for fun is a nice addition, it works better with the brass screw at the front (dosen't look out of place), it blends with the pliers a lot better.

Thanks Graham - and after looking back on this again "just for fun" is actually my favourite too. Despite breaking all my rules about no PP this week.

another good week sarah.. love how you come up with great ideas for the themes..

can only echo others comments, think older nuts might have worked? and somewhere between the two on the saturation.. look forward to seeing 'play'

Thanks Mich . . . and play will be coming up shortly!

Good interpretation Sarah - oh to have an imagination like that!

I prefer the first shot but I do agree with Ian:

Thank you Ian.
Imagination is the one aspect that I don't struggle with.
Now if I can ever get my photographic and PP skills up to the same level I'll have it made !

Hellooooo

Sorry I havn't been in to comment recently - thought it was about time I had a shufty to see how you are getting on. Opened your thread at "Street" so I'll start there:

Street - LOVE the use of the IR filter and I actually agree with you that the shot sans ghosty isn't as strong as it could be. I think the less "in your face" ghost in the third shot you posted works the best.

Speed - Defintaly the hourglass shot. It really gives the feeling of movement and the PP to put the shots together is spot on. There is nothing wrong with the drugs shot - it just isn't nearly as inventive.

Present - I like the colours, I really like how you've used the steam BUT it just isn't as dynamic as Street / Speed.

People - Firstly let me just say that trying to shoot street photography leaves me cold as well and I like that you've found something that you could get enthusiastic about. I'm sorry though - I'm not keen on any of them. #2 is the best of the three but I'm not getting the theme and I can see that you were really trying to give the scene more interest but it just seems a little forced. I don't think I'm explaining myself very well here - in one way what you have done is very clever but at the same time I'm not sure it adds much meaning to the shots and the theme you were trying to represent.

Mechanical - I thought I'd seen this somewhere before... and this is a definate improvement. The only thing I can say is that it could use more DOF. Otherwise I like

SO - one thing I can say is that I can REALLY see how much you have progressed from last years 52. You are really developing your own style.

Thanks for dropping in Fi.
Now where's your personal project got to?

Thank you so much for taking the time to catch up . . . and as usual you're spot on
I agree that "people" is probably one of my weaker ones, but what a theme!
Glad that you like "Speed" though. That's my favourite so far this year I think.

Nothing like a 52 to keep you improving though - I just hope I keep making progress at the same rate that I have so far.

This is another clever idea, Sarah, but I agree it would be better with more DOF. I prefer the first coloured version.

Jenny

Thanks Jenny. I seem to have split opinions on this, but always good to hear other views.
I really must catch up with your project too. Been a bit behind the last couple of weeks.

I much prefer the first desaturated version, but would like a little more to be in focus, I think.

For me the nuts and raisins weaken the image as an interpretation of the theme, but as a fun picture it is great.

Thank you. I thought it was about time I put something a bit lighter into this 52!

I have mixed views on your mixed bag, Sarah:

I think it needs more dof - there was too much out of focus for my liking.

I found it a bit cluttered and thought that the raisins and nuts could have been sprawled further afield.

I loved the contrast between the colouring of the bag and the more industrial colours of the rest of the image. A great touch

You questioned whether you should have included the old dull one. I think, yes, but with a few more to keep it company and to add depth and story.

I think your desaturated version is great.
Desaturation seems to fit this theme well. I like it that you retained a bit of colour contrast with the bag - that's the bit that really attracts me in both images.

Well on theme, but with a cunning difference.

I would have been happy to have shot this.

Thank you Rob - especially for taking the time to write such detailed C&C.
I really did love the vibrant colours in the bag, so I'm glad that you picked up on that detail too.
All in all I think you're pretty spot on with all of that. If there's a 2011 52, then watch this space because it might be 3rd time lucky with this shot.

I prefer the desaturated version but either way it's a great idea. As others have said it could do with a bit more DOF. Fits the theme well and an interesting shot too.

I'm really enjoying this 52 Sarah. Looking forward to see what you comme up with next.

Thank you - I'm getting a lot out of this 52, but it's great to hear that other people are enjoying it too.

Another good shot.
I prefer the 1st shot as the red packaging works really well for me

Thanks Darren.

I must be in the minority as I really like the just for fun version

Not quite in the minority Andy.
After coming back to it that's my favourite too

Great image for the mechanical theme sarah, Very well done

Thank you.

Interesting interpretation of the theme, which works well IMO, I prefer the first one but the variations on processing all work to some degree.

Thanks Steven.

wow mechanical is brilliant! I don't think the old nutty screwy thing looks out of place too much, infact to me it pulls the image together in relation to the colour of the wrench (is it a wrench.. i dunno!) and the colour of the image on the front of the package. Lovely! I hope you didn't eat those raisins after!

Funny story.. actually, it's not that funny but what the hey:
When my sister was younger she thought it'd be funny to pick up some rabbit poop from the school playing field and pop them in her arch enemy's sandwiches for her to enjoy at lunchtime.. And I believe she got half way through her sandwich before realising those weren't raisins. Who has raisins in their sandwiches anyway!? WRONG!

Well I thought that was funny!!!!!
And thank you for dropping in and leaving C&C.

quite like the Just for Fun version. The raisins are not so dark.

Thanks - after not looking for a few days that's my favourite too.

Really like the second version

Thanks Wendy.

 

[foggy4ever]

Good idea for mechanical, not sure which version though. I agree with you about using only the new nuts as they would stand out a little more.

 

[SarahLee]

Good idea for mechanical, not sure which version though. I agree with you about using only the new nuts as they would stand out a little more.

Thanks Scott - I'm completely with you on that!

 

[SarahLee]

After looking back on last week's efforts, I'm sorry to say that it's the "just for fun" photoshopped version that's making the final 52.

But to make up for it, this week really has had minimal PP done to it.
Certainly none of the multi-layered, mad stuff that's featured in some other weeks. Just a curves adjustment, slight crop - and then re-sizing for the web.

Not much to say about this one.
I quite like it, but I'm not sure that it will be to everyone's taste.

I played around with DoF and focal points.
Rather than the traditional foreground in focus and background blur I decided to switch that around for this shot. I like the effect that I've achieved, but don't feel obliged to agree with me

Week 9 - Play


​

Lessons Learnt and Self Critique

I haven't been quite as busy as last week, but I still haven't had that much time, so this will have to stand as it is.
I like it, but there's nothing really new or groundbreaking for me in it.
It kind of is what it is :shrug:

 

[Digitall]

Hi Sarah
I think the idea has some merits, however the pieces nearest that are out of focus are too big in the frame, therefor tend to get in the way and stop the eye from going into the picture. Lighting is quite good on the chess pieces at the rear. I would have liked to have seen more of the board and play.

Allan

 

[DC2Z]

For me the nearest King is just slightly off putting. If he was moved slightly to allow the far right bishop to show a bit more I would like it more

 

[dlh]

I disagree with the above Focus is perfect for the shot, as though you're peering at the other players pieces. Lighting and angle are fantastic. My only niggle is that you have a better chess set than me (and your photo is better too)

 

[holryn]

Lighting a great on this Sarah, especially on the rear pieces - what an interesting set as well. Seems chess it a popular subject for this week.

Have to agree with Darren and Allan though - just a bit too much of the foreground pieces - maybe a slightly higher viewpoint.

 

[Nick T]

For me, that works exactly as it is - wouldn't change a thing in that. Good effort

 

[Briony]

Lovely idea and well executed, like it just as it is ( I wouldn't know if they were in the right or the wrong place anyway )

 

[clud17]

Its a really interesting shot. The lighting of the in focus set is amazing, it really draws my eyes in. Its helped by the framing of the Royal couple by their opposites. I agree it is slightly distracting and wonder if a couple of pawns would have a better effect although i don't think it would have the same impact. It is refreshing to deviate from the obvious dof having the foreground oof so well done for that. Does the shot work for me? yep it does.

 

[dade_f]

Nice shot - good reflections and colour (or lack of) - not sure if the king puts me off or not, it certainly catches the corner of my eye.
eitherway, great shot as usual

 

[jeangenie]

I like this, Sarah. I often play about with focusing on distant objects (usually trees in the forest) with the foreground ones oof, and I know how difficult it is to get the right effect. This works very well and it puts the viewer in the position of a pawn watching the big guns at play! Well judged.

Jean

 

[aztec]

Enjoying your play (chess) image I nearly did the chess board image but when I opened the cupboard the monopoly board was on top so that,s what I photographed also my image had the blur at the foreground due to not being able to focus at such a close distance. Your picture is better and I like the way you have got just the right amount of light onto the pieces

 

[SarahLee]

Hi Sarah
I think the idea has some merits, however the pieces nearest that are out of focus are too big in the frame, therefor tend to get in the way and stop the eye from going into the picture. Lighting is quite good on the chess pieces at the rear. I would have liked to have seen more of the board and play.

Allan

Hi Allan.
and thank you for your honesty.

I knew that this was coming - hence my comment about it maybe not being to everybody's taste
I tried quite a few different angles, wider shots and various other things, but this was the one that I liked. Personally, I think that the oof pieces in the front add a bit more interest than a straight shot of the background pieces.
I do see where you're coming from, I just don't completely agree . . . and that's why photography is subjective I guess

For me the nearest King is just slightly off putting. If he was moved slightly to allow the far right bishop to show a bit more I would like it more

Yes, but then the King wouldn't be lined up centrally on his square

Actually, I agree with you on this point. I was so focussed on getting the lighting and DoF how I wanted it that I missed that bit of composition. You're right, with the King moved a bit to the right it would have framed it better.

I disagree with the above Focus is perfect for the shot, as though you're peering at the other players pieces. Lighting and angle are fantastic. My only niggle is that you have a better chess set than me (and your photo is better too)

Thanks Darren.
I was trying to go for the low angle, peering through the other pieces . . . but was starting to think that I was the only one who could see it

Lighting a great on this Sarah, especially on the rear pieces - what an interesting set as well. Seems chess it a popular subject for this week.

Have to agree with Darren and Allan though - just a bit too much of the foreground pieces - maybe a slightly higher viewpoint.

Thanks Paul.
I haven't looked at many 52s yet, but I take it from that there's a lot more chess to come!
I see what you're saying about the angle. I actually tried a few with different perspectives, but this was the one that I liked when it came to processing them :shrug:

A few reasons for that :

- With the higher angle I lost a lot of the reflection on the board from the opponent's pieces.
- I liked the intimacy of the lower angle.
- I liked the feel of peering in between the pieces at the other side of the board.
- Personally, the fact that the oof pieces are translucent glass and not too
solid makes them less distracting to me.

Clearly this is just my opinion, and I know not everyone is going to agree with me.
It was a choice between showing a "safe", traditional shot that I think most people would have liked . . . or this one, that I like but which is probably going to split opinion

 

[holryn]

Thanks Paul.
I haven't looked at many 52s yet, but I take it from that there's a lot more chess to come!
I see what you're saying about the angle. I actually tried a few with different perspectives, but this was the one that I liked when it came to processing them :shrug:

A few reasons for that :

- With the higher angle I lost a lot of the reflection on the board from the opponent's pieces.
- I liked the intimacy of the lower angle.
- I liked the feel of peering in between the pieces at the other side of the board.
- Personally, the fact that the oof pieces are translucent glass and not too
solid makes them less distracting to me.

Clearly this is just my opinion, and I know not everyone is going to agree with me.
It was a choice between showing a "safe", traditional shot that I think most people would have liked . . . or this one, that I like but which is probably going to split opinion

You just beat me to it Sarah - was wondering who this Ian was .

Looking at the image some more I do tend to agree with you now, especially your 'intimacy' comment. I certainly like the 'reverse' DOF though.

 

[68lbs]

Loving your mixed nuts! Excellent shot from last week and a great twist on the theme.

Not so fussed on this weeks. As others have said, it's the size of the OoF pieces in the foreground that's doing it.

 

[blakester]

Sarah as has been said above, point of focus is a very subjective issue I am undecided on your image though, on the one hand I like the oof pieces framing the pieces opposite but on the other hand the oof pieces distract in a way. That being said, people discussing their own likes and dislikes in the image is good...its good to talk as they say.

Focus aside, I definately like the sharpness in the image, the opaque pieces look like you have painted them in light. I like the composition too, seeing the reflection of the pieces on the shiny squares. Bang on theme too, requires no explanation, all round well done. Iain

 

[SarahLee]

For me, that works exactly as it is - wouldn't change a thing in that. Good effort

Thanks Nick.
I thought it might be a bit Marmite, but I'm glad I'm not alone in liking it.

Lovely idea and well executed, like it just as it is ( I wouldn't know if they were in the right or the wrong place anyway )

Thank you Briony. I'm pleased that you like it.

Its a really interesting shot. The lighting of the in focus set is amazing, it really draws my eyes in. Its helped by the framing of the Royal couple by their opposites. I agree it is slightly distracting and wonder if a couple of pawns would have a better effect although i don't think it would have the same impact. It is refreshing to deviate from the obvious dof having the foreground oof so well done for that. Does the shot work for me? yep it does.

Thank you.
I like to try something different from time to time (always actually!), but the downside is that the results may not be to everyone's taste.

Interesting thought about using Pawns instead and losing the the back row of the set of pieces in the foreground . . . why didn't I think of that?
I might just have to try that!

Nice shot - good reflections and colour (or lack of) - not sure if the king puts me off or not, it certainly catches the corner of my eye.
eitherway, great shot as usual

Thanks Dade.
I think that Chris has hit on the ideal compromise with using the pawns in the foreground - just wish that I'd thought of that at the time :bang:

I like this, Sarah. I often play about with focusing on distant objects (usually trees in the forest) with the foreground ones oof, and I know how difficult it is to get the right effect. This works very well and it puts the viewer in the position of a pawn watching the big guns at play! Well judged.

Jean

Thank you Jean . . . it's just nice to do something slightly unexpected now and then.
I'm glad that this one worked for you.

Enjoying your play (chess) image I nearly did the chess board image but when I opened the cupboard the monopoly board was on top so that,s what I photographed also my image had the blur at the foreground due to not being able to focus at such a close distance. Your picture is better and I like the way you have got just the right amount of light onto the pieces

Thanks Shaun - I'm working my way through the 52s now, so I'm looking forward to seeing how your version turned out - and I'm not convinced at all that mine is going to be better

You just beat me to it Sarah - was wondering who this Ian was .

Looking at the image some more I do tend to agree with you now, especially your 'intimacy' comment. I certainly like the 'reverse' DOF though.

Why did I think your name was Ian????
I'm obviously losing the plot tonight!

Thanks for looking again . . . but please don't feel obliged to agree with me
I was just giving my reasons for liking the composition that I chose - it doesn't necessarily make it right.
This photography stuff is hugely subjective, so I welcome any opinions on it whether they're positive or negative.

Loving your mixed nuts! Excellent shot from last week and a great twist on the theme.

Not so fussed on this weeks. As others have said, it's the size of the OoF pieces in the foreground that's doing it.

Thanks Lee.
Glad that "mixed nuts" appealed.

As I said above, I knew that this week was going to be a bit marmite, so thanks for being honest about it

 

[bobsbabes]

not keen on this weeks (sorry feels wrong saying that to you ) think its the pieces at the front

 

[jollyjack]

Nice DOF sarah, you can see what you are focused on and it works well, even got some nice reflection in the board.

Yet again an excellent photo in your 52 collection.

 

[Squawk]

Ooh I really like that, particularly your decision to focus on the background pieces. The image has some real life to it, brings the board alive. Great subject too, wish I had a chess set like that to play with.

Excellent work as usual Sarah, you're another one who is inspiring me week in and week out.

 

[Karlos]

I like it, it almost looks like its a computer rendering, hard to believe its real.