Slimberts 52, Week 26, "Beginnings" (Page 15)

[Slimbert]

As I've mentioned previously on this thread, I've been crazy busy at work lately, and just haven't got round to doing something for my week 5 "Speed" photo yet. So I'm going to do a bit of a cop out, and (for now) combine weeks 5 and 6....

Currently, I don't know how much I weigh. My bathroom scales only measure up to a maximum of 21st 10lb, and when I stand on them, they say ERR. Which I think means "err....get off me you fat lump!". So I can only asume that I'm 22st+. I'm 6ft tall, which hides my weight a bit, people tend not to believe me when I say how heavy I am, that or they are just being polite! :shrug:

My diet is dreadful, and I smoke 20 cigs a day, and I haven't done any form of exersize for maybe 4 or 5 years....my body is definitely not a temple, it's more like punchbag!

For the last two weeks I've been sweating my nuts off in the gym. 40-45 minutes on the treadmill, followed by roughly 30 minutes of weight training, every other day. It's really hard work, and it's been a huge shock to my system, but I feel loads better. I can breath easier, I'm getting stronger, and (rather oddly) I'm enjoying it! Even to the point where I'm looking forward to my next session!!

Here follows the first ever photograph of me taken by myself. Not because I'm camera shy, but simply because I've never thought to take one before! And this is me in my "Present" form, February 2010....

From time to time I'll be including some info on my progress throughout the year. I guess the first milestone will be when I'm light enough to be weighed by my bathroom scales! As a rough target, I think I'd be quite happy around the 17/18 stone mark, let's see how far I can get by the end of this 52!!

Oh, and my head isn't really that shape, that's the barrell distortion from my 11mm!!

Thanks for looking!!

 

[jeangenie]

Wow, Damien, that's quite a regime you've set yourself, but it sounds like you're determined to reach your target weight. How about posting progress on this thread in People and Portraits as well (we could do with more fellas on it!)

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=170457

As to the photo - well done on your first SP, I think it's the most scary thing to do in photography. And good luck with the fitness programme.

Jean

 

[Lynton]

I've met you - several times. Your head IS that shape! Admit it. No point in being in denial about it!

On a more serious note - brave of you to put up a self portrait and yes it does capture speed with present as well...... maybe could have set the treadmill faster and a longer exposure so legs were blurred just like roadrunner in the cartoons....

Maybe a competition for the last week of the year. One image with at least 6 of the weekly themes in it!

 

[Slimbert]

Wow, Damien, that's quite a regime you've set yourself, but it sounds like you're determined to reach your target weight. How about posting progress on this thread in People and Portraits as well (we could do with more fellas on it!)

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=170457

As to the photo - well done on your first SP, I think it's the most scary thing to do in photography. And good luck with the fitness programme.

Jean

Thanks loads Jean! I might post the pic in the thread you mention later....

The trouble I'm having atm is that I want to do more! I walked in my living room after a work out last week and my wife told me I looked like I might keel over any minute! I've had to force myself to slow down, I bust my elbow last week thinking I can lift the heavy weights I used to lift 7 or 8 years ago....the truth is I can barely lift half as much!

I really don't have a problem with self image, I don't mind the way I look, I'm doing this for health reasons. I sick of being tired all the time, and I can't run around the garden with my kids....things like that are worrying me....

Thanks again for the comments, and thanks for the link!

I've met you - several times. Your head IS that shape! Admit it. No point in being in denial about it!

My head is not that shape :razz: ...there are enough false rumours about me floating around on these forums, I don't need an "egg head" one aswell!!

On a more serious note - brave of you to put up a self portrait and yes it does capture speed with present as well...... maybe could have set the treadmill faster and a longer exposure so legs were blurred just like roadrunner in the cartoons....

Great minds think alike...!! I did try that, but I found I couldn't get just my legs blurred....it was either all of me, or none of me!

Maybe a competition for the last week of the year. One image with at least 6 of the weekly themes in it!

Genious idea, but if I keep my weight loss up, my last photo of the year will be a photo of my new self....whatever the official theme is!!

 

[blakester]

Damien good luck on your quest!
Your self portrait fits both themes so well done on that score!
Respect to you on the self portrait and being so candid about your intentions.
Having met your lovely family, you are doing it for all the right reasons
Iain

 

[Slimbert]

Damien good luck on your quest!
Your self portrait fits both themes so well done on that score!
Respect to you on the self portrait and being so candid about your intentions.
Having met your lovely family, you are doing it for all the right reasons
Iain

Thanks Iain! I would type a longer reply, but it's gym time again!

 

[dade_f]

well that certainly IS speed, doing both in one foul swoop!

(so youre not that little boy in your profile, hmmmm)

 

[Slimbert]

(so youre not that little boy in your profile, hmmmm)

Used to be!

Thanks for commenting!

And I'm definitely off to the gym this time, just needed to burn a new CD first, bit bored of the last one!!

 

[jennyb]

What a great idea for 2 themes in one. Excellent. I agree that some motion blur in the legs might have given the picture more "speed", but, most importantly well done on the new exercise regime. It will definitely improve your health in the long term and in my experience the endorphines kick in and give a post-exercise buzz.

I am looking forward to seeing the progress you make throughout the year.

Keep at it!

Jenny

 

[Slimbert]

Just catching up, great shooting pardner!

Sorry Mr Wibbles, missed your comment!! :nuts:

For anyone that has a few spare minutes and fancies a look, wibbly is undertaking a very very good 365, well worth a peek if you get chance!!

What a great idea for 2 themes in one. Excellent. I agree that some motion blur in the legs might have given the picture more "speed", but, most importantly well done on the new exercise regime. It will definitely improve your health in the long term and in my experience the endorphines kick in and give a post-exercise buzz.

I am looking forward to seeing the progress you make throughout the year.

Keep at it!

Jenny

It's a bit of a cop out as I just didn't get round to doing a dedicated "Speed" pic, but I'm happy that this photo fits both themes, and sort of gets me up to date....although I'm still determind to take a dedicated speed picture at some point in the future!!

Thanks for commenting Jenny, it really is appreciated!!

 

[wibbly]

Sorry Mr Wibbles, missed your comment!! :nuts:

For anyone that has a few spare minutes and fancies a look, wibbly is undertaking a very very good 365, well worth a peek if you get chance!!

That's very kind words fellah I'm away at present so should all be updated tomorrow.

Your pic covering both themes is tops, well done mate

 

[Tracer]

Great picture that combines both themes - and full marks for starting your new regime and keeping up with it. I look forward to progress reports and pictures - well done!

 

[Slimbert]

Your pic covering both themes is tops, well done mate

Thanks!

Great picture that combines both themes - and full marks for starting your new regime and keeping up with it. I look forward to progress reports and pictures - well done!

Thank you! My wife told me today that she thinks I look "smaller", I'm taking that as a compliment!!

 

[Cunniffe66_]

Damien, your head is a bit of a homer simpson head if i'm being honest

heh just kidding, best of luck with the 52 for photos and health.
As for that picture though, it needs more motion blur Get those knees up!

 

[Harlequin565]

Oh, and my head isn't really that shape, that's the barrell distortion from my 11mm!!

Of course it is. We believe you

Anyway, good luck on your quest. As a smoker of a few more than 20 a day I note there is no mention to cut those out.

Self-portrait is a good idea, and fits your double-whammy theme.

Will try and follow the rest of the thread with interest. I like these diary-style 52's.

Ian.

 

[Slimbert]

Damien, your head is a bit of a homer simpson head if i'm being honest

heh just kidding, best of luck with the 52 for photos and health.
As for that picture though, it needs more motion blur Get those knees up!

My head is not like Homer Simpsons, he has more hair than me!!

I did try for the motion blur, but it wasn't happening. I was more in to the work out than the photography!!

Thanks again Steven, good to see you're still about form time to time!

Anyway, good luck on your quest. As a smoker of a few more than 20 a day I note there is no mention to cut those out.

Self-portrait is a good idea, and fits your double-whammy theme.

Will try and follow the rest of the thread with interest. I like these diary-style 52's.

Ian.

Well observed, but actually, quiting the nasties is on the calender....I've got an annual asthma (yeah I know how naughty I am) check-up in about two or three weeks, and I'm going to sort it all out for then. I've had Champix recommended to me, so I'm going to enquire about that....

Thanks for commenting Ian, really is appreciated!

 

[Harlequin565]

I've had Champix recommended to me, so I'm going to enquire about that

Champix did absolutely squat for me. Hope you find it works for you!

Ian.

 

[Slimbert]

Champix did absolutely squat for me. Hope you find it works for you!

Ian.

I tried the Nicotine Lozenges last time and I managed 12 weeks....it's the only time in 15 years I've had a go at quiting. I'll see what the doctor recommends. I do have a bit more will to quit this time, and I know what to expect, I convinced I'll do it!!

 

[SarahLee]

Well done Damien - both on the shot and the new fitness regime
And it looks like you have had the treadmill going faster. The marks on the right hand rail look like someone's been hanging on for dear life

Not a lot that I can say about the shot, yes some motion blur and a bit of work on the lighting / shadows could have made it more aesthetically pleasing . . . but for me it is what it is. As a milestone of where you are right now and as an interpretation of weeks 5 and 6 themes it's perfect!

Good luck with the weight loss and quitting smoking - hopefully we'll have some more themes come up where you can share your progress.

 

[Slimbert]

Thanks Sarah! I am hoping for some themes that will fit my weight loss and quiting smoking attempts.....might be some tenuous links coming up in the near future!!

 

[blakester]

I've met you - several times. Your head IS that shape! Admit it. No point in being in denial about it!

On a more serious note - brave of you to put up a self portrait and yes it does capture speed with present as well...... maybe could have set the treadmill faster and a longer exposure so legs were blurred just like roadrunner in the cartoons....

Maybe a competition for the last week of the year. One image with at least 6 of the weekly themes in it!

No comment on the shape of your head Damien but what is that shadow of on the left hand side of your image?

 

[Slimbert]

No comment on the shape of your head Damien but what is that shadow of on the left hand side of your image?

Shut your face Iain!!! My head is not that shape, stop bullying me

Weighed myself earlier, the scales are still not showing my weight :shake: However, three people have said I look like I've lost weight, so it can't be far away....

Gym again today, not missed a session in almost three weeks! Dead chuffed with myself!!

 

[blakester]

Shut your face Iain!!! My head is not that shape, stop bullying me

Weighed myself earlier, the scales are still not showing my weight :shake: However, three people have said I look like I've lost weight, so it can't be far away....

Gym again today, not missed a session in almost three weeks! Dead chuffed with myself!!

Just messing Damien
i was chatting to Lynton last night, so I blame him
Well done on the gym front Damien, it gets addictive

 

[Slimbert]

Just messing Damien
i was chatting to Lynton last night, so I blame him
Well done on the gym front Damien, it gets addictive

Yeah, I blame everything on Lynton!!

He's in London today, so I can spread allsorts of rumours about him all over the forums and he's powerless to do anything about it!!

 

[chris321]

Oooh, it's a good take on 'present'! I took the easy way out, and took a photo of an actual present, I racked my brains for ages coming up with some kind of clever shot for the present, but came up with nothing, so well done!

Good luck with the 52, and even more so with the healthy living

 

[RobC]

Smashing picture nicely combining two weeks.
Hats off to you for your honesty and the very best of luck with your new regeime.

 

[SpidersEye]

A good picture to fit both themes, and well done for the self-portrait (I'm thinking I might have to do one for one week!). Best of luck with the new regime, and it's good that you're enjoying it too

 

[jgs001]

Well done Damien. For putting in the effort and hard work (and it sure sounds like a lot of work) to get fit, and for the SP. It fits both themes well, although a little motion blur in the legs would have enhanced the speed.

Good luck

 

[Slimbert]

Oooh, it's a good take on 'present'! I took the easy way out, and took a photo of an actual present, I racked my brains for ages coming up with some kind of clever shot for the present, but came up with nothing, so well done!

Good luck with the 52, and even more so with the healthy living

Thanks Chris! Fitness is going well, still haven't missed a session yet, three weeks and counting!!

Smashing picture nicely combining two weeks.
Hats off to you for your honesty and the very best of luck with your new regeime.

Thanks Rob! Scales are still refusing to weigh me, but can't be far away now....!!

A good picture to fit both themes, and well done for the self-portrait (I'm thinking I might have to do one for one week!). Best of luck with the new regime, and it's good that you're enjoying it too

Thanks Kay! Really am enjoying it which is something I didn't expect at all. I really did think I'd be bored of it by now! Even my wife is noticing my new muscles...!!

Well done Damien. For putting in the effort and hard work (and it sure sounds like a lot of work) to get fit, and for the SP. It fits both themes well, although a little motion blur in the legs would have enhanced the speed.

Good luck

Thanks John! It really is hard work moving 22st+ on a treadmill for 45 minutes at a time. I look close to death everytime I get off the bloody thing!! The motion blur was something I really did want to get in the shot, but sadly I was more in to the training than the photo so had to settle for the photo I posted. Shame, but not the end of the world I guess...!

Thanks to all of you for commenting! Much appreciated!

 

[Slimbert]

Well, due to being quite busy this week, and being ill this weekend I've missed yet another deadline....:bang:

Which is a double shame as I bought my first L lens this week love, and have done nothing more than take 3 or 4 test shots with it....:thumbsdown:

Need to get my backside in gear this week and catch up!

 

[68lbs]

My bathroom scales only measure up to a maximum of 21st 10lb, and when I stand on them, they say ERR. Which I think means "err....get off me you fat lump!"

I am so with you on this one... I even have the matching head and specs!

Top marks for making the effort to do something about it!

 

[Slimbert]

I am so with you on this one... I even have the matching head and specs!

Top marks for making the effort to do something about it!

Thanks Lee! Scales are still refusing to weigh me...Must have been over 22st by more than I thought!! I haven't missed a session in the gym since I started about 3 weeks ago....it can't be long now!!!

And seriously, my head does not look like that, despite what Lynton, Iain or anyone else says!!!

 

[Slimbert]

Ok, another sort of cop out for me for week 7....but it's my 52 so :razz:

This is a photo I took a few weeks ago, but never got round to processing. Only found it by chance when I was hunting through some old raw files.

The photo itself isn't anything special, just a simple snap, but the man in the photo is the definition of special!

His name is Kevin, and he's the landlord of a non for-profit B&B in Great Yarmouth. "Landlord" is selling him a bit short, he's actually a sort of super hero landlord, who mostly at his own expense, takes care of some of the worst youths Great Yarmouth and the surrounding area has to offer!

I came to meet Kevin through my work with some of Norfolks most damaged youths, kids which have been through rough times so bad, that most of us couldn't even begin to imagine. These youths often present some extreme behaviour, but Kevin has never evicted a single one, ever! However difficult his work is, he never gives in, and never loses his cool.

My job is extremely hard at times, but at the end of my working day, I go home to my wife and kids, switch off, and usually go to sleep a happy man. Kevin on the other hand has to put up with these youths almost 24/7, putting up with some very extreme behaviour, and does it with humour, politeness, always a smile, and for that alone he gets all the respect I can give him!

He's a legend in my eyes, and someone I genuinely look up to, and ultimately, my 52 wouldn't be complete without a picture of Kevin. So here he is, stubble and all.....

As always, feel free to comment or critique my photos whatever your ability behind a camera...don't be scarred to say what you think!!

 

[Squawk]

Love the expression on his face, I bet hes a real character. Great story attached too, one of lifes genuine good guys. Puts things in perspective. Got a real glint in his eye and that smile is just great.

 

[SarahLee]

Kevin sounds like an incredible man.
Great story behind this shot and I think you've captured something very special there with the expression on his face and the eye contact with the camera.

If I was offering C&C on it as a portrait, I'd say that the shadow across his lower face is a bit distracting - but as a character shot I think it's brilliant

 

[jennyb]

What a great character and a great shot. The world would be a better place with more like him. You have captured a great expression and it is always nice to read the story behind the shot. Well done (and keep up the exercise).

Jenny

 

[SpidersEye]

What a great portrait. He sounds like a great person, you've captured some real character in this shot

 

[Cunniffe66_]

#7 is good Damien. It immediately brings about a good feeling, especially with the context alongside it. He has a great expression and the eyes remind me of somebody, not quite sure who yet though.

As for photo quality - I like the fact that below the face is dark and there is good background seperation but the DOF should've been a bit wider, the eye on our right is sharp but it seems to drop off quickly around the glasses frames and the left eye. That may have been intentional I'm not sure, It's better than any shot I'd have got of him but imo I would've gone for wider DOF.

Look forward to seeing #8 mate.

 

[Lynton]

It's the story behind the picture that makes week 7. Still, the pic is sharp where it needs to be.

 

[Lasagne]

Nice and warm - the portrait and the explanation