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

[clud17]

I like the photo but i wonder if it would be better without the shallow dof so the viewer can see the full text.
Thats a pretty evil list of chemicals, i wonder why the government even allow the sale of cigarettes!!!
Good luck with the task ahead, i gave up a while back and feel much better for doing so, health has to be incentive enough, the bonus is the extra cash.

 

[Slimbert]

It's certainly a list that makes you think about what you're doing to yourself, but I'm afraid it is just a list and doesn't convey much more to me. Sorry

Don't apologise!! :nono: Thanks for commenting!

I like the photo but i wonder if it would be better without the shallow dof so the viewer can see the full text.
Thats a pretty evil list of chemicals, i wonder why the government even allow the sale of cigarettes!!!
Good luck with the task ahead, i gave up a while back and feel much better for doing so, health has to be incentive enough, the bonus is the extra cash.

Cheers! I've only tried to quit once before, and I lasted roughly 11 weeks, but this time I REALLY want to stop and I WILL do it!!

 

[Cunniffe66_]

I think the chemicals picture works for this reason.
It's black & white with a stark contrast, much like how the effects of smoking are black & white - There is no grey area, it's definitely bad for you.

Edit: I'm not sure if that is constructive crit or a hint for people to stop smoking heh.

 

[jeangenie]

I agree with Steve on the Chemistry picture - those chemical are just plain scary and the strong black and white treatment is just right.

Reading them is frightening me - and I've never smoked. Good luck with the giving up Damien, your GP should be offering all kinds of help. Are you going to print copies of this list out and pin them up around the house?

Jean

 

[Lynton]

i wonder why the government even allow the sale of cigarettes!!!

Just a hunch but maybe something to do with the amount of tax. 20 a day at say £5.50 a pack, is £2,000 give or take (or a couple of L lenses!!!!), and duty + tax is approx £1500 or so. (75%!)

source: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/vices-calculator


Now as to the pic....... Not your best, but some Chemistry there. I know you mainly smoke rollups, but think of the lens fund, against the tobacco habit......... mind you, I though about quitting red wine in order to buy glass......

We all have our vices!

 

[RobC]

I owe you two !!

Play. I can't see her face, it's possibly a little wonky, the TV is oof BUT ..... It's brilliant, I really, really like it. I think it is beacuse it reminds me of my children, when I'm sat on the sofa all I can see is the back of them and all I can hear is their laughter. It's brilliant fella


Chemistry. I completely love this. Please don't ask why, I honestly could not say but I just have to look at it over and over, I hate reading and yet it's all I keep doing, reading your photograph !!

 

[Slimbert]

I think the chemicals picture works for this reason.
It's black & white with a stark contrast, much like how the effects of smoking are black & white - There is no grey area, it's definitely bad for you.

Edit: I'm not sure if that is constructive crit or a hint for people to stop smoking heh.

Either way your comments are appreciated! Cheers Steven!

I agree with Steve on the Chemistry picture - those chemical are just plain scary and the strong black and white treatment is just right.

Reading them is frightening me - and I've never smoked. Good luck with the giving up Damien, your GP should be offering all kinds of help. Are you going to print copies of this list out and pin them up around the house?

Jean

Thanks Jean! It almost came out as I wanted it to, and when I'd finished PP'ing it I was 90% pleased with it. Then the more I looked at it last night, the more I started to dislike it. Then I looked at it again today and I like it again....:shrug:....

Now as to the pic....... Not your best, but some Chemistry there. I know you mainly smoke rollups, but think of the lens fund, against the tobacco habit......... mind you, I though about quitting red wine in order to buy glass......

We all have our vices!

Cheers Lynton! I know it's not my best, but not even a photography god like me can produce iconic image after iconic image all the time.....

Seriously, it's a little out of my norm....whatever my norm is :shrug:.....but I'm sort of happy with it, as I keep going back for another look, waaaaay more often than I would normally do with my other photos! That has to be a good thing right??!

I owe you two !!

Play. I can't see her face, it's possibly a little wonky, the TV is oof BUT ..... It's brilliant, I really, really like it. I think it is beacuse it reminds me of my children, when I'm sat on the sofa all I can see is the back of them and all I can hear is their laughter. It's brilliant fella


Chemistry. I completely love this. Please don't ask why, I honestly could not say but I just have to look at it over and over, I hate reading and yet it's all I keep doing, reading your photograph !!

Thanks loads Rob! I'm glad you like them, it really is appreciated!

 

[blakester]

Damien, just had a look at your chemistry shot, I like it.
The processing and gritty feel to this is spot on for what you are portraying here. It has quite a sinister feel (if thats the right expression).
Well done, I think it is on theme so .

What about this weeks theme?

 

[Slimbert]

Damien, just had a look at your chemistry shot, I like it.
The processing and gritty feel to this is spot on for what you are portraying here. It has quite a sinister feel (if thats the right expression).
Well done, I think it is on theme so

That's exactly the word I've been looking for....Sinister!! That's what I set to out to capture....

Thanks Iain!

What about this weeks theme?

When I first found out (Lynton text me while I was in the bath!) I thought, "YES!! Finally a really easy one!!"....but the more I've thought about it, the more I think this could get quite tricky!

I take loads of candid snaps of the kids, but I prefer to do something a little outside my comfort zone for my 52 shots, and that makes this quite difficult....how do you make something you do very often feel unfamiliar??? ......buggered if I know!! :shrug:

 

[blakester]

When I first found out (Lynton text me while I was in the bath!) I thought, "YES!! Finally a really easy one!!"....but the more I've thought about it, the more I think this could get quite tricky!

That statement has thrown all sorts of sinister images into my head

My eyes.......my eyes........

 

[Slimbert]

That statement has thrown all sorts of sinister images into my head

My eyes.......my eyes........

You're the one who turns up to my house when I'm wearing nothing but a towel!!

 

[blakester]

You're the one who turns up to my house when I'm wearing nothing but a towel!!

Thanks for reminding me
I have only just got that little episode out of my head and you go and plant another one in there, cheers

 

[jgs001]

Play... clearly playful, she looks like she's having fun.. it works well.. I can't help thinking it would be good to see the concentration or smile on her face, but then we'd lose the context a bit (not helpful in the slightest... sorry)..

Chemistry... OMG... what a horrible list of chemicals... the processing is about bang on. Good luck with giving up.

 

[Slimbert]

Play... clearly playful, she looks like she's having fun.. it works well.. I can't help thinking it would be good to see the concentration or smile on her face, but then we'd lose the context a bit (not helpful in the slightest... sorry)..

Chemistry... OMG... what a horrible list of chemicals... the processing is about bang on. Good luck with giving up.

Thanks John! That list of Chemicals is only a very short one, the full list of roughly 600, makes for horrible reading!!

 

[foggy4ever]

The present shot works really well, nice to see some grit and determination using your present.

You seem to have found a face that is over flowing with character for the People shot.

The shot of the windwill is excellent, could even have won last months competition.

Love the play shot, nothing more enjoyable than watching a child having fun

I think all the smokers aren't going to like your chemistry shot , it should make a few of them want to quit

 

[SarahLee]

welcome back Damien and a good catch up !

Play : It's a nice fun shot.
A shame you couldn't have found something a bit darker (in terms of brightness not in the other sense) for her to play, because I'd really like to get a bit more of an impression of what's on the screen. It just looks very, very bright on my monitor.
All in all though, it fits the theme well and is emotionally and visually appealing. I like it

Chemistry : Well it definitely fits the theme and it makes reading.
The PP and the composition work very effectively and technically I think it's a very good shot.
As an image I'm not sure that it has quite enough punch for me though. I'd really like to see a cigarette in an ashtray in the foreground with the smoke drifting up the RHS, just to give it some more context and depth.

p.s. Good luck with quitting !!!!

 

[Slimbert]

The present shot works really well, nice to see some grit and determination using your present.

You seem to have found a face that is over flowing with character for the People shot.

The shot of the windwill is excellent, could even have won last months competition.

Love the play shot, nothing more enjoyable than watching a child having fun

I think all the smokers aren't going to like your chemistry shot , it should make a few of them want to quit

Thanks Scott! Although I seriously doubt that highlighted bit!!

welcome back Damien and a good catch up !

Play : It's a nice fun shot.
A shame you couldn't have found something a bit darker (in terms of brightness not in the other sense) for her to play, because I'd really like to get a bit more of an impression of what's on the screen. It just looks very, very bright on my monitor.
All in all though, it fits the theme well and is emotionally and visually appealing. I like it

Chemistry : Well it definitely fits the theme and it makes reading.
The PP and the composition work very effectively and technically I think it's a very good shot.
As an image I'm not sure that it has quite enough punch for me though. I'd really like to see a cigarette in an ashtray in the foreground with the smoke drifting up the RHS, just to give it some more context and depth.

p.s. Good luck with quitting !!!!

Thanks Sarah! I like what you're saying about needing some smoke in my chemistry shot, not something I'd have thought of doing!

 

[Slimbert]

Thought I'd put two photos up for Candid, not sure why, just fancy doing it!!

Only the TP members who have been to my house will fully appreciate the one...

This is Purdy, she's a Labradoodle, and she NEVER stops! Both Lynton and Blakester have left my house absolutely covered in dog hair! She's the canine version of a tornado and this is a very rare photo, in that whenever I try to get a sneaky pic of her, she hears the zip go on my camera bag and immediately gets up to investigate what all the noise is about!!



Second up, is a photo taken at a wedding I did with Ryanyboy recently. This is the best man doing a final run through of his speech at the pub before him and the groom, ushers etc set off to the venue. Got a few candids to show from that day, but I like the processing on this one!



C+C is welcome from people of all abilities, don't be scarred to say exactly what you think!!

 

[RobC]

I find it really hard to be critical of other peoples work, if I like something then I like it, there may not even be a specific reason. Same goes for if I dislike something, only real difference is I've been bought up in a certain way, If I've nothing nice to say about someone or something then I 'hold my mouth'.

Having said that I'm trying to convince myself that crit (one way or another) is benificial. So:

#1 Nice dog but I don't get it (as I don't know her) is it a little soft or something around her belly? - could be my crappy laptop monitor though. Cute pic all the same, I have shots of my cats I love to bits but would be torn apart by most on here

#2 Bleedin love it !! The colours really POP, the subject matter is spot on, the composition is near perfect, it's sharp as a tack and although it's probably going to annoy people the fence post works really well at drawing my eye to the subject.







(Please don't hate me )

 

[SarahLee]

Only the TP members who have been to my house will fully appreciate the one...

That's so not true

a) I think Purdy is gorgeous
and
b) I sympathise with trying to get a shot of a dog that just won't keep still

Photographically it's not quite right for me. The angle and the focal point just make it look a bit odd and I don't think that the harsh lighting / shadows are helping any.
Nonetheless it's still got the awwww factor and I do like it, just for that reason.

The second one is technically the far better photo and a good capture. He really is looking nervous about his speech.
But I just don't like it as much as the first one :shrug:
A personal preference thing. I've said this so many times on here already this week, but I just don't really like people shots.

For that reason, if I had to pick a favurite subject matter wins over technical skill for me this week.
The shot of Purdy just engages me and draws me in more.

 

[Slimbert]

(Please don't hate me )

How dare you say such things about my photos!!!



Seriously, I know some people on here can get a bit touchy about people finding faults with their work....but I'm not one of those people! Say whatever you like, as long as it's not a personal attack, I'll be fine with it!! I encourage people of all abilities and confidence to comment on my pictures, because I love to hear what people think of my photos, whether it's good or bad!!

The dog picture is obviously a more personal thing, which I knew before I posted it. There are lots of faults with that one, the main one being that I took it at 1/25 while she was chasing cats in here sleep! I took it at 11mm, ISO1600 and f4, which in low light without a flash usually makes for a very poor photo!

Why did I post it?? Because most of the Candid shots I've seen have been of people rather than animals, so I thought I'd mix it up a bit!

Serious head again Rob, thanks for taking the time to comment, it really is appreciated and please come back in future weeks to comment again! Use me as practice before you unleash your crit on the rest of TP!!

That's so not true

a) I think Purdy is gorgeous
and
b) I sympathise with trying to get a shot of a dog that just won't keep still

Photographically it's not quite right for me. The angle and the focal point just make it look a bit odd and I don't think that the harsh lighting / shadows are helping any.
Nonetheless it's still got the awwww factor and I do like it, just for that reason.

The second one is technically the far better photo and a good capture. He really is looking nervous about his speech.
But I just don't like it as much as the first one :shrug:
A personal preference thing. I've said this so many times on here already this week, but I just don't really like people shots.

For that reason, if I had to pick a favurite subject matter wins over technical skill for me this week.
The shot of Purdy just engages me and draws me in more.

Thanks for commenting Sarah! You've told it exactly how I see it myself!! I prefer the shot of Purdy, purely because it's more personal to me. Photos are always subjective, and I think the above photos show that quite well....so....technique or subject?? In a perfect world, I'd have both everytime, but especially with family snaps, just the subject can be enough!

 

[MadFrankie]

Some great shots all through the 52, and I agree with the above the shot of the best man is great, I'd love to have that one in my wedding album if it was my wedding. It's the kind of story shot that makes the day and album more special!

 

[Slimbert]

Some great shots all through the 52, and I agree with the above the shot of the best man is great, I'd love to have that one in my wedding album if it was my wedding. It's the kind of story shot that makes the day and album more special!

Thank you Gary! I was 2nd shooter at the wedding, which is just as well as my failure rate over the day was quite high!

The wedding couple had said they wanted plenty of candid shots throughout the day, I could be wrong but I think that is a growing trend....some couples I've spoken to recently have said they aren't that bothered about the traditional formal group shots!

Thanks again for commenting!

 

[Lynton]

That is some serious photoshopping to get that mutt in her basket! Never ever seen the pizza monster anywhere near sleeping! You knock her out with T's JD& coke?


to me, No 2 for candid says it all. To me, that is EXACTLY what candid means. Subject he is aware he may be photographed at any time (unlike my old boy eating his chips!!) but blissfully unaware that he has been caught in action!

 

[Slimbert]

That is some serious photoshopping to get that mutt in her basket! Never ever seen the pizza monster anywhere near sleeping! You knock her out with T's JD& coke?


to me, No 2 for candid says it all. To me, that is EXACTLY what candid means. Subject he is aware he may be photographed at any time (unlike my old boy eating his chips!!) but blissfully unaware that he has been caught in action!

Thank you Lynton! She'd just come back from a very large walk and I already had my camera out (no zip noise to wake her) so I seized the moment!!

I do like the second one mainly because I think the effort I put in with PP shows through....not something I get to say very often about my processing!!

 

[Harlequin565]

Hi Damien,

Bit of a catch up for me...

Chemistry: As a smoker also trying to quit I appreciate the thought behind this, so I like it, and I like the PP. Hard gritty and uncompromising. Now go PP "But they're soooo nice" in fluffy orange letters over it

Not too sure about the candid dog. Looks more like a family snap to me. However the best man is also something I empathise with and like. That expression on the face, even though you can only partly see it says everything. I thought it was the best man & when your commentary said it was, I knew you'd nailed it with the picture. Who needs words for that one?

Ian.

 

[Sonial]

Sweet shot of Purdy...I have many pictures of my daughter asleep for just the same reason

I do like the 2nd candid a lot though, great catch and nice pp

 

[Slimbert]

Hi Damien,

Bit of a catch up for me...

Chemistry: As a smoker also trying to quit I appreciate the thought behind this, so I like it, and I like the PP. Hard gritty and uncompromising. Now go PP "But they're soooo nice" in fluffy orange letters over it

Not too sure about the candid dog. Looks more like a family snap to me. However the best man is also something I empathise with and like. That expression on the face, even though you can only partly see it says everything. I thought it was the best man & when your commentary said it was, I knew you'd nailed it with the picture. Who needs words for that one?

Ian.

Thanks Ian! Just been to the docs as I've completely lost my voice and sound like a gay dalek, the quack told me I have a double whammy of laryngitis and pharyngitis....makes me even more determind to quit (once I get my appointment through from my new GP anyway!) as it obviously ain't helping!!

Losing my voice made for a rather amusing "phoning in sick" telephone call this morning! Don't know who was laughing more, me or my boss!!

 

[Slimbert]

Sweet shot of Purdy...I have many pictures of my daughter asleep for just the same reason

I do like the 2nd candid a lot though, great catch and nice pp

Thanks Sonia! You taking the time to comment is really appreciated, thank you!

 

[ryanyboy]

Nice one Mr D. I think the second one was a great capture - cheers mate

And she's a lovely doggy - it's a great picture too - I love the colours

Ryan

 

[Slimbert]

Nice one Mr D. I think the second one was a great capture - cheers mate

And she's a lovely doggy - it's a great picture too - I love the colours

Ryan

Thanks Ryan! I don't think number 2 was my best of the day, but I do struggle with processing sometimes and I like to think the extra time I put in paid off on that one!

 

[Slimbert]

For the first time in ages, I'm going to be on time this week....

First off, I know this is the same as Lyntons week 12, but great minds think alike and all that....plus I haven't been well this week, so I'll have to make do!!

This is some sort of sugar factory, that obviously "produce"s things (see what I did there?)....no idea what exactly, but I'll have a wild stab in the dark guess that it's something to do with sugar :shrug:

Anyway, not a great shot, but in my defence the weather wasn't too clever and I'm fairly happy that I've at least got something in on time for a change!! Plus it's the first photo I've edited since I had my laptop screen calibrated....what difference it will make I've no idea!!

Lens: Tamron f2.8 17-50mm
50mm
ISO100
F8
30 Seconds....

As usual, please feel free to comment whatever your ability....I won't sulk or bite!

 

[Mike Jackson]

Good idea but it leaves me a bit cold. It could do with something going on to draw me in. Perhaps a different crop to lose some of the dead space would help.

Mike

 

[Slimbert]

Good idea but it leaves me a bit cold. It could do with something going on to draw me in. Perhaps a different crop to lose some of the dead space would help.

Mike

Thanks Mike! I agree, it is a bit cold, and the dead space is doing nothing for it at all. Even some boring clouds would have helped a bit!

I'll be revisiting the spot at some point over the summer, maybe in daylight with some ND filters :shrug: Fluffy clouds make everything look nice!

 

[DC2Z]

A good take on the theme and I like the photo, I would prefer it if it was cropped down a bit on the top

 

[Slimbert]

A good take on the theme and I like the photo, I would prefer it if it was cropped down a bit on the top

Thank you Darren! I was hoping to push the exposure in lightroom and get a nice purple sky, not sadly, it was not to be!

I haven't cropped the image at all, might go back and have a fiddle!

 

[aztec]

Like the reflections of the lights hitting the ground but as other people in forum have already said it does need a crop IMHO I would crop the foreground for better composition ie rule of thirds, like the feel of the picture and look forward to the cropped version

 

[Sparkles33]

It's missing something.....but I still like it. I like night time photography though.

Maybe if there'd been a street lamp starbursting, it would have been a little more appealing, having something else to draw attention.

BTW...what's your avatar??

 

[Briony]

Sweet photo but does not really do much for me, perhaps a bit more of a closer crop to show exactly what it is, but very nicely lit all the same.

 

[Slimbert]

Like the reflections of the lights hitting the ground but as other people in forum have already said it does need a crop IMHO I would crop the foreground for better composition ie rule of thirds, like the feel of the picture and look forward to the cropped version

Thanks Shaun! The "ground" that's showing the reflections is actually the Norfolk Broads....I was stood on the same side of the water as the facrory just a little further round the curve of the bank. Makes it tricky to get a decent composition, but I will be going back for another go when the weather is better!! Thanks for commenting!!!

It's missing something.....but I still like it. I like night time photography though.

Maybe if there'd been a street lamp starbursting, it would have been a little more appealing, having something else to draw attention.

BTW...what's your avatar??

Thanks Nattalie! As I've already said, I'll be going back to have another go at this. Too many things I'm not happy with....I think the main wrong'un is the sky :shrug: And it's a little OOF which doesn't help when trying to edit it....!!

Sweet photo but does not really do much for me, perhaps a bit more of a closer crop to show exactly what it is, but very nicely lit all the same.

Nicki....there is no place for terrible jokes like that anywhere in this 52 well....maybe sometimes....!! Thanks for taking the time to comment!!