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

Had a great time last night watching a friend who's a motorcross/sidecar rider. He invited me along just to watch, but of course I took along my camera ;) Now, this was my first go at any kind of motorsport, but I really enjoyed it and will definitely be having another go at some point very soon! :thumbs:

There's a few more photos from last night here: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=233154

Week 21 "Isolation"
80mm, f3.5, 1/1600, ISO200

IMG_5803a.jpg

As always, feel free to comment on my photos whatever your experience or level of ability.....be honest, and be as harsh as you like!! :thumbs:
 
Damien, that's great for a first bash at motorsport. The Mono works well for me, and whilst there's no actual movement in the shot, there's plenty of implied, with the small tail, the lean, the legs out etc. Nice line through the image too... not sure what the wave thing in the background is though... some sort of bank ??
 
fairly harsh light still, given the shadows..........

as for Isolation........... hmmm, not entirely sure it fits the theme - granted there is only one moto -x rider in the shot and therefore is i guess "technically" isolated...........

However, for first attempt at motorsport I give it a :thumbs:

Think that's why I am most comfortable with landscapes - they have a habit of not moving about!

Love the first one in your other thread about this. Where is the track?
 
I've been a bit ill this week, bloody Laryngitis has come back to haunt me, but with half-term and the recent good weather we've been having, it was time to get the pool out and spend some "Quality" time with the family.....;)

As I often do with family photos, I took these photos just for fun really, not for crit on here or specifically for my 52, but thinking about it (and with a little nudge from Lynton!) I'd like to share a few! :)

So here is some photos of my two kids and the family pet, making the most of the good weather.....hope you like them! :thumbs:

All of these were taken with my "Condom Camera" as Lynton likes to call it, (a 40D covered with rubber body armor!) and my Canon 50mm f1.4 lens....

"Purdy"
f3.5, 1/4000, ISO100
IMG_8046a.jpg


"Lexi"
f4, 1/4000, ISO100
IMG_8122a.jpg


"Poppy"
f2.8, 1/6400, ISO100
IMG_7992a.jpg

As usual, feel free to comment on any of my images.....don't be shy, say what you think! :thumbs:
 
:thumbs:

If I knew your "paddling pool" was a big monster like that, I'd have come and gatecrashed! Complete with the "Terminator water cannon!" (£5.99 at the Range!)

All 3 are cracking family fun pics, and as you say fun photo's as opposed to going and doing something special for a 52, but my vote has to go to Purdy, purely for the comedy factor, though both Lexi and Poppy are very photogenic....

Shame about that nasty GAS BBQ in the background though on "Lexi" . Us Pentax Luddites will only cook outdoors on real fire! Maybe I should get Dad's ME Super out and go back to film............:lol::lol::lol:
 
First of all, I hope you're feeling better. :)

Isolation: I know nothing (and I mean nothing) about photographing any kind of motor sport, but the way the rider is isolation in the centre of the pic works for me. The mono treatment looks quite extreme but I like it. The only suggestion I would make is to crop it to a square to give even more sense of being isolated in the middle of the track. :)

Quality: #1 - Purdy looks like a happy, wet doggy and it would be great to see more of her face.

#2 - Lexi is obviously going to be a national swimming champ, and I love the look of concentration on her face. My only suggestion would have been to use a shallower dof to throw the background out of focus a bit more, but you didn't originally take them with the theme in mind - capturing a happy moment is enough. :)

#3 - This is my favourite of this set. It looks as though you were battling against brilliant sunshine, and you've controlled the light nicely. I don't think the shadows on Poppy's face detract from the shot, and her expression is so natural. :clap:

Jean
 
jgs001 said:
Damien, that's great for a first bash at motorsport. The Mono works well for me, and whilst there's no actual movement in the shot, there's plenty of implied, with the small tail, the lean, the legs out etc. Nice line through the image too... not sure what the wave thing in the background is though... some sort of bank ??
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Thanks John! :thumbs: I think with the speed of Motocross, it's actually quite an easy way to introduce myself to motorsport.....no 200mph panning needed here! I'd definitely recommend anyone try it.....it's great fun, and you don't need any fancy equipment to do it......although fps and fast focusing glass does help!! ;)

The "wave" thing is indeed a cornering bank, the riders seem to slam into it with their back wheel, give it some juice and then they just fly off towards the next corner.....Most of the riders give it a miss but the competing riders use it every lap! It also serves as a hump/jump for the next lane over, it's quite steep so they go quite high :cuckoo:

Lynton said:
fairly harsh light still, given the shadows..........

as for Isolation........... hmmm, not entirely sure it fits the theme - granted there is only one moto -x rider in the shot and therefore is i guess "technically" isolated...........

However, for first attempt at motorsport I give it a :thumbs:

Think that's why I am most comfortable with landscapes - they have a habit of not moving about!

Love the first one in your other thread about this. Where is the track?
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The track is on the edge of Besthorpe near Attleborough, regular meets every week, mostly people practicing but they do have fairly regular race meets there......I really enjoyed it, could well be something I get "into" a bit more seriously! :thumbs:

ladysue said:
I like the Isolation photo. I think it works well as to me it looks like someone on their own riding off into the middle of nowhere. The BW definitely helps this .
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Thank you Sue! :thumbs: Your comments are genuinely appreciated! :D
 
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jeangenie said:
First of all, I hope you're feeling better. :)

Isolation: I know nothing (and I mean nothing) about photographing any kind of motor sport, but the way the rider is isolation in the centre of the pic works for me. The mono treatment looks quite extreme but I like it. The only suggestion I would make is to crop it to a square to give even more sense of being isolated in the middle of the track. :)

Quality: #1 - Purdy looks like a happy, wet doggy and it would be great to see more of her face.

#2 - Lexi is obviously going to be a national swimming champ, and I love the look of concentration on her face. My only suggestion would have been to use a shallower dof to throw the background out of focus a bit more, but you didn't originally take them with the theme in mind - capturing a happy moment is enough. :)

#3 - This is my favourite of this set. It looks as though you were battling against brilliant sunshine, and you've controlled the light nicely. I don't think the shadows on Poppy's face detract from the shot, and her expression is so natural. :clap:

Jean
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Thanks Jean! :thumbs: The light was extremely harsh but it's something I've been getting used to over the last few weeks.....there are blown highlights all over the place, but for quick fun family snaps, I'm quite happy with them! :)

Purdy actually has her own little pool (to try and keep her out of the big one!) which she spends hours playing in.....she's definitely a water dog! Lexi is a true water baby, she's always loved being in the water, and when I get the pool out, her face just lights up! Poppy on the other hand hates the stuff.....:shake:.....she'll get in while it's filling up, but once the water level gets above about a foot or so, she's off!!! :lol:
 
I particularly like Purdy - it's great the way you've captured her wet hair with such clarity!

Phil
 
All 3 work nicely as fun family pics :thumbs: Not sure they fit the theme per se, but it was a pig of a theme, and I don't think mine fit either.
 
jgs001 said:
All 3 work nicely as fun family pics :thumbs: Not sure they fit the theme per se, but it was a pig of a theme, and I don't think mine fit either.
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Thanks John! :) More of a "joker" week for me I think, but had I not posted these, I doubt I would have got anything for Quality.....you're spot on with it being a pig of a theme!

Still haven't thought about "Post", hopefully something will come to me.....??!! :thinking:
 
philthejuggler said:
I particularly like Purdy - it's great the way you've captured her wet hair with such clarity!

Phil
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Cheers Phil! :thumbs: She's a nightmare to photograph that dog is.....never stays still long enough! Slight shame about the blown highlight on the back of her neck/shoulders.....but this ain't paid work so sod it!! :thumbs:
 
i love the lines on your isolation shot they work perfectly taking the eye in to the rider and then away out of the picture, excellent.
"Purdy" is a fantastic capture and worth getting the condom for.
I also like "Poppy" a great bright sunny image.
"Lexi" is a good capture but the background doesn't help the shot.
Looks like you had a fun weekend, good job really as the weather has gone tits up now.
 
Nice to see you're keeping the good shots up Damien.

The photo of poppy is begging to be printed on canvas though I think maybe a square crop?
 
clud17 said:
i love the lines on your isolation shot they work perfectly taking the eye in to the rider and then away out of the picture, excellent.
"Purdy" is a fantastic capture and worth getting the condom for.
I also like "Poppy" a great bright sunny image.
"Lexi" is a good capture but the background doesn't help the shot.
Looks like you had a fun weekend, good job really as the weather has gone tits up now.
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Thanks for commenting Chris! :thumbs: Had a lovely weekend, making the most of the nice weather! ;) These are the sort of photos I take when I'm messing about at home, which is usually more about catching a moment or documenting the day rather than putting too much effort in to it.....I don't noramally share pics like this, once in a while can't hurt! :thumbs:

Cunniffe66_ said:
Nice to see you're keeping the good shots up Damien.

The photo of poppy is begging to be printed on canvas though I think maybe a square crop?
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Thanks you Steven! :D I very rarely stray from 3:2 ratio, but I might have a go with a square crop.....it's something I never really think about so thanks for nudging me! :thumbs:
 
Little bit behind but this should get me almost up to date.....

Me and Lynton went on one of our little rides out today, and ended up in Swaffham....part time home to Stephen Fry, and also home to Lotto Lout Michael Carroll, although we saw neither while we were there! :p I limited myself to using my 50mm f1.4 all day, and said I'd only process in black and white.....I'm going through a bit of a phase with it at the moment!! :shrug:

Very simple shot this, and although some people might call this a column, I'm calling it a "Post" made out of stone! ;)

Week 23 "Post"
50mm (obviously!), ISO100, f4, 1/2000
IMG_8284a2.jpg

Please feel free to say exactly what you think about any of my images.....all comments from people of any ability are very welcome!! :thumbs:
 
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Firstly I hope the laryngitis is better Damien.
And secondly, sorry for getting so far behind with your thread. I don't know how I've kept missing this one.

Your stone post (aka a column ;) ) works well for me.
I like the B&W processing - the strong sunlight and shadows have added some really nice contrast to it. Good composition with lots of strong lines (which is the other reason that I think the B&W works well)
For a simple subject, you've made it an interesting image.

Have you straightened it? It might just be my eyes but it looks like there's a very slight tilt to it to me.

Your quality shots are all lovely - in fact I think you're being a bit harsh in calling them fun snaps.
Purdy is definitely the stand out one for me though. Love the motion and texture in the wet fur.

First attempt at motorsport . . . :thumbs: I wouldn't know where to start with something like this!
I'm in two minds about the mono though. Aren't their leathers normally brightly coloured? I almost feel like we're missing out on something by not seeing the colours - on the other hand I do rather like the feel that the B&W gives it, so I'm going to sit on the fence on this one.

As for all the others I've missed, your indulgence and stop & stare both really stand out for me. Really like both of these.
 
SarahLee said:
Firstly I hope the laryngitis is better Damien.
And secondly, sorry for getting so far behind with your thread. I don't know how I've kept missing this one.

Your stone post (aka a column ;) ) works well for me.
I like the B&W processing - the strong sunlight and shadows have added some really nice contrast to it. Good composition with lots of strong lines (which is the other reason that I think the B&W works well)
For a simple subject, you've made it an interesting image.

Have you straightened it? It might just be my eyes but it looks like there's a very slight tilt to it to me.

Your quality shots are all lovely - in fact I think you're being a bit harsh in calling them fun snaps.
Purdy is definitely the stand out one for me though. Love the motion and texture in the wet fur.

First attempt at motorsport . . . :thumbs: I wouldn't know where to start with something like this!
I'm in two minds about the mono though. Aren't their leathers normally brightly coloured? I almost feel like we're missing out on something by not seeing the colours - on the other hand I do rather like the feel that the B&W gives it, so I'm going to sit on the fence on this one.

As for all the others I've missed, your indulgence and stop & stare both really stand out for me. Really like both of these.
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Thanks Sarah! :thumbs: The colour version of the Motocross picture is fine, but I chose the B+W version as it worked better for the theme, I guess that picture works for me more than it might for others because I know how busy the track was that day....obviously there's no way others would know that so I might be a little off the mark with that one! :thinking:

Thanks again for commenting Sarah, it's lovely to hear what you have to say! :D
 
Very ropey shot from me this week.....but as I'm in fear of falling way behind again, I'll post it! :(

The weekend just gone, I took the family away for a well needed (and deserved) break to Clacton-on-Sea in Essex. I spoilt the kids rotten, and they loved it.....sadly they've both come back with serious gambling habits, but I'm still smiling from the fun we had! :D

This shot was taken in the amusment arcade on Clacton Pier....

Week 24 "Metal"
50mm (again!), f2.8, ISO1600, 1/1600
IMG_8540a.jpg
 
Stone Column Post... it's an interesting interpretation, and the image works well.. the mono adds to it...

Metal, there's all sorts of bits of metal in there. The reflections look like they were a little tricky, and I bet the glass didn't help, but nicely done.
 
The theme from hell!! :gag:

Well we all knew it would get pulled out of the bag at some point this year....and I suspect there will be a few jokers and crowbars this week (including one from me!) as people struggle with "Grunge".....anyway, here goes! :(

This is another shot taken on my recent weekend away to Clacton, and again with my flavour of the month 50mm f1.4 lens! It's my eldest daughter, and IMO she has that "Grunge" chick look about her....i.e. slightly messy hair, and no smile :shrug: What??! You can't blame me for trying!!! ;)

Week 25 "Grunge"
50mm, f4.5, ISO1600, 1/30
IMG_8419a.jpg

As usual, feel free to comment whatever your level of ability.....just be honest, and say what you think!! :thumbs:
 
Spitting image of Courtney Love.....











not!


But good try all the same. And you can never have too many pics of Poppy :)
 
:agree: maybe if she was more dirty..... still it's a lovely portrait even if it doesn't fit the theme specifically.
 
I know we shouldn't comment on the models but she is far too cute to be used in a grunge shot. Shame on you :lol:

I can see your thinking though and it is a shot to be proud of. Great expression, full of character. Black and white works well.

Still massive use of a crowbar though :lol:

Andy
 
daddy day care said:
I know we shouldn't comment on the models but she is far too cute to be used in a grunge shot. Shame on you :lol:
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100% agree with that sentiment.

But it's a lovely portrait even if it isn't particularly grungey.
I really like the way that the light is catching her hair.

The metal shot brings back memories of childhood holidays and I love it for that reason. It's probably not the most dynamic shot in your 52, but it has some real nostalgia for me.
 
The pros and cons of The23rdman....

Firstly, Dean (The23rdman) is a lovely bloke. Seriously, he's a great guy :thumbs:, but as a result of meeting up with him a couple of times over the last two weeks, I'm going to end up spending a small fortune in the coming weeks!! :thumbsdown:

You see Dean, is one of them flashstrobespeedlite user people types, something I've never EVER even thought about trying to get to grips with. I'm a natural light kind of guy, and even though I've always had a flashgun in my kit bag, it's only ever been in there because it's supposed to be in there....:shake: Even on the very odd occasion I've dusted it off and stuck it on the top of my camera (and only ever on top of my camera!), it's always been e-ttl and auto all the way! :gag:

Dean has now opened my eyes :eek: Flash/strobe (whatever you want to call it) photography doesn't have to be hard, in fact with a bit of practice, it can actually be quite easy, and blimey can it be effective!

Watching and listening to Dean in action was a bit of a revelation. The way he explained and talked his way through what he was doing made it all sound so easy....mainly because it is, so for that, Dean, I thank you a HUGE amount! :notworthy:

But for the bashing my bank account is going to take over the next couple of months.....:shakesfistinangeratDean:

So anyway, here's my shot for Week 26, "Beginnings"......

"Beginnings", because this picture is the first I've ever taken using off camera flash, and this is definitely only the start of it! Please don't tell the wife, but I've already ordered the some triggers and I'm currently looking for another flash blah blah blah etc etc....DAMN YOU DEAN!!!!! :annoyed:

Sadly, I can't take the credit for this one. All the lighting is Deans work.....I just walked in pressed the shutter and buggered off again!! Plenty of faults with this one (all mine I might add!) but feel free to inflate Deans ego by commenting on how great the lighting is.....!! ;)

"Beginnings"
By the way, that's Lynton in the pic!!
IMG_8770a.jpg
 
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Sorry folks....I'm a little behind with the comments on this thread!!

ladysue said:
I think she is far too cute to be grunge but I suppose she has the right expression and its a great photo. The black and white suits the expression.
Sue
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Thank you Sue! :D She's a stunner.....but I'm a 6ft 22 stone ex-bouncer who scowls at everyone in the village so hopefully those smelly little teenage boys will stay well clear of this house when she's older! :bat:

jgs001 said:
maybe if she was more dirty..... still it's a lovely portrait even if it doesn't fit the theme specifically.
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Cheers John! :) Such a hard theme, I doubt many people were too happy with it :shake: I'm just glad to have put it behind me tbh!! :thumbs:

daddy day care said:
I know we shouldn't comment on the models but she is far too cute to be used in a grunge shot. Shame on you

I can see your thinking though and it is a shot to be proud of. Great expression, full of character. Black and white works well.

Still massive use of a crowbar though

Andy
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Thanks Andy! :thumbs: HUGE crowbar, but it had to be done.....I refuse to use any jokers in my 52 so it was the crowbar treatment or nothing :shrug: Thanks again for commenting, it's really appreciated! :)

SarahLee said:
100% agree with that sentiment.

But it's a lovely portrait even if it isn't particularly grungey.
I really like the way that the light is catching her hair.

The metal shot brings back memories of childhood holidays and I love it for that reason. It's probably not the most dynamic shot in your 52, but it has some real nostalgia for me.
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As always, thanks for commenting Sarah! :thumbs: The "metal" picture was done for that exact reason.....well, that and the fact that it was the only picture I had that had metal in it! :naughty: Seriously, I love those old 2p machines.....even the fact that I'm older and slightly wiser (knowing I'll never make a profit out of them) doesn't stop the enjoyment of throwing money in them....:D I love the seaside! :love:
 
Great shot and can't wait to see the results you get with new lighting set up. Its something I really need to learn about so hopefully I'll pick up a few tips from you
 
DC2Z said:
Great shot and can't wait to see the results you get with new lighting set up. Its something I really need to learn about so hopefully I'll pick up a few tips from you
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Thanks Darren! :thumbs: It was definitely Deans efforts rather than mine but it's pushed me in to learning something new....so it's quite an important shot for me! :)

Expect a few more off-camera flash shots in the coming weeks....;)
 
Absolutely stunning golfing pose - I mean lighting Dean oops Damien. (The clubface isn't hooded, it's the Photographer not getting the perfect angle!!! ;))

I also don't remember signing any model release form....:thinking::thinking::lol:

Seriously, yeah OK Dean set the lights up, but for first attempt composition wise of anything like this gets my :thumbs:






The thing for me is you read about it online or on here and think hmm that sounds complicated - manual flash? multiple lights, but was really simply explained...(which suits me!)

I also may/may not (In the remote chance better half reads this) have order a wireless trigger / receiver, and am now considering lighting stands, brackets , a shoot through brolly and a second flash / wireless receiver.........
 
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Interesting shot on the beach, glad you caught an interest in off-camera lighting Damien.

.. So, who hit the ball the furthest? :D
 
Cunniffe66_ said:
Interesting shot on the beach, glad you caught an interest in off-camera lighting Damien.
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Thanks Steven! :D Off camera flash is the future....I've tasted it!! :lol:

Cunniffe66_ said:
.. So, who hit the ball the furthest? :D
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Well it definitely wasn't, Lynton "I play off 8" Smith, that's for sure....:nono: He couldn't hit himself in the face with a brick!! :D
 
yeah yeah yeah........ Taylormade's finest off a downhill lie on a sandy stony beach........:'(:'(:'(:'( :gag:

and it's 10 actually....... not 8. :razz:
 
I like the composition but there's no way you are going to carry that water hazard!:|
 
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