Photo Assignment: Weekend of 9/8/07

[kbasa]

OK, folks. There was some discussion of photography in another thread and I thought it might be fun to start a sort of clinic, where interested folks could submit their photos for critique by a couple folks who seem to know a thing or two about photography.

These aren't meant to be public lashings, humiliation or anything of the like, but rather, an opportunity for all of us to improve our photographic skills. I don't know about you folks, but I've learned a ton about photography by having someone that actually knows what good composition and exposure are provide me with comments on my shots.

SNC1923 (Tom) and Knary (Scott) will offer commentary on photos submitted.

All right. Here are the rules:

Photos have to be shot this weekend.
You must provide the EXIF information if asked (we'll help you, if you'd like to know how to get it)
No photoshop alteration (we're looking to improve your skills with your camera, not software)
Your photograph must adhere to the theme, which will be described below.
Post your photos in this thread only. DO NOT start a thread in reply to this assignment.
Post only one photo per post, so that commentary can be easily provided for that photo.
And, the most important rule - Have Fun! We're looking to spread the joy that many of us derive from taking pictures, particularly ones that tell a story of some kind.

We'll try running this for a few weeks and see what happens. I think we have a number of folks on board the really know how to take pictures, but we also have a significant number of people that really want to learn how to do so.

This week's theme is "A long way to go". You can interpret this however you'd like. Pictures of roads, pictures of little kids learning something, you make the call. It's just like those writing assignments they gave you in high school where you had to write about "pride" or something.

Have at it and we'll look forward to seeing some of your work on Monday!

[terham]

Man, I hate homework assignments over the weekend. My son was just complaining that in high school they assign lots of homework on the weekend.

Can I wait until late Sunday night to do this? :D

[rayadams]

my dog eat my camera

[widebmw]

Why this weekend ?
I went somewhere last weekend and I took pictures.

[SNC1923]

Why this weekend ?
I went somewhere last weekend and I took pictures.

Because there's a totally different dynamic between "post a picture you took sometime during your life" and "post a picture you shot this weekend."

One's not better than the other, but shooting one specifically for this assignment engenders a good-natured sense of competition--though this is really more about feedback and learning than winning or losing.

If this proves to be popular, we'll do different challenges with different guidelines and can open one up for a previously taken photo perhaps.

[SNC1923]

Man, I hate homework assignments over the weekend. My son was just complaining that in high school they assign lots of homework on the weekend.

Can I wait until late Sunday night to do this? :D

Pictures can be posted anytime beginning now; the only caveat is that the photo is shot this weekend.

Hopefully folks can get around to posting them on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.

[Burnszilla]

Great idea Dave.
Not to hijack, but... I think it would be helpful to explain and have students practice one of the characteristics that make a great photo. A good one to start off with is composition. A theme could be restrictive in teaching the basics. One of the first things that one should learn is the Golden Mean (http://photoinf.com/Golden_Mean/) and the rule of thirds.

Burnszilla,
Associate of the Ontario College of Art & Design

[widebmw]

9/7/07

[kbasa]

Great idea Dave.
Not to hijack, but... I think it would be helpful to explain and have students practice one of the characteristics that make a great photo. A good one to start off with is composition. A theme could be restrictive in teaching the basics. One of the first things that one should learn is the Golden Mean (http://photoinf.com/Golden_Mean/) and the rule of thirds.

Burnszilla,
Associate of the Ontario College of Art & Design

Yes, yes! Great overview of the basics of composition.

[j-budimlya]

If I have this right.....here is my plan...FYI....my photographic style is what I refer to as "random" .....so,

here is my weekend assignment.....

I know a place in the local mountains.....where MC events ( the bad kind) happen with some frequency......

so, if I go there with my digital camera....and start taking OH, maybe 1000 images...


just maybe, I will get one suitable to post here for JUDGEMENT....I mean instruction....

Do I have the assignment right??

[kbasa]

Why this weekend ?
I went somewhere last weekend and I took pictures.

We'd like you to consider the theme mentioned above and compose a picture that reflects that theme.

These assignments will help you develop your sense of composition. It's also fun to see what other folks have done with the same assignment.

A bit of background - I learned to take pictures in a camera club back in Lynn, Massachusetts; the Greater Lynn Camera Club. One Monday night a month, we submitted slides, which were critiqued by the more senior members of the club. Invariably, we had an assignment each month. Take pictures of glass. Reflections. Motion. Depth of field. A particular theme, like we've done here. In addition to hearing about our own photos, we got to hear comments about other photos, which greatly added to our learning experience.

We shot with slides, which added expense. Here, we're using digital, so everybody should be able to shoot pictures and post them for just about zip.

So, consider what this month's theme means to you and take some shots. You may not have to leave your house. You might want to go for a ride. You might want to go for a walk. But this should, above all, fun. It will be an exercise that makes you think about your camera, the composition of your photos and what you're really taking a picture of.

Enjoy and we'll see what folks come up with.

As an example, I'm headed to Nashville on business. In light of this week's topic, I might have an opportunity at the airport. :D

Next week, we'll try something else. :buds

[kbasa]

If I have this right.....here is my plan...FYI....my photographic style is what I refer to as "random" .....so,

here is my weekend assignment.....

I know a place in the local mountains.....where MC events ( the bad kind) happen with some frequency......

so, if I go there with my digital camera....and start taking OH, maybe 1000 images...


just maybe, I will get one suitable to post here for JUDGEMENT....I mean instruction....

Do I have the assignment right??

Not quite. We're looking to get you to consider composition. What's in the frame? Does it reflect "long way to go?"

[GeneT]

Why just this weekend ?????

:brow

[knary]

Great idea Dave.
Not to hijack, but... I think it would be helpful to explain and have students practice one of the characteristics that make a great photo. A good one to start off with is composition. A theme could be restrictive in teaching the basics. One of the first things that one should learn is the Golden Mean (http://photoinf.com/Golden_Mean/) and the rule of thirds.

Burnszilla,
Associate of the Ontario College of Art & Design

Those rules are an excellent start. :nod
But only a start.
Some folks (not you), confuse the rough guidelines, such as the "rule of thirds", that help people when they're getting started as ...well... rules.

[knary]

Why just this weekend ?????

:brow

Why not? :wow

[OUTBACKUFO]

Great idea Dave.
Not to hijack, but... I think it would be helpful to explain and have students practice one of the characteristics that make a great photo. A good one to start off with is composition. A theme could be restrictive in teaching the basics. One of the first things that one should learn is the Golden Mean (http://photoinf.com/Golden_Mean/) and the rule of thirds.

Burnszilla,
Associate of the Ontario College of Art & Design

Since my computer just nuked my reply… got to remember what I wrote…:hungover


What Kbasa is trying to relay to the idea of how to think of the photographing assignment… though his wisely wants you to get out and ride:D :clap :brow

Here is an image I did last weekend up on Haggerman Pass, Colorado… this is the base image to show what camera at a averaging captured my friend and I experienced at high elevations…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/OutbackUfo/Motorcycling/JustinHaggermanbwcinternenotadjt.jpg

This images I the finished image to my aesthetical desires to really represent the riding we did… the images has multiple layers to the levels, color balancing, and curves… three main sections and play between color and B&W…. Not what is being asked in the photo assignment… but still it shows what you can find in a photo to really bring out the representation of something more than just an image of ‘something(s)”…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/OutbackUfo/Motorcycling/JustinHaggermanbwcinternet.jpg

Though I would claim that in a more contemporary mode of interpretation that all photos are a manipulated medium… Ansel Adams is a prime example… if you take his negatives and print them with a averaging of the light meter readings you get very dull and bland images… but he with his mastery of making negatives that had depth and details to them brought the images out with manipulations.. his compositions without the dodging and burning in the printing process would not show their strengths… the Golden Mean or rule of thirds is a good base to start from but don’t adhere strictly to it… to really learn and push you images taking abilities look in the details at times…. One good way to look at is alike writing an story… the three parts… foreground (what is in front of your focal point), the “focal Point”, and the background… think about what draws you into the image to find the “story” of the image and how it relates to taking you on a journey to an conclusion of the image or out and back to the focal point… a photograph is a doorway/ looking glass to another world or another place… think about the 3-D aspects you are forcing into a two dimensional plane when taking a picture….

A very good resource is RangeFinder Mag… you can get a subscription (think it is still free for most)

RANGEFINDER (http://www.rangefindermag.com/magazine/current_issue.tml)

Many article for beginners to experts to learn something…

Though I would suggest three things.
1. clean off your memory card before leaving the house… back up on two other places..
2. set you digital camera to the highest quality (dpi) and file size settings…
3. resave all you images as TIFF or RAW formats (if your computer photo software can read them… normally most all software can read TIFF) since then you will not loose and data (details) in the images due to how JPEG format files are saved even if you open on and resave with out doing anything…


Outback UFO
Museum Archived photographer…

[ian408]

Ahem...I think you're ripping off the dgrin challenge thread :rofl

[BMWDEAN]

A long way to go, interrupted by Wisconsin cows with their long way to go.

[kbasa]

Excellent post, Mike. :clap

Excellent photo, Jeff. It tells a story.

[kbasa]

Ahem...I think you're ripping off the dgrin challenge thread :rofl

Yes. I totally am. :ha

[Belquar]

Long way too go....

I attended the bike presentation out in Lancaster PA today. What a great event...

Doug has a long way to go on his new to him FREE BMW.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f229/belquar/P9080698.jpg

The NJ pine barrens freshly charred courtesy of the NJANG F-16 that dropped a flare.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f229/belquar/P9070669.jpg

They aren't going anywhere fast and have no plans to go anywhere faster.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f229/belquar/P9080688.jpg

[Belquar]

First off...all my photos for some reason are slightly out of focus. I should have taken more time.

Next time.

[Gil]

I know, I know...everybody has a shot like this eventually...But this one is my first on the K-75.
The last one I did this was on my Honda CB900C two days after hurricane Charley. Roads were practcally empty.

[Easy]

My camera's final drive went out yesterday. I'll get back with you in a few weeks. :rofl :rofl


Easy :german

[Gil]

And another angle...My wife is in the Honda Pilot the the far left of the cameo mirror. She is stalking me...

Both images shot with a Nikon Coolpix 8700 at apperture priority, ISO 100.

[SheRidesABeemer]

Thanks to the nice folks at Second Wind BMW Triumph (http://www.secondwindbmw.com/)for letting me sit on their bikes. :D

Here is my interpretation of a "Long Way to Go"

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1183/1347368879_3319f0a54c.jpg

[OUTBACKUFO]

Okay i only pushed camera button for the pict and did the cropping with the zoom of the camera...
With the whole theme of many threads here on MOA Forum...


Only 85 miles from home, it now has become a "Long Way To GO!"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/OutbackUfo/Motorcycling/finalfalure2.jpg

Delta, Colorado 504PM today, Shot with a NikonD70, iso 200, F7.1, Focal Lenght 42mm, Wendy's Parking lot... yes i went in and got a double cheez with small fires and rootbeer to make everything feel good for a little while...





in other threads... here comes FD number 5 :hungover

[ian408]

This one's not eligble (by the rules at least).

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/193273234-M.jpg

It's been cropped and lightly chopped. I made a second layer in PS that I converted to
B&W. Then blended the two.

[Belquar]

Okay i only pushed camera button for the pict and did the cropping with the zoom of the camera...
With the whole theme of many threads here on MOA Forum...


Only 85 miles from home, it now has become a "Long Way To GO!"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/OutbackUfo/Motorcycling/finalfalure2.jpg

Delta, Colorado 504PM today, Shot with a NikonD70, iso 200, F7.1, Focal Lenght 42mm, Wendy's Parking lot... yes i went in and got a double cheez with small fires and rootbeer to make everything feel good for a little while...





in other threads... here comes FD number 5 :hungover

Jeebus....that sucks.

[jdmetzger]

Here we go. Rebuilding the horribly munged up carbs this weekend on the R100GSPD I just purchased from Second Wind BMW Triumph (http://www.secondwindbmw.com). Indeed, a "Long Way To Go". It's now done, of course. :)

[PAULBACH]

Every time I see a picture like this I begin to wonder what it is I had against chain drive!

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Smilies/Headinsand.gif

[OfficerImpersonator]

http://dvandkq.net/images/20070909-004.jpg

If you'd let me PhotoShop my photo, I can eliminate the lens flare... ;)

[SheRidesABeemer]

If you'd let me PhotoShop my photo, I can eliminate the lens flare... ;)

What's lens flare mean?

[OfficerImpersonator]

What's lens flare mean?

The "rainbow" or "sparkles" of light that appear in a photo when you point the lens in the general direction of the sun. I could carry around a big lens hood to shield the lens, or I can remove the flares in PhotoShop.

Guess which option better fits in the tank bag?

[The_Veg]

This has a REALLY long way to go:
http://vegomatic.smugmug.com/photos/194092953-M.jpg

I suppose that I could have moved some stuff around to artfully compose it and improve the lighting, maybe even drag the carcass out and pose it against a sunset...yeah right!

[Hodag]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y276/kraus/100_2364.jpg

raw uncropped

[37071]

I read about this on Saturday and thought - What a GREAT IDEA!! I went to a car and bike show in Sterling Heights MI Sunday with about 12 friends - including my wife.:D There were lots of photo ops. I left both my cameras at home. (1)
On the way home my front break felt odd, but did still work. After taking the pads out it was obvious that I had gone too far (2). I did get all my moneys worth and a touch more.

[cobermark1]

I have done that once on my rear brake pads.

[Rapid_Roy]

2 a.m. the parking lot at the Dells Rally. I am lucky it's in focus.
Long way to go.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/RapidR/P9080071.jpg

[Rapid_Roy]

This one is:
Long way to go.......to the bathroom.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/RapidR/P9080029.jpg

[SNC1923]

OK, here goes. Kbasa made the excellent suggestion to start a photo thread here on the forum. The idea--as I understand it--is to showcase the considerable photographic talent to be found here and to learn more about photography. He nominated me and Knary to be "judges," or the term I prefer, commentators.

I've accepted that challenge and will attempt to offer some insights and highly subjective opinions. I've copied the original rules below. I would only add that I don't think I'm the world's best photographer, nor do I think I'm a better photographer than you are. But I am willing to put myself out there as a critic, a sensitive and nerve-wracking position. I'm not judging you, or your intent, or your photographic ability. We're just talking about an artifact, a literal instant in time, and how it strikes me, tonight.

I hope others will free to weigh in.

OK, folks. There was some discussion of photography in another thread and I thought it might be fun to start a sort of clinic, where interested folks could submit their photos for critique by a couple folks who seem to know a thing or two about photography.

These aren't meant to be public lashings, humiliation or anything of the like, but rather, an opportunity for all of us to improve our photographic skills. I don't know about you folks, but I've learned a ton about photography by having someone that actually knows what good composition and exposure are provide me with comments on my shots.

SNC1923 (Tom) and Knary (Scott) will offer commentary on photos submitted.

All right. Here are the rules:

Photos have to be shot this weekend.
You must provide the EXIF information if asked (we'll help you, if you'd like to know how to get it)
No photoshop alteration (we're looking to improve your skills with your camera, not software)
Your photograph must adhere to the theme, which will be described below.
Post your photos in this thread only. DO NOT start a thread in reply to this assignment.
Post only one photo per post, so that commentary can be easily provided for that photo.
And, the most important rule - Have Fun! We're looking to spread the joy that many of us derive from taking pictures, particularly ones that tell a story of some kind.

We'll try running this for a few weeks and see what happens. I think we have a number of folks on board the really know how to take pictures, but we also have a significant number of people that really want to learn how to do so.

This week's theme is "A long way to go". You can interpret this however you'd like. Pictures of roads, pictures of little kids learning something, you make the call. It's just like those writing assignments they gave you in high school where you had to write about "pride" or something.

Have at it and we'll look forward to seeing some of your work on Monday!

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/194309702-M.jpg

BmwDean's entry is the first one and is a fun photo that definitely tells a story. Anyone--even a non-rider--can empathize with this situation. The subject makes this photo successful. Where it can be improved is in the composition. The horizon is dead-center and two of the three interesting elements (passenger, bike, white cow) are cut off at the margins. Had this shot been taken from a lower vantage point, perhaps foregrounding one of these elements, the image may have been more interesting or compelling. Foregrounding the passenger, hands behind the back, would certainly have emphasized the waiting. It does seem to be a photo without a central subject or multiple competing subjects. Having said that, it's a clear, well-saturated capture. I've taken a number of happenstance photos like this, and it's a challenge to get off the bike, open your helmet, compose the shot, pay attention to traffic, etc. It certainly says, "a long way to go."

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f229/belquar/P9070669.jpg

Of the three images Blequar submitted, I confess, I like this one the best. This is perhaps because I see this image as the best composed--illustrating very effectively the idea of the "golden mean" or placing the subject in a prominent corner area away from the picture's center. I like that the bike peers in from the corner and points to the horizon, map visible in the tank bag. I like the tank's splash of red. This is another photo (I have many myself) where the horizon bisects the picture. Thinking about the rule of thirds as a simple guide, either raising or lowering the horizon changes the emphasis and makes the image more interesting. It is interesting, nonetheless, and for a quick, riderless photo, is intriguing and fun to speculate about.

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/194309681-M.jpg

Gil starts to apologize for this image, saying "I know, I know. . . ." Everyone has one of these daredevil shots. I know I have quite a few. Mundane? Perhaps, but it does tell a story and certainly has some interesting composition elements. To begin with, look at the horizon. Top 10% of the picture. In and of itself, more interesting the halfway down. The speedo and tach are concentrated in lower third and the vertical elements are also divided roughly into thirds. It's fairly symmetrical, predictable, but not at all unsuccessful. It's a nice image. Because I'm a rider, the thingy attached to the inside of the windshield (an EZ pass?) tells a story in itself. Given the chance to take it again, Gil might look at a slower shutter speed to emphasis the speed and movement that this shot wants.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1183/1347368879_3319f0a54c.jpg

I like this image Gail submitted and its unexpected interpretation of a long way to go. It's a more technical photograph and the reflections are handled well, if imperfectly. This image, given the calm circumstances in which it was probably captured, could be cropped in a thousand ways. I like the way this one is cropped. It's dead-center, but for a graphic capture, that's not a bad thing. The odometer and trip-meter hang nicely, trying to divide the image in thirds, and not quite making it perhaps. The symmetry in this image is compelling, nonetheless. Another interesting point is that this is a color image almost entirely devoid of anything that is not a variation of gray.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/OutbackUfo/Motorcycling/finalfalure2.jpg

I love this great image. I'm sorry the price Outback UFO had to pay, but I admire his presence of mind to take such a well-composed photo that tells and detailed and heart-breaking story. Whether you call the final drive or the puddle of oil the subject, each occupies an interesting point in the photo that draws the viewer's eye. Indeed, it flows from the drive to the ground, as did the oil. It's stark and compelling and masterfully composed--a great image.

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/194319672-M.jpg

If you've ever worked on a bike, both Outback UFO's picture and Josh Metzger's picture above have to speak to you. Metzger's photo certainly tells a story about a long way to go. The items to be photographed are laid out methodically, but no one jumps out as more important or central. The instruction sheet juts out nicely from the upper corner, but being white, it's a bit over-exposed and grabs the viewer's attention in an unwelcome way. Another jarring element in this photo is the background. A bed liner? It's high-contrast vertical lines compete with other elements for the viewer's attention. This might have been more effective as a close-up, foregrounding one element and have other trail off in the distance. . . . But I'm not taking the picture am I? It's technically effective, but wanting a subject.

http://dvandkq.net/images/20070909-004.jpg

Dvandkq's image is a real beauty. A lovely scene by any description and one that reflects "a long way to go." It's divided beautifully into thirds and the peak and road work nicely off of each other. It's clear enough to me that the road is the central subject and it leads the viewer's eye right off the edge of the photo. The lens flare is a problem but he's already conceded that. A lens hood may have helped (or it didn't) and it certainly could be effectively photoshopped. The contrast drops way off in the upper photo, too, but shooting into the sun is always a problem. What are you going to do, wait six hours until the sun shifts? It a neat photo and one well worth processing further.

http://vegomatic.smugmug.com/photos/194092953-M.jpg

Veg's entry definitely connotes a long way to go. Anyone who's ever ridden can identify. It's not a photo with an evident subject, other than the bike itself. I do like that the angle is not dead-on, and it might have worked better with more emphasis on a rearward angle, or possibly and ground-up view. I like the placement of the engine: compositionally that says something. . . . It certainly is an image that tells a story.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y276/kraus/100_2364.jpg

Hodag's entry, at first blush, doesn't strike me as fitting the theme. But on second glance, it's a lighthouse, isn't it? This is a clear, sharp, well-saturated shot of an interesting building against a compelling sky. It does have a rather ordinary composition that doesn't emphasize several of the elements of this picture that make one want to look at it. Perhaps if the photographer were closer, and the foreground were deemphasized in favor of that blustery sky. . . . I want to see that light tower soaring upward, something a bit more dramatic perhaps. . . . It's awfully easy to say what I would have done after I see a picture. This is also another example of the dreaded sloping horizon.

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/194309585-M.jpg

Gar's is another fairly ordinary composition without a central subject. Still, it tells a story, if you know brake shoes. It's an effective close-up and a well-exposed one, given how difficult it is to photograph something against a plain white background. I think he was helped out by the flash. Never underestimate the multitude of sins forgiven by an electronic flash. One shoe laid over the edge of the other might have made for a more central subject and/or more interesting composition. Tells a story of sorts, though.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/RapidR/P9080029.jpg

Of the two he submitted, Rapid_Roy's river image is far more effective. Unlike the bikes shot, this tells a story, or rather, it invites the viewer to invent one, something about a long way to go. This is classic composition. Nothing too daring or inventive, but he pulls all the element together nicely. Horizontally and vertically, this is textbook rule of thirds. On the other hand, what is the subject? One might say the person piloting the boat (if indeed taken from a boat); another might say that it's the vanishing point. This photo's major flaw is its sloping horizon. I never used to do this, but now that I'm using a digital SLR, I find my horizon is crooked much of the time. I think it's that I now wear glasses and can't see the whole viewfinder.

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/194269577-L.jpg

I'm so pleased to see BeerTeam submit a photo; I'm an unabashed fan. Again, I had to choose one, from two fine images. Both fit the theme, though this one says "a long way to go" more to me. This photo is an excellent example of thoughtful composition, foregrounding the bike, leading the eye into the photo to the tent, stirring the emotional excitement of travel. Think of how different--less successful--it may have been if the right blinker had disappeared into the top margin. What else works well here is the large depth-of-field. Nearly everything, from the rondel in the foreground to the tents in the background is in focus. Finally, BeerTeam seems to have his camera tuned just right. As an unprocessed photo, this has beautiful color saturation. It's a very successful shot.

As BT pointed out, there was no clear deadline. I chose to do this now as I'm headed out to a rally this weekend and my workweek is starting pile up. No reason other than that. In our next challenge, we can state more clear guidelines about when to stop.

Well, that's it, the first BMWMOA Photo Challenge. Each of these photos was successful in its own way. I commend and complement each of the photographers for putting her- or himself out there for comment and criticism. If you're still reading, thanks for wading through my efforts to have something thoughtful yet constructive to say while trying not to sound like an officious prig. If I didn't include a photo, it was because it didn't conform to the rules. I'm not trying to be an a-hole or anything. Just sayin'.

Want to do it again? Any suggestions for a theme?

[BeerTeam]

Hi Tom,

I don't know when the deadline for submittal ended.

Here are a few I shot over the weekend.



A long way to go(to win first place)


http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/194298238-L.jpg

[BeerTeam]

The bike and tent owner lives in Minnesota. There seems to never be a Rally close to Minnesota. She always has a long way to go.


http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/194269577-L.jpg

[SheRidesABeemer]

Tom thanks for going through the trouble of reviewing the photos. There is plenty to be learned from your comments.

BTW - the picture I submitted was taken in B&W and was uncropped. The glare from overhead lights was difficult. I found that the B&W effect did a nice job scrubbing the busy showroom in the background.

Can someone recommend reading for those of us who are thinking about moving from point and shoot to an SLR?

thanks!

[SNC1923]

Tom thanks for going through the trouble of reviewing the photos. There is plenty to be learned from your comments.

BTW - the picture I submitted was taken in B&W and was uncropped. The glare from overhead lights was difficult. I found that the B&W effect did a nice job scrubbing the busy showroom in the background.

Can someone recommend reading for those of us who are thinking about moving from point and shoot to an SLR?

thanks!

Gail,

HA! That would explain your excellent gray tones! It is a neat shot and--to me--the most surprising interpretation of the theme.

Go over to Digital Grin to check out their recommendations for good books. They have them in categories of "Photographic Inspiration," "Pro-Make Your Eyes Bleed," Not Photography, but Useful," "Not Beginner, Not Pro Either," and "Noob Books." You're bound to find something among these numerous reviews. Here's the linky (http://dgrin.smugmug.com/Book%20Reviews).

A few that look good to me:

The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby
Learning to See Creatively by Bryan Peterson

Another good source is a good, independent full-line camera store, a resource that's becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Good luck!

[Hodag]

what is sloping horizon?

[SNC1923]

what is sloping horizon?

Great question.

http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/191338578-L.jpg

The image above, taken in Parkfield, CA., shows the horizon--slightly above the center of the image--and it is more or less flat, running at 180 degrees.

http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/192624041-L.jpg

The image above is far less successful for a number of reasons, the most apparent to me being that the horizon slopes, or dips, to the right--just enough to be noticeable.

As I said in another post, I really struggle with this, I think because I've started wearing glasses since the last time I used SLR cameras. The good news is that one can rotate his photo using Photoshop, iPhoto, or other program to straighten (or rotate) the image. Sometimes a sloping horizon can be very effective, as in this case:

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/64489425-M.jpg

Like most "rules," great effect can be achieved by purposely breaking them; however, if you bend them slightly, on accident, they stick out to the viewer.

[j-budimlya]

Thank you.....for your guidance.....you are making me realize that my "random" approach to a nice (not great) photo needs some adjustment.....and your general rules are very helpful......now, if I can just remember......I know, practice is helpful....

cheers....

[Rapid_Roy]

Of the two he submitted, Rapid_Roy's river image is far more effective. Unlike the bikes shot, this tells a story, or rather, it invites the viewer to invent one, something about a long way to go. This is classic composition. Nothing too daring or inventive, but he pulls all the element together nicely. Horizontally and vertically, this is textbook rule of thirds. On the other hand, what is the subject? One might say the person piloting the boat (if indeed taken from a boat); another might say that it's the vanishing point. This photo's major flaw is its sloping horizon. I never used to do this, but now that I'm using a digital SLR, I find my horizon is crooked much of the time. I think it's that I now wear glasses and can't see the whole viewfinder.

In my defense, the first one was at 2 am and I may have been drinking.
I am fairly aware the composition sucked, but it was true to the theme.
The River shot was because I was struck by the lighting and the colors, and the whole view.
As far as the horizon, you do realize I was on a rocking boat?:stick :laugh

Seriously, thank you for taking the time to comment, I learned something, as I am not in any way a serious photographer.

[SNC1923]

In my defense, the first one was at 2 am and I may have been drinking.

Never underestimate the power of either of these factors in making--or breaking--a photo! :ha

[Rapid_Roy]

In the bike photo, the horizon looked slanted, but I think it was just me.


I still think a japanese motorcycle has a long way to go to become a R90 S.

[The_Veg]

Thanks Tom for your kinds words- especially since my submission was more tongue-in-cheek than serious (in fact I'm surprised it got mentioned at all!). Had I been serious, I would have actually composed it- all I did was point the camera from an angle that got both the gutted bike and the engine. The background and all the clutter really ruin the picture I think- the subjects almost get lost among it. As for telling a story, it's not nearly as effective as a photo of the piston with a valve-head stuck in it- but that's outside our chosen theme and is another story for another time.

[PAULBACH]

Dear SNC1923

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Smilies/yourock.gif

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Smilies/thankyou.gif

[SNC1923]

Thanks Tom for your kinds words- especially since my submission was more tongue-in-cheek than serious (in fact I'm surprised it got mentioned at all!). Had I been serious, I would have actually composed it- all I did was point the camera from an angle that got both the gutted bike and the engine. The background and all the clutter really ruin the picture I think- the subjects almost get lost among it. As for telling a story, it's not nearly as effective as a photo of the piston with a valve-head stuck in it- but that's outside our chosen theme and is another story for another time.

I appreciate everyone's comments. . . . I like doing this. I hope we continue. I'm sure we could get more commentators. There are a lot of really great photographers on this board (Ian408, Outback UFO, Bluestune, BeerTeam, and many, many others).

Veg's comments above point to the fallacy of criticism. As an English major, I spent years analyzing texts from various critical-theortetical perspectives. Who knows what the picture means? The photographer? The viewer? It's an interesting question, like if a tree falls in the forest. . . .

Anyway, I've enjoyed this. It seems some others have, too. Let's do it again!

[FredRydr]

what is sloping horizon?It's what a lot of my digital photos suffer from, unlike my film shots. Anyone else have that experience?

I use a Pentax Optio, which has a rangefinder.

Fred

[SNC1923]

It's what a lot of my digital photos suffer from, unlike my film shots. Anyone else have that experience?

I use a Pentax Optio, which has a rangefinder.

Fred

Pretty much never happened to me when I shot 35mm SLRs and I can't recall it being a problem with digital rangefinder cameras (I look at the screen, not the viewfinder). Bought a digital SLR last year, and now 30% of my photos have sloping horizons. The only thing that has changed is that I now wear glasses. I wonder how common a phenomenon this is?

[Burnszilla]

Pretty much never happened to me when I shot 35mm SLRs and I can't recall it being a problem with digital rangefinder cameras (I look at the screen, not the viewfinder). Bought a digital SLR last year, and now 30% of my photos have sloping horizons. The only thing that has changed is that I now wear glasses. I wonder how common a phenomenon this is?

Perhaps a chiropractor could help you out? :D

[Easy]

Good job Tom! You have an excellent eye for photography.

Easy :german

[gened12]

Hi just got back from down under and here is my submission.

[SNC1923]

Perhaps a chiropractor could help you out? :D

:bluduh

[kbasa]

:clap

Well done, Tom. Ian? Any comments? Scott?

We have some outstanding photographers on this forum and their willingness to help us all learn is phenomenal.

As far as books go, I got a lot out of the National Geographic's Field Guide to Photography.

What's this weekend's theme? I won't be able to take part for a couple weeks, since I'll be in Europe, but I'm looking forward to taking part when I return.

Keep it going, folks. We can all learn from each other.

Say, now that I think of it, isn't there a certain boxer riding professional photographer on this site? :evil

[ian408]

I love the idea. Though I didn't exactly play by the rulez myself :D

I thought I might look through the images and make some general comments.

But first I'll start off with what I think makes a good photo. A good photo is one
that takes the viewer through the image. A good photo stands on its own. If it's a
part of a travel tale, it stands on it's own and it helps tie the story together.

A good photo might start at the lower left and invite you into the image then take
you through it. When you look at it, it draws you in. It's compelling.

If your subject is a motorcycle on twisty road, it has somewhere to go. If your subject
is a building or a landmark scenic, it's got a unique angle. If your subjects are
people, they hardly know you're there.

Someone mentioned the rule of thirds. Divide your shot into thirds horizontally and
vertically. Where these lines intersect are good places for your subject.
Sometimes horizontal lines combine to draw you in. Like clouds in the sky and
lines on the road--they combine to draw you into the image.

Oh, and one last thing? Rules are just guidelines. I hardly know the rules but that's
the beauty of digital. Shoot, chimp. Shoot, chimp :D

I'll be back with some comments on images tomorrow.

[BubbaZanetti]

another one late to the party,

but i don't want to hear it, i just unpacked (found) the camera today

a long way to go? i guess this could mean several things. i just moved to this city not ten days ago. i have a long way to go in every respect. new city, new neighborhood, new life. finding my way around, making my way to my new job, meeting new faces and dealing with new challenges. a long way to go as a nation, remembering, forgiving, moving on, all emotions we must deal with. hell, i don't even know where to start, this is the 9/11 memorial lights from outside my door 5 minutes ago. the light says stop, think, plan your next move:

http://bubbazanetti.smugmug.com/photos/194732766-L.jpg


too bad it's black and white.................

[Easy]

:clap

Well done, Tom. Ian? Any comments? Scott?

We have some outstanding photographers on this forum and their willingness to help us all learn is phenomenal.

As far as books go, I got a lot out of the National Geographic's Field Guide to Photography.

What's this weekend's theme? I won't be able to take part for a couple weeks, since I'll be in Europe, but I'm looking forward to taking part when I return.

Keep it going, folks. We can all learn from each other.

Say, now that I think of it, isn't there a certain boxer riding professional photographer on this site? :evil

Excellent thread Dave, my hats off.

Easy :german

[bluestune]

Professional… well that’s a relative term, but I do ride a boxer. I’d be happy to offer any useful bits of knowledge I may have to this already talented group.

Work and travel keep me from Internet connections at times, so if I don’t respond to a post right away I’m probably working (or maybe ridding). Or more likely, Tom, Ian or Scott has responded better than I could.

[SNC1923]

Professional… well that’s a relative term, but I do ride a boxer. I’d be happy to offer any useful bits of knowledge I may have to this already talented group.

Work and travel keep me from Internet connections at times, so if I don’t respond to a post right away I’m probably working (or maybe ridding). Or more likely, Tom, Ian or Scott has responded better than I could.

Hey, BT! Nice to see you chime in. How have you been?

If we keep doing this, I propose that we look at a two-week cycle. Have a photo assignment over a period of time (weekend, five days, something like that), then have a definite deadline. After that, commentators would have 7 days or so to get around to commenting on, judging, or whatever, the photos.

[SheRidesABeemer]

:clap

I won't be able to take part for a couple weeks, since I'll be in Europe...


Nope, nothin to look at there...:stick

[kbasa]

:clap

[SNC1923]

Nope, nothin to look at there...:stick

:lurk

[kbasa]

Hey, BT! Nice to see you chime in. How have you been?

If we keep doing this, I propose that we look at a two-week cycle. Have a photo assignment over a period of time (weekend, five days, something like that), then have a definite deadline. After that, commentators would have 7 days or so to get around to commenting on, judging, or whatever, the photos.

I like it. I think the Dgrin timeframe is a week.

And yes, I'll have stuff to take pictures of over there, but I need a theme! :ha

[37071]

How about pics taken in Europe? I could digitize my slides from the tour in 73 or the trip to IOM in 90.

[Rapid_Roy]

Then I still have time to post this. I took it this weekend and now that I am aware of the rule of 3rds, what could be done here?
We have come a long way in Rachael's recovery, but we have a long way to go.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/RapidR/P9080066.jpg

[SNC1923]

Then I still have time to post this. I took it this weekend and now that I am aware of the rule of 3rds, what could be done here?
We have come a long way in Rachael's recovery, but we have a long way to go.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/RapidR/P9080066.jpg

This is a lovely, touching protrait. I assume that it's mother and daughter? Or therapist and daughter? Forgive me, I'm not up to speed on the backstory here.

It's a good photo, nicely composed. It evokes an emotional response and it has a great, abstract--though easily recognizable--background. As far as the rule-of-thirds, you may have composed it differently, placing the subject(s) in the right or left third of the photo. This is an alternative idea, and not necessarily a formula for a better photo. Ian408 has said something about a photo carrying the viewer through the frame; I like this notion.

There are two main issues that could be improved, given both time and presence-of-mind. One, it would be nice to see one or both faces; they are the conceptual center of this photo. The other point is lighting. The shadow on the adult's face obscures her almost totally. There are a number of way to address this, the easiest of which is to simply activate the flash which will, in most cameras, fill-in the shadows by matching the light with the background. This is one of the most overlooked techniques that can lead to more "professional" looking photos, whatever that means.

Having said all of that, there's two bits of good news: this is a lovely candid portrait and Rachael is recovering. :clap

[ian408]

TIan408 has said something about a photo carrying the viewer through the frame; I like this notion.

I'm in agreement with Tom on this one. But I'm gonna say something about this in
relation to the rules of composition.

Something about this shot says "look at me". The eye is drawn straight into the shot
and the viewer is drawn to the relationship between the subjects. When I look at it,
I want to know more.

Would this shot be better if composed differently? Maybe. But then we'd lose the
intimate nature of this shot and it's a good example of when to toss the rules.

Hope that makes sense.

[Rapid_Roy]

Thank you both. It is my wife and daughter. I was thinking that it does tell a story but I was wondering if I could have composed it better.
My bias as picture taker and family member makes me think it is a perfect picture.:laugh
I needed an outside viewpoint. The shadow on my wife's face was one of the things bugging me but I didn't know what it was until you pointed it out. The flash is an excellent idea, I didn't even think of it. The way my daughters head is turned also seemed wrong until I realized I was moving my head to try and see the expression on their faces. It drew me in, wanting to know more, kind of like what Ian had said. It was a lucky shot, I just thought they looked cute. However, I am picking Ian's critique because then it looks like I knew what I was doing. :D (kidding) Thanks to you guys, now I can no longer point and shoot, I am going to have to think about it. (unless it's 2 a.m.).:brow

[mrich12000]

Just went for a ride on a Durham Regional road just to see where it ended. By my gps 3, I rode 125 miles and here are a few pics( What the Ha:deal y). but what with the one photo limit?
I ranted about this before. I see others posting muli photo's and I can't (Mike shaking his head) :stick Is there a problem I paid my dues..

need more bandwith!! or a biger blade server.

[rlswim]

Just catching up on messages after my ride to the Sipapu rally in New Mexico. This shot of Hwy 434 going north towards Angel Fire is one of my favorites done on the 9/8/07 ride. The colors in the valley grasses were hard to catch with the subtle lighting that I had at the time.

[bluestune]

Tom, outstanding commentary. Ian, spot on!

[bluestune]

Mrich12000, thanks for posting! Kbasa offered up some good ground rules in the first post, here are the last two:

Post only one photo per post, so that commentary can be easily provided for that photo.
And, the most important rule - Have Fun! We're looking to spread the joy that many of us derive from taking pictures, particularly ones that tell a story of some kind.

One photo per post is just a way to make this fun and manageable for the commentators and hopefully for everyone who visits this thread. Thanks for sticking to the guidelines.

Now to enter my comment on your photo: you have beautiful blues in the sky and lake, the sweeping shoreline helps hold my attention within the frame and on the boat that is cruising towards shore. My overall impression is that of a beautiful, gentle place.

Here’s what I would offer up as options to your composition: move the camera to the left of the wood pole so you can include the complete shoreline. Eliminate the wood pole completely by keeping it out of the composition to the right of the scene. Also, by moving the camera just a few feet to the viewers left, the boat should then be in the right of the frame, adding balance to the composition. Again, thanks for posting.

[bluestune]

Rlswim, you’ve captured a flowing scene with the road telling us we still have some distance to travel, the mountains in the distance add an exclamation point to that. The overall feel is that you’re on a road I would like to travel. I like how the road leads us from the right side of the frame towards the mountains, the fluffy clouds add to the peaceful vista.

As a second shot, I would move to the left and shoot from the top of the rise (near the fence) to take advantage of the small curve in the road. Also, placing the camera just a couple of feet higher gives the viewer a more interesting perspective, the road (leading line) would then sweep from the far right of the composition to the mountains in distance. Thanks for posting.

[SheRidesABeemer]

What the Ha:deal y). but what with the one photo limit?
I ranted about this before. I see others posting muli photo's and I can't (Mike shaking his head) :stick Is there a problem I paid my dues..


If you use the "Manage attachments" button, you are limited to one picture.
If you want to post more than one, you need to embed a link.
There is a detailed thread about how to do so here (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2021).

[bricciphoto]

Would this shot be better if composed differently? Maybe. But then we'd lose the
intimate nature of this shot and it's a good example of when to toss the rules.


+1. (Maybe a slightly lower shooting position would have helped minimize the bull's eye composition?)

So is another assignment forthcoming? I want to play too! :brad

[empeg9000]

Here are a couple. I know I could have gone lower on the camera angle on this one.
Filename: DSC_1468.JPG
Camera: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D80
ISO: 100
Exposure: 1/60 sec
Aperture: f/11.0
Focal Length: 135mm

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephen.pivonka/NovaScotiaTripAugust2007/photo?authkey=_-6L0U09rpE#5104196590883028754"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/stephen.pivonka/RtW_wZdXvxI/AAAAAAAACNQ/KiyPFRZM_mA/s400/DSC_1468.JPG" /></a>


This isn't one of my better shots but its all I have that fits the theme
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/stephen.pivonka/NovaScotiaTripAugust2007/photo?authkey=_-6L0U09rpE#5104197359682175938"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/stephen.pivonka/RtXAdJdXw8I/AAAAAAAACW0/Ci37K6BznR0/s400/DSC_1571.JPG" /></a>
1600×1071 pixels – 236KB
Filename: DSC_1571.JPG
Camera: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D80
ISO: 100
Exposure: 1/40 sec
Aperture: f/11.0
Focal Length: 18mm

[rlswim]

Rlswim, you’ve captured a flowing scene with the road telling us we still have some distance to travel, the mountains in the distance add an exclamation point to that. The overall feel is that you’re on a road I would like to travel. I like how the road leads us from the right side of the frame towards the mountains, the fluffy clouds add to the peaceful vista.

As a second shot, I would move to the left and shoot from the top of the rise (near the fence) to take advantage of the small curve in the road. Also, placing the camera just a couple of feet higher gives the viewer a more interesting perspective, the road (leading line) would then sweep from the far right of the composition to the mountains in distance. Thanks for posting.

I appreciate the compliments and recommendations. Looks like I will have to do this road again to get it right. And I might have to go back again, if I am forced to get that perfect photo. Yea... that's the ticket. I'm going to go talk to my wife and explain the reason I have to go back. Thanks