Photo Assignment: Weekend 10/19/07

[SNC1923]

Yielding to popular demand, here's a jump start on this week's photo assignment:

As always, to forestall chaos, we humbly offer these simple rules:


Photos must be shot this weekend: Fri, Sat, or Sun.
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 only one photo per post, so that commentary can be easily provided for that photo.
Post your photos in this thread only. Do not start a thread in reply to this assignment. Please post your photos no later than next Wednesday.
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.


This week's theme: "Shadow of a Doubt"

:bliss

"Beyond a shadow of a doubt" is an English idiom, which as you know, means absolutely certain or completely unambiguous; however, this theme invites the interpretation of, "there is" or "there is not," a shadow of a doubt. This theme also offers the connotation of shadow, something dark or mysterious or less substantial than the thing itself.

What matters most, however, is how you interpret "shadow of a doubt."

Remember, shooting commences at 12:01 a.m. Friday. Ready, set. . . .

[bluestune]

Thanks for another fun theme!

[bricciphoto]

This week's theme: "Shadow of a Doubt"

Darn you! :)

Hmmm. I'm going to DC tomorrow, that should yield a subject or two or three. :wave

[SNC1923]

Darn you! :)

Hmmm. I'm going to DC tomorrow, that should yield a subject or two or three. :wave

If you ask me, a "doubt" target-rich environment if ever there were one. [/political rant]

[BradfordBenn]

Remember, shooting commences at 12:01 a.m. Friday. Ready, set. . . .

What time zone?

[BeerTeam]

Photo Assignment: Weekend 10/19/07 "Shadow of a Doubt" (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21141)



Photo Assignment: Weekend 10/13/07 "Group Dynamic." (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20999&highlight=Photo+Assignment)



Photo Assignment: Weekend 10/06/07 "Blue." (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20845&highlight=Photo+Assignment)



Photo Assignment: Weekend 9/29 "Evolution." (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20687&highlight=Photo+Assignment)



Photo Assignment: Weekend 9/22/07 "Balance." (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20513&highlight=Photo+Assignment)



Photo Assignment: Weekend 9/15/07 "Where I Want to Be." (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20361&highlight=Photo+Assignment)



Photo Assignment: Weekend of 9/8/07 "A long way to go". (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20239&highlight=Photo+Assignment)



:thumb
:bolt

[PAULBACH]

Six Weeks - Already?
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Smilies/hmmmmm.gif
How time flies when we are having fun!

[SNC1923]

What time zone?

Whatever it says on my Timex.

GMT?

I don't know. Wherever you are, I guess.







:help

[Rapid_Roy]

Time isn't the issue so much as you will be graded on neatness, punctuation, spelling and grammar.:D

[grossjohann]

<img src="http://www.cmc-kuhnke.com/motorrad/DSC01127.JPG" title="Alex Grossjohann - Test Positive">

[bricciphoto]

<img src="http://www.cmc-kuhnke.com/motorrad/DSC01127.JPG">

Excellent theme association. :D

I'm still "strategizin". :blush

[BradfordBenn]

Whatever it says on my Timex.

GMT?

I don't know. Wherever you are, I guess.







:help

Confused as usual :)

[grossjohann]

I seem to have a lot this weekend... Stop me if I post too much.

[grossjohann]

http://www.cmc-kuhnke.com/football/DSC_4893.JPG

[grossjohann]

http://www.cmc-kuhnke.com/football/DSC_4964.JPG

[grossjohann]

http://www.cmc-kuhnke.com/football/DSC_5072.JPG

[grossjohann]

http://www.cmc-kuhnke.com/football/DSC_5178.JPG

[grossjohann]

http://www.cmc-kuhnke.com/football/DSC_5196.JPG

[SNC1923]

I seem to have a lot this weekend... Stop me if I post too much.

You seem to be exercisting judgement. They're all great photos. I'm leaning toward the boy on the bench at this point, but all nice shote. Not too many for me.

[snoone]

.

Hey I know that place. It's a little alley in Jim Thorpe PA. Had a great ride today!!

[Voni]

Paul and Voni jointly this time:

[Voni]

LOL!

[grossjohann]

You seem to be exercisting judgement. They're all great photos. I'm leaning toward the boy on the bench at this point, but all nice shote. Not too many for me.

Thanks, Tom. I took about 250 shots this afternoon at the "pee-wee" football game. It was tempting to slip in some shots of my nephew, but I felt the others were more on target with the assignment.

[Belquar]

<img src="http://www.cmc-kuhnke.com/motorrad/DSC01127.JPG">

Congratulations.

[rocketman]

Brother between this photo asignment and the current one on DGRIN (colorfull or Monochrome) my poor mind has been in turmoil trying to find the right subject matter! I've been struggling with how to illustrate doubt without having to include some sort of explanation...so far I've only come up these and not sure they fit since they both rely on a titile to help bring the idea forth but what the f.......

http://www.roadrunes.com/images3/parkway-oct-07/102007003.jpg

OPEN FOR BUSINESS??

or this one?? ( of which I am in doubt ! (ouch!:D ) )

http://www.roadrunes.com/images3/parkway-oct-07/102007001-1.jpg

UPSIDE-DOWN??

I'm working on one more but it may be a bit esoteric, we'll see...

RM

[grossjohann]

Congratulations.

Thank you! Need to get as much riding in as I can now... or will I need to get out to ride more in June? :bolt

[tourunigo]

.... a bit contrived I suppose but .... two shots before the sun started introducing two much glare. A wonderfully sunny and warm Halifax morning. -Bob
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Picture009.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Picture004.jpg

[tourunigo]

...second ... but why won't this picture post?? First one did.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Picture004.jpg

[PAULBACH]

Did you use the 4th choice of the image tag?

[Belquar]

Thank you! Need to get as much riding in as I can now... or will I need to get out to ride more in June? :bolt

If this is your first...well....riding? Do you commute? :ha

You will definitely need some riding time in June but you may sort of strangely not want it. I did not with my first. With my second??? She is 6 mos old next friday. It is a wonderful time to be alive. Being a parent is wonderful.

[rocketman]

If this is your first...well....riding? Do you commute? :ha

You will definitely need some riding time in June but you may sort of strangely not want it. I did not with my first. With my second??? She is 6 mos old next friday. It is a wonderful time to be alive. Being a parent is wonderful.

Wait till she hits puberty, THEN report back!:nono

(course then they grow up completely and you can be friends again!):D

being a grand parent is even better....when you get tired or they start getting fussy, you just return them to their place or origin:D

RM

(speaking from experiance... X3!)

[Voni]

being a grand parent is even better....when you get tired or they start getting fussy, you just return them to their place or origin:D

RM

(speaking from experiance... X3!)

Not to mention it gives you another excuse to RIDE ; )

Not that I needed one.

Congrats, grossjohann!. My daughter likens parenthood to moving from living in black and white to TECHNICOLOR!!

Voni
sMiling

[grossjohann]

.... a bit contrived I suppose but .... two shots before the sun started introducing two much glare. A wonderfully sunny and warm Halifax morning. -Bob
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Picture009.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Picture004.jpg

Very nice!!! :D

[grossjohann]

If this is your first...well....riding? Do you commute? :ha

You will definitely need some riding time in June but you may sort of strangely not want it. I did not with my first. With my second??? She is 6 mos old next friday. It is a wonderful time to be alive. Being a parent is wonderful.

This will be our second... It's been a long time in the working, though (10 years)!

I agree. It is absolutely thrilling to experience life through your childrens' eyes.

[grossjohann]

Not to mention it gives you another excuse to RIDE ; )

Not that I needed one.

Congrats, grossjohann!. My daughter likens parenthood to moving from living in black and white to TECHNICOLOR!!

Voni
sMiling

Hoping not to whitness too much of the technicolor ( :sick )...

Seriously, we’re both thrilled and holding our breath for a little while…

[SheRidesABeemer]

Any doubt that she'll be taking over the front seat soon enough? :)

Lisa taking the front seat...for a picture.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2399/1679016422_107ebcecda_o.jpg

[Voni]

Any doubt that she'll be taking over the front seat soon enough? :)

Lisa taking the front seat...for a picture.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2399/1679016422_107ebcecda_o.jpg

See?

What did I say?

TECHNICOLOR!!!

Voni
sMiling

[grossjohann]

...second ... but why won't this picture post?? First one did.

EDIT:
<img src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Picture004.jpg">

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Picture004.jpg



(Nice Oriental rug...)

[PAULBACH]

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Scenic%20Shots/1021FallRide013s.jpg
Without a doubt - Winter is coming!

[Voni]

Watch what you say!

It was 101 degrees in Rio Grande Village today.

High of 60 predicted for tomorrow. . .

Voni
sMiling

[2BikeMike]

Paul and Voni jointly this time:

Paul at one time said in some other post that his wife had nice legs, he was right!!:heart

[RebeccaV]

http://RebeccaVaughn.smugmug.com/photos/211015137-L.jpg

[grossjohann]

http://www.cmc-kuhnke.com/motorrad/DSC01158.JPG

I'm all for peace, but Santa in a skirt with painted toenails?

You've got to love Woodstock, NY!

[grossjohann]

.

[SNC1923]

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/211158061-L.jpg

A brief rest today on Caliente/Bodfish Road. When Lake Isabella comes into view, I am, beyond a shadow of a doubt, almost home.

For the record, trying to shoehorn this photo into this week's theme is the ultimate contrivance, bordering on a crime. But it's all I got, so there it is. FWIW, I like this shot of my bike.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt.

[grossjohann]

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/211158061-L.jpg

A brief rest today on Caliente/Bodfish Road. When Lake Isabella comes into view, I am, beyond a shadow of a doubt, almost home.

For the record, trying to shoehorn this photo into this week's theme is the ultimate contrivance, bordering on a crime. But it's all I got, so there it is. FWIW, I like this shot of my bike.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt.

That's a great shot, Tom. It looks like you have the right machine for your area!

[BubbaZanetti]

nice pictures ladies and gents

i've finally got my bike in NYC, i'm heading out after the sox game for some b&w over-exposed urban goodness

brb:D

[SNC1923]

nice pictures ladies and gents

i've finally got my bike in NYC, i'm heading out after the sox game for some b&w over-exposed urban goodness

brb:D

This is EXTREMELY good news. Looking forward to your monochromatic urban vibe. :groovy

[jdiaz]

Some shadow......

[jdiaz]

Hopefully, no doubt...... :laugh

[BubbaZanetti]

Bubba, sorry for stealing your ride buddies. We had a great time and you should join is in the spring open house. :wave

thats alright chris, i didn't get back to nyc till later in the afternoon anywho....

[RandallIsland]

https://vspace.vassar.edu/xythoswfs/webui/_xy-1197006_1

https://vspace.vassar.edu/xythoswfs/webui/_xy-1197007_1

I really struggled to include a submission of self explanation:
by going beyond this "being beyond a show of a doubt"
one of the best days to ride out of the autumn of the year
... so these above didn't quite make the grade, but I included them as eye candy dressing.

This last is my submission:

https://vspace.vassar.edu/xythoswfs/webui/_xy-1197009_1

[BradfordBenn]

http://bradfordbenn.smugmug.com/photos/210691118-L.jpg

Basic
Date Modified 2007-10-20 19:22:11
Date Taken 2007-10-20 17:16:06
Camera Canon PowerShot S50
Exposure Time 0.005s (1/200)
Aperture f/4.5
ISO 50
Focal Length 17.5mm
Photo Dimensions 2592 x 1944
File Name Shiojiri Park 071020-107.jpg
File Size 2.77 MB
Detailed
Flash flash did not fire
Exposure Program shutter priority
Exposure Bias 0 EV

[BubbaZanetti]

ok, well

THE SOX JUST WON

and it's after midnight, so i've decided to stay in, watch the trophy presentation since i guess my photos wouldn't be "this weekend"

which brings me to my question

lots of potential for good photos during the week, why not have the contest run fri-thurs or something like that?

not to make this overly formal, but i'm definetly heading out tomorrow night for photos!

[K75Swim]

Shot early this morning on the return from the Harvest Classic Rally in the Texas Hill Country.

[sfarson]

Yesterday...
http://www.farson.com/r1200s/r1200sallenspark.jpg

[BubbaZanetti]

Yesterday...

i hope those pokey old 11s didn't slow ya down too much:D

beautiful pic!

[BeerTeam]

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/211425795-XL-1.jpg


"Beyond a shadow of a doubt"

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, standing in water would be a shocking experience for that Wisconsin cow.

[jdmetzger]

"Beyond a shadow of a doubt"

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, standing in water would be a shocking experience for that Wisconsin cow.

WOW! How do you get the colors to come out so bold? I probably get 1 in 20 that turn out that vivid. Beautiful!

[Burnszilla]

WOW! How do you get the colors to come out so bold? I probably get 1 in 20 that turn out that vivid. Beautiful!

There's a setting on the camera called "Vivid." I leave it on too.

[Visian]

... without a shadow of a doubt, US191 is one of my top 10 roads!!!

http://www.visian.nu/images/hp2_191.jpg

[knary]

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Scenic%20Shots/1021FallRide013s.jpg
Without a doubt - Winter is coming!

Paul,
Having looked at a bunch of your photos for a couple years now, I have a critical question or two. What camera are you using? How do the photos before you post them to photobucket look in comparison to after?

I ask because I've noticed a certain grayness and lack of sharpness to the photos. It's difficult to tell if it's the camera, the operator, or an artifact of the image processing on photobucket. I believe it's mostly the latter. Could you possibly send me a copy of the original file of the above image from before it was uploaded to photobucket? scott -at- bmwmoa -dot- org.

[knary]

http://RebeccaVaughn.smugmug.com/photos/211015137-L.jpg

:thumb
I wonder if a slightly shallower depth of field, better differentiating between the menacing guy and the trees, might have made this one a wee bit better. Nice shot.

[knary]

Yesterday...
http://www.farson.com/r1200s/r1200sallenspark.jpg

Looks like a GREAT day. :thumb

This is one of those where you wish you could take all the pieces and physically rearrange them. The tree mimics the shape of the mountain and hides most of it. It'd be great if there was a little more foreground, though perhaps not more parking lot, to visually support the bikes which then support the mountain.

[knary]

WOW! How do you get the colors to come out so bold? I probably get 1 in 20 that turn out that vivid. Beautiful!

The color is deceiving. While it's what seems most striking about the image, what really makes it work is the composition, contrast in light and the distinctiveness of the shapes (which make that composition) and their 'speeds'. Even completely de-saturated, the image works - if not quite as well.

Hmm...there might be a lesson in there. :D

More in a bit.

[knary]

That cow image is actually a great lesson in making an image. IMHO, much of what makes an image 'sing' is how the tension in the image. Much of this is created by the differences within the image (this is more than it sounds). In the cow image, there's a contrast/comparison of most everything except focus.

All of these things feed into each other, but a few:
1. differences of texture. The grass on the left vs. the smoothness of the water and cow shape. This is a visual thing, not a point about the actual texture of the objects
2. differences in contrast. The chunks of white and black on the cows vs the soft gradation in the water and across the grass.
3. differences in how the shapes interact with the edge of the image. THe cows squeeze the space above, but are supported by the bigger chunks below.

and so on.

It's these differences which can often best lead and excite the eye.

There's a bunch more in this photo alone. The way the light moves through the image, the clear subject matter supported by lesser subject matter, the pure range of tone and color, the sharp diagonal of the water balanced by the soft counter angle of the cow's backs.

What else do you notice?

[PAULBACH]

Paul,
Having looked at a bunch of your photos for a couple years now, I have a critical question or two. ...

I ask because I've noticed a certain grayness and lack of sharpness to the photos. It's difficult to tell if it's the camera, the operator, or an artifact of the image processing on photobucket. I believe it's mostly the latter. Could you possibly send me a copy of the original file of the above image from before it was uploaded to photobucket? scott -at- bmwmoa -dot- org.


Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play? http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Smilies/scratchhead.gif

[SNC1923]

Is is just me, or shouldn't the picture of the week be in this week's thread?

[Burnszilla]

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnszilla/1693685413/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2158/1693685413_37b8f24a11_b.jpg" width="800" alt="Morro Bay Ride &amp; Camp" /></a>

Cypress Mountain Drive...
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnszilla/1694535412/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2120/1694535412_67c0bac9d0_b.jpg" width="800" alt="Morro Bay Ride &amp; Camp" /></a>

[rocketman]

Paul,
Having looked at a bunch of your photos for a couple years now, I have a critical question or two. What camera are you using? How do the photos before you post them to photobucket look in comparison to after?

I ask because I've noticed a certain grayness and lack of sharpness to the photos. It's difficult to tell if it's the camera, the operator, or an artifact of the image processing on photobucket. I believe it's mostly the latter. Could you possibly send me a copy of the original file of the above image from before it was uploaded to photobucket? scott -at- bmwmoa -dot- org.


the lack of precieved sharpness can also be a result of processing the photo for web viewing i.e. reducing the DPI for faster downloading, also the monitor of the viewer, there is a big differance between brands even with the same resolution, also how much the image was cropped and zoomed in proccessing. having tons megapixels does always mean better shots. One of the best shots I ever took was with a 3.1 megapixel as seen here...

http://www.roadrunes.com/images2/bikes-1-small.jpg

in other words, there are many factors that effect the digital image beyond the camera. just goes to show how its the photographer behind the camera more than the camera itself that makes a good photo an outstanding one, (like the cows!)

RM

[knary]

Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play? http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Smilies/scratchhead.gif

:dunno

It's photobucket. The difference is subtle, but, to my eye, is the difference between an ok photo and a good photo. The images you sent are crisper and have slightly more tonal range than the image processed by photobucket.

Go to this page and mouseover the image. It might take a moment for the second image to upload. You can best see the differences in the color of the big orange tree

http://conary.org/paul.html

You'll probably just think I'm crazy. :ha

Admittedly, there are changes that happen when files are moved from one image space to another, and these were then uploaded to smugmug - which does a fantastic job of preserving the original.

[rocketman]

I think I like the B&W cows better and while the color shot is nice, it seems a tad over-saturated.
I have the same problem when processing my photos esp. nature shots I tend apply too much color saturation and then have to back it off some after a second review. Its so easy to get caught up in the post-processing. I'm trying to do more stuff in RAW but that really takes a lot of editing because most viewers and the web won't show that format so every shot has a minimum of editing needed if nothing else just to convert it to viewable form.

RM

[knary]

the lack of precieved sharpness can also be a result of processing the photo for web viewing i.e. reducing the DPI for faster downloading, also the monitor of the viewer, there is a big differance between brands even with the same resolution, also how much the image was cropped and zoomed in proccessing. having tons megapixels does always mean better shots. One of the best shots I ever took was with a 3.1 megapixel as seen here...
-snip-
in other words, there are many factors that effect the digital image beyond the camera. just goes to show how its the photographer behind the camera more than the camera itself that makes a good photo an outstanding one, (like the cows!)

RM


Certainly. I've spent much of my life hunting for that balance between compression and preserving the qualities of the image. It's always a balancing act. With the advent of broadband and improvements in image processing algorithms, much of the problem has gone away. We don't have to fuss over making an image as tiny as possible. I look at my early trip reports with images wayyyy compressed and no more than a few hundred pixels wide and have to laugh when I remember people praising me for the photos. They're horrible little blurry things compared to what we can get away with now. Within the confines of the purposes of this thread, it's important, I believe, that the images be as well presented as reasonably possible.

Most any app will do a pretty good job of resizing an image for our needs. And if you're using a photo sharing site, some do a markedly better job than others in processing an image. Smugmug does exceptionally well, but it's not a free service. Of the free ones, IMHO, flickr, which Burnszilla uses, is, IMO, the best.

Ultimately, as you point out, it's the person behind the camera that makes the image. While this is true, having the right tools and understanding them is important.

[jdmetzger]

Although I didn't have a photo to submit this week, I've really enjoyed the discussion. I know we're looking for "raw" images here, but some of the talk about contrast/color saturation led me to open up some of my old photos for editing. I've never done any photo manipulation beyond cropping. Anyhow, I grabbed a photo that I took many years ago in Amsterdam. It was a decent shot looking down a canal - nothing special, but I always kind of liked it. The problem was, it always seemed a bit washed it. It was overcast while I was there (October, I think). Anyhow, I started to adjust hue-lightness/saturation and just a minor change has made a HUGE difference. There were still some leaves on the trees and now things are more "real" looking, as well as color on the houseboats. I need to play with it more (and with other photos) but what a huge difference a little bit of post-processing can make. :thumb

[PAULBACH]

:dunno

It's photobucket. The difference is subtle, but, to my eye, is the difference between an ok photo and a good photo. The images you sent are crisper and have slightly more tonal range than the image processed by photobucket.

Go to this page and mouseover the image. It might take a moment for the second image to upload. You can best see the differences in the color of the big orange tree

http://conary.org/paul.html

You'll probably just think I'm crazy. :ha

Admittedly, there are changes that happen when files are moved from one image space to another, and these were then uploaded to smugmug - which does a fantastic job of preserving the original.


We all have to have a sense of humor and thank you for the comments. Everyone can learn by well intended critical commentary.

[PGlaves]

Some of it is what we are viewing photographs on. They do not appear the same on an LCD screen as they do on an old fashioned CRT monitor.

You can modify a photo to look good on an LCD and it often shows too much contrast and too much saturation on a CRT. Laptop and desktop LCD users can be mousetrapped by the limitations of their screen.

[SNC1923]

We all have to have a sense of humor and thank you for the comments. Hopefully everyone can learn by well intended critical commentary.

Well put, Paul. And that critical commentary is precisely what this thread is about. We're all here to help each other, whether by asking questions or offering advice. I didn't know what knary was talking about. I hadn't occured to me that by uploading photos to a site that you might lose image quality. I learned something, something very important.

I also like to know that Josh has just started to play with post-processing. I relatively new to it myself and have much to learn. When we used to shoot film and dropped it off at the lab, THEY did this for us, adding blue, subratcting green and boosting contrast--for every, single image. If they didn't, or if the computer was out of whack, then the pictures didn't look good.

I, for one, really appreciate everyone's involvement here. It's helpful, interesting, and fun, unlike work, which I'm putting off by typing this letter. . . .

[knary]

Some of it is what we are viewing photographs on. They do not appear the same on an LCD screen as they do on an old fashioned CRT monitor.

You can modify a photo to look good on an LCD and it often shows too much contrast and too much saturation on a CRT. Laptop and desktop LCD users can be mousetrapped by the limitations of their screen.

Or the CRT owner who doesn't recalibrate his monitor as it ages (the color shifts and contrast drops). LCD's have come a long way from the old days and are becoming more and more the choice amongst people for whom color is work.

[SNC1923]

http://www.roadrunes.com/images2/bikes-1-small.jpg

This is one of my absolutely favorite images on this site; I remember it well. This shot was selected the third-ever picture of the week. We've had 122 by the way. It looks like a studio shot--really sharp and great lighting. I really just wanted to show it again--it's that good.

[knary]

I've sat through many a 'crit' in my life, both as a student and as a professional. My apologies if I stepped on any toes. Please take any criticism or suggestions with a grain of salt. I'm just one voice and your goal, our goal, should be to find or improve your own. My own ideas about how an image is built, while, I hope, born of experience and training and all that that means, are just my own.

[SNC1923]

I've sat through many a 'crit' in my life, both as a student and as a professional. My apologies if I stepped on any toes. Please take any criticism or suggestions with a grain of salt. I'm just one voice and your goal, our goal, should be to find or improve your own. My own ideas about how an image is built, while, I hope, born of experience and training and all that that means, are just my own.

:clap

Glad you jumped in, Scott. Keep posting, please. You obviously have a trained and critical eye, something all of us can use. The more voices, the better, I say.

[rocketman]

:clap

Glad you jumped in, Scott. Keep posting, please. You obviously have a trained and critical eye, something all of us can use. The more voices, the better, I say.


I concur whole heartedly! That's how we all learn, I too was unaware of the effect of different photo sharing sites, perhaps because I have my own web space, but it was still interesting.:clap

On the subject of photo shopping (that's photoshopping not shopping for photos!); as pointed out it is no differant than what photo processing houses do with film. When i first starting shooting film I did a lot of B&W work so I could do my own processing. Things like chemical temps during processing the film, then adjusting the lighting/cropping when making the print along with differant filters, "dogding" tools to reduce the amount of light shinning on certain areas of the paper as it was exposed, etc were all designed to "alter" the image in some manner. Now we just do it with differant tools, so no one should feel like its "cheating" or be afaird to experiment, (just remember to save a copy prior to starting!:D ).

So with that in mind, I do like the idea that for these we don't photoshop, since you need a good image to begin with and that's only done by concentrating on the subject, composision, lighting etc, that all important process that happens in the field.

RM

[BradfordBenn]

Scott's point about image appearances are very interesting. I am amazing just how different an image looks when I shoot JPG or when I shoot RAW and then convert to JPG in Lightroom. These are the little things that are nuances that are hard for me to put my finger on. If the audio media I can find and notice and quantify the issues. For example I can hear the dynamic range difference in a track, and describe it as noise and where it is placed in the track.

Now for photographs that is harder for me, especially when one considers that adding an unsharp mask can make the photo look better. SmugMug has actually offered it now as part of the hosting. So how does one quantify and explain that? It is a tightrope and talented people can explain it well, but it is harder to even learn to see it. It is even harder to see when you are the one who took the picture. You get a blind spot to the imperfections, kind of like how you don't see the spot on your windshield after a certain period of time.

I am not immune to it. I can hear if a guitar is out of tune, but I can not tune my own guitar as well.

That is why I like that Tom is doing this and offering us up a chance for critique that is helpful.

[RebeccaV]

Cypress Mountain Drive...
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnszilla/1694535412/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2120/1694535412_67c0bac9d0_b.jpg" width="800" alt="Morro Bay Ride &amp; Camp" /></a>
Wow! This shot is GORGEOUS!!

[rocketman]

This is one of my absolutely favorite images on this site; I remember it well. This shot was selected the third-ever picture of the week. We've had 122 by the way. It looks like a studio shot--really sharp and great lighting. I really just wanted to show it again--it's that good.

No Sh*t? I had totally forgotten that, damn its been a while since I've posted much, huh? :D

As I said I often use it as example to diswade people that HAVE to have tons of megpixel or that that alone mean better shots and that a really great shot often just jumps out and graps you, BUT only if you really LOOK!

(damn I'm good!:D (and even luckier! Ha Ha!))

Forgot where I saw it but someone pointed out a link to someone who just uses really simple box camera's and does some really amazing things.

RM

[grossjohann]

No Sh*t? I had totally forgotten that, damn its been a while since I've posted much, huh? :D

As I said I often use it as example to diswade people that HAVE to have tons of megpixel or that that alone mean better shots and that a really great shot often just jumps out and graps you, BUT only if you really LOOK!

(damn I'm good!:D (and even luckier! Ha Ha!))

Forgot where I saw it but someone pointed out a link to someone who just uses really simple box camera's and does some really amazing things.

RM


It's often not the camera, but the vision behind it.

I have handed a camera [which I had been struggling with] off to a “true photographer” and have seen some truly wonderful images result.

It’s like handing a child’s instrument to a virtuoso.

[BeerTeam]

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/211685109-X1-1.jpg

Here is a photo I took from the seat of the motorbike. The water looks over saturated, but, the rest of the photo is not over saturated. The water picked up the color because it was in the shade of a large tree. The water formed a mirror and mimicked the color of the sky.

I do not post process any of my photos. If you go to my Smugmug site and run your mouse over the photo you will see when the photo was shot and when the photo was modified, and date and time will match. Photo Assignment rules also state no photo alteration.

I shot multiple shots at different ASA, speed and many times step down or over 2/3 F stop to get the photo I like.

[BeerTeam]

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/211720245-XL-1.jpg
http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/212640691-XL.jpg


"Beyond a shadow of a doubt"

"Beyond a shadow of a doubt" a BMW will fit through that highway culvert.

[grossjohann]

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/211720245-XL-1.jpg


"Beyond a shadow of a doubt"

"Beyond a shadow of a doubt" a BMW will fit through that highway culvert.

This reminds me of the shots we used to take in High School. Very Fun!

[BeerTeam]

This reminds me of the shots we used to take in High School. Very Fun!

That shot was part of an 150 mile dual sport motorcycle run that started in West Bend and dual sported to 15 farms in four counties. The run ran through water, mud, hills, harvested fields, highway culverts, and right through a 100 year old Wisconsin barn.


"Beyond a shadow of a doubt"

"Beyond a shadow of a doubt" the GS cylinders are not wider than a barn door.

Note: not much time to set up a shot when you are riding with 123 motocross
racers. This is a two part photo shot inside the barn.

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/211722322-XL.jpg

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/212648143-L.jpg

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/211722797-XL.jpg

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/212650368-L.jpg

[MLS2GO]

And I want to post multiple pictures and can not figure outhow to use the manage attachments to upload fronm a site. Help?

[SNC1923]

And I want to post multiple pictures and can not figure outhow to use the manage attachments to upload fronm a site. Help?

PM sent.

[MLS2GO]

Missouri had more civilians killed in the Civil War than any other state. It was the only Slave State not to secede. There was much atrocity in border raids from both Kansas and Missouri on each other civilians. In Higginsville MO there is a Confederate Cemetery and Memorial. There is controversy yet today. Here is the photo story.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce03b3127ccebeaa8f623a9600000026100AYuWrJw0aOG Kg

In it is this chapel.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce03b3127ccebeaa89773a8000000046100AYuWrJw0aOG Kg
This is the donation box in the chapel. What tales could it tell?
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce03b3127ccebeaa833c3ace00000026100AYuWrJw0aOG Kg
But this is what causes the doubts even today.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce03b3127ccebea95377db0900000035130AYuWrJw0aOG Kg

As you can see this is the flag of the Army of Northern Virginia. However over the years it has changed to mean Slavery to many people. Actually the Confderate Flag looked like this. These are photos of displays at the Cemetery. There are many more "Confederate Flags" than these in their display.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce03b3127ccebea9604f1a8000000035130AYuWrJw0aOG Kg
Until a few years ago the Confederate Flag flew over this Confederate Cemetery and Memorial.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce03b3127ccebea972e61a2000000025130AYuWrJw0aOG Kg
The previous Governor took the flag down. The current Governoor allows the flag to fly on Memorial Day only. Here's the flagpole with US and Missouri Flags flying, and obligatory shot of my bike.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce03b3127ccebeaa81773a8400000026100AYuWrJw0aOG Kg
Also in the Cemetery is the Grave of William Quantrill the leader of Quantrill's Raiders, also known as the Missouri Partisan Rangers whose members included the James Brothers and the Youngers and his second in command, Bloody Bill Anderson. (More of this group is certain to be in another photo essay.) If you saw the movie Ride with the Devil you learned some of the story.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce03b3127ccebf54c9abebcd00000036100AYuWrJw0aOG Kg
Here's a look at the Cemetery.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce03b3127ccebf54c043abb900000036100AYuWrJw0aOG Kg
Over 140 years later there is still a doubt as to who were the good guys and who were the bad guys to many in this area. Should a Soldier who fought for a cause they felt worth dying for, be allowed to rest forever under his Flag or the Flag of the Victors? It has been said the Winners write the history. I don't have the definitive answer, but still believe there is a shadow of a doubt to some of these questions.

[jackie]

My weekend ride out Hwy 224 east of Estacada towards Detroit Lake. This stop was at Ripplebrook Ranger Station and the most "color" I could find.
http://www.arabianvines.com/purtycolor.jpg

[knary]

My weekend ride out Hwy 224 east of Estacada towards Detroit Lake. This stop was at Ripplebrook Ranger Station and the most "color" I could find.
http://www.arabianvines.com/purtycolor.jpg

I know that station entirely too well. Beware the bathroom. :D

[BeerTeam]

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/211927063-XL.jpg



"Beyond a shadow of a doubt"

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, the KTM owned this mud hole.

[rocketman]

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/211685109-X1-1.jpg

Here is a photo I took from the seat of the motorbike. The water looks over saturated, but, the rest of the photo is not over saturated. The water picked up the color because it was in the shade of a large tree. The water formed a mirror and mimicked the color of the sky.

I do not post process any of my photos. If you go to my Smugmug site and run your mouse over the photo you will see when the photo was shot and when the photo was modified, and date and time will match. Photo Assignment rules also state no photo alteration.

I shot multiple shots at different ASA, speed and many times step down or over 2/3 F stop to get the photo I like.


Now that one deffinately does not look over-saturated as the other one did, which coinsides with your comment about the water being the only element that does. The differance here would seem to me that it is because this is not cropped down to the detail of the first one (asuming this is the same photo) so the water (and the slime so evident in the cropped photo) ocupy a much smaller portion of the picture as a whole, and even if this is a differant photo from the first, I think my point is still valid. This to me illustrates yet another aspect of photography, sometimes an overall shot works better than a close up or cropped image and appears more balanced. I like this one better than the first. And for me the mirror also tells part of the story about how you arrived at this place, i.e. by motorcycle and give us a hint of where you were coming from and the kind of road that lead you there. It gives one a true sense of being out in the country, not mearly something seem from a major throughfare.

RM

[SNC1923]

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce03b3127ccebea972e61a2000000025130AYuWrJw0aOG Kg

Cool photo essay, and instructive, too. I am vaguely familiar with the controvery, but lacked the details you've provided. The shot above is my favorite, with the bike shot a close second.

In a number of past posts, I've suggested that moving closer to the object (building, windmill, whatever) and shooting up at it adds drama. I think this is a perfect example of such.

[bricciphoto]

Here are my contributions.

http://bricciphoto.smugmug.com/photos/211967648-M.jpg

http://bricciphoto.smugmug.com/photos/211967657-M.jpg

[Voni]

I LOVE the drama of that last photo.

Especially without comment . . .

Voni
sMiling

[grossjohann]

http://bricciphoto.smugmug.com/photos/211967657-M.jpg

This is a great statement... It could mean so much from so many political orientations.

[rocketman]

This is a great statement... It could mean so much from so many political orientations.
First thing I thought of was "the buck stops here!":D (or should anyway!)

RM

[grossjohann]

First thing I thought of was "the buck stops here!":D (or should anyway!)

RM

A republican might see, “stop the democratic congress”, or “this is where Hillary stops short of office”
A democrat might see, “stop the lying”, or “stop degrading our constitution”
An independent might see, “this is where we’ll always be stopped”
A communist might see, “stop giving tax-breaks to the rich”
A socialist might see, “stop catering to the big corporations”

So fun when politics is involved. This is especially great because the photographer chose to let the photo speak for itself; begging the observer to draw his own conclusions.

[BeerTeam]

"Beyond a shadow of a doubt"

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, my R100GS enjoyed this mud hole.
Hit F11 for full screen

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/212350795-XL.jpg



http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/212349936-XL.jpg

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/212686622-XL.jpg

Click for Map (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5549234#post5549234)

[knary]

So do I have permission to raid these threads for the photo of the week? :evil

[grossjohann]

So do I have permission to raid these threads for the photo of the week? :evil

I’d be honored if you were to use one of mine.

Anybody else?

[SNC1923]

So do I have permission to raid these threads for the photo of the week? :evil

Seems like fertile ground to me. . . . Why not?

And yes, you may feel free to use my photo.

:brow

[rocketman]

So do I have permission to raid these threads for the photo of the week? :evil

Sure, feel free to grab any of mine.:D

RM

(we can negotiate a price later!:D )

[KBasa]

Six Weeks - Already?
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Smilies/hmmmmm.gif
How time flies when we are having fun!

It'll be spring before you know it. :D

[MLS2GO]

To use any of mine.

[KBasa]

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/211618079-L.jpg

[BluegrassPicker]

I doubt whether this is going to work out...

[BradfordBenn]

Sure Scott.

[SNC1923]

Wow--busy thread this week, and lots of interesting photography. Some photos fit the theme well, others perhaps not so much, but all good photos. I'm tired and backed up and trying to get ready for a ride to Death Valley this weekend. If I'm short or miss your photo I ask your forgiveness.

http://www.cmc-kuhnke.com/football/DSC_4893.JPG

http://www.cmc-kuhnke.com/football/DSC_5178.JPG

Grossjohann is becoming one of our most prolific photographers. He expressed concern about posting too many, but all were nice shots this week. His excursion to pee wee football yielded some dramatic pictures that really reflected the theme well, I thought. The top photo is great, especially given how the player is in shadow. The second reflects doubt even more. Both shots are a bit backlit. It works better in the first. On the second shot I might like to have seen a fill flash or some exposure compensation.

http://www.cmc-kuhnke.com/football/DSC_5072.JPG

This third shot doesn't work as well for the theme, but it's a great action shot, especially given the age of his subjects. Supremely well done. There were other nice shots, but these were the three that grabbed me.

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/212669139-L.jpg

I like Statdawg's image this week. It's especially well-sutied to the vertical format, filled with all sorts of interesting vertical lines. The trash cans and the steps make for an interesting contrast. Can't tell you how many of these stairs I've seen with a "private" sign chained across them. I guess people will go anywhere. I don't see how it fits the theme (which doesn't mean much; neither did mine) but it's an interesting study nonetheless.

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/212669071-X3.jpg

I must say I LOVED the Glaves' submission. Is it Voni's? Paul's? Regardless, it's a really interesting, eye-catching shot. Gorgeous light (sunset I assume) and the fact that there are two subjects and three shadows really captures the imagination. Standing in the middle of the road, looking defiantly away from the camera, the red shoes. . . . This is art, baby.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Picture009.jpg

Tourunigo admits that this is contrived, and it is, but still an imaginative, eye-catching shot with yet another unique shadow-play. A compelling, visual pun.

http://www.roadrunes.com/images3/parkway-oct-07/102007001-1.jpg

I liked Rocketman's submission. It's abstract, filled with all sorts of shapes, textures, and elements. The range is interesting too. Detail in the shadow is still visible, but the more well-lit areas are not over-exposed. Thought-provoking shot.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2399/1679016422_107ebcecda_o.jpg

Lisa's riding a bike! This is a fun shot. I don't know if it's that she is in her gear, or the angle of lean on the bike, or what, but even though the K is on its side-stand, this picture looks like Lisa is in motion. The bike is straight-up and the background is leaning. A snapshot, but a really interesting and successful one.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Scenic%20Shots/1021FallRide013s.jpg

Paulbach's submission this week is really beautiful. I like the stark, bare tree in the foreground, foretelling that winter is on its way. Nice composition. I like that the road and the cars just peek into the lower right corner. Good color, too.

http://RebeccaVaughn.smugmug.com/photos/211015137-L.jpg

The Grim Reaper calls. What is it about masks that utterly transform someone? Boxergrrlie's shot is quite successful I think. The contrast is low and the subject is very slightly underexposed, but both effects work very well for the subject. A shadow of a doubt? Mr. Death is here. It was the salmon mousse!

sorry, esoteric reference. Anyone?

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/212669088-XL.jpg

Jdiaz jumped on board with a couple of nice shots this week. I particularly like this one and it fits the theme well, I think. The image may have been even more successful if photographed from below to include the tat-owner's face, smiling or snarling or something. I would have waited for him to get off the phone. Talk about commitment.

https://vspace.vassar.edu/xythoswfs/webui/_xy-1197006_1

https://vspace.vassar.edu/xythoswfs/webui/_xy-1197007_1

RandallIsland has two intesting variations on a theme this week. Notice how he's played with the exposure. The top photo is exposed for the trees and the bike is almost completely backlit. Effective, but not my preference.

The lower shot is more of a happy medium. More exposure resulting in slightly over-exposed trees and less under-exposed bike. I like the second picture better for a number of reasons. I think the horizontal composition works better (I'm interested in the bike) and the exposure choice is more inviting to the viewer.

http://bradfordbenn.smugmug.com/photos/210691118-L.jpg

BradforBenn's submission is a fairly ordinary shot in what looks like a park. It does speak to the theme, in my mind, with the stability of the rock--no doubt there. It's also an interesting study in exposure. His camera's meter (or he) handle it well. The west side (I assume) of the rock is quite over-exposed, but the east side, in shadow, is exposed nicely revealing color and grain in the stone. I wish this had been more close on the rock.

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/212669099-X2.jpg

Rlswim joins us with a fairly literal interpretation. I never get tired of these, though. No two shadows are the same, and these are always fun shots.

http://www.visian.nu/images/hp2_191.jpg

Visian's got another nice entry this week. It fits the theme well on a number of accounts and is an honest-to-goodness riding shot. 1,000 bonus points for the Safari bags.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2120/1694535412_67c0bac9d0_b.jpg

This photo has already received some good commentary. I'd just like to add that it's very difficult lighting handled very well. Beautiful colors, and, for a picture of a road, a very interesting image.

[SNC1923]

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/211720245-XL-1.jpg

Beerteam has a whole bunch of cool pictures this week, many of which have already received insightful comments. I'll add this one because it's so unusual. It's a really fun shot, a snapshot--or so it would seem--but one that not only tells a story but also fits the theme.

http://www.arabianvines.com/purtycolor.jpg

Jackie chimes in with a nice bike shot. This pictures tells a story (at least of a season) and does fit the theme. What I would have like to have seen is the use of fill flash. At the taking distance, the flash would have added just enough illumination to bring the RT out of the shadow a bit, matching better the bright yellow leaves. It's a pretty picture of a pretty '04. I miss mine.

http://klasjm.smugmug.com/photos/211927063-XL.jpg

This is another great Beerteam shot. Beautiful color and great saturation. This picture tells a story and fits the theme. What makes this picture, however, is the inclusion of the KTM in the far right margin. Imagine the shot without it. Much more interesting and informed composition. Nice stuff, as always.

http://bricciphoto.smugmug.com/photos/211967657-M.jpg

Bricciphoto's submission--which has already received ample feedback and spawned a number of threads, deserves one more look. Seemingly a grabbed snapshot, this definitely tells a story, in no subtle terms. It's thought-provoking to be sure, and as was pointed out, can be interpreted in any number of ways. Good capture.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/211618079-L.jpg

The Poobah graced us with a shot this week. A still life from the fungal ride, this shot grabs my eye because I'm not used to seeing coffee and beer in one sitting. But these fungal riders are hardcore, man. And the split in the table? That's symbolic of the north/south split in their plans. The half-empty water glass connotes the moral ambiguity of leaving riders behind. This is sheer genius folks. Learn from this.

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/212669118-X2.jpg

I'm not sure what to say about this. It fits the theme, for sure. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, this will be a honeyMOOn to remember. I wish BluegrassPicker and his bovine bride all the happiness they CUD imagine.

Nice shots, everyone. Thanks for paricipating and for reading my ramblings. Good night. :wave

[RandallIsland]

Thanks for the feedback!

It's nice to finally know what people mean with backlit and exposure, by what they really mean in shots I took.
I hadn't even been consciously playing with the settings, just shooting, until I had the right "sights"
to capture what I could feel.

Thanks again. These assignments are really fun and I truly look forward to them.
I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that your feedback is most greatly appreciated!
:thumb

[rocketman]

Thanks for the feedback!

It's nice to finally know what people mean with backlit and exposure, by what they really mean in shots I took.
I hadn't even been consciously playing with the settings, just shooting, until I had the right "sights"
to capture what I could feel.

Thanks again. These assignments are really fun and I truly look forward to them.
I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that your feedback is most greatly appreciated!
:thumb

+5!:clap

RM

[Voni]

:clap

:kiss

And Thanks!

Have a great weekend. And take pictures!

Voni
sMiling and off to do the same