Photo Assignment: Weekend 12/29/07

[SNC1923]

Well, I've had a nice week off. I hope each of you has enjoyed your holiday and some time off or at least a slow down in work. I encourage each of us to continue capturing images of "Holiday Warmth and Motorcycling." At the same time, we should move on to our regularly-scheduled Photo Assignment Threads. Lest we forget our time-honored parameters, 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. You may post more than one photo, but try to keep it to a handful.
Title your photo so it can be referred to later.
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: "Three"

Three seems to be a mystical number, the one magic numeral in equations, formulae, Pi, even the holy trinity. How does "Three" inform your photographic aesthetic? Let's see what you've got. I'll offer some feedback on these next year.

[Timba]

Then thou must count to three. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Hand_Grenade_of_Antioch#Usage_instructions)
Three shall be the number of the counting and the number of the counting shall be three.
Four shalt thou not count, neither shalt thou count two, excepting that thou then proceedeth to three.


Five is right out.

:)

[bmwdean]

Three arms.

[bmwdean]

Three oldies.

[SNC1923]

Very nice, Jeff.

[Gil]

Three oldies.

SPECTACULAR! Well rendered image. There is an element of "echo of shapes" in the picture.
And to think I was merely going to take a picture of my three cylinder K75. How lame can I be?:banghead

[Gil]

D300!
Darn! That's a great camera. Virtually no noise at 800 ISO.
(Still, I just got a D3 but still prefer the colors of the Fuji S5)

Keep shooting.

Gil

[rocketman]

Three oldies.


Very nice, love the color (esp. the red one). I gotta ask, are all those yours? I am soooo jealous!

I can't wait for spring when I am hoping to get a nice/2 myself I love those old bikes and I have some very fond memories of my days riding one.

Sweet!

RM

[Mika]

Links to the Photo Assignment threads:

12/29/2007 ( http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22565) “Three”

12/15/2007 ( http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22289): Holiday Warmth and Motorcycling

12/01/2007 (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22018): Element

11/24/2007 (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21853): Gratitude – Thanksgiving Special

11/17/2007 ( http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21734): Triangle

11/10/2007 ( http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21574): Harmony

11/03/2007 ( http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21441): Pure & Simple

10/27/2007 (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21286): Open Wide

10/19/2007 (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21141): Shadow of a Doubt

10/13/2007 (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20999&highlight=Photo+Assignment): Group Dynamic

10/06/2007 (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20845&highlight=Photo+Assignment): Blue

09/29/2007 (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20687&highlight=Photo+Assignment): Evolution

09/22/2007 (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20513&highlight=Photo+Assignment): Balance

09/15/2007 (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20361&highlight=Photo+Assignment): Where I Want to Be

09/08/2007 (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20239&highlight=Photo+Assignment): A Long Way to Go

[DarrylRi]

Very nice, love the color (esp. the red one). I gotta ask, are all those yours? I am soooo jealous!

I can't wait for spring when I am hoping to get a nice/2 myself I love those old bikes and I have some very fond memories of my days riding one.

Sweet!

RM

Now is the time to get a vintage bike so you can work on "fettling" it before spring. DAMHIK.

[bmwdean]

Very nice, love the color (esp. the red one). I gotta ask, are all those yours? I am soooo jealous!

I can't wait for spring when I am hoping to get a nice/2 myself I love those old bikes and I have some very fond memories of my days riding one.

Sweet!

RM

Thank you. Yes, they are all mine. The black and blue ones (and the white one in my avatar) have factory original paint. The red one was restored by Tim Stafford (http://motos.home.att.net/stafford.htm)

I am fortunate that I can afford to own a nice group of old BMWs. Not much else though :)

[PGlaves]

Three metal Amigos at Quicksilver in Study Butte, Texas

[Voni]

Three more Amigos.

Voni
sMiling

[cjack]

heh heh

[rocketman]

Then There Were Three

http://www.roadrunes.com/images3/MOA-assignments/three/checkmate-2-web.jpg

RM

[cjack]

Viki just took my picture and pointed out that I am her "third". Ha ha, very funny.

[BONEY]

http://www.beachbus.net/photos/d/1969-2/PtReyes+094.jpg
"Three (hundred and two)"

Only one worthwhile image this week.

[sfarson]

Following a ride down the driveway and looking back.

http://www.farson.com/flhrse3/driveway.jpg

[SNC1923]

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/237774439-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=237774439)

[SNC1923]

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/237774738-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=237774738)

[SNC1923]

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/237775084-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=237775084)

At first glance, this would appear to be a picture of two people, Mr. and Mrs. SNC 1923; however, the results of a blood test last Thursday confirmed that, in fact, there are now three of us.

:brad

[Voni]

What a grand way to make a birth announcement!

Congratulations, you lucky two, I mean 3!

Voni
sMiling

[grossjohann]

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/237775084-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=237775084)

At first glance, this would appear to be a picture of two people, Mr. and Mrs. SNC 1923; however, the results of a blood test last Thursday confirmed that, in fact, there are now three of us.

:brad


Congratulations, Tom!

I'm looking forward to seeing all the pictures of mini-SNC1923

-Alex

[cjack]

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/237775084-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=237775084)

At first glance, this would appear to be a picture of two people, Mr. and Mrs. SNC 1923; however, the results of a blood test last Thursday confirmed that, in fact, there are now three of us.

:brad

Congratulations and the best to you three.

[rocketman]

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/237775084-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=237775084)

At first glance, this would appear to be a picture of two people, Mr. and Mrs. SNC 1923; however, the results of a blood test last Thursday confirmed that, in fact, there are now three of us.

:brad

congrats to you both!

( I could say something about the suggestive nature of the name of the establishment behind you and making such an announcement with a picture you two standing in front of said establishment, but I won’t go there! Ha Ha!)

RM

[rocketman]

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/237774738-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=237774738)


Just the other evening while sitting in my garage and staring at the back of my LT I thought about that very same picture, but dismissed it as being just too darn easy! (just kidding!!)

Ha Ha!

RM

[bobs98]

.... eating for three?

(from the Big GIG)

[SNC1923]

congrats to you both!

( I could say something about the suggestive nature of the name of the establishment behind you and making such an announcement with a picture you two standing in front of said establishment, but I won’t go there! Ha Ha!)

RM

You know, this crossed my mind only after I posted the shot. Didn't even occur to me initially, even as I was taking the shot. We really did dine there last night. Kids here in California put In n' Out bumper stickers on their cars with the "hamburger" part removed and think that it's the height of hilarity.

Apparently I'm not only the master of the unintentional pun but the emperor of unwitting double-entendre as well. C'est la vie.

Thanks for all the congratulations and well wishes. My lovely bride is very excited and I'm scared to death.

[jdmetzger]

.... eating for three?

:laugh

You took my idea! :)

Same shot, different angle; three pork chops. Possibly three pounds, as well. :hungover

Nothing too special. I didn't know the assignment when I went to NYC, so I wasn't being too careful with picking my subjects. This is less "professional" and more "fun". I can think of a lot of improvements to this one.

http://www.jdmetzger.com/img/potw/potw-three.jpg

[sonnata]

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/237775084-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=237775084)

At first glance, this would appear to be a picture of two people, Mr. and Mrs. SNC 1923; however, the results of a blood test last Thursday confirmed that, in fact, there are now three of us.

:brad
Congratulations! So, when do you get the sidecar?

[terham]

:laugh

You took my idea! :)

Same shot, different angle; three pork chops. Possibly three pounds, as well. :hungover

Nothing too special. I didn't know the assignment when I went to NYC, so I wasn't being too careful with picking my subjects. This is less "professional" and more "fun". I can think of a lot of improvements to this one.

http://www.jdmetzger.com/img/potw/potw-three.jpg

At least it came with a vegetable.:stick

Sitting at the same table I could see they were big but I didn't realize just how big they were until now. I feel queasy.

[SNC1923]

At least it came with a vegetable.:stick

Sitting at the same table I could see they were big but I didn't realize just how big they were until now. I feel queasy.

That's probably just atherosclerosis.:stick

[BONEY]

Kids here in California put In n' Out bumper stickers on their cars with the "hamburger" part removed and think that it's the height of hilarity.


I went to high school just down the street from one. Back in the day we just cut the 'b' and the 'r' off the In-N-Out BURGER.

[Rapid_Roy]

Congratulations Tom! Great News!:dance

[lamble]

http://lamble.smugmug.com/photos/238397767-XL.jpg

Three Lummi Island locals.

Tom, great news. Will certainly make 2008 a year to remember.

Touratech have an aluminium crib I think.

[franze]

http://elcid.smugmug.com/photos/238417259-M.jpg

[HankPfister]

http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/220538518-S.jpg

Lest this photo garners an award, it doesn't qualify, as the photo was shot in Nov of '07. But it is on subject. Location is the New River Gorge, on the OLD bridge under the "New" New River Gorge Bridge.

[franze]

http://elcid.smugmug.com/photos/238421677-M.jpg


Shout it out:

Tom, congratulations on the tax deduction :thumb

Boney, nice shot.:thumb

[wmubrown]

At first glance, this would appear to be a picture of two people, Mr. and Mrs. SNC 1923; however, the results of a blood test last Thursday confirmed that, in fact, there are now three of us.

:brad

Congratulations Tom! What a Happy New Year!
That is pretty funny about the restaurant sign in the background! ;)

[bricciphoto]

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/237775084-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=237775084)

At first glance, this would appear to be a picture of two people, Mr. and Mrs. SNC 1923; however, the results of a blood test last Thursday confirmed that, in fact, there are now three of us.

:brad

Congrats Tom and Mrs. SNC1923!!! Clever shot, too.

Somehow I missed this thread. :scratch LOTS of interesting and creative shots by everyone on the "Three" theme last week as well. :bow

[Burnszilla]

Congrats Tom!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnszilla/2159503774/" title="IMG_1040.JPG by Burnszilla, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2077/2159503774_ceed049736_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_1040.JPG" /></a>
Shot with a Canon SD870 IS.

[Stuff2C]

http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/220538518-S.jpg

Lest this photo garners an award, it doesn't qualify, as the photo was shot in Nov of '07. But it is on subject. Location is the New River Gorge, on the OLD bridge under the "New" New River Gorge Bridge.

Synchronized side stand deployment?????? a new summer olympic event in the works?????

[griffin738]

three guys tearin' it up!

http://griffin738.smugmug.com/photos/238811606-M.jpg

[MLS2GO]

I just returned from the Cotton Bowl in Dallas where my Missouri Tigers made bacon out of the Arkansas Razorbacks. No offense to any Razorbacks who are reading! My submissions actually were taken on Monday and Tuesday, but since so many people took Monday and Tuesday off, wasn't that just sort of a long weekend. These were taken with my Canon SD 1000 (my favorite point and shoot). Snapshots all, not the greatest shots but filled the bill of the number three. The first two were taken at the Cotton Bowl Parade, where 3 of Dallas's finest were riding very slowly and very impressivle close together on their Kawasaki 1000's.

http://mls2go.smugmug.com/photos/238938046-L.jpg

http://mls2go.smugmug.com/photos/238937737-L.jpg

This shot is of the scoreboard in the third quarter. Both teams have 3 time outs left. The time is 13:38. Mizzou has scored 3 TD's and kicked 3 extra points. And, it's the AT&T Cotton Bowl. Well, and for Arkansas 3 times zero is still zero.

http://mls2go.smugmug.com/photos/238939610-L.jpg

[rocketman]

Congrats Tom!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnszilla/2159503774/" title="IMG_1040.JPG by Burnszilla, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2077/2159503774_ceed049736_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_1040.JPG" /></a>
Shot with a Canon SD870 IS.

Nice shot. funny but I was thinking the other nite that if I still had my old 66 Dodge Dart, I could have taken a picture of the ****er, as it was the three speed kind on the steering colmun known as "Three on the Tree!" and I log in today and what do I see? A Three on a Tree!

Ha Ha!

(boy does that date me!)

Anyone who remembers those also proably knows what PITA those were as the linkage got old and mis-alined and you'd have to fiddle with it to engage it not to mention the non-syncro first gear! by the time you got it from first into second on an uphill you had slowed down so much you had to go back into first, which meant pretty much coming a stop then starting all over again! Ha Ha!

RM

[jdmetzger]

Nice shot. funny but I was thinking the other nite that if I still had my old 66 Dodge Dart, I could have taken a picture of the ****er, as it was the three speed kind on the steering colmun known as "Three on the Tree!" and I log in today and what do I see? A Three on a Tree!

Ha Ha!

(boy does that date me!)

Anyone who remembers those also proably knows what PITA those were as the linkage got old and mis-alined and you'd have to fiddle with it to engage it not to mention the non-syncro first gear! by the time you got it from first into second on an uphill you had slowed down so much you had to go back into first, which meant pretty much coming a stop then starting all over again! Ha Ha!

RM

Not to get too off topic (and I think you should still take your photo, BTW), but I drove one vehicle like that... ONCE. I was contemplating buying a 1966 Ford Bronco (the small ones), but it was overpriced. That was the hardest thing to shift; especially since the shifter arm was loose. Add to that anemic brakes and it was quite a ride... and yes, that 1966 was more than a little older than I am, which is why I've never seen one before or since. :)

[bricciphoto]

Nice shot. funny but I was thinking the other nite that if I still had my old 66 Dodge Dart, I could have taken a picture of the ****er, as it was the three speed kind on the steering colmun known as "Three on the Tree!" and I log in today and what do I see? A Three on a Tree!

Ha Ha!

(boy does that date me!)

Anyone who remembers those also proably knows what PITA those were as the linkage got old and mis-alined and you'd have to fiddle with it to engage it not to mention the non-syncro first gear! by the time you got it from first into second on an uphill you had slowed down so much you had to go back into first, which meant pretty much coming a stop then starting all over again! Ha Ha!

RM

Good one Rocketman! (Although I think Burnzilla's pics is of a utility pole). I remember "three on a tree." Drove plenty of them, mostly pick-ups and vans. What a PITA is right!:p

[rocketman]

Good one Rocketman! (Although I think Burnzilla's pics is of a utility pole). I remember "three on a tree." Drove plenty of them, mostly pick-ups and vans. What a PITA is right!:p
which is just a dead tree in a new hole, but still a tree! (sort of!) :laugh

RM

[SNC1923]

which is just a dead tree in a new hole, but still a tree! (sort of!) :laugh

RM

Good answer, RM. You really stumped him.

[rocketman]

Good answer, RM. You really stumped him.


Ouch!
that hurt!:laugh
RM

[bricciphoto]

Good answer, RM. You really stumped him.

Urgh! ;)

I'm in the utility business and here's what they told me: "Trees = bad. Poles = good." Although, RM's correct, poles do start out life as trees. :nyah

[BeemoKat]

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/237775084-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=237775084)

At first glance, this would appear to be a picture of two people, Mr. and Mrs. SNC 1923; however, the results of a blood test last Thursday confirmed that, in fact, there are now three of us.

:brad

Congrats Tom!

[SNC1923]

Well, I suppose this is the final Photo Assignment for 2007, ending as it did on 12/30. I pulled the theme of "three" out of my, er, hat, and I wondered how it would turn out. Got some imaginative and sometimes humorous interpretations, some abstract and others literal. Let's take a look, shall we?

First up this week are two fine submissions by BMWDean:

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/239258927-L.jpg

When I first looked at this, I thought, well nice, but it's four. Of course, his title indicating three arms clears that up nicely. This is a really nice photo: dramatic, upward perspective, really even exposure, and a dramatic azure sky. I'm sure (but correct me if wrong) that this was accomplished with a polarizing filter, the photographers' best friend. The dramatic impact is heightened in having the subject fill the frame. The angle, with the sunlight more-or-less directly illuminating the subject, greatly reduces distracting shadows. Finally, the numerous horizontal lines add a great deal of visual appeal and interest. Neat shot.

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/239258949-L.jpg

Jeff's second submission is equally impressive, though a much more interesting subject, at least to members of this forum. Three irresistible beauties all in a row. In some respects, this photos is compositionally very similar to the first. Although opposite in orientation, both shots fill the image with the subject. In addition, the foreground bike appears in the image at the same proportion as the two behind, adding a sense of balance and symmetry. Like shooting a beautiful model, it's hard to go wrong, but that isn't to take anything away from the photographer--this could have been shot in hundreds of ways, but this is a particularly effective decision.

Mrs. SNC1923 informs me that it's time to drive the Christmas tree to its final destination. Please observe a moment of silence and I will return shortly with more critique.

[bmwdean]

Thank you, Tom :)

[SNC1923]

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/239258972-L.jpg

PGlaves' three metal amigos is the kind of photo that makes you smile, something that many of his and Voni's pictures do. He shot this looking at the statue's (if that's the right word) backs rather than fronts. This may have been a decision driven by the sun's location or it may have been a conscious decision of perspective. Either way, it works. Looking at them from behind somehow adds a sense of whimsy or maybe just maintains the mystery. One thought does occur to me, though: what if he had crouched down to see these figures at eye level, having them occupy more of the foreground, even making them appear more life-size? It's a steadfast rule for taking pictures of children. If you have a chance to shoot these fellows again, or something/-one like them, give it a try.

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/239258852-L.jpg

Voni's submission, "three more amigos," is an interesting composition as well. It works for me, but just barely. I like that she shot through the blinds, superimposing a massive structure over the image; however, it greatly obscures the subject and fights for the viewer's attention, to say nothing of the vertical metal tower to the left. It is a complex images of horizontal and vertical lines and it may be too much. . . . Still, it is compelling.

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/239258886-L.jpg

CJack's "tres amigos rapidos" (funny title!) is another three bikes shot. It's a good, creative image and I like very much the way it's composed. Great care was undertaken to have each of these nearly identical bikes in exactly the same orientation. Each has a personalized plate, each an identical tank bag. . . . I wonder if his bike, without bags, might have been better in the middle? A small point to be sure. What I notice most in this image is the lighting. It appears to be taken on an overcast day resulting in 0 shadows. People often confuse overcast days with poor picture-taking conditions when exactly the opposite can be true.

Compare CJack's photo to BMWDean's. It's an interesting contrast in lighting and composition. Neither is superior to the other, but each benefits from different decisions.

http://www.roadrunes.com/images3/MOA-assignments/three/checkmate-2-web.jpg

RM's "Then There Were Three" is a great still-life that certainly tells a story, even to a non-chess playing luddite such as myself. This is a good picture, well exposed and sufficient depth of field. Two alternative compositions occur to me. One is to do what I suggested with Paul's photo: to lower the camera to eye-level looking at the three staggered figures straight-on rather than down slightly like an unseen observer. Make the viewer a chess piece as it were. Another possibility, if the lens would allow, would be to focus more closely eliminating the edges of the this beautiful, decorative board. By having only the playing surface visible would add a sense of both immediacy and drama to the image. As with my comments above, these observations are easy to make in others' images after the fact. It's a good shot.

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/239258904-L.jpg

CJack's second submisson, Vicki's Third, shows, if nothing else, that he's got a sense of humor. Aside from being funny, it's a really nice environmental portrait. Interesting, story-telling background with the subject off-center. It's a nice, complementary image that tells in an instant, a great deal about who he is.

http://www.beachbus.net/photos/d/1969-2/PtReyes+094.jpg

I really like Boney's submission this week. It's a largely colorless subject, and yet a very interesting image. The blue sky stands in stark contrast to the white rails and sandy concrete. This images asks more questions than it answers, which is why it works for me. Where is this? 302 what? Where does it lead? I notice, too, that there are three rails on each side. It's an interesting and stark landscape, made so in large part due to it's involving prespective; Boney did here what I would have had Paul or RM do in each of their images.

http://www.farson.com/flhrse3/driveway.jpg

It's nice to see sfarson back this week with a nice image. I like this especially knowing that it's not only his driveway but that he's riding a bike in the snow. It's nicely composed, too. But I am going to need help. . . . Three? I don't see it. Yeah, rule of thirds, but I don't know that that is what you were shooting for. Help me out. I'm missing the theme.

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/237774439-L.jpg

I was happy with this interpretation of the theme in this close-up image of my front Tourance tire; however, as my wife pointed out with her question: "I thought your tires were black." Over-exposed? Not appropriately white-balanced? It's an absurdly long exposure (6 seconds) with a hand-held garage light moving around during the exposure in an effort to eliminate shadows. . . . It's an interesting image, IIDSSM, but it's certainly not the right color.

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/239258870-X2.jpg

Now Bobs98's contribution this week is successful, at least in that it totally busts Josh as an egregious glutton. I realize that it is just a snapshot (and a slapshot) but I want to see Derek and the other fellow in full, or eliminate them entirely. This is a good study in composition, especially when compared to Josh's response:

http://www.jdmetzger.com/img/potw/potw-three.jpg

To me, this is a more successful, more interesting composition, but it is also an entirely different picture and one that tells a different, less specific story. As an avid fan of food porn, though, I would point out that this may have been even more interesting if the camera were held directly above the plate and the photo was taken from that perspective. Point and shoot cameras with macro zoom lenses and large LCD displays make this a cinch. For all the grief you got, I hope the chops were delicious.

http://lamble.smugmug.com/photos/238397767-XL.jpg

I like Lamble's contribution this week. It certainly fits the theme and is a nicely composed shot. I especially like the way the landscape disappears into the background on the right. The metal (antenna?) on the roof is distracting, but I'd be hard pressed to eliminate it (without Photoshop). Cutting it off (as well as the crown of the roof) would make the image less successful, I think. This is an example again of overcast lighting and how pleasing the colors can be when muted and shadow-free.

http://elcid.smugmug.com/photos/238417259-M.jpg

I'm left all but speechless by this aptly titled image. Art? I don't know. Provocative to be sure. I would love to see this photographed from a lower angle without all the people in the picture, but that can be awfully tricky in such an obviously public place. "Excuse me, would all of you stand up and move out of my way?"

http://elcid.smugmug.com/photos/238421677-M.jpg

This is an eerie image, also titled in an interesting, evocative way. Where is the three? The escalator stops and the two sides? This image simply underscores the importance of lighting and how available light images can be so dramatic. It's a really neat shot.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2077/2159503774_ceed049736_b.jpg

Burnzilla's literal interpretation may well be my favorite image this week. This is a powerful and gripping image. I love the texture and the color. He uses his little camera to great effect, especially with the close-up feature (remember the recent image of the eye?). This image appears to be intentionally underexposed by 1/3 or 2/3. Am I right? Oops, I looked up your exif (thanks for linking). It says 0/3. Does that mean +1/3? I would have guessed minus. It's just that the colors are so rich. I'm also a bit surprised that it's only 400 ISO as the grain is evident in the background. That does nothing to detract from this powerful image, made all the more so by the simplicity of the subject. Nice capture.

http://griffin738.smugmug.com/photos/238811606-M.jpg

Griffin738 is here this week with another dramatic available-light image. I love the composition here. Normally, a shot with the ceiling occupying a good 1/3 to 1/2 of the image is a death-kiss; however, here not only is the ceiling lit, but the foregrounded musician occupies that same space. It looks a bit like album art or an image accompanying an article in Rolling Stone. What I would like to see different is that the above-mentioned musician's face is blurred by motion. Faster ISO and faster shutter speed, perhaps? Or you might have used the flash with the slow shutter speed used here. This would freeze his face but allow the dramatic ambient light to shine through. Coulda, woulda, and shoulda, this is still a pretty cook capture.

http://mls2go.smugmug.com/photos/238938046-L.jpg

Almost exactly the same story with MLS2GO's submission. This is a really unusual perspective and a great shot of a precision riding team. One doesn't normally see an image of bikes like this in motion; however, two things really distract me: the motion blur (it's not bad, but it is evident) and the low contrast caused by backlighting. He appears to be shooting into the sun (compare with BMWDean's shot above, where he's doing the opposite). MLS2GO was likely trapped where he was and had only the choice of taking or not taking the photo, especially given that they were underway. He could, however, have overexposed by 1/3 or 2/3, or--even better--forced the flash to fire. This would have not only solved the backlighting issue, it would have resolved the motion blur as well. If no one learns nothing else from these threads, remember that with these camera you need only activate the flash to achieve spectacular 1:1 fill-flash exposures. Don't underrate this fabulous feature! I might have composed it just a hair tighter as well, but as I said, this appears to be on the fly and I seriously doubt that I could have done any better. As it stands, it's an effective, compelling image.

http://mls2go.smugmug.com/photos/238937737-L.jpg

This image is similar, less dramatic by virtue of the lack of flattening evident in the picture above. By that I mean that the telephoto makes the bikes appear closer than they actually are (not unlike my shot of the undulating whoops on Hwy 58 if you remember that). It's a neat shot, but the giant while baseball hat is simply too distracting. Raise the camera over your head? Push the camera forward, just past his head? Crop it in an editing program? Sometimes your just stuck, as seems to be the case in this situation.

http://mls2go.smugmug.com/photos/238939610-L.jpg

MLS2GO's final submission is filled with threes and vivid colors besides. Parts of this image seem soft to me (AT&T) but others very sharp (Ark vs. MO 0 - 21).

It appears that's all for this week. Thanks everyone for some interesting and funny submissions. I'll have a theme up tonight or first thing tomorrow for next week. Watch for it!

[SNC1923]

I would be remiss if I were not to say thank you to all the warm wishes and congratulations to Mrs. SNC1923 and I on our wonderful news. We're very excited and I remain committed to continued riding, though this will certainly throw a spanner, albeit a delightful one, in the works.

http://www.sidecarslings.com/images/sideCarSplash_01.jpg

[PGlaves]

I shot the Three Metal Amigos several ways. There were actually four of them, side by side. My first several shots were of their fronts (south three and north three) but that then included a messy background of store-fronts across the lot behind the Amigos. I decided the background would be better if I shot from behind. Again south three and north three to see which colors I liked best. Good point about crouching down - that is at least the second time the error of not doing that has been noted.

Shot on auto with a very small Fuji Finepix Z5.

[lamble]

http://lamble.smugmug.com/photos/239370968-M.jpg

Who'd have thought, Legoe Bay Inn had satellite TV!

If cropping were allowed I'd have gone for a close up...

http://lamble.smugmug.com/photos/239371017-S.jpg

Tom, my concern with three as a topic is...are we going to get associated themes from now on?

Blooming
Bump
Formula
Burp
Diaper
etc...

[SNC1923]

If cropping were allowed I'd have gone for a close up...

http://lamble.smugmug.com/photos/239371017-S.jpg

Tom, my concern with three as a topic is...are we going to get associated themes from now on?

Blooming
Bump
Formula
Burp
Diaper
etc...

:jawdrop

(nice crop, BTW)

[jdmetzger]

As always, thanks for the critiques! (and also congrats! :clap )

In my defense:

When looking at the dinner menu I saw the smallest steak (aside from the absurdly expensive filet) was 22oz. WAY too much meat, I thought. So, I ordered the grilled pork chops. Decent price, sounded good. I had NO IDEA I was getting more than one pig. No, I didn't eat it all. Also, if you saw the POTS of food everyone else got, my meal almost seems reasonable. :)

[SNC1923]

I shot the Three Metal Amigos several ways. There were actually four of them, side by side. My first several shots were of their fronts (south three and north three) but that then included a messy background of store-fronts across the lot behind the Amigos. I decided the background would be better if I shot from behind. Again south three and north three to see which colors I liked best. Good point about crouching down - that is at least the second time the error of not doing that has been noted.

Shot on auto with a very small Fuji Finepix Z5.

I think this goes to show that in spite of my glib critiques, often a great deal of thought and planning has gone into the execution of a photo, and often that is the best result given the circumstances. Thanks for enlightening me.

Because you rightly showed me only three, I assumed that was the reality. Very interesting. . . .

[SNC1923]

As always, thanks for the critiques! (and also congrats! :clap )

In my defense:

When looking at the dinner menu I saw the smallest steak (aside from the absurdly expensive filet) was 22oz. WAY too much meat, I thought. So, I ordered the grilled pork chops. Decent price, sounded good. I had NO IDEA I was getting more than one pig. No, I didn't eat it all. Also, if you saw the POTS of food everyone else got, my meal almost seems reasonable. :)

JDMetzger doth protest too much, methinks.

:p

[PGlaves]

I think this goes to show that in spite of my glib critiques, often a great deal of thought and planning has gone into the execution of a photo, and often that is the best result given the circumstances. Thanks for enlightening me.

Because you rightly showed me only three, I assumed that was the reality. Very interesting. . . .

Here is the best of the first group from the front. I didn't like the results because the sun washed the photo out and I didn't like the background. I could fix brightness, contrast, and saturation - but for the rules - and still wouldn't like the background.

[PGlaves]

So I shot several from behind. Here is the one I submitted.

[PGlaves]

Which I thought was a bit more vibrant than this one.

[BONEY]

Thanks for the kind words of my photo, Tom. I appreciate the critiques, as I feel that my pictures from the rides I take are not usually to the standard I would like them to be. I'm committed this year to talking better pictures- whether they're just snapshots or photographs I'd like to hang on the wall.

If I may, here are few of the pictures that didn't make the cut:

http://www.beachbus.net/photos/d/2905-2/PtReyes+007.jpg
This one reminds me too much of the image I submitted for the "triangles" assignment. I think it's the radial nature of the supports.

http://www.beachbus.net/photos/d/2911-2/PtReyes+099.jpg
3 people. Obviously climbing the stairs that I had photographed earlier. I don't like the lack of contrast (shooting into the sun) and the odd angle at which the stairs appear. Shot from above and to the side, I had a hard time framing it so that it didn't look like the people were leaning back. I also had to frame it so as not to include the many other people on the rest of the steps.

http://www.beachbus.net/photos/d/2914-2/PtReyes+112.jpg
I took loads of pictures of the shoreline here. The wires ruin it for me, but are the only "3" that include the shore.

Where was I? Pt Reyes Lighthouse. The headlands at the point are too high and frequently shrouded in dense fog, so they built the lighthouse down on the cliff- complete with 308 steps to get to it. This time of year it's a fantastic place for shore-based whale watching as the point sticks way out past the nearby shore. The wind was blowing pretty hard while we were out there, making spotting the migrating whales very difficult.

http://www.beachbus.net/photos/d/2908-2/PtReyes+045.jpg

Google Map (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=37.995575,-123.022918&spn=0.002621,0.004302&t=h&z=18&om=1)

[SNC1923]

Thanks Paul and Boney for sharing your "backstories" with us--very instructive indeed.

Paul's posts #63 & 64 are textbook instruction on lighting as it relates to where you want the sun when shooting. Kodak used to have little photo tips inside their boxes of film, one of which was "always have the sun to your back" (YOU being the photographer). Note the dramatic difference in the contrast and the resulting colors in these two images.

Boney's trip to Pt. Reyes shows the many opportunities for different shots in a given trip. The lighthouse supports do indeed make for an interesting picture. The white in this photo is very difficult. Up top it's a bit gray and below the highlights are completely blown out, one of the difficulties of digital imaging I am learning. It's still a successful image, but a light-metering land mine.

Although I see the problems you indicate, I rather like the shot of the utility pole against the shore for this assignment. It's filled with threes. Perhaps if (that is if) a slightly different angle were available or if you had used a polarizer or if. . . .

Thanks again to both of you for educating us.

[MLS2GO]

http://mls2go.smugmug.com/photos/238938046-L.jpg

You are right I was shooting into the sun. It was about 55 degrees and my wife wouldn't stand in the shade to put the sun behind me.

http://mls2go.smugmug.com/photos/238937737-L.jpg

The guy with the hat stood up just as I took it. No time for another shot. I didn't like the framing of it either.

http://mls2go.smugmug.com/photos/238939610-L.jpg

I hand held this with my point and shoot from about 125 yards, probably on 12 power zoom. 3 optical 4 digital. I am actually kind of proud of how this one came out. The scoreboard was at the top of the outside of the stadium and I was on the opposite 20 yard line.

Again thanks for the critiques, these threads have been awesome.

[SNC1923]

You are right I was shooting into the sun. It was about 55 degrees and my wife wouldn't stand in the shade to put the sun behind me.

Stay in the sun; stay married. Words to live by. Point is, you got the shot.

The guy with the hat stood up just as I took it. No time for another shot. I didn't like the framing of it either.

This is why I carry a taser at all times.

I hand held this with my point and shoot from about 125 yards, probably on 12 power zoom. 3 optical 4 digital. I am actually kind of proud of how this one came out. The scoreboard was at the top of the outside of the stadium and I was on the opposite 20 yard line.

Given these parameters, particularly that part of this zoom was digitally enhanced, you should be quite proud of this.

Again thanks for the critiques, these threads have been awesome.

You're most welcome. I remain impressed that anyone is interested in what I have to say. I'm enjoying these threads at least as much as everyone else.

:type

[franze]

http://elcid.smugmug.com/photos/238421677-M.jpg



The three in this photo is my three kids. That's the backs of my two sons, my daughter, who was in front of them, showed up in pink on the reflection on the side rail.

thanks for all you do, I really enjoy seeing everyone's pix. Last time I made that walk out to the Pt. Reyes lighthouse my oldest son was on my back as a newborn!

[BONEY]

Although I see the problems you indicate, I rather like the shot of the utility pole against the shore for this assignment. It's filled with threes. Perhaps if (that is if) a slightly different angle were available or if you had used a polarizer or if. . . .


This is why I'm here, and making an effort to participate more than I have been... Yes, there are many different angles to take the picture from, and I only took one of them. Maybe I'll get a change to head out there for another attempt soon. I don't have a polarizing filter- in fact, I'm using a Canon A710IS point and shoot as my primary camera (my other one is an old S400 Elph). I don't own a digital SLR and don't see one in my future. Mostly because I'm trying to pare down the amount/size of stuff I take with me. (that and I've already got a slew of expensive hobbies and a small budget with which to fund them.) I'd like to get proficient at using the little camera to get better shots from it. It's quite capable and has many more features than I know how to use.

That and I'd like to get my hands on a new Canon G9 so I can start messing with RAW images.

[SNC1923]

This is why I'm here, and making an effort to participate more than I have been... Yes, there are many different angles to take the picture from, and I only took one of them. Maybe I'll get a change to head out there for another attempt soon. I don't have a polarizing filter- in fact, I'm using a Canon A710IS point and shoot as my primary camera (my other one is an old S400 Elph). I don't own a digital SLR and don't see one in my future. Mostly because I'm trying to pare down the amount/size of stuff I take with me. (that and I've already got a slew of expensive hobbies and a small budget with which to fund them.) I'd like to get proficient at using the little camera to get better shots from it. It's quite capable and has many more features than I know how to use.

That and I'd like to get my hands on a new Canon G9 so I can start messing with RAW images.

Given your parameters (size, cost, other hobbie$), stay WAY away from a DSLR. :p

I've got the G9 on my mind. . . . I've got to raise enough cash to pay off a holiday credit card bill before I raise enough cash to buy one. Damn the universe and its delayed gratification. I'm just coming around to a place where I don't want to haul the DSLR everywhere. Picture quality is appreciably different but very good nonetheless. And besides, think of the money you'll save on PL filters.

I recently spent over $200 on one! :faint)