Photo Assignment 01/26/08 COMMENTARY/TESTS

[SNC1923]

Please post test photos for the 01/26/08 "My Town (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22862)" photo assignment here. Chat, comment, kid around, ask questions, provide feedback, go nuts.

Please reserve the other thread (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22862) for posting actual finished products with text or comment.

[bobs98]

This one will actually require some thought and planning.:dunno

Unlike my previous attempt from the Big GIG 2 where one of my shots just happened to fit the category that I didn't know about before taking the picture.
:bolt

[rocketman]

CHANGE!!???? YIKES!!!!! I'm too old to change!!!!!:p I don't live in a TOWN, I live in a CITY!! Whatever will I do??????

I'm so depressed.........


guess I will have to go for a ride and take three photos.........of



something.........

RM

[Voni]

We don't live in a town either. Sort of in the middle of nowhere. Or right next to it.

Should be interesting . . .

Voni
sMiling

[Rapid_Roy]

..... go nuts.....

Following orders Sir! Luckily, it is a short trip for me. :brad

[bricciphoto]

Didn't see this comment thread earlier, so I deleted this post from the assignment thread and re-posted here to avoid adding chatter. Sorry for the inconvenience. :p

Excellent theme this week! :clap

I will definitely gather a few images for this one. I've photographed my town quite a bit over the years and it's been about 4-5 years since I put any serious effort into capturing it, so I'm due for a re-do.

In case anyone is interested in seeing "old" shots of "My Town" as a jumping off point for your own photographic adventure, here they are. (http://www.pbase.com/bricciphoto/littlestown_images) Not all that great, but it was fun putting together the various galleries for others to enjoy.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's efforts on this one. Have fun shooting and sharing "Your Town."

Ben

[SNC1923]

Be it city, town redwoods, or desert, produce a photo essay on where you live. I was hoping for an urban vibe in these photo essays, but not all of us live in the city or town. I'm looking forward to these submissions.

[lamble]

This is the hardest task yet. I feel no attachment to the town where we live. It certainly isn't my town and is just a repetitive cycle of restaurants, vets, orthodontists, nail bars and other non-descript, non-essential look-a-like thrown-up commercial establishments without taste, passion or even the saving grace of being crapulent...they just are.

I'll see what I can do.

[SNC1923]

This is the hardest task yet. I feel no attachment to the town where we live. It certainly isn't my town and is just a repetitive cycle of restaurants, vets, orthodontists, nail bars and other non-descript, non-essential look-a-like thrown-up commercial establishments without taste, passion or even the saving grace of being crapulent...they just are.

I'll see what I can do.

I feel very much the same way about my adopted home-through-marriage. Therein lies the challenge. Remember: The instructions do not say "paint in a positive light," they say, "show us."

See if some of that rapier-like wit will translate to the visual medium. :type

[rocketman]

I have just the opposite problem, DC is such a large and diverse area capturing it in only three pics is gonna be a real challenge. I haven't figured out exactly what my approach will be, but I have a few ideas, all based on the very diversity of the area. got a possible first shot purely by accident on my way to the International MC show in town yesterday afternoon hidden in between some office buildings in the heart of the city, glad I had my P&S with me! The big question is if I'm going include any of the many recognizable structures, most have been shot so many times, or maybe just one if I can find some unique way of capturing it.....

RM

[redclfco]

My first time posting shots with you professionals...hope I did'nt mess up too much! I dont live in town so I just tried for a few good shots.... I'm new to this so please excuse...

"You must provide the EXIF information if asked. If you need help, we can show you how to find it or even link it to your photo."

Is EXIF a time/date stamp?

[SNC1923]

My first time posting shots with you professionals...hope I did'nt mess up too much! I dont live in town so I just tried for a few good shots.... I'm new to this so please excuse...

"You must provide the EXIF information if asked. If you need help, we can show you how to find it or even link it to your photo."

Is EXIF a time/date stamp?

Red,

Your shots are great and I'm pleased to see you posting. I answered this question in the other thread. Take a look.

[SNC1923]

http://lh3.google.com/Alex.Grossjohann/R4rH6P0UJSI/AAAAAAAABDk/JhIr8PKjmcE/s800/DSC02033.JPG

GJ:

This is a cool pic. I can't believe they still have the holiday lights up. Looks like a nice setting for a BMW MOA Foundation holiday card. Just sayin'. . . .

[grossjohann]

GJ:

This is a cool pic. I can't believe they still have the holiday lights up. Looks like a nice setting for a BMW MOA Foundation holiday card. Just sayin'. . . .

Thanks, Tom...

I was thinking the same. I should have brought the bike over yesterday, but I was out riding on Sat. and spent most of the day Sun. doing maintenance. Just got 2" of snow last night, and it's still falling. May make for a nice shot, but my baby's all clean :violin (they salt the roads in NY).

The shot's a little out of focus. I think I need one of those mini tripods so that I always have one with me. I was balancing the camera on my knee (sounds like a song).

Here's another try:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Alex.Grossjohann/OurTown2008/photo#5155152569920922930"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/Alex.Grossjohann/R4rH8v0UJTI/AAAAAAAABDs/oICYBi3vtvE/s800/DSC02030.JPG" /></a>

I wanted to shoot the clock from below, to show two faces, to show the tree and to show the gazebo. There's also an American flag, but I thought that was asking too much...

[SNC1923]

I think I need one of those mini tripods so that I always have one with me. I was balancing the camera on my knee (sounds like a song).

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/assets/7822.jpghttp://www.canogacamera.com/images/joby/75587_9.jpg

If you're not already familiar with it, I highly recommend the Joby Gorillapod. It has three articulated legs, so in addition to a simple, free-standing tripod, you can wrap the legs around anything for a very sturdy grip. As a bonus, it's super light weight—ideal for motorcycle travel. They run about $40.

[rocketman]

http://www.canogacamera.com/images/joby/75587_9.jpg

If you're not already familiar with it, I highly recommend the Joby Gorillapod. It has three articulated legs, so in addition to a simple, free-standing tripod, you can wrap the legs around anything for a very sturdy grip. As a bonus, it's super light weight—ideal for motorcycle travel. They run about $40.


I've been meaning to get one of those myself. that picture sure makes it look like the camera is out taking a stroll all on its own. Kinda creepy in a way. Imagine putting your camera down then looking down only to see it walking away! Ha Ha!

RM

[rocketman]

Speaking of tripods I went shooting this past Saturday night in DC around the mall thinking of maybe getting some night shots of the capitol or monuments. since I decided to do this one using just the P&S it looked kinda funny having this tiny little camera sitting a full size tripod,, but what the heck. Not sure if I liked the pics of the Capitol, not because they didn't turn out nicely, but they just seemed like it has been shot sooooo many times its kinda old. tried one or two of the Washington monument with the camera tilled to capture a tree in silhouette along with the moon, but it came out looking more like a mistake than intentional. *sigh*.

I'm trying for a series of "contrasts" showing very different sides of the city that would also include one very recognizable building or feature, one not so obviously belonging to DC but still hint at where it is and one that could be something from any number of cities. I got the third one already, the second from the night shoot, a part of well known building but close enough you'd have to have seen it know which one it is,,, but the first one is really tough, trying to find a "new" view of something famous. darn you Tom.....:laugh

RM

[DeeG]

I always carry my camera with me, cause you never know when an opportunity is going to present itself. Yesterday, we were in the car headed to town. We pull out on the highway and movement on the opposite shoulder catches my eye. Its a Bald Eagle lunching on roadkill. STOPTHECARSTOPTHECARSTOPTHECAR!!! Then I remember that I downloaded a bunch of pics from the day before and had left my camera sitting on my desk. *%&#%$

I'm pretty pissed at myself for leaving the camera at home, that pic would have summed up why I love living where I do. How many folks get to see that kind of thing?

[Voni]

You are so right, flymybmz! It's hard to miss priceless pictures like that!

I really like Jeff Dean's note that says he might be replacing one of his pictures. It's nice to post but have the option of replacing a picture with that WOW shot you get later.

I LOVE taking pictures.

This is the best assignment yet!

Voni
sMiling

[Sue]

I started playing with my photo editor program, and transformed this color shot to b & w. (I am not sure I can even switch my camera to Black and White.) But I like the results of this all the same.

[wezul]

Wow, that's old-timey. I do like B&W. Nice one, Sue!

[SNC1923]

I started playing with my photo editor program, and transformed this color shot to b & w. (I am not sure I can even switch my camera to Black and White.) But I like the results of this all the same.

Sue,

This shot works on so many levels. B&W is an excellent choice for the subject matter. The tree is away from center (as it should be) and the horizon, too, but just slightly. I also like how the background seems to recede into the atmosphere. Really, really cool.

p.s. LOVE your sig.

[SheRidesABeemer]

I always carry my camera with me, cause you never know when an opportunity is going to present itself. Yesterday, we were in the car headed to town. We pull out on the highway and movement on the opposite shoulder catches my eye. Its a Bald Eagle lunching on roadkill. STOPTHECARSTOPTHECARSTOPTHECAR!!! Then I remember that I downloaded a bunch of pics from the day before and had left my camera sitting on my desk. *%&#%$

I'm pretty pissed at myself for leaving the camera at home, that pic would have summed up why I love living where I do. How many folks get to see that kind of thing?

I hear ya on that one. I arrived home from work, and the snow on the trees looks so amazing I wanted to run in and get the tripod, when I remembered the camera is at work in my briefcase...which was a good idea over the weekend...

[jdmetzger]

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/assets/7822.jpghttp://www.canogacamera.com/images/joby/75587_9.jpg

If you're not already familiar with it, I highly recommend the Joby Gorillapod. It has three articulated legs, so in addition to a simple, free-standing tripod, you can wrap the legs around anything for a very sturdy grip. As a bonus, it's super light weight—ideal for motorcycle travel. They run about $40.

+1

I took one of these on my trip around Superior and to the James Bay, last year. I used it on a number of occasions to capture pics of myself. I didn't have anyone else to take the photo for me. I also used it once or twice to get a good shot in low-light conditions. It fits very nice in a tank bag. :thumb

[lamble]

Tom, nothing this week. Not a single redeeming feature sprang out. I drove around, walked through and not a thing.

http://lamble.smugmug.com/photos/243757274-M.jpg

somehow a strip mall doesn't quite have the appeal as our last home.

[SNC1923]

Lamble,

Coming from a country whose capital was founded nearly 2,000 years ago, the suburban sprawl of the U.S. would, indeed, present an aesthetic challenge.

DO note that the deadline for this assignment is next weekend, not this. If you are feeling--well, not inspired--let's say resigned, you have more time to show us where you live and how you feel about it.

I have my shots planned, but they are time critical. My initial efforts were abysmal. I want one to include a sunset and the atmosphere is not cooperating. My intended results will not be an entirely flattering portrait of my home, but that isn't my intention.

Keep trying. . . . There's time.

[lamble]

Lamble,

Coming from a country whose capital was founded nearly 2,000 years ago, the suburban sprawl of the U.S. would, indeed, present an aesthetic challenge.

DO note that the deadline for this assignment is next weekend, not this. If you are feeling--well, not inspired--let's say resigned, you have more time to show us where you live and how you feel about it.

I have my shots planned, but they are time critical. My initial efforts were abysmal. I want one to include a sunset and the atmosphere is not cooperating. My intended results will not be an entirely flattering portrait of my home, but that isn't my intention.

Keep trying. . . . There's time.

Funny you should mention the capital. The picture is 10 miles from the original Roman capital for England. They probably landed on our island, as we have a causeway that dated from AD 40ish, plus burial mounds. Boudica came down, in a bit of a huff, and slaughtered 2,000 folk in the temple (under the castle which the Normans built on top), so the Romans moved it. You just don't get that sort of stuff from a McD, TacoBell and Nailz Hut R Us.

[rocketman]

Lamble,

Coming from a country whose capital was founded nearly 2,000 years ago, the suburban sprawl of the U.S. would, indeed, present an aesthetic challenge.

DO note that the deadline for this assignment is next weekend, not this. If you are feeling--well, not inspired--let's say resigned, you have more time to show us where you live and how you feel about it.

I have my shots planned, but they are time critical. My initial efforts were abysmal. I want one to include a sunset and the atmosphere is not cooperating. My intended results will not be an entirely flattering portrait of my home, but that isn't my intention.

Keep trying. . . . There's time.

I concur, strip malls and such are as much a part of America as the grand statuaries of it major cities, its vast vista et all. As Tom has pointed out there is no requirement that the photos have to be a "kind" portrayal of your adopted home, if nothing else let your series stand as a warning for others to approach with caution! :laugh

Seriously though, even strip malls and such can hold hidden treasures, an odd sign or business name, or sometimes the mere mis-match of store front styles or colors can be an interesting study in contrasts or how a town seems to have been thrown together from a pile of seemingly discarded components. Keep Looking...

RM

[rocketman]

I started playing with my photo editor program, and transformed this color shot to b & w. (I am not sure I can even switch my camera to Black and White.) But I like the results of this all the same.

I love the almost surrealistic nature of your shot, excellent framing, very well done!

RM

[rocketman]

I just wanted to say that I am very pleased the way this assignment using split threads is working out and appreciate the manor in which folks have quickly adapted to it, (for whatever that's worth!:laugh).

I hope this will become the standard for all future challenges, I was a little concerned it might be hard to track both threads, but seems not to be the case at all.

Good on ya Tom for formalizing this format in the initial posting.:thumb

RM

[Sue]

I love the almost surrealistic nature of your shot, excellent framing, very well done!

RM

Thanks RM! I was out for a predawn walk and this view just pulled me into it. It spoke to me. There was just a small amount of winter fog which diffused the horizon and softened everything in the background. Sure was glad I had my camera.

:)

[rocketman]

Thanks RM! I was out for a predawn walk and this view just pulled me into it. It spoke to me. There was just a small amount of winter fog which diffused the horizon and softened everything in the background. Sure was glad I had my camera.

:)

Thats often how those knockout shots work, the differance between just looking and "seeing".

When I was a teen I was involved with a new (at the time) concept called "visual training" several times a week to help correct my visual handicaps and one thing that my eye doctor was always talking about what he considered to be one of the most important the concepts of vision. It was the way vision interacted with the mind and understanding. He often mentioned the idea behind the term "I see" that as he saw it, illustrated the difference between looking and "seeing", when we say "I see" we saying not so much that we merely saw something but rather that "I understand". That has always stuck with me, there is indeed a difference between just looking and seeing.

I have always seen a close relationship of that concept and photography.

I look forward to viewing of what you (as well as others) "see"in the coming photo threads.:thumb

RM

[lamble]

Lamble, I guess you can tell that the English had nothing to do with Seattle's origin ?

Don't get me wrong, the geography around here is spectacular. And, we are fortunate enough to live outside of the town. But the architecture is at best functional and at worst prefabricated and modular repetition.

I do have an idea for a couple of related shots, but need to wait until Saturday next, then hope the weather holds up.

[rocketman]

Tom, nothing this week. Not a single redeeming feature sprang out. I drove around, walked through and not a thing.

http://lamble.smugmug.com/photos/243757274-M.jpg

somehow a strip mall doesn't quite have the appeal as our last home.

Here's another thought, how about the people themselves. Where ever I travel it seems the streets are always full of interesting faces, people standing alone, half-hidden in doorways, in groups or otherwise interacting. They are a very integral part of any place. They add to and even help define the character of that place that may otherwise seem so lacking. Even their apparent boredom, if that is what you see, says something of the place.

Or perhaps a series shot at different times of day of the same locale, while the place may seem lacking in interest, a series showing the changing nature simply by changes of light and shadow would tell us a story. Night scenes can often show a whole different side of a town as well.

RM

[lamble]

How about a Tea tour ?

One of the reasons to ride to the Falklands is because our local town isn't my cup of tea.

[BONEY]

I'm perplexed this time. Not by the assignment, but by one of the subjects. Sonoma has a fascinating history, but the only photographic representation of some of it is completely unphotographical. A Statue, bronze, in the shade 24/7.:banghead

[SNC1923]

I'd like some comment and critique on these. I've been working on this assignment for a few days. I finally had some modicum of success today. I'd picked out a few landmarks that I thought distinguished this town. It became apparent that these shots would best be rendered at night. I had a sunset shot in mind, a compressed telephoto shot of oil rigs, but the atmospheric conditions are not cooperating. I'd be interested to know which of these four images you prefer and why. Click for exif.

Guthrie's Alley Cat
Legendary Bakersfield watering hole

#1 http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/244587838-XL.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=244587838)

#2 http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/244589025-XL.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=244589025)

#3 http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/244589128-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=244589128)

#4 http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/244589252-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=244589252)

[SNC1923]

Another famous landmark is the Bakersfield sign. Originally, the sign spanned Union Ave., the town's major thoroughfare before the now-ancient Hwy 99 was constructed. In its original incarnation, the sign was actually a bridge connecting a hotel that occupied two sides of the street. Eventually falling into disrepair, the sign was taken down, but Bakersfield's favorite son, Buck Owens, had this replica built over the street next to his Crystal Palace (http://www.buckowens.com/).

Again, which do you feel is the best photo? Why?

The Bakersfield Sign
Bakersfield's Iconic Landmark

#1 http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/244587935-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=244587935)

#2 http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/244588007-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=244588007)

#3 http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/244588189-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=244588189)

#4 http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/244588284-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=244588284)

#5 http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/244588341-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=244588341)

[bricciphoto]

Thanks for sharing. I am also banking on atmospheric conditions and also fighting a bad case of artistic malaise. I commend you for trudging forward and getting shots in the camera. I really like your fallback position and I really like the compositions below. Very nice exposures, too. Collectively I like the juxtaposition of the color of the neon against the night sky, but more specifically the nightfall sky that still has color in the Alley Cat shot.


http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/244589128-L.jpg

This shot shows more of what my mind wants to see: the subject in its overall environment, which allows me to get a feel of the Alley Cat and its relative position in Bakersfield (at least as I imagine it)—otherwise it could be “anywhere.” There’s obviously plenty to explore creatively on the Alley Cat façade, particularly if you wanted to go “macro,” but as a stranger I enjoy having an overview. This composition seems the most natural and balanced (recognizing it may not be the most artistic, but it is the most “comfortable” for the uninitiated. The overall balance pleases my eye and my imagination. The colors have just the right amount of “pop” and don’t steal the show from the overall scene.


http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/244588284-L.jpg

I like this one best. It’s creative, yet it’s easy to see the sign in context. The zooming provides a sense of excitement and movement and makes me really feel like I just drove under it in a car seeing it for the first time. It is one of those “instant memories” captured in a fraction of a second for posterity sake (isn’t that what Kodak wants us all to try to do?) Again, this composition is the most “comfortable” for the unacquainted viewer. And again, you’ve used the available color in a balanced, but not overly dramatic way. This shot is an improvisation, but one that allows the “listener” to understand the depth of talent of the soloist (to speak metaphorically for a moment). PLUS, it puts the subject and theme right there in front of me in a very “unobnoxious” manner. Well done. Congrats on getting a trick shot in a conventional composition without looking amateurish or hokey.

Those are my thoughts. And damn you for pushing the bar up so high! :bow

Ben :wave

[franze]

Hey lensman, pretty good stuff. I prefer Ally Cat #3 because I like the darker streets which plays into the "Alley Cat" name. #4 plays off the lens distortion on the straight lines and right angles. A drunk sidestepping into the club would've really made this work. Sorry I am geographically unavailable for the role.


As far as the Bakersfield signs go, I take #2. As for the multiple exposure/zoom WOW shots, things must be a lot different down there since the last time I passed through:rocker Don't remember that much going on.

All in all, great shots. Like some of the others' lamenting, when I had the time, don't have the weather and visa versa. Regarding my shots, I know I could do better, if I have some time this week, I might do a redeux.

[SNC1923]

As far as the Bakersfield signs go, I take #2. As for the multiple exposure/zoom WOW shots, things must be a lot different down there since the last time I passed through:rocker Don't remember that much going on.

Ben, Franz, S.Dawg:

I really appreciate all the substantive feedback. There's seems to be some consensus among you as well.

My feelings on the BF sign are the same as Franz's. I feel #2 captures the feel/mood of the town. The others might be good for a chamber of commerce brochure, but I'm not sure how honest they are. Still, Ben's reasoning on his choices makes good sense.

You've all give me new insights into my own work. Thanks.

[SNC1923]

It wasn't my intention starting out for this group of photos all to be taken at night, but that seems to be the way things have emerged. It almost seems as though one daylight pic in the three would be out of place, but that may just be me.

In any case, another iconic BF landmark is the Fox Theater (http://www.foxtheateronline.com/background.php), which opened on December 25, 1930.

Here are the two views I'm considering:

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/244850896-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=244850896)

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/244851031-L.jpg (http://snc1923.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=244851031)

[lamble]

The more I considered it, the more resolute I became that I'd not take a shot of a strip mall, or a new homogenised "town centre". The signs I shot are everysoddingwhere, as more forestation is cut down to build grey or beige/taupe look-a-like executive homes for the Microsoft/Boeing influx. "Low 400s" for a characterless box, in a row of characterless boxes on an estate or characterless boxes. I did ride onto one, to try and get a representation in photographic form. I was disorientated within moments due to the similarity of what was infront, behind and to the sides. Spoiled for banality I ended up not shooting anything, except the signs.

Hope you like the bird pics instead...there's still some green that's not got a, proposal for development, sign nailed to it.

On the cross USA ride, I met an Indian guy, if I recall Cherokee. He said, "First we gave away land to the early settlers. We had so much, it made no difference. Then the next settler came and asked for land because we had given some to his brothers.
One day we looked and saw we had no land left, because we didn't see it going, except in small amounts each time".

I hope the new home frenzy doesn't take away too many small amounts.

[lamble]

http://lamble.smugmug.com/photos/245759173-L.jpg

This sign pic is better than the one posted in the assignment, so I have no idea why I didn't use it.

http://lamble.smugmug.com/photos/245759193-L.jpg

sans geese!

http://lamble.smugmug.com/photos/245759311-L.jpg

Very happy with this shot. Is it a mirror or a window? The book gives the answer.

http://lamble.smugmug.com/photos/245759282-L.jpg

Prefer this version with the signs corners cut of, to a clearer more clinical shot where they appear.

http://lamble.smugmug.com/photos/245759322-L.jpg

Finally, and I had to crop it to get it to work, I like this because of the hand on the counter, the stick and the writing on the wall.

[SheRidesABeemer]

I've really enjoyed this assignment. Not only have I had my camera with me, but now my tripod seems to be living in the back seat too.

I was influenced to take a different angle at this assignment after reading a couple of people comment that they didn't feel any connection to their city/town. I thought that I'd like to show the parts of my town that that makes it home; therefor I didn't go for the typical shots that are used to portray the variety of the city, rather, I trudged through the snow to places that I feel at home; for while I live in a small city, what I enjoy about it is the country feel.

Stage at Greely Park, Nashua, NH
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/2209421847_5ce740ac8f_o.jpg

[bmwdean]

I've really enjoyed this assignment. Not only have I had my camera with me, but now my tripod seems to be living in the back seat too.



Don't you mean strapped on the passenger saddle? :rofl

[SNC1923]

I've really enjoyed this assignment. Not only have I had my camera with me, but now my tripod seems to be living in the back seat too.

Ouch.

Hi Gail. :wave

It's funny; I've been hauling my tripod around for the past ten days or so, too. It rides very nicely but block opening my top-loading bags. Still, it's helped me get some really great images, at least IMHO.

I really like your three shots in the PA thread. Really nice stuff.

[grant]

I've enjoyed viewing the photos here, thought I'd finally try it myself.

"Boathouses on Ice"

[rocketman]

So what do you all think of these? All of these are attempts to show something that is instantly recognizable as to their location but with a somewhat different perspective than what one can find any thousands of times.

http://roadrunes.com/images3/MOA-assignments/my-town/my_town-1.jpg

http://roadrunes.com/images3/MOA-assignments/my-town/my_town-2.jpg

http://roadrunes.com/images3/MOA-assignments/my-town/my_town-4.jpg

The first two were shot from the Jefferson Memorial looking across the Tidal Basin at the Washington Monument and White House that form the shorter leg of the Cross laid out by them and the Lincoln Memorial and Capitol Building. While the first has better exposure of the Washington Monument and sky contrast, it’s a bit tilted.

The third shows just the White House and more of the interior of the Lincoln with more tourists in an attempt to show the contrast of what's nice about living in DC (the history and buildings) and what can be something a down side, i.e. the plague of tourists that make visiting downtown a real PITA!

http://roadrunes.com/images3/MOA-assignments/my-town/my-town-test001.jpg

http://roadrunes.com/images3/MOA-assignments/my-town/my-town-test002.jpg

http://roadrunes.com/images3/MOA-assignments/my-town/my-town-test005.jpg

The next three (above) are night shots of the Capitol at night, (DuH!) but again they seem to suffer from a slight tilt. (note here: a P&S with cross-hairs like the DSLR would be really handy!) These are attempts to show something that is instantly recognizable as being in DC, but with a somewhat fresh view, though I am sure they are not totally new, by any means. They also don’t incorporate the contrast as do the first three (inclusion of the dangnab tourists clogging everything up)! I had hoped to capture some shots of these or other landmarks with some of the street people to illustrate the contrast of whats good and bad in DC, but due the cold there just weren’t any around, so I had to settle on the next best thing, the dang tourists! Ha Ha!

http://roadrunes.com/images3/MOA-assignments/my-town/my-town-test003.jpg

And lastly a night shot of 14th street as it transects The Mall looking north at one of the Gubberment buildings that line The Mall. Not as instantly recognizable perhaps, unless you live here, but still typical of the architecture of the many buildings lining The Mall. All these are with the P&S, for the night shots I used a full size tripod, I imagine I looked kinda funny with this iddy-bitty camera on big tripod, but it was that lying on my belly on the cold, cold ground to use the little 4 inch mini-pod that I generally use with the P&S!

RM

[rocketman]

I've enjoyed viewing the photos here, thought I'd finally try it myself.

"Boathouses on Ice"

That is an excellent first go, nice sky and the ice is very evident, something I'm finding is not always easy to capture.
Glad you decided to join in the fun. Add two more of your home town or enviorns and remember to post your three final submissions in the other thread HERE ( http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22862&page=3)

Again, Welcome!

RM

[BONEY]

So I have some issues that I'm not sure I can correct with the camera...

While I'm not an expert, I know that in the "old days" of film, you could control the contrast and saturation of the image by controlling aperature and shutter speed. Even using different film manuafacturers made a difference.

Using my digital, I have been unable to control the contrast or saturation in the same way. If I control the aperature, all I do is control the depth of field and the shutterspeed just stops the action- or not. I haven't really tried going to full manual to see what differences I can get there, but I've played with some long exposures in dark places and liked the final product.

Anyone have tips or ideas?

BTW I've edited some of the pictures I submitted for the project, and like the edited results much better than the originals.

If you'd like to CC these, please, I could use the help.

Here's one I didn't even submit because of several reasons:

http://beachbus.net/photos/d/3072-1/Sonoma+018.jpg
I find it too dark (yeah, I had forgotten to adjust it back to 0EV). The contrast is poor, and the distortion from the lens is pretty obvious. This may be a product of my framing the shot, but I find that my little point and shoot tends to exaggerate perspective.

So I changed it in Photoshop (I use Elements):

http://www.beachbus.net/photos/d/3088-2/Sonoma+017+copy.jpg

I used "skew" to straighten the left side of the theatre, to get it more or less vertical but it sees to introduce a "lean" to the buildings which I need to go back and straighten. I adjusted the contrast and like the final product a bit better. I suppose with further editing I may be able to get the buildings upright.

[BONEY]

http://www.beachbus.net/photos/d/3080-1/Sonoma+033.jpg

I submitted this one. It looks diagonally across a vinyard rather than straight down the rows. Again, as in the last set, the camera is level, but because of the perspective the image appears tilted- also, the left side of the image is "up hill" so technically the camera is level to gravitational force, not the terrain. I like the colors and the contrast isn't bad. An interesting thing about this shot is that everything seems to be slightly out of focus. I can't find the focal plane (I belive it was infinity), perhaps because it's so busy?

http://www.beachbus.net/photos/d/3091-2/Sonoma+033+copy.jpg
Rotated and cropped. I think I went a bit overboard on the contrast now that I'm seeing it close to the original.

[franze]

Ok, I like the dark silhouettes inside the memorial. It accentuates the nameless, faceless masses that are a PITA to y'all. It's very effective, it could be anyone. Also, the second shot of the capital looked to me like I was standing on a runway and the Capital 747 is on approach.

[mandypants]

You guys are doing such a fabulous job...we've decided to incorporate a new photo opportunity of sorts in the Owners News.

Check the homepage for the guidelines, and get your photos published!:brad

[rocketman]

You guys are doing such a fabulous job...we've decided to incorporate a new photo opportunity of sorts in the Owners News.

Check the homepage for the guidelines, and get your photos published!:brad

Kool Beans! SNC1923 pointed it out me just a bit ago.

headline in today's Wash. Post "Photo Forum takes over BMW ON!" Ha Ha!

RM

[SNC1923]

You guys are doing such a fabulous job...we've decided to incorporate a new photo opportunity of sorts in the Owners News.

Check the homepage for the guidelines, and get your photos published!:brad

Love it, Mandy. It's a neat idea and I expect we'll get a lot of good/humorous images from this prompt. I'm already planning mine . . . .

[SNC1923]

So I have some issues that I'm not sure I can correct with the camera...

While I'm not an expert, I know that in the "old days" of film, you could control the contrast and saturation of the image by controlling aperature and shutter speed. Even using different film manuafacturers made a difference.

Using my digital, I have been unable to control the contrast or saturation in the same way. If I control the aperature, all I do is control the depth of field and the shutterspeed just stops the action- or not. I haven't really tried going to full manual to see what differences I can get there, but I've played with some long exposures in dark places and liked the final product.

Anyone have tips or ideas?

I'll have a go.

Off the top of my flattish head, I don't think there's anything you can do to film with an aperture/shutter speed that you can't do to digital. I don't think manipulating either of these parameters would influence saturation or contrast in and of itself. You COULD influence either, however, to some degree, with exposure. And that would be true with digital as well--probably not identical, but in the same ball park.

MANY photographers underexpose their images to boost saturation, to make colors appear more rich. This can be accomplished by exposing manually and simply rolling up your shutter speed or down your aperture. This underexposure is usually only 1/3 of a stop, so it's best to do it with the +/-EV setting (I think all cameras have this). In the old days, people would set their ASA (now called ISO) to 125 even though they were shooting ASA 100 film.

Many digital cameras offer the ability to alter contrast and saturation in their menus. You can boost it, lower it, whatever. Fancier cameras allow you to set this as a custom function to be deployed when needed. Others (like my 40D) incorporate these changes into the menu under the guise of taking "portrait," "landscape," etc. shots. Each has its own contrast/saturation setting ideal for this type of photo. I had the saturation permanently pumped on my Rebel XT. Haven't found that necessary on the newer camera.

On the more mechanical end of things, if you are using a DSLR, a polarizing filter and/or lens hood is your best friend for boosting both contrast and saturation.

Finally, most people accomplish boosting contrast/saturation in PhotoShop, LightRoom, iPhoto, etc.

[SNC1923]

So what do you all think of these? All of these are attempts to show something that is instantly recognizable as to their location but with a somewhat different perspective than what one can find any thousands of times.

http://roadrunes.com/images3/MOA-assignments/my-town/my_town-1.jpg

http://roadrunes.com/images3/MOA-assignments/my-town/my_town-2.jpg

Of the two shots above, which are nearly identical, I vastly prefer number two. Whereas number one is a unique view of a familiar subject, number two is that and it tells a story. A familiar scene is being enacted here, and it bolsters the hidden witness feel that the viewer has when looking at the image.

http://roadrunes.com/images3/MOA-assignments/my-town/my-town-test001.jpg

http://roadrunes.com/images3/MOA-assignments/my-town/my-town-test005.jpg

I posted a couple of shots, one close up and the other far, in my set this week. Bricciphoto suggested to me that the wide shot was better as it adds a sense of atmosphere and that the viewer can see the subject in its context. I thought that was good advice, but I can't apply it here. The first photo just seem bisected to me by the lights. It's a neat shot, but it doesn't work because the receding lines distract. The close-up, however, is a dramatic, very well-exposed image. Seeing it divorced from its context is less problematic, I suppose, because it is so familiar a subject.

[BONEY]

I'll have a go.

Off the top of my flattish head, I don't think there's anything you can do to film with an aperture/shutter speed that you can't do to digital. I don't think manipulating either of these parameters would influence saturation or contrast in and of itself. You COULD influence either, however, to some degree, with exposure. And that would be true with digital as well--probably not identical, but in the same ball park.

MANY photographers underexpose their images to boost saturation, to make colors appear more rich. This can be accomplished by exposing manually and simply rolling up your shutter speed or down your aperture. This underexposure is usually only 1/3 of a stop, so it's best to do it with the +/-EV setting (I think all cameras have this). In the old days, people would set their ASA (now called ISO) to 125 even though they were shooting ASA 100 film.

Many digital cameras offer the ability to alter contrast and saturation in their menus. You can boost it, lower it, whatever. Fancier cameras allow you to set this as a custom function to be deployed when needed. Others (like my 40D) incorporate these changes into the menu under the guise of taking "portrait," "landscape," etc. shots. Each has its own contrast/saturation setting ideal for this type of photo. I had the saturation permanently pumped on my Rebel XT. Haven't found that necessary on the newer camera.

On the more mechanical end of things, if you are using a DSLR, a polarizing filter and/or lens hood is your best friend for boosting both contrast and saturation.

Finally, most people accomplish boosting contrast/saturation in PhotoShop, LightRoom, iPhoto, etc.

I've generally skipped all the different "mode" (landscape, portrait,etc) on the cameras based on mostly ignorance I suppose. I'll have the check them out. From what I can tell by manipulating the "EV" on my camera is it only serves to change the exposure less than a "stop" or shutter speed. The images appear the same, just brighter or darker... the contrast doesn't look to change much. I can manually manipulate both the aperature and the shutterspeed, but again, it only seems to adjust the brightness of the exposure and not the contrast or saturation.

I guess I'll have to look more closely at the G9 before I drop the cash.

[SNC1923]

Boney,

I looked your camera (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona710is/) up on dpreview.com.

From the review/spec sheet, I can't tell if you can manipulate contrast or saturation (I suspect not).

HOWEVER

You do have some interesting settings. In the "shooting" mode you have portrait and landscape. I suspect this is just a depth-of-field preference, but it may adjust the parameters in question as well.

Under "My Colors" you have a "vivid" setting. This should certainly boost your saturation. this combined with -1/3EV should produce a noticeable difference. Maybe give it a try.

[BONEY]

Boney,

I looked your camera (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona710is/) up on dpreview.com.

From the review/spec sheet, I can't tell if you can manipulate contrast or saturation (I suspect not).

HOWEVER

You do have some interesting settings. In the "shooting" mode you have portrait and landscape. I suspect this is just a depth-of-field preference, but it may adjust the parameters in question as well.

Under "My Colors" you have a "vivid" setting. This should certainly boost your saturation. this combined with -1/3EV should produce a noticeable difference. Maybe give it a try.

Thanks for the link. I'll be there for a while.

[rocketman]

I've generally skipped all the different "mode" (landscape, portrait,etc) on the cameras based on mostly ignorance I suppose. I'll have the check them out. From what I can tell by manipulating the "EV" on my camera is it only serves to change the exposure less than a "stop" or shutter speed. The images appear the same, just brighter or darker... the contrast doesn't look to change much. I can manually manipulate both the aperature and the shutterspeed, but again, it only seems to adjust the brightness of the exposure and not the contrast or saturation.

I guess I'll have to look more closely at the G9 before I drop the cash.

here's link to an article I found on PC Photo Mag's site that may be useful to you. It explains the various modes nicely plus has examples. Its always good to have more than one source of this sort of information, what one article may miss the other may cover, or cover the topic in such a way that it may make more sense for some. There are quite a few good how-to's on this site, I'll be setting up a thread soon for just this sort of information that we can share as we find them.

point-and-shoot-like-a-pro (http://www.pcphotomag.com/how-to/digital-photography-techniques/point-and-shoot-like-a-pro.htm)

RM

[rocketman]

Of the two shots above, which are nearly identical, I vastly prefer number two. Whereas number one is a unique view of a familiar subject, number two is that and it tells a story. A familiar scene is being enacted here, and it bolsters the hidden witness feel that the viewer has when looking at the image.



yeah I did note that myself, the woman taking the shot of the two facing away, but didn't think of it in those terms. Of course you're right, it does tell a very typical story, guess for me it was just SO typically touristy that even though I saw it, it was more of a "dang I wish I could a decent clear shot!" But the tourists just kept coming, as soon as one set left, another bunch would show up! Ha Ha.

RM

[SheRidesABeemer]

yeah I did note that myself, the woman taking the shot of the two facing away, but didn't think of it in those terms. Of course you're right, it does tell a very typical story, guess for me it was just SO typically touristy that even though I saw it, it was more of a "dang I wish I could a decent clear shot!" But the tourists just kept coming, as soon as one set left, another bunch would show up! Ha Ha.

RM

Photoshop is a great solution to get the tourist out!
I like the nighttime door shot, very interesting. Things are so big in DC, you did I nice job capturing a unique view.

[rocketman]

Photoshop is a great solution to get the tourist out!
I like the nighttime door shot, very interesting. Things are so big in DC, you did I nice job capturing a unique view.


Well that would be a no no for the assignment.... I did consider having an over boiled six day old hotdog at one of the stands then going back and then letting go a *big one* to clear some space........

but decided that would be decidedly unkool.....


and not very Rocketman like....:laugh

RM

( word of warning, NEVER eat dogs from the stands on the mall, NEVER!) don't ask me how I know.....:dunno

[DougGrosjean]

Photoshop is a great solution to get the tourist out!



Or... Wait for an interesting tourist, and take the shot, including them. Esp. if PS'ng them out isn't within the spirit of the rules.

Years from now, those tourists are how you'll date the photo. Leaving a good one in isn't all bad.

I've even had a German guy looking at a shot of mine, of small-town Ohio, comment that what he finds odd about American cityscapes is the lack of people in them. In Europe, people walk and are visible on the city streets.

[rocketman]

Or... Wait for an interesting tourist, and take the shot, including them. Esp. if PS'ng them out isn't within the spirit of the rules.

Years from now, those tourists are how you'll date the photo. Leaving a good one in isn't all bad.

I've even had a German guy looking at a shot of mine, of small-town Ohio, comment that what he finds odd about American cityscapes is the lack of people in them. In Europe, people walk and are visible on the city streets.


Walk? now that would be downright unamerican! :laugh


that was one of the things that I loved about living in the heart of the city as I did for years, hardly ever had a car and on bad days when I didn't walk (shudder!) or ride, there was always the bus, and then metro.

RM

[lamble]

In the process of reducing the amount of shots from 300 to only 199 keepers, here's the one I've kept as a temporary screen saver. I like the way the geese seem to be materialising from the light source.


http://lamble.smugmug.com/photos/246995600-L.jpg

Promise, scouts honour, no more geese, unless I ride up this weekend and get some with the bike in the shot too.

[Rapid_Roy]

Great photos so far.
:clap

[RandallIsland]

https://vspace.vassar.edu/xythoswfs/webui/_xy-1326240_1

https://vspace.vassar.edu/xythoswfs/webui/_xy-1326241_1

https://vspace.vassar.edu/xythoswfs/webui/_xy-1326242_1