Fornightly Challenge - Aug 12 thru Aug 26

[JohnMC]

Here is the official thread for our third Fortnightly Challenge. Because we had a tie in the official voting thread I have made an executive decision to allow all three topics to be used in any single, double, or triple combination. The topic(s) are Motion, Analog/Analogue & Alone, interpret that any way you like.

Rules

In the last thread we decided to edit the rules, I hope these rules are in line with the communities wishes. If not, please post a revised version we can all agree on and I'll edit those into this thread.

The rules are open for debate at any time although a consensus will be sought before making changes. The preference is to create a broad but flexible framework to work within.

Submission rules:
1. Members must produce the artwork they submit.
2. The photo(s) submitted are encouraged be created during the challenge period, however older images may still be submitted.

Comments/critique/discussion:
1. You are highly encouraged to give comments and critique images in the current thread if you submit images, it is only fair to do so if you expect C&C in return.
2. Even if you do not post images in this thread feel free to give feedback or ask questions.
3. Comments, critiques and discussion must be constructive, objective and aimed at improving the quality of the artwork.

The topic(s) for this two week challenge is(are): Motion, Analog/Analogue & Alone. Any individual or combination of those three topics is acceptable.

The challenge will run from right now until 11:59PM CDT Aug 26.

Challenge topics:
1. Suggestions for the bi-weekly's challenge are made in a single thread which will be set up the week before.
2. The challenge topic will be voted on by all members (although only those intending to submit pictures should vote).

After all that, Lets have Fun!!!

[Chappers]

Well lets getting things moving (pun intended)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3817312913_e98ffe4e1f_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3818125106_1d94d31106_b.jpg

[deep diver]

Shooting flowers is new for me. Here is a lone ant on a lone flower.

Chappers -- I like the motion in both images, especially the first one. Other than the motion, however, the top image isn't working for me. It is too green and everything looks muddy to me. I like the composition and the second plane being obscured by the smoke. I just can't get past the color. The bottom image is really good. The colors more accurate colors make the planes stand out. In terms of the themes, I get both the motion and alone -- the performers are, in some ways, all alone. Did you do any PP on the second image or were you shooting in a different direction?

[Chappers]

Shooting flowers is new for me. Here is a lone ant on a lone flower.

Chappers -- I like the motion in both images, especially the first one. Other than the motion, however, the top image isn't working for me. It is too green and everything looks muddy to me. I like the composition and the second plane being obscured by the smoke. I just can't get past the color. The bottom image is really good. The colors more accurate colors make the planes stand out. In terms of the themes, I get both the motion and alone -- the performers are, in some ways, all alone. Did you do any PP on the second image or were you shooting in a different direction?

I think I would crop our picture so there is only flower and bug - or shoot it from a different angle to give more depth.

I always try and keep PP down to a minimum - and I adjusted the temp on both of them - they were shot in different directions on a weirdly lit day. The photo didn't appear that awful yellow green last night - but it was/is horrible. New version attached :D

[tompon1923]

Motion without movement:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/3751445405_82e41dc889_b.jpg

[Chappers]

my son left this flower all alone in the garden
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/3818313498_26e7741817_b.jpg

[CK Williams]

A couple for C & C. (both clickable)

[Chappers]

CK Williams - interesting plane - but it doesn't look real.
I'd crop the cart picture a bit - its noisy but I guess the lighting was tough.

[CK Williams]

Thanks for the comments Chappers. I agree on both. The plane looks odd on here. Here is the original and next photo in the sequence, SOTC, only converted from RAW to JPG and compressed. Hopefully they will look a little better. :) (once again, both clickable)

Also, nice photo of the flower & the second version of the loop is much better.

[Chappers]

It still looks animated - this is not a bad thing - I actually really like it. But they do look kind of surreal.

[deep diver]

I cropped it down. I do not like the shadow and I tried to adjust the lighting a bit but it was starting to look artificial. What do you think.

Chappers -- I like the new version of the stunt planes more. The composition looks even better than before. I still like the colors in the other one better. Your son's flower is missing something. The petals look green. If they were a brighter shade or white I think it would jump out better.

tompon1923 -- Your photo is okay. It is a good example, however, of how words can change the viewer's relationship to the image. Your caption makes me look deeper and imagine what movement created that motion.

[Chappers]

I cropped it down. I do not like the shadow and I tried to adjust the lighting a bit but it was starting to look artificial. What do you think.

Chappers -- I like the new version of the stunt planes more. The composition looks even better than before. I still like the colors in the other one better. Your son's flower is missing something. The petals look green. If they were a brighter shade or white I think it would jump out better.

I would probably go with an angle on this shot - to give depth - I think the crop has improved it but a different angle would also maybe give things new meaning especially if the bugs shadow were cast on a single petal.

My green flower problem is as is I'm afraid. That area in the garden is surrounded and covered in green - I got two shots of the flower and was just changing angles when it was snatched away and taken to give to grandma. :)
See photos of canopy and grandpa alone with his paper in same area

[jessica.]

Thanks for the comments Chappers. I agree on both. The plane looks odd on here. Here is the original and next photo in the sequence, SOTC, only converted from RAW to JPG and compressed. Hopefully they will look a little better. :) (once again, both clickable)

Also, nice photo of the flower & the second version of the loop is much better.

Can I use one of these as a wallpaper?

[Clix Pix]

http://clixpix.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p352224880.jpg

[TH3D4RKKN1GH7]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3725191733_956de2686e_b.jpg

How many submissions can we make?

[Chappers]

How many submissions can we make?

Lovely thoughtful picture.

There is no rule on submission numbers. It was 3 but that restricted things a bit so......... well we'll see how it goes I guess.

[Chappers]

Clix Pix - love the idea - I'd probably crop it to only include one foot and the sprayer and its shadow - but the movement of paint is a nice idea and different. Nice one

[CK Williams]

Can I use one of these as a wallpaper?

sure, just don't sell it for a billion dollars without splitting the cash with me :D

[CK Williams]

[QUOTE=TH3D4RKKN1GH7;8286089]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3725191733_956de2686e_b.jpg

I like the lighting, but the hair in front of his face by the jaw is distracting to me

[Clix Pix]

Thanks, Chappers! I thought about cropping it more, eliminating the one foot, but it didn't seem quite as balanced then, looked odd....

[Chappers]

Thanks, Chappers! I thought about cropping it more, eliminating the one foot, but it didn't seem quite as balanced then, looked odd....
You're right - I tried to crop it and it suddenly seemed odd. I still like the shot - it has a story and makes me curious about the person doing the job.
I like stories in photos.

On the hair prob with TH3D4RKKN1GH7's pic - I see the problem but like the way it seems to blend into the white cable (iPod) - its all very wistful for me.

[TH3D4RKKN1GH7]

Thanks for the info on submissions, and thanks for the C&C. I should have scoped that hair out when I took it. Now that I see it, it is a little distracting. I have another picture of him I want to add to this contest. He's my friend's cousin and he's an actor. He's done some commercials.

BUT C'MON PEOPLE MORE PICTURESS!!!

[deep diver]

Golden dart frogs are the most poisonous frogs anywhere.

The top and middle frogs are poised in mirror images (analog). What appears to be mist adds, I think (hope), to the rain forest feel of this.

TH3D4RKKN1GH7 -- I agree about the hair. I am equally disturbed by the ear bud wire. Otehr than that, it is an outstanding image that evokes a wide range of emotions. Well done.

Clix Pix -- I really like this just as it is. My eye keeps getting drawn to the interplay between the spray and the paint on the curb. The two feet give the sense of motion I don't think that would be there with only one foot.

[deep diver]

This is part of the base of a wood statue commemorating an ancient Tibetan legend.

[Phrasikleia]

Motion without movement:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/3751445405_82e41dc889_b.jpg

There's so much to love about this photo: the pastel color palette, the twinkling street lights, the wonderful sense of motion...if only you hadn't framed it so that only a sliver of that lovely blue sky is showing. The blue really sets off the the other colors and adds depth to the frame, but there's far too little of it. The composition therefore seems haphazard.

[TH3D4RKKN1GH7]

Yeah this is my last submission. I don't really have much "alone" stuff. My camera sucks I need a DSLR. These two submissions were taken with my friend's D90.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3725177071_785bec0df5_b.jpg

Thanks for all the critique and compliments guys. I hope to do better next time. Good luck in the challenge.

[JohnMC]

Since I have yet to submit anything to these threads I started it is high time I contributed.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/3825238432_1eaa70fb4f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnmichaelchristensen/3825238432/)

[JohnMC]

Here are some thoughts about some photographs that captured my attention.

Chappers - I really think the idea behind your flower on the stump photograph is great, but the flower is just slightly off from the center and it just feels wrong I guess. If it was cropped slightly of center I think it might look better. BTW, I do like the stunt plane images.

deep diver - Your cropped image is much better than the original, but I think it would look even better if cropped with the center of the flower on the lower left spot of the number five on a die (if you understand what I am saying). I don't think the lighting looks fake on the second image.

tompon1923 - I love your image. My only thought is it might look better if it had a little more sky above. My eyes want to look and see what on the horizon but nothing is there.

TH3D4RKKN1GH7 - As others have said the white cord and the hair are distracting, otherwise it is a great photograph. I love the thoughtful expression. Your second photo is good but it could be better IMHO. My eye wonders all over the frame because his hair is so dark and there is alot of darkness in the background that I have a hard time finding a division line.

John

[Chappers]

JohnMC - love the sunflower (van Gogh fan) and still have memories of growing them as a child. My only thought is the crop of the left petal - I would have preferred not to cut it. Still like it though.

[LittleCanonKid]

Here's one for Motion... I've got my own little niggles with it but I'd like to hear what others have to say!

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f230/lock22/IMG38054_resized.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/modestconfidence/)

[Chappers]

Here's one for Motion... I've got my own little niggles with it but I'd like to hear what others have to say!

I like the shot except its crowded/busy with so much splash. Is it because there was another swimmer at the same time making spray?

Any more shots?

[Clix Pix]

Clix Pix -- I really like this just as it is. My eye keeps getting drawn to the interplay between the spray and the paint on the curb. The two feet give the sense of motion I don't think that would be there with only one foot.

Thanks, Deep Diver! When I was initially working on the image I experimented with cropping and I felt that it didn't look right with just one foot -- as you said, the two feet give a sense of motion and also, IMHO, balance the entire composition better. I did a bit of judicious darkening of the human subject to give a bit more prominence to the freshly-being-painted yellow curb and the jet sprayer.

[TH3D4RKKN1GH7]

Yeah good lord there's so much water! I WANT TO JUMP IN! I think I might take some more shots with my craptastic HF10 and see if I can get one more entry to try and WIN!... though I probably won't.

[Clix Pix]

What catches my eye about that sunflower shot is the wonderful color contrasts between yellow sunflower and blue sky..... I also like the interesting angle of the flower as well. It is too bad that the one petal at the left got nicked out of the photo.

Some really interesting entries here! I didn't realize right away that one could indeed comment on them, as I know in the weekly one you're not supposed to do so. This is good to know, as commentary can often be very helpful....

[Chappers]

Yeah good lord there's so much water! I WANT TO JUMP IN! I think I might take some more shots with my craptastic HF10 and see if I can get one more entry to try and WIN!... though I probably won't.

Jump in here with your water shot http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=762770


Some really interesting entries here! I didn't realize right away that one could indeed comment on them, as I know in the weekly one you're not supposed to do so. This is good to know, as commentary can often be very helpful....

C&C actively encouraged here - although I think the rules could still be less wordy so that this is clear.

[JohnMC]

...I didn't realize right away that one could indeed comment on them, as I know in the weekly one you're not supposed to do so. This is good to know, as commentary can often be very helpful....

The entire point of this thread is to encourage people to critique each others photos. We learn both by giving and receiving such thoughts and opinions. This thread is not geared like a contest as there is no winner at the end. When this topic finishes we will move on to the next one.

Everyone, thanks for the input on the sunflower. I'll recrop it this afternoon and repost it.

[LittleCanonKid]

I like the shot except its crowded/busy with so much splash. Is it because there was another swimmer at the same time making spray?

Any more shots?Understandable, thanks for the comment. Amazingly, it's all from one guy. I myself was amazed by what 1/4000 can capture.

[CPD_1]

Hey guys, thought I'd submit one, but I'm super busy the next couple of weeks, so I don't know if I'll get a chance to do any recreational photography. This is a few months old, and is one in a set of senior pictures I did. I think the facial expression caries the "alone" theme for me.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b188/thehellobob/IMG_0390.jpg

EDIT: Also, the exposure is intentional. Just incase anyone was wondering.

[Chappers]

I think this is all analog(ue)

[munkees]

I have never post a picture before, so here is my first

http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=188731&stc=1&d=1250491742

[Chappers]

I have never post a picture before, so here is my first

Firstly welcome and I love the picture - it's beautiful. The colours, the worn jeans, slightly windswept hair and the bag that's not quite with her. Good work.

I would crop off a bit of the left/top and bottom.

Of course feel free to C&C other pics

[munkees]

Firstly welcome and I love the picture - it's beautiful. The colours, the worn jeans, slightly windswept hair and the bag that's not quite with her. Good work.

I would crop off a bit of the left/top and bottom.

Of course feel free to C&C other pics

like this

[Chappers]

I cropped it like this - but I don't want to become the king of cropped photos on this thread. :)

Still love the photo.

[Maxxamillian]

http://cmichael.smugmug.com/photos/618309779_LZFwg-XL.jpg

[Maxxamillian]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3725191733_956de2686e_b.jpg

How many submissions can we make?

Chiming in a bit late here...love this shot. Nice capture on the emotions...the framing enhances the mood. You've got some over-exposure happening but I really dont care...This is a keeper:D

[Designer Dale]

Analog. Dots and Dashes.

Lumix fs15 P&S

Dale

[Designer Dale]

I have never post a picture before, so here is my first

http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=188731&stc=1&d=1250491742

I like this shot quit a lot. The black strap on the bottom of the bag reminds me of a :). It contrasts with the somber look on her face nicely. The cropping that Chappers mentioned is something to look for before the shot. Try to avoid placing the subject in the center.

Dale

[Markie0284]

Here is something taken a while ago. It's my interpretation of "alone"

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2510/3833202207_7daca4dbb5.jpg

[TH3D4RKKN1GH7]

Thanks for the compliments Max but GODDAMN YOUR IMAGE IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH BETTER! Good work man.

[SilentPanda]

Here is some motion (lame) and alone (less lame but still probably lame).

[deep diver]

Chappers -- my oldest is a percussionist and his instrument is drum kit (jazz, of course). I showed him the cymbal picture you entered in the "musical instrument" POTW. He said he would like to hang it on the wall of his new apartment. Is it okay if I download and print a copy for him? Thank you.

If anyone else wants to see it, the address is http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=687876

[Agurri]

Motion without movement:

*snap*

What was the exposure time ?

[Maxxamillian]

Thanks for the compliments Max but GODDAMN YOUR IMAGE IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH BETTER! Good work man.

You made my day (thanks!) I wouldnt say "better..." just different as we have managed to capture completely different things.

Well done...I look forward to seeing more of your work.

[mikshayne]

flickr.com/mikshayne

[TH3D4RKKN1GH7]

To Maxx: I checked out your website even more great stuff. That's where I want to be one day. Your images are really striking and convey strong emotions. How long have you been doing it? I just started doing still work, I'm really a screenwriter/director but I like taking pictures- mainly of people.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/romanmphotography

If you want there's some of the shots I've taken. If I were the one in charge of a winner... you'd have my vote. Not to take anything from the rest of you guys, but DAMN!

[Chappers]

Chappers -- my oldest is a percussionist and his instrument is drum kit (jazz, of course). I showed him the cymbal picture you entered in the "musical instrument" POTW. He said he would like to hang it on the wall of his new apartment. Is it okay if I download and print a copy for him? Thank you.

If anyone else wants to see it, the address is http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=687876

I'd be flattered - do you want the original? I'd happily send it to you but your PM and email function is not turned on.

[Chasb]

Sorry the "water droplets" was left to interpretation or I was just too tired when I posted it last night. Let's try this one.

[Chappers]

Water droplets in a web. Boulder, CO 08/18/09

A beautiful photo but I'm trying to figure out how this relates to the themes of the thread.

[macgeof]

Alone : Bird shot on a rock by the Beas River at the head of the Kulu Valley

[macgeof]

Analogue : Drummer taken during the Holi festival in Pushkar, Rajasthan

[macgeof]

Alone + Motion : Tibetan resident in Mcleod Ganj, India on the pilgrim's walk around HHDL temple

I've seen others multiple post, but apologies if this is a no-no - I'm new to this and like to read the C&C aimed at others and would like some at me too :)

[deep diver]

Chappers -- Aaron asked me to say "thank you". I've turned on the PM (never needed it before).

All -- I've been too busy to spend a lot of time looking at the forum this week. There are a lot of excellent photographs. I think this is sizing up to be a very worthwhile forum. John -- thank you for getting it started.

[Nicolasdec]

Picture of the Atacama desert I took a week ago. More on my Flickr.....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3836976968_8407e955da_b.jpg

[Phrasikleia]

Alone + Motion : Tibetan resident in Mcleod Ganj, India on the pilgrim's walk around HHDL temple

I've seen others multiple post, but apologies if this is a no-no - I'm new to this and like to read the C&C aimed at others and would like some at me too :)

http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=189072&d=1250682248

It's an interesting subject, and the composition is pretty good, but this was shot in really bad light. The subject is in the shade, and the flat light elsewhere suggests this was just not a good time of day--or the right kind of weather--for a good photo. Since a photograph is essentially a recording of light, try to find good light first; then look for a subject (or find a subject and then return to it when the light is good). As for the composition, the subject is too close to the bottom of the frame, but I think it works otherwise.

Picture of the Atacama desert I took a week ago. More on my Flickr.....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3836976968_8407e955da_b.jpg

Really lovely photo. The exif has been stripped out of it, so I don't know what aperture you used. If you could have gotten a bit more depth of field to make the foreground sharp, it would have been even better, but I know all too well that sometimes it's simply not possible when you're up against the wall of diffraction.

[Edit: I checked out your flickr page and saw that you shot it at f/4. Not sure why you went for such a wide aperture. Perhaps you weren't using a tripod?]

[macgeof]

It's an interesting subject, and the composition is pretty good, but this was shot in really bad light. The subject is in the shade, and the flat light elsewhere suggests this was just not a good time of day--or the right kind of weather--for a good photo. Since a photograph is essentially a recording of light, try to find good light first; then look for a subject (or find a subject and then return to it when the light is good). As for the composition, the subject is too close to the bottom of the frame, but I think it works otherwise.

Comments gratefully received, thanks for taking the time :) As for the light, wish I could head back for a reshoot but it's a bit far right now

[Chappers]

Chappers -- Aaron asked me to say "thank you". I've turned on the PM (never needed it before).

All -- I've been too busy to spend a lot of time looking at the forum this week. There are a lot of excellent photographs. I think this is sizing up to be a very worthwhile forum. John -- thank you for getting it started.

I've PM'd you deep diver


John - hopefully it looks like this thread is going places. :)

[Nicolasdec]

Really lovely photo. The exif has been stripped out of it, so I don't know what aperture you used. If you could have gotten a bit more depth of field to make the foreground sharp, it would have been even better, but I know all too well that sometimes it's simply not possible when you're up against the wall of diffraction.

[Edit: I checked out your flickr page and saw that you shot it at f/4. Not sure why you went for such a wide aperture. Perhaps you weren't using a tripod?]

Thank you... Your correct I took the pic at f/4. Unfortunately I didn't have my tripod with me so I had to use a wider aperture as anything smaller would have been slightly underexposed.

[Chappers]

Picture of the Atacama desert I took a week ago. More on my Flickr.....

Hope you don't mind me asking but how does this beautiful picture (and it is beautiful) tie in with the themes of the thread?

Maybe its just an analogue thing and everything could be analogue. Cool pic though.

[marsvolta]

Alone: I found this egg, already hatched, in some grass down by the beach.

[Chappers]

Was the egg empty? I find the grass distracting especially on the bottom right hand corner. To be honest the photo is a little bland.

Sorry

[tompon1923]

There's so much to love about this photo: the pastel color palette, the twinkling street lights, the wonderful sense of motion...if only you hadn't framed it so that only a sliver of that lovely blue sky is showing. The blue really sets off the the other colors and adds depth to the frame, but there's far too little of it. The composition therefore seems haphazard.

Thanks for the tip!! I really appreciate it because this was my second try at long exposures. I will take it with me for next time ;). (excuse me for my late reaction). I'm currently trying something like this at the local airfield, the same idea but with planes and approaches, too bad there is very little fixed-wing traffic (usually bell and lynx SAR helo's). Anyway, I don't want to get off-topic.

[deep diver]

This is a section of Rhodochrosite (meaning rose-colored). Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral. This specimen is stitched together with its mirror image (analog). Other than the stitching and cropping there is no PP. This is the natural color of the mineral.

[tompon1923]

What was the exposure time ?

4 minutes and 51 seconds at f/22.

[zimv20]

topic: alone