Fortnightly Challenge - Sept 11 thru Sept 24

[JohnMC]

Challenge topic : Edge(s)

The challenge will run from right now until : 11:59PM Sept 24

Rules
1. Photos should be your own work.
2. Produced within the challenge period if possible.
3. All positive feedback and criticism is encouraged and welcome if you posted or not.
4. There is no real limit to the number of photos you may enter.

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 in a separate thread.

Lets have fun!!!

[deep diver]

Okay. I'll go first.

2 years ago when I was raking leaves our cat started tunneling. (It looked like one of those cartoon things with the leaves flying up in the air. Very funny.) It took 10 minutes or more before I could get just one shot. Unfortunately, her eyes were closed. I cropped the image the ways I did hoping to convey some sense of her moving through the leaves.

This is a tough challenge. I am feeling a lot of tension (in this image and another) between showing enough of the subject to create some meaningful story but without moving the subject too far into the frame.

[Chappers]

Well deep diver - you're a brave man - this is truly a challenge - I like the cat a bit more in the frame - it looks a little out of focus (but I'm not wearing my glasses :mad:) but I kind of like the closed eyes - gives it a cheeky look.

Here's mine so far

[micol124]

Deep diver, nice pic! I think I like the composition of the one with the kitty more in... do you have PS or other "playing" software? I wonder if you could somehow make the cat pop out more...

Chapprs, like how the emphasis is on the edge... this is a cut flower, I presume? What lens do you use? I have been trying to get nice macros but I can't seem to zoom in or move in close enough to have the subject actually take up a significant portion of real estate on the composition...:confused:

[Chappers]

Chapprs, like how the emphasis is on the edge... this is a cut flower, I presume? What lens do you use? I have been trying to get nice macros but I can't seem to zoom in or move in close enough to have the subject actually take up a significant portion of real estate on the composition...:confused:

The challenge theme is EDGE so thats my plan. Used my 70-300mm lens on Macro settıng. It was actually taken in the park next to my garden. I was taking a photo of a dragonfly but I was well within range of a water spinkler system - took this whilst avoidng the spray. The background is black because we have a big dark forest behind our place.

What camera do you have - does it have a macro setting.

[Clix Pix]

Ah, I've been waiting to share this image!

http://clixpix.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p349286396.jpg

This was shot back in July as part of my 365 Days (Photo-of-the-Day) project and as part of a "minimalist photography" project on another site.

[gkarris]

"After the Rains"

Schaumburg Airport

Olympus E-420, Zuiko Digital 14-40 at 25mm, f4.5, 1/3200, ISO100

http://api.photoshop.com/home_5f4ea34e90b84283b45b42a04f8da681/adobe-px-assets/0686f4458ead418196c341921850f612

[micol124]

The challenge theme is EDGE so thats my plan. Used my 70-300mm lens on Macro settıng. It was actually taken in the park next to my garden. I was taking a photo of a dragonfly but I was well within range of a water spinkler system - took this whilst avoidng the spray. The background is black because we have a big dark forest behind our place.

What camera do you have - does it have a macro setting.

Ok! Cool! I have a Canon EOS 50D + a 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS lenses. I do believe it has a macro setting... I will have to try it! Any tips?

[deep diver]

Yes. Skitty is out of focus. She is a very needy cat but not always cooperative. This was a grab it while you can shot at 65mm, f5, 1/60, & ISO 100 with the kit kens. It was taken at dusk with the on camera flash. Overall, not a great formula for a well executed shot. The whole frame is out of focus. I probably moved in or out a bit when I was shooting it. I use PS Essentials 6, but I am a minimalist when it comes to PP. I just tried sharpening it up some and it does look a bit better.

Chappers -- as usual, this is a stunning image. I think you found that balance in this challenge very well. I hope you and your camera did not get too wet, but the droplets are what make this image stand out from other flower images.

Clix Pix -- this is one of the best images I have ever seen on one of the forums. Just outstanding.

gkarris -- Interesting shot and I am very torn about it. On the one hand, it is pretty monotone and flat. I would love to see some sort of highlight to bring it to life. On the other hand.......... I moved from Chicagoland (Michigan City, IN) about a year ago to Cleveland (one of the few places that is even more cloudy/gloomy than Chicago). This image captures that grey day feeling very well. What I am missing here is the edge theme. Please explain.

I do not have a macro lens. I use the Nikon 18-200 (which is effectively 27-300 on a digital camera). Zooming in all the way and getting as close as I can usually gets me what I want.

[Chappers]

micol124 - both my camera and the 300mm lens have a macro setting - get close - make sure the light is good. Press button lots of times. Crop photos - always useful. Have a steady hand or a tripod. I have a steady hand. deep diver can confirm this :D

gkarris : I'm sorry but I don't understand how this relates to the theme.

Clix Pix - Stunning work - seen your other photos and this is equally great. Nice one.

deep diver - OK my eyes are still working (my rather nasty cornea injury means I'm never to sure). Still like this cat picture though and its really grown on me.
Yeah I got wet. The dragon fly (see picture) landed on the "edge" of the flower. The water sprayer would come and it would fly away and come back to settle again. Each sweep of the sprayer was about 30 seconds. Believe me it was tough. Find where it had landed - focus camera - take photo and turn back whilst covering camera. Get wet and try again. I managed 7 photos before we both got bored. I took the flower as I was just about to walk away.

[deep diver]

micol124 - Chappers has to have a steady hand because he does not own a tripod.:D:D:D

Chappers -- I had thought that injury would have healed by now. Will it continue to improve?
The dragon fly is also beautiful. You have a lot more patience than me.

[Maxxamillian]

http://www.cwhitlock.com/photos/615447290_ntzKX-XL.jpg

[Maxxamillian]

Chappers:

Nicely captured on the dragonfly picture...color palate, composition, and interesting subject....all there.

Well done:D

[micol124]

Chappers - Thanks for the info, will look up my lenses and find out...

Deep diver - I guess I shall get a stady hand, my tripod is back in the states, won't come over till March :rolleyes:;):D

[Clix Pix]

Deep Diver and Chappers, thank you both very much! This was a fun image to shoot.... I set the iPhone in its dock on my kitchen counter, then positioned an orange cutting board to serve as the background. I stood on a thick telephone book, angling myself and the camera above the upright iPhone and shot downward at it with the D3 and my 60mm lens. It took several tries before I finally achieved what I was envisoning and so I had to crop very little when processing the image.

I like the dragonfly shot -- very nicely done! It is fun seeing how people interpret this topic.....

[marsvolta]

Traveling on the ferry between islands.

[gkarris]

What I am missing here is the edge theme. Please explain.

gkarris : I'm sorry but I don't understand how this relates to the theme.

You don't notice:

1. The edges of the moisture on the ramp
2. The edges of the squares of the concrete on the ramp
3. The edges of the wings on the aircraft
4. The edges of the trees in the distance
5. The edge of the region of the cloud cover
6. The fact that this pic was taken on the edge of the ramp

Did I not get the theme?

[Chappers]

Maxx - very clever

marsvolta - for some reason it reminds me of the Beatles - however I'd still crop this a bit to get rid of Ringo on the left. Did you take any more of this dcene?

[marsvolta]

marsvolta - for some reason it reminds me of the Beatles - however I'd still crop this a bit to get rid of Ringo on the left. Did you take any more of this dcene?

Here it is cropped. I took one other one. Here it is in original and cropped.

[Chappers]

You don't notice:

1. The edges of the moisture on the ramp
2. The edges of the squares of the concrete on the ramp
3. The edges of the wings on the aircraft
4. The edges of the trees in the distance
5. The edge of the region of the cloud cover
6. The fact that this pic was taken on the edge of the ramp

Did I not get the theme?


I think you're stretching the point here a little :D

marsvolta I like the first one cropped the best. The horizon in them isn't straight and its always tough in shots like this. I try for as many different angles as possible and then balance the straightness in iPhoto (its quick and easy) if I have too.


Still like the retro feel of your photo though.

[Chappers]

micol124 - Chappers has to have a steady hand because he does not own a tripod.:D:D:D

Chappers -- I had thought that injury would have healed by now. Will it continue to improve?
The dragon fly is also beautiful. You have a lot more patience than me.
:D I'm probably the most impatient person in the world, but I'm stubborn too.

Eye injury - slowly getting better I think - when I read (I'm on postgraduate studies at the moment) it gets very sore. The hospital said it would take at least a year and a friend did the same thing - it took 5 years:(

Obviously when a small chap, like the one on the "EDGE" of the tree pokes you in the eye, it doesn't help :)

[..Ryan..]

I have 3 to enter.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/3914758636_8a799eb934_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2474/3914741964_8dc87f6530_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3913783449_8ec98e802d_b.jpg

[Chappers]

..Ryan..
Love the first one (I assume they are all about being on the edge of the cliff)
Second is fun and amusing (love the scale) easy to miss the dog
Third is OK but not really my cup of tea.

But that first one is great - as I always say at some point - I'd crop it a bit, especially the grass on the left and then for me it is stunning.

Good work - tell us about your technique for colour etc.

[deep diver]

..Ryan>> -- Nice job with these. I like the concepts and the execution.

In the first one, I love the way the wood follows and then breaks away from the edge of the cliff. (There is probably a metaphor in there somewhere). I would crop out some of the left side and some of the bottom to bring greater attention the the wood and the cliff.

In the second image, I like the way the cliff forms 2 edges - top and bottom. I think the sand looks washed out and is a distractor. I would crop out some of the bottom and left side. That also makes the dog more noticeable.

The third really resonates with me. I grew up in Philadelphia and have made many dives off the Jersey shore. This reminds me of one of the channels the boats would use to get out to the open ocean. I would like to see a little more exposure here to bring up the colors.

I took some liberties: I cropped the 2 cliffs and lightened the shadows by 25% on the channel.

[Chappers]

I hope this thread doesn't die here - is nobody else up for the challenge.

[marsvolta]

marsvolta I like the first one cropped the best. The horizon in them isn't straight and its always tough in shots like this. I try for as many different angles as possible and then balance the straightness in iPhoto (its quick and easy) if I have too.


Still like the retro feel of your photo though.

Thanks. It was tough to get the horizon. I was just walking around the ferry shooting.

Here is another photo to keep it going.

[Chappers]

marsvolta - verticals and horizontals - always trouble :o

Your photo reminded me I have this

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/2781506339_5e3c4f1b38_b.jpg

[deep diver]

I'll post a couple of more tonight.

[hector]

http://chthomson.smugmug.com/photos/550709647_hXwF4-M.jpg (http://chthomson.smugmug.com/Events/Easter/8390732_U8EgN#550709647_hXwF4)

[Phrasikleia]

http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=194318&d=1252919057

A duck treadmill? I'm looking for the Nautilus logo somewhere. :D

[Chappers]

http://chthomson.smugmug.com/photos/550709647_hXwF4-M.jpg (http://chthomson.smugmug.com/Events/Easter/8390732_U8EgN#550709647_hXwF4)

nice atmospheric photo hector

[gkarris]

^^^^ yes, nicely done... :)

[deep diver]

marsvolta -- I like the humor in this image. Thank you for posting it - I needed something to lighten my day.

Chappers -- I like this picture of the swans better. The version that is cropped to just the two on the lower right was difficult to understand (it looked like they were in a bubble bath). This one shows a very interesting rage of textures.

================

Here are 2 more. These blades come from an old sugar mill on Maui. These were part of the machinery that broke and chopped the cut sugar cane.

[dcaero]

edge |ej|
verb [ trans. ]
• [ intrans. ] move gradually, carefully, or furtively in a particular direction

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2514/3921960628_226e97c165_o.jpg

[platypus63]

on the edge

[deep diver]

platypus63 -- very cool. Great perspective. Images like this are hard to get right, and you have it well. I think this would be even better if you "cleaned it up a little." I would rotate this clockwise just a bit so that the window is parallel to the edge of the image, and I would crop out some of the left side to make the image more symmetrical.

[Chappers]

deep diver - both great shots but the second one is beautiful it reminds me of a Seurat painting. Great stuff - the only distraction is the little bit of green at the top on the left.

dcaero - its interesting - I like this type of decay picture

[fulcrum.1995]

Backyard D5000

[platypus63]

deep diver - Thank you for the advice. I'm new at photography and appreciate the CC.

[jrm27]

Hi all.. I love these challenges.

Here's two... I hope I've understood the theme correctly...

Surfers at Byron Bay (I thought one interpretation was "edge of frame"?)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3733238110_19e9a808bc.jpg

Here's an edge of the Sydney Opera House
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3732437475_197ee5f6a9.jpg

Have I missed the boat on this one?

[jrm27]

Ah, I've been waiting to share this image!

http://clixpix.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p349286396.jpg

This was shot back in July as part of my 365 Days (Photo-of-the-Day) project and as part of a "minimalist photography" project on another site.


I really like this. Excellent use of color and composition. Really intriguing.

[Chappers]

Hi all.. I love these challenges.

Here's two... I hope I've understood the theme correctly...

Surfers at Byron Bay (I thought one interpretation was "edge of frame"?)

Here's an edge of the Sydney Opera House


Have I missed the boat on this one?

Don't worry the boat is still in port waiting to depart. Beach shot - very nice and as summer ended yesterday in my part of the world - I feel a bit sad.
Big building - I never thought about any close-up detail of dirt and weathering - interesting shot that gave me a new impression of an iconic building.

[Clix Pix]

Thank you, JRM27! :)

[Designer Dale]

Hi all.. I love these challenges.

Here's two... I hope I've understood the theme correctly...
<snip>

Here's an edge of the Sydney Opera House
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3732437475_197ee5f6a9.jpg

Have I missed the boat on this one?

I like the flow of line in this image. I really like the Sydney Opera House Steps in your Flicker feed.

By the way, all themes in this thread are open to interpretation by the individual with the camera (you). It frees your creativity and allows you to see things from different aspects depending on your interpretation.

Dale

[Azdel]

Ah, I've been waiting to share this image!

http://clixpix.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p349286396.jpg

This was shot back in July as part of my 365 Days (Photo-of-the-Day) project and as part of a "minimalist photography" project on another site.

Great shot, just wish it were an original iPhone, to really drive the theme home ;)

[deep diver]

deep diver - both great shots but the second one is beautiful it reminds me of a Seurat painting. Great stuff - the only distraction is the little bit of green at the top on the left

I never noticed that before. I agree, now that I know it's there. I'll have to see if I can take it out without making it look manipulated. I think that cropping any more would hurt the balance in the image.

[deep diver]

deep diver - Thank you for the advice. I'm new at photography and appreciate the CC.

platypus63 -- If you are new and consistently shooting images like this, then you have a great eye. Post some more of your work.

[Clix Pix]

Great shot, just wish it were an original iPhone, to really drive the theme home ;)

Oh, well, I could do that too..... :) I've got all of them. I waited in line on Launch Day for the first iPhone, waited in line last year for the 3G, and this year bought the 3G S but didn't wait in line for it, although I went over to the store on Launch Day...... Waited a few days and THEN bought it, figuring that by then the initial commotion would've calmed down with regard to activating, etc. I couldn't bear to part with any of my iPhones, so now the first-gen iPhone and last year's 3G iPhone are wonderful backups for my current one.

Hm.....thanks for the idea! Maybe tomorrow I'll play around with my original iPhone and see how I can show it off, too!

Oh, and thanks for the compliment on this shot!

[deep diver]

Maybe tomorrow I'll play around with my original iPhone and see how I can show it off, too!

ClixPix -- There is another interpretation of the theme in that: cutting edge technology

[Clix Pix]

ClixPix -- There is another interpretation of the theme in that: cutting edge technology

Right you are!!!

The original iPhone still has a certain style, a certain cachet, that cannot be echoed in the following generations. It's that wonderful back on it, that wonderful, substantial feel in the hand....

Oh, boy, I'm going to have fun tomorrow!

[Designer Dale]

Ah, I've been waiting to share this image!

http://clixpix.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p349286396.jpg

This was shot back in July as part of my 365 Days (Photo-of-the-Day) project and as part of a "minimalist photography" project on another site.

Getting behind on my comments.

I like the color and contrasts that you have set up in this image. The red-orange is a great and seldom used color choice. Bold of you to use it. The only comment I have beyond praise is that it seems a bit cramped in the lower left. The pool of orange seems trapped by the phone. One of my design teachers told us to make elements look intentional. The interpretation here would be to give more breathing room and let the orange flow freely.

Dale

[Designer Dale]

marsvolta - verticals and horizontals - always trouble :o

Your photo reminded me I have this

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/2781506339_5e3c4f1b38_b.jpg

Outstanding work, Chappers! I have seen the partner to this in one of the other photo threads and have been intrigued by it ever since. This one has a great dynamic going on between the swans above the falls and the ones below it. Almost conveys a kind of class struggle with the workers struggling beneath the sharp eye of the elite.

Dale

[Clix Pix]

Getting behind on my comments.

I like the color and contrasts that you have set up in this image. The red-orange is a great and seldom used color choice. Bold of you to use it. The only comment I have beyond praise is that it seems a bit cramped in the lower left. The pool of orange seems trapped by the phone. One of my design teachers told us to make elements look intentional. The interpretation here would be to give more breathing room and let the orange flow freely.

Dale


Thank you for that valuable feedback! The orange is actually a cutting board, upon which I placed the iPhone (in its dock) before shooting down on it. I'm not a graphics artist (nor any sort of artist and haven't had any formal training). I was just playing with this one day..... For future attempts I will remember what you have suggested, to give more breathing room to the background/color element. Thanks!

[jrm27]

I like the flow of line in this image. I really like the Sydney Opera House Steps in your Flicker feed.

By the way, all themes in this thread are open to interpretation by the individual with the camera (you). It frees your creativity and allows you to see things from different aspects depending on your interpretation.

Dale

Thank you Designer Dale. I really do appreciate the kind words. The Opera House is an amazingly beautiful building. I was hoping to take a shot or tow that werent the standard ones that everyone comes back with. Glad you dig the steps.... i'm partial to that shot myself.

[Chappers]

Outstanding work, Chappers! I have seen the partner to this in one of the other photo threads and have been intrigued by it ever since. This one has a great dynamic going on between the swans above the falls and the ones below it. Almost conveys a kind of class struggle with the workers struggling beneath the sharp eye of the elite. Dale

Thank you - I saw them every morning for a week one very cold winter as I cycled to work.

[chown33]

194665

[Chappers]

Looks painful. Interesting choice the edge of a cactus (hopefully that's correct) a little washed out but a nice idea.

[jrm27]

Thank you - I saw them every morning for a week one very cold winter as I cycled to work.

Cool pic. I would jsut love to see that swan swept over the edge... the 10 year old in me would find it hysterical.

[Chappers]

jrm27 : I did see a swan crash into the bridge in the photo.
I was heading back to work when I heard the familiar noise of swans taking-off. Three birds swept past me - two of them managed to fly over the bridge. The swan in last position hit the bridge and crashed into the river.
I rushed over to see if I could do anything but the first two swans were already circling and came back, landed on the river and awaited the recovery of their friend and they all promptly took-off again. A woman beside me was as amazed as I was.

Off topic for the thread but hopefully an interesting story.

[Designer Dale]

About time I put something up here. A whale skeleton mounted on the shore in Long Beach, Washington.

Lumix F15 P&S

Dale

[deep diver]

The only comment I have beyond praise is that it seems a bit cramped in the lower left. The pool of orange seems trapped by the phone. One of my design teachers told us to make elements look intentional. The interpretation here would be to give more breathing room and let the orange flow freely.

Dale -- Interesting idea. I appreciate it very much. Some uninformed thoughts from someone that has no idea about design rules: There is a lot of art in design (duhhhhh). All of the design oriented exhibits I have ever seen in museums suggest that there are often many rules in design (some new and some old). Not all art follows the rules. Sometimes they are pushed and sometimes broken. Some of our own pictures are good examples. I would appreciate two things. First is for you to share your thoughts about these ideas. Second is for you to share your thoughts about other pictures through your designer's eye.

Bruce

[chown33]

Looks painful. Interesting choice the edge of a cactus (hopefully that's correct) a little washed out but a nice idea.

Yes, edge of cactus is correct. I botched the original post and lost my text, but didn't realize it till now.

It may look washed out, but it's not. The cactus has that wax-film washed out look in reality.

[Maxxamillian]

http://www.cwhitlock.com/photos/652067697_ZuRar-XL.jpg

[Chappers]

Yes, edge of cactus is correct. I botched the original post and lost my text, but didn't realize it till now.

It may look washed out, but it's not. The cactus has that wax-film washed out look in reality.

Honestly I would have tweaked it a little - even though I try myself to do as little PP work as possible and keep it natural. So I hope you won't be offended but I played with yours a bit because overall I really like it - it has an almost alien feel about it. Of course mine is just a personal preference (nothing more).

[Chappers]

Maxxamillian - another wonderfully rich picture from you. It has, as always got class and style written all over it, so there isn't much more to say. Nice work.

[pdxflint]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_zbn1AZDn-gg/Rz7Hj1pa6JI/AAAAAAAAC84/cC72Htb_o-Q/s800/Image38.jpg

[Chappers]

pdxflint That's a big edge. Great capture of scale.

[deep diver]

pdxflint -- Excellent work, as usual. The way you captured the texture and angle of the sandstone creates a lot of movement that pulls my eye up the formation.

BTW: I've listened to some of your music - very cool stuff.

Bruce

[Maxxamillian]

Maxxamillian - another wonderfully rich picture from you. It has, as always got class and style written all over it, so there isn't much more to say. Nice work.

Chappers: Thanks for the encouragement! I worry about this one...it is very busy--one has to do some searching to figure out what it is. Not so sure what to do to simplify while retaining the overall artistic expression the owner put into this bike...

[Chappers]

Chappers: Thanks for the encouragement! I worry about this one...it is very busy--one has to do some searching to figure out what it is. Not so sure what to do to simplify while retaining the overall artistic expression the owner put into this bike...

Yes it is horrifically busy but that's the nature of the beast sometimes. You've taken a risk and for me it has paid off.
Your photos are works of art IMO and I'd say keep taking the risks.

[MBP123]

Taken at The Bauhaus building in Dessau, Germany.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3220809923_4b9c8acf99.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/derajfast/3220809923/sizes/l/in/set-72157612908281952/)

[chown33]

Honestly I would have tweaked it a little - even though I try myself to do as little PP work as possible and keep it natural. So I hope you won't be offended but I played with yours a bit because overall I really like it - it has an almost alien feel about it. Of course mine is just a personal preference (nothing more).

No offense taken. I rather like what you did, as it enhances the alien feel.

[Elbert C]

Taken somewhere in Western AK.

[pdxflint]

Thanks Chappers and Deep Diver! Yeah, this was a big edge. In fact, the rest of it arched completely over my head. 20mm wide angle on 35mm b/w didn't do it near enough justice. It might have actually been cool to have had a person, or my dog in the frame somewhere for additional scale. This thing was massive.

Oh, and Deep Diver, thanks for the comment on the music. I only do it as a form of entertainment for myself, mainly. But if someone else enjoys some of it, even better.

[Designer Dale]

<snipped in various parts for editorial reasons>All of the design oriented exhibits I have ever seen in museums suggest that there are often many rules in design (some new and some old). Not all art follows the rules. Sometimes they are pushed and sometimes broken.
Bruce

Thanks. The rules in photography are more like those in art than design. Photography and art are composed to be taken in as a single element while design (print) is meant to move your eye from element to element and page to page. The message conveyed in art/photography is , like this thread, open to interpretation. Design has a goal to convey a clear message (buy this whatever) and that message is usually given to the designer by the client.

I was first trained as a photographer in an art school and learned design as a later career. I taught elementary school for 22 years, so don't let my posting nic fool you, I am more a teacher than designer.

Rules in anything visual are meant as starting points. Once you learn them, then you break them more successfully. I could dig out a book and list things, but that is no fun. I will comment on things as I see them in this thread and propose some of the formal design rules as topics for future challenge topics.

Probably made things clear as mud...

Dale

[Designer Dale]

One from the Thirtymile fire memorial in the Cascades north of Winthrop, Washington. Four firefighters died here on July 10, 2001. I have more.

Dale

[pdxflint]

Rules in anything visual are meant as starting points. Once you learn them, then you break them more successfully. I could dig out a book and list things, but that is no fun. I will comment on things as I see them in this thread and propose some of the formal design rules as topics for future challenge topics.

Probably made things clear as mud...

Dale

Now it gets even more interesting...! That would be great for you to propose some challenge topics with your persepective on art and design. I'm really looking forward to these exercises now. It's both fun, and educational.

[Designer Dale]

This is an example of what I meant by "make it look intentional" in an earlier post. The out of focus areas at the top and right of the original distract from the image. If I had left the white stone at the left, it would have intruded into the image as well. Cropping removed these elements. If something is very close to the edge of a frame or running off it, leave it in or take it out depending on what you want, but make it look intentional and not an afterthought of something you overlooked.

Working with a Point and Shoot forces me to do this in post.

Dale

[pdxflint]

This is an example of what I meant by "make it look intentional" in an earlier post. The out of focus areas at the top and right of the original distract from the image. If I had left the white stone at the left, it would have intruded into the image as well. Cropping removed these elements. If something is very close to the edge of a frame or running off it, leave it in or take it out depending on what you want, but make it look intentional and not an afterthought of something you overlooked.

Working with a Point and Shoot forces me to do this in post.

Dale

You make an interesting point. The crop version here really works, and seeing the original, and what elements you intentionally left out illustrates what you're getting at. Sometimes I work at framing a shot trying to "see" what elements on the edges add to the image, and which ones should be subtracted - but lots of times I don't see it until later, and maybe it can be fixed (like yours) or maybe it's better to go back and rethink the shot.

Your photo of the jacket patch at the memorial is a poignant reminder of the lost firefighters.

[deep diver]

Probably made things clear as mud...

Thanks, Dale. We played in mud when we were kids. Why not as adults? :D:D:D

Maxxamillian -- I like the image of the cycle as an abstract piece. It took a long time and a lot of struggle for me to figure out what it was. My problem was that it is so dark that I just could not make it out. Perhaps if you lightened it a bit.........

Bruce

[deep diver]

This is an example of what I meant by "make it look intentional" in an earlier post.

This really resonates with me. With very few exceptions, I have found that if I work to set up a shot I end up with a failure. Most of my stuff is what I call "flash and dash". I take a picture of something that catches my eye in some way. After I get it into my computer, then I can start looking for what I saw but didn't know I was seeing.

[Maxxamillian]

Thanks, Dale. We played in mud when we were kids. Why not as adults? :D:D:D

Maxxamillian -- I like the image of the cycle as an abstract piece. It took a long time and a lot of struggle for me to figure out what it was. My problem was that it is so dark that I just could not make it out. Perhaps if you lightened it a bit.........

Bruce

I do like my darks :)

I worry about how my pics show on other's monitors. You take some great pics...which leads me to believe you are viewing on a calibrated monitor...can you give me an idea of what you are using? I trend towards dark on most of my pics and worry that I overdo it...

[deep diver]

I do like my darks :)
I worry about how my pics show on other's monitors. You take some great pics...which leads me to believe you are viewing on a calibrated monitor...can you give me an idea of what you are using? I trend towards dark on most of my pics and worry that I overdo it...

I shoot with a Nikon D50 with the Nikon 28-200 VR lens. My machine is a 17" MBP with Leopard. No external monitor. I use Photoshop Elements 6 and (rarely) iPhoto. Other than cropping, I do minimal PP, and then usually to fix the blemishes. Sometimes I will adjust lighting. While I might convert to sepia or B&W, I never mess with the colors themselves. The only PP I ever do on my mineral images is cropping.

I would suggest that if you think you might be "overdoing it" then go with your gut. Art is very subjective. I think it works better when we allow it to tell us what to do. (That is my Zen thought for the day.)

The only thing about any of your images that has ever not worked for me is lighting. You compositions are truly outstanding.

[deep diver]

20mm wide angle on 35mm b/w didn't do it near enough justice.

What's that??????????? :D:D:D:D:D:D

[Phrasikleia]

One of my design teachers told us to make elements look intentional. The interpretation here would be to give more breathing room and let the orange flow freely.
Dale

I had that same design teacher! :D Seriously, I had the great fortune to study with Michael Manwaring for a while (he was a very famous Bay Area designer--eventually made it into many of the design history books before giving it all up and absconding to Oregon, where he now spends his retirement doing painting and sculpture). Anyway, he made a big deal about the elements of a design/image looking intentional. He used to say that you know you've got it right when you wouldn't want to add anything or take anything away to make it any better. He also talked a lot about giving elements "breathing room." Your mention of those two ideas immediately made me think of my old mentor. I now apply his advice to my photography, and I think it's just as valid there as it was with design.

[Designer Dale]

http://www.cwhitlock.com/photos/652067697_ZuRar-XL.jpg

As others have mentioned, this took me by surprise. I loved the colors and kept looking until I realized it was a motorcycle. Great use of an unusual perspective to turn an object into art. You are really good at this. The Painting with Light entry in the last photo contest was stunning. At least to me. I don't judge... It looked like a winner to me.

Dale

[pdxflint]

Originally Posted by pdxflint;
20mm wide angle on 35mm b/w (film) didn't do it near enough justice.

What's that??????????? :D:D:D:D:D:D

Okay... ha, ha! :cool: :D

Maxxamillian, I've really liked your 'darker' tones. They display well on my MBP 15" matte screen. Just one or two of the portrait shots have been maybe a tad darkish, but mostly they have seemed very warm, and full of interesting tones, very artistic and creative. The cycle shots have been right on for me. I recognized this last one immediately - maybe because I've been a rider in the past and my eye instantly picks up certain details like the rear tire, frame tubing, wire wheels and footpegs... which draw me into the rest of the shot for some closer examination. If anything, I want more sharpness in this one, whereas your style seems to scream "smoothness".

[Maxxamillian]

I shoot with a Nikon D50 with the Nikon 28-200 VR lens. My machine is a 17" MBP with Leopard. No external monitor. I use Photoshop Elements 6 and (rarely) iPhoto. Other than cropping, I do minimal PP, and then usually to fix the blemishes. Sometimes I will adjust lighting. While I might convert to sepia or B&W, I never mess with the colors themselves. The only PP I ever do on my mineral images is cropping.

I would suggest that if you think you might be "overdoing it" then go with your gut. Art is very subjective. I think it works better when we allow it to tell us what to do. (That is my Zen thought for the day.)

The only thing about any of your images that has ever not worked for me is lighting. You compositions are truly outstanding.

I can happily spend hours post processing a single picture. This is from my days as an artist sloshing away at canvas and board with charcoals, paints, and such. I think your Zen thought is very appropriate. So far you are the only person to identify the picture as being too dark...could it be your monitor settings? If not then it IS my monitor calibration that needs re-doing...

As others have mentioned, this took me by surprise. I loved the colors and kept looking until I realized it was a motorcycle. Great use of an unusual perspective to turn an object into art. You are really good at this. The Painting with Light entry in the last photo contest was stunning. At least to me. I don't judge... It looked like a winner to me.

Dale

Thanks Dale--I really appreciate the feedback and observation, especially from someone with your background. As for the contest...if there is one thing I've learned: Photography is SO subjective. How many times have you seen a picture that others have just raved about and you're just not seeing it yourself?

Okay... ha, ha! :cool: :D

Maxxamillian, I've really liked your 'darker' tones. They display well on my MBP 15" matte screen. Just one or two of the portrait shots have been maybe a tad darkish, but mostly they have seemed very warm, and full of interesting tones, very artistic and creative. The cycle shots have been right on for me. I recognized this last one immediately - maybe because I've been a rider in the past and my eye instantly picks up certain details like the rear tire, frame tubing, wire wheels and footpegs... which draw me into the rest of the shot for some closer examination. If anything, I want more sharpness in this one, whereas your style seems to scream "smoothness".

There is an object familiarity component to this picture...that is for sure. I'm curious to see how much sharpness I can tease out of the picture before adding too much noise. On a different note--your recent harbor series have been captivating....I really enjoy seeing your work :) Thanks for the feedback.

[Maxxamillian]

There is a good chance that this is the only wildlife photo I've taken. Chalk it up to a lack of patience on my part for this kind of thing. I was really waiting for a bear, a moose, and a mountain lion to come into this clearing and put on a spectacular (National Geographic award winning) fight. Instead, during the whole 20 minutes I waited, I got this little guy...

http://www.cwhitlock.com/photos/653204369_C2seZ-XL.jpg

[Chappers]

There is a good chance that this is the only wildlife photo I've taken. Chalk it up to a lack of patience on my part for this kind of thing. I was really waiting for a bear, a moose, and a mountain lion to come into this clearing and put on a spectacular (National Geographic award winning) fight. Instead, during the whole 20 minutes I waited, I got this little guy...



Its a bit light :D


Sorry I couldn't resist

[deep diver]

Maxxamillian -- I don't think there is a problem with either monitor. My pictures display and print virtually identically. I think there is just a difference in style and taste.

I hate chipmunks, but your picture is beautiful. It was worth the wait. Regardless of what Chappers says, I think the lighting is just right. :D:D:D:D:D

===================

Here is my next entry.

[Maxxamillian]

Its a bit light :D


Sorry I couldn't resist

You DO realize you could have prompted an entire weekend of calibration that would have whipsawed between being "too light" and "too dark" and ended with me, straight-jacketed, riding the paddy wagon to the nearest facility right?

Think they'll let me take my camera with me?

Maxxamillian -- I don't think there is a problem with either monitor. My pictures display and print virtually identically. I think there is just a difference in style and taste.

I hate chipmunks, but your picture is beautiful. It was worth the wait. Regardless of what Chappers says, I think the lighting is just right. :D:D:D:D:D

You've got a keeper of a monitor then...getting WISYWIG from monitor to print has been a challenge for me. As for chipmunks...I don't mind them as long as they are not singing in obnoxiously high voices.

The flower photo you just posted --excellent IMO. Nice composition with complimentary colors and simplicity. Well done :D

[pdxflint]

On a different note--your recent harbor series have been captivating....I really enjoy seeing your work :) Thanks for the feedback.

Thanks - I was wondering if fishing boats was getting boring, or overdone... :) I've got quite a few others I'd like to share, but it's not that easy picking out something fresh, that doesn't have a lot of similar elements - other than perspectives, perhaps... anyway, thanks again for the nice words.


I hate chipmunks, but your picture is beautiful. It was worth the wait. Regardless of what Chappers says, I think the lighting is just right. :D:D:D:D:D


How on earth can someone hate a chipmunk?? :D Unless you grew up hearing them singing...:eek:

Here's a different try at edge... edge of frame this time. I was in the greenhouse today picking peppers, and the mint (which has gotten completely out of hand... ;)) was attracting lots of flying critters, but nothing photogenic at all. I did notice this little guy (very small, actually) and had my nifty-fifty 1.8 on the camera, so I took a few shots in manual focus. Kind of a weakish attempt at some kind of macro-ish image... Don't look at it in that light... just think "edges"... :) BTW... this was cropped somewhat.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_zbn1AZDn-gg/SrPu9sRfqcI/AAAAAAAALJo/4KJFUFEpW3Q/s800/DSC_8891.jpg

Camera: NIKON
Model: D50
ISO: 200
Exposure: 1/2000 sec
Aperture: 1.8
Focal Length: 50mm

[deep diver]

How on earth can someone hate a chipmunk?? :D Unless you grew up hearing them singing...:eek:

Had 3 in my basement about 5 years ago. Enough said.

The butterfly is pretty good given the circumstances. My eye keeps getting pulled to the lower right. That one stalk is very distracting to me. I think the image would work much better if you got rid of that.

Put up some of your other boats. Sometimes others see things we don't.

[pdxflint]

The butterfly is pretty good given the circumstances. My eye keeps getting pulled to the lower right. That one stalk is very distracting to me. I think the image would work much better if you got rid of that.

Put up some of your other boats. Sometimes others see things we don't.

Well, the key is "under the circumstances." And I agree, I just thought it might be fun just to play around with this just to see if I might like a macro lens (which I would...love.) I think I'm more interested in slightly backed-off macro perspectives so I can get a bigger picture of what's going on, rather than close-ups of a bug's eye... but it could be fun to explore the little world going on in and around plants.

I did a different crop to elimintate the flower 'bud' but I'm thinking it's not going to really do the topic much justice.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_zbn1AZDn-gg/SrQko30z2hI/AAAAAAAALFk/TQEphhVToQU/s800/DSC_8891-1.jpg

Think I'll stick to boats...;)

[Designer Dale]

===================

Here is my next entry.

I really like the use of color and motion in this shot. The flower stands out nicely against the background and your plane of focus enhances this. The sweep of the flower pulls my eye down and through the image. The space on the left is tight, but not too much so. The green in that area flows down into the bottom of the photo and adds to the feel of motion. Nice work.

Dale

[deep diver]

I really like the use of color and motion in this shot. .... Nice work.
Dale

Dale -- Thank you. I had some struggles deciding how close to crop this. Perhaps I have some hidden sense of design? :rolleyes::D

Bruce


=======================

Maxxamillian -- I'm Bruce's son, Jacob. I really like your photo of the motorcycle. I think that the pictures flows very nicely. The dark against the bright red works very nicely. I looked at the photographs on your web site, and I also thought they are all unique and interesting.

Jake :):):)

[Maxxamillian]

Dale -- Thank you. I had some struggles deciding how close to crop this. Perhaps I have some hidden sense of design? :rolleyes::D

Bruce


=======================

Maxxamillian -- I'm Bruce's son, Jacob. I really like your photo of the motorcycle. I think that the pictures flows very nicely. The dark against the bright red works very nicely. I looked at the photographs on your web site, and I also thought they are all unique and interesting.

Jake :):):)

Jacob,

You are very kind and equally gracious. It is easy to see that the apple does not fall far from the tree here. Thanks for the words of encouragement and for the feedback:)

Warmest Regards.

[Willowtree]

My humble contribution.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3760636166_9c6e68ca6d_b.jpg

[Chappers]

My humble contribution.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3760636166_9c6e68ca6d_b.jpg

No need to be humble here - lovely shot - I would love to see it minus any people - I'm don't do landscapes but love it when scale is caught well.

[Maxxamillian]

Well, the key is "under the circumstances." And I agree, I just thought it might be fun just to play around with this just to see if I might like a macro lens (which I would...love.) I think I'm more interested in slightly backed-off macro perspectives so I can get a bigger picture of what's going on, rather than close-ups of a bug's eye... but it could be fun to explore the little world going on in and around plants.

I did a different crop to elimintate the flower 'bud' but I'm thinking it's not going to really do the topic much justice.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_zbn1AZDn-gg/SrQko30z2hI/AAAAAAAALFk/TQEphhVToQU/s800/DSC_8891-1.jpg

Think I'll stick to boats...;)

You obviously have an eye for more than just boats...

:D

[deep diver]

Willowtree -- beautiful image. I love the composition. The play between the shadows, lights, and mountains adds many dimentions. Humility may be an admirable trait, but you should be proud of this one. I generally prefer shots with nothing extraneous (see Designer Dales earlier comments about making everything look intentional). I would reframe this to exclude the people, road, and any stray footprints.

Bruce

[pyth]

Taken at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

[jrm27]

Willowtree:

I love that shot. I wouldn't reframe it alll (my opinion only!) I think the people in it give it a fantastic sense of scale and anticipation. Well done!

[pdxflint]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_zbn1AZDn-gg/SrNU39hEzDI/AAAAAAAAK7w/Qyxj8zJr9iA/s800/DSC_8819.jpg

[Willowtree]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone.

[PNW]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2309/2167812046_19e1b95768_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22556069@N08/2167812046/)

[deep diver]

PNW -- This is a beautiful image. Period. There is so much going on here. I get the edge of the ridges. There is also "being on the edge" in this harsh environment. The texture of the ice, the light and several gradients of the shadows, the relationship between the climber and the ice, and every other element work together so well. Very nicely done.

Bruce

[Designer Dale]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2309/2167812046_19e1b95768_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22556069@N08/2167812046/)

I agree with everything Bruce has to say on this one. It is very effective in black and white, but I wonder what it would look like in color. If you have it, please post it.

Dale

[Designer Dale]

This is the site of the Thirtymile fire that I mentioned in an earlier post. It had burned over a second time after the 2001 fire, but you can see the fury of it in the black and hollow snags. Washington is known for it's clear blue skies in the summer, but I had some nice clouds on this day last September. The crest of the peaks adds a nice edge for the sky. This was the edge of life for four young firefighters.

Dale

[PNW]

Thanks guys. It's a scan of a black and white negative (I've only recently replaced my trusty 4004 with a d70s) so no color copy. I prefer shooting black and white above treeline. I've found it's excellent at bringing out the texture of the rock and / or ice. B &W also helps those features compete with the would be blue sky and brightly colored climber's for the eye's attention.

And I have to be honest: The environment at the time wasn't particularly harsh. That was shot on the lower part of Mt Baker's Colman glacier (Washington State). By mid afternoon it was around 70 degrees and by late afternoon we were taking off the crampons and cracking into cans of pub draught Guinness that we'd humped in and buried in a hole we hacked out of the ice :D

[cr2sh]

I took this last week in Alaska.

[Designer Dale]

I took this last week in Alaska.

I like the layered effect you have here. It reminds me of a delicate torn paper collage. Nice work.

Dale, who was born in Ohio, lives in Washington State and longs to shoot Alaska...

[AirborneAngel]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3844503336_67462552fa_b.jpg

[pigbat]

http://pigbat.powweb.com/images/edge.jpg

[pdxflint]

http://pigbat.powweb.com/images/edge.jpg

Like this. Reminds me of Baja California Sur... I climbed a ridge like this (edge) to get from one beach to another down at a place called el Cerritos, near Pescadero, BCS. And... you are right on the edge of a cliff the whole way..

[pigbat]

Like this. Reminds me of Baja California Sur... I climbed a ridge like this (edge) to get from one beach to another down at a place called el Cerritos, near Pescadero, BCS. And... you are right on the edge of a cliff the whole way..

Thanks flint. It's the shortcut up from Black's Beach in San Diego. The long winding path is not nearly as fun as the excitement of living on the edge.

[Chimpy]

http://chthomson.smugmug.com/photos/550709647_hXwF4-M.jpg (http://chthomson.smugmug.com/Events/Easter/8390732_U8EgN#550709647_hXwF4)

Love this shot. Not sure exactly why, having a tough time figuring it out. It's not any one thing, it's an amalgam of the whole picture...

[wesrk]

Like this. Reminds me of Baja California Sur... I climbed a ridge like this (edge) to get from one beach to another down at a place called el Cerritos, near Pescadero, BCS. And... you are right on the edge of a cliff the whole way..

I think I know that place. I was in Todos Santos which is a few minutes north and whenever we took the boat we saw people climbing.

[pdxflint]

I think I know that place. I was in Todos Santos which is a few minutes north and whenever we took the boat we saw people climbing.

Close... but if you took a boat, chances are you went off the beach at Punta Lobos, where the local fishermen gather. There's a trail up the mountain immediately to the south, which can get you around the point that juts out into the Pacific, and also hike (fairly steep) down to the other side.

The place I was referring to, Los Cerritos beach, is just south of Pescadero, and a couple of miles down some dirt roads. Maybe it's been developed since I was there in 2005 (so I've heard) but it was one of the big surfing beaches during the winter months. This ridge you can go over to another, smaller more private beach is just to the north of that...

I spent a bit of time over the last several years down there in Todos Santos, and Pescadero, and in the process I rescued, and now have full custody of... six, yup... 6 dogs. Five Baja mutts, and one yellow lab.

[munkees]

Here is my photo, it one of my favorite photos, it has some depth and feel to it, something I never have captured before.

[..Ryan..]

I have 3 to enter.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/3914758636_8a799eb934_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2474/3914741964_8dc87f6530_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3913783449_8ec98e802d_b.jpg

sorry its taken me so long to reply to this thread, been very busy lately.
I would like to thank 'chappers' and 'deep diver' for the feedback and suggestions. much appreciated. I am still fairly new to photography, but very much enjoying it, as for the colour, in those shots I was using the kit lens, so alot of the colour is brought out in 'Lightroom' for me. I might post up some more shots from that day tomorrow, as it is now 1:06 am here in Melbourne, Australia :)

cheers,
Ryan