Fortnightly Challenge - Dec 18 thru Jan 8 - Topic: Holiday

[JohnMC]

Fortnightly Challenge - Dec 18 thru Jan 8

Challenge topic: Holiday (the Holidays, a Vacation, be creative)

The challenge will run from right now until : 11:59PM Jan 8 (extended so everyone can take part in New Years.)

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.

Lets have fun!!!

[Designer Dale]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2682/4196731700_07a2fbc8ee_o.jpg
EXIF Summary: 1/400s f/4.5 ISO100 60mm

Dale

[CK Williams]

Christkindlmarkt Rothenburg Germany (clickable)

[Maxxamillian]

Happy Holidays to all of my friends on MacRumors.

http://www.cwhitlock.com/photos/744714594_tW9B7-XL.jpg

[Chappers]

OK - three photos so far - all of them make me wonder what I can post

Dale - very clever - how long did it take and how did you do it ?

CK - This has a truly season feel about it.

Maxx - Also very seasonal - its got a retro olde world feel about it - good quality.

So I'm a bit stuck...... of I go to look for something - anything.

[Designer Dale]

OK - three photos so far - all of them make me wonder what I can post

Dale - very clever - how long did it take and how did you do it ?

CK - This has a truly season feel about it.

Maxx - Also very seasonal - its got a retro olde world feel about it - good quality.

So I'm a bit stuck...... of I go to look for something - anything.

Thanks and I agree with all you have to say. Maxx has a nose for good clean exposures that most of us would have botched. Great depth and feel.

As for my leaf photo, it took 1/400th of a second, and I'm not being smart. I was looking up framing leaves with similar colors when I looked down and saw this single leaf. I snapped a quick shot just before the wind picked up and made it unshootable. I call it my Lucky Shot.

Your conundrum: Turkey?? Work from the theme of colour or "Holiday" as referring to a vacation in Europe.

Dale

[deep diver]

Sorry. I just had to.

[deep diver]

.

[Chappers]

As for my leaf photo, it took 1/400th of a second, and I'm not being smart. I was looking up framing leaves with similar colors when I looked down and saw this single leaf. I snapped a quick shot just before the wind picked up and made it unshootable. I call it my Lucky Shot. Dale - Respect - a bit lucky maybe - still damn good!

Here is mine that I'd forgotten about.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4199442110_d6f8dcdc43_b.jpg

[Chappers]

Sorry. I just had to.
AAAARRRGHHHHhhH!!!!!!!! :D :D:D :D

. What is it ?- I'm thinking reflected candles - I have a deja-vu feeling here - have you posted this before as part of another photo.

[CK Williams]

Nice shots gang! (even the 'Doc' shot :) )

Another from Rothenburg

[deep diver]

What is it ?- I'm thinking reflected candles - I have a deja-vu feeling here - have you posted this before as part of another photo.

Yes, reflected candles. No déjà vu experience. I shot this yesterday.

[deep diver]

Happy Holidays to all of my friends on MacRumors.


Maxx - you have a very distinctive style and I'd love to learn how you craft your images. Can you post one of your base photos and take us through your process to the final image?

[Designer Dale]

Dale - Respect - a bit lucky maybe - still damn good!

I'm the modest sort...Thanks

Here is mine that I'd forgotten about.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4199442110_d6f8dcdc43_b.jpg

Wonderful! You managed to place my three favorite colors, blue, green and red in the same frame. I like.

Dale

[Maxxamillian]

Some very kind comments in regards to my picture…the feedback is very much appreciated. The picture by CK Williams makes me want to be in Europe. My wife and I were talking about making a trip to Germany just the other day. A sign perhaps? :)

Deep Diver asked for a walkthrough--no secrets here so onwards and upwards:

1.
Original (this is my tree from last year):
http://www.cwhitlock.com/photos/745868652_y3rrm-L.jpg

Result (posted here to allow for a more direct comparison):
http://www.cwhitlock.com/photos/744714594_tW9B7-L.jpg

ISO: 100
Exposure: 2sec
Nikkor 24-70mm @36mm tripod mounted MC-36 trigger
Nikon D3

2. Crop (doing this before applying the filters I worked with is critical--cropping @ finished product translates into more work (adjustments) after).
3. Nik Color Efex Pro 3.0: Darken / Lighten filter. This is a global application with about 5 points where I selectively dialed back the global effects.
4. Nik Viveza. There are about 23 points that were adjusted on this layer. Many of you know I like my darks--this is one of the ways I make sure the focus is where I want it to be. Each of these points are selectively dialed for contrast, brightness, and saturation.
5. Nik Color Efex Pro 3.0 Darken / Lighten filter (again). Same as step 3. A note for those familiar with this filter--I used the odd shaped ornament next to the doll as my center.
6. CS4: Various blurs to selectively soften.
7. Nik Viveza. Same as step 4 only this time there are about 20 points dialed.
8. Thoughts: All told there were about 70 adjustments made to the photo--captured in 7 layers. I wanted to bring out the doll's face a bit more, saturate colors, and add warmth to the entire pic. I sacrificed my white temp for the latter and am pleased I did not need to re-adjust for the whites. I also wanted to bring the purplish ornaments out more (directly above and also to the right of the doll). Finally I selectively adjusted exposure across the picture in order to control focus points. Last year's pic is this year's card. This year's shoot will include some high f-stop numbers in order to get the star effect around the lights. I'd also like to try some very light light-painting and see how that turns out.

Does this help? I'd be happy to explain further. I wince each time I expose a raw shot to the world. This is no exception. At least it isn't as bad as the raw motorcycle shot I used that had a porta-potty in it's blue glory for all to see, and of course, comment on. ;)

[cmustin]

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs106.snc3/15340_702994571208_12701165_40281109_6616389_n.jpg

^ Caught on my way home from doing some Christmas shopping...

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs086.snc3/15340_698793809568_12701165_40148658_7256059_n.jpg

^ Parked in my neighbor's driveway to get this perspective

[deep diver]

Deep Diver asked for a walkthrough--no secrets here so onwards and upwards:

1.
Original (this is my tree from last year):

Result (posted here to allow for a more direct comparison):

ISO: 100
Exposure: 2sec
Nikkor 24-70mm @36mm tripod mounted MC-36 trigger
Nikon D3

2. Crop (doing this before applying the filters I worked with is critical--cropping @ finished product translates into more work (adjustments) after).
3. Nik Color Efex Pro 3.0: Darken / Lighten filter. This is a global application with about 5 points where I selectively dialed back the global effects.
4. Nik Viveza. There are about 23 points that were adjusted on this layer. Many of you know I like my darks--this is one of the ways I make sure the focus is where I want it to be. Each of these points are selectively dialed for contrast, brightness, and saturation.
5. Nik Color Efex Pro 3.0 Darken / Lighten filter (again). Same as step 3. A note for those familiar with this filter--I used the odd shaped ornament next to the doll as my center.
6. CS4: Various blurs to selectively soften.
7. Nik Viveza. Same as step 4 only this time there are about 20 points dialed.
8. Thoughts: All told there were about 70 adjustments made to the photo--captured in 7 layers. I wanted to bring out the doll's face a bit more, saturate colors, and add warmth to the entire pic. I sacrificed my white temp for the latter and am pleased I did not need to re-adjust for the whites. I also wanted to bring the purplish ornaments out more (directly above and also to the right of the doll). Finally I selectively adjusted exposure across the picture in order to control focus points. Last year's pic is this year's card. This year's shoot will include some high f-stop numbers in order to get the star effect around the lights. I'd also like to try some very light light-painting and see how that turns out.

Does this help? I'd be happy to explain further. I wince each time I expose a raw shot to the world. This is no exception. At least it isn't as bad as the raw motorcycle shot I used that had a porta-potty in it's blue glory for all to see, and of course, comment on. ;)


I am hard to impress. I am officially impressed. I can't even imagine having your eye that allows you to see so much and so far ahead. My hat is off.

[Chappers]

Maxx - thanks for the info and for being kind enough to share. Your work is lovely and provides great contrast and style for the site in general. Good work.

I was going to post a swan picture this morning but I've been awake for 1.5 hours as someone left their water on, which is pouring down the elevator shaft of our building - its 5:20am and I'm awake. So enough water - (except for the frozen stuff) - here is Cambridge's Jesus Green - looking seasonal - taken with a disposable Kodak 35mm

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4201056360_e45e9efe08_b.jpg

[Designer Dale]

Happy Holidays to all of my friends on MacRumors.

http://www.cwhitlock.com/photos/744714594_tW9B7-XL.jpg

I had been wondering how good the NIK suite was. I guess it's worth the investment. Nice PP, very nice.

Dale

[Designer Dale]

Maxx - thanks for the info and for being kind enough to share. Your work is lovely and provides great contrast and style for the site in general. Good work.

I was going to post a swan picture this morning but I've been awake for 1.5 hours as someone left their water on, which is pouring down the elevator shaft of our building - its 5:20am and I'm awake. So enough water - (except for the frozen stuff) - here is Cambridge's Jesus Green - looking seasonal - taken with a disposable Kodak 35mm

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4201056360_e45e9efe08_b.jpg

I saw this on your Flickr. This is a very nice shot. Nice clean cold (very cold) feel of the holidays. My weather is all rain and chilly now. This is what the college green in Athens, Ohio looked like at this time of year.

Dale

Share your photos:: Photo of the Day (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=829256&page=2) | Fortnight Challenge (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t= 837210) | Weekly Contest (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t= 837530)

[joepunk]

go on, take a guess

[gnd]

go on, take a guess

Looks like a wannabe Venice :p

[flutegirl822]

Zoom, zoom! :)

[CK Williams]

Maxxamillian, absolutely a sign that you need to take the trip. :) Looking through them makes me want to hop on a jet right now. Thanks for the PP lesson. Definitely something I need to get better at.

A couple of other street scenes. (clickable)

[OrangeCuse44]

New York City:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/4186791998_4c7b70f488_b.jpg

[Chappers]

Zoom, zoom! :)

Interesting effect - how's it done?

[flutegirl822]

Chappers, all you have to do is set your camera on a tripod aimed in the center of the tree. Set timer and a long exposure. After it clicks, wait half the time and then zoom either in or out and wait until the last click. (8-20 second exposure in a darker room works best.) Experiment and have fun. Try changing the center point or the speed you choose to zoom. :)

[Chappers]

Chappers, all you have to do is set your camera on a tripod aimed in the center of the tree. Set timer and a long exposure. After it clicks, wait half the time and then zoom either in or out and wait until the last click. (8-20 second exposure in a darker room works best.) Experiment and have fun. Try changing the center point or the speed you choose to zoom. :)

Sadly you've mentioned the magic word "tripod" - I'm kinda famous in these parts for not owning one - but I'll get there and when I do - I'll be trying something like this - thanks for the tip.

Didn't you post an orange amphibian on the Weekly Photo Contest?

[MACUSER360]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2728/4182781253_530c0b4c35.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26895093@N04/4182781253/)

[flutegirl822]

Chappers, yes, that was my photo. I found it on my driveway one rainy morning and the little orange guy sat still while I took the photo. Were you the judge on that contest?

[Designer Dale]

New York City:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/4186791998_4c7b70f488_b.jpg

Wow. I have got to get out more. Stunning.

Dale

[flutegirl822]

Chappers - By the way, your Dangerous Flower Spider photo would have been great for the www.dpchallenge.com "A Bug's Life" photo contest. :o

[deep diver]

Sadly you've mentioned the magic word "tripod" - I'm kinda famous in these parts for not owning one

I'm shocked!!!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D



MACUSER360 -- this is very good. I know that it is lights but if it were in focus what would we be looking at?

[deep diver]

♫♫ Chestnuts roasting on an open fire....... ♫♫

[Designer Dale]

♫♫ Chestnuts roasting on an open fire....... ♫♫

Now I'm really lonely...I haven't sat by a wood fire since '03...Most of what I cut around here was alder, fir and some maple. We had oak when I was a kid in Ohio, but I don't really remember much about it other that when we burned a $20 lost in wrappings...:eek:

What kind of wood? Where are the chestnuts??

Dale

[deep diver]

Now I'm really lonely...I haven't sat by a wood fire since '03...Most of what I cut around here was alder, fir and some maple. We had oak when I was a kid in Ohio, but I don't really remember much about it other that when we burned a $20 lost in wrappings...:eek:

What kind of wood? Where are the chestnuts??

Dale

I finished the chestnuts last week. They are outstanding cooked into real oatmeal with real maple syrup. The house was built with a wood fireplace. The original owners converted it to gas. What you see are genuine 100% ceramic logs fresh cut from a ceramic tree. Sorry. If it helps, we have a fire pit on the patio. I burn whatever has fallen in the woods behind our house. If you want, I'll take a picture of that in the spring (with roasted marshmallows). Right now it is late December in Cleveland. I'm not making any fires outside.

[NathanCH]

♫♫ Chestnuts roasting on an open fire....... ♫♫

Real fire wood... so lucky. :)

[Chappers]

Chappers, yes, that was my photo. I found it on my driveway one rainy morning and the little orange guy sat still while I took the photo. Were you the judge on that contest?
Yes I was the judge - thought I recognised your name - what was that little guy?

Chappers - By the way, your Dangerous Flower Spider photo would have been great for the www.dpchallenge.com "A Bug's Life" photo contest. :o Thank you but I think I need some better glass - the stuff over there is so detailed (need a true macro lens)- although I think anyone would have struggled to take that photo in the very windy conditions that I suffered from that day - and without a tripod :D

♫♫ Chestnuts roasting on an open fire....... ♫♫ I can almost taste them :)

[Chappers]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2737/4201515825_00301f4a95_o.jpg

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

[NStocks]

A firework shot from last year. I was pleased with the way it turned out as it was my first attempt.

... probably needs cropping a bit though !

[MACUSER360]

MACUSER360 -- this is very good. I know that it is lights but if it were in focus what would we be looking at?

My Christmas Tree

[Designer Dale]

I finished the chestnuts last week. They are outstanding cooked into real oatmeal with real maple syrup. The house was built with a wood fireplace. The original owners converted it to gas. What you see are genuine 100% ceramic logs fresh cut from a ceramic tree. Sorry. If it helps, we have a fire pit on the patio. I burn whatever has fallen in the woods behind our house. If you want, I'll take a picture of that in the spring (with roasted marshmallows). Right now it is late December in Cleveland. I'm not making any fires outside.

Gas fire was my first thought, but the flames looked different from your photo in the Weekly Contest. I really didn't want to insult anyone by mistaking wood for gas.

Dale

Share your photos:: Photo of the Day (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=829256&page=2) | Fortnight Challenge (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t= 837210) | Weekly Contest (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t= 837530)

[flutegirl822]

Chappers: "Yes I was the judge - thought I recognised your name - what was that little guy?"

Just a salamander. I live in a forested area and find them often, but this was the first orange colored one I'd seen.

[PNW]

I love all the low light lighting shots. It's a subject I've always struggled with (I can never seem to get the exposure right). I especially like the NYC and altstadt shots.

Here are a few shots of the kids. They were super excited about seeing Santa until we got to the front of the line then they all hid behind my legs.

Edited to add: deep diver I like the fireplace shot as well I'm going to have to build a fire and pull out the camera.

[deep diver]

A firework shot from last year. I was pleased with the way it turned out as it was my first attempt.

... probably needs cropping a bit though !


How's this?

[deep diver]

Gas fire was my first thought, but the flames looked different from your photo in the Weekly Contest. I really didn't want to insult anyone by mistaking wood for gas.


I shot some with the gas turned up all the way. The POTW shot is one of those. I had one of my kids pick the one he thought was most fierce. This one had the gas open only about half way. What I like most about this one is the way some of the flames have separated.

[deep diver]

I love all the low light lighting shots. It's a subject I've always struggled with (I can never seem to get the exposure right). I especially like the NYC and altstadt shots.

Here are a few shots of the kids. They were super excited about seeing Santa until we got to the front of the line then they all hid behind my legs.

Edited to add: deep diver I like the fireplace shot as well I'm going to have to build a fire and pull out the camera.


Very cute kids.

The fire images were fun to do because you really cannot anticipate what will show itself until afterwards.

[PNW]

Very cute kids..
Thanks

you really cannot anticipate what will show itself until afterwards.
Sometimes I think that describes 90% of my photography:D

[designguy79]

Honestly, I saw this effect on a different site and wanted to try it out before I saw flutegirl822's on here. Oh well! Thanks for looking, C&C more than welcome.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4210455652_eb3115509b.jpg

[Chappers]

No Christmas here but we still have a tree - but I still don't have a tripod :D

flutegirl822's brings a trend to the thread. I will work on this tonight.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4209843277_c75362ce40_b.jpg

[flutegirl822]

Chappers, no tripod? How about a ladder or a table? :)

[Chappers]

Chappers, no tripod? How about a ladder or a table? :)

I'm a bit of a donkey/goat - stubborn. I'm off back to the UK very soon and might buy one.

[ukuleleman]

The airlines lost my guitar once, but I did get it back, this guy was not so lucky with his cases.http://ukuleleman.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p82339887-5.jpg

[LERsince1991]

Mind if I post a few? Havn't posted in a while but got round to processing a few photos tonight.

**All clickable to my flickr account**
Or visit my websites photography section (http://www.lukeriggall.co.uk/photography)

First day of snow - 19/12/09
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/4211922000_850b4f3e6e_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lukeriggall/4211922000/)

Tree Deco
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/4212014034_606c28c0bf_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lukeriggall/4212014034/)

Christmas eve in my village!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/4211922752_4b1c681328_o.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/4211922752/)

Christmas eve in my village!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4211922434_df1bb9d1c4_o.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4211922434/)

Xmas Eve - had a go with the lights thing! :P
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2770/4211160435_c0e4f6f145_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lukeriggall/4211160435/)

Appreciate any comments!
Luke

[Designer Dale]

Well wishes to all my friends.

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/4594/cardfc.jpg

Dale

[deep diver]

The airlines lost my guitar once, but I did get it back, this guy was not so lucky with his cases.

The airline is still processing the claim. Besides that, they want $50 per bag to return them. :D:D

The tree growing out of the luggage is a bit distracting. If the green weren't so bright I think it would be better.



Mind if I post a few? Havn't posted in a while but got round to processing a few photos tonight.

Welcome back.

I like the first image. The contrast between the spots in the foreground and the streaks under the light is interesting. I get a real sense of what that snowfall is like.

I'm not so sure about the others. I'm not sure what you want me to see and my eye doesn't settle anywhere. The subjects have potential. You might want to reshoot them.


Well wishes to all my friends.

Dale


Thank you. To you as well.

[deep diver]

I'm a bit of a donkey/goat - stubborn. I'm off back to the UK very soon and might buy one.

Yeah. The operative word here is might. I'm starting to think that we might all have to chip in........... :D:D:D:D:D

[Chappers]

I use flickr uploadr http://www.flickr.com/tools/uploadr/

Taken this morning with a gentle reminder of our Beetle - sitting in for our slightly crashed Suzuki Swift.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4212708112_23fdcca571_b.jpg

[Chappers]

Yeah. The operative word here is might. I'm starting to think that we might all have to chip in........... :D:D:D:D:D

All extremely large denomination bank notes gratefully accepted. :D:D:D:D

[Chappers]

Seasons Greetings to all my friends and fellow posters here on MacRumors.

[mtbdudex]

Merry Christmas!
From church service last night, seated in 1st row.
No flash, I used my 50mm 1.4 set at ISO 800, Tv mode shutter speed 1/60, let the camera pick aperture.
I tried 200 & 400 ISO but got underexposure then for some angles during testing.
Not having a zoom limited my shots, but I needed the speed of the 50mm 1.4 vs my kit lens 18-55mm since no flash.
(turned off the "beep" confirmation after a few shots also)
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SzTrqidJXVI/AAAAAAAAIkY/Khs-uOZ196E/_MG_3538.jpg


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SzSP8wp6rqI/AAAAAAAAIj0/vMMtsw2OALs/_MG_3518.jpg http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SzSP9lKL3lI/AAAAAAAAIj8/IsmRH7QrbqE/_MG_3560.jpg

and....my 7 year old daughter getting over her nerves doing the 1st reading, with mom there for support. Once she got started she did good.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SzTrEYptXiI/AAAAAAAAIkQ/ExHXJw8Jvq4/_MG_3488.jpg

[Chappers]

Mind if I post a few? Havn't posted in a while but got round to processing a few photos tonight.


Appreciate any comments!
Luke

1. I like - and agree with deep diver
2. This has potential - but I'd look at Maxxamillian's work - this is screaming for something. See page 1 of this thread.
3 & 4 Crop the village out. Lots of potential again but need attention.

[deep diver]

Merry Christmas!
From church service last night, seated in 1st row.


Lots of potential. I like the mobile in the first image and I think you captured it well. The candle lights add an interesting component. I would crop out the lectern and paint out the microphone. They are both pretty distracting.

The subject of the second and third shots could make a good image but it would need to be set up. I don't think it could be done in the service where your options for framing are limited. I love the last shot of your daughter. I've gotten that same look many times from my own kids. What a precious memory!!!!!!!!!!!

[deep diver]

Taken this morning with a gentle reminder of our Beetle - sitting in for our slightly crashed Suzuki Swift.


I'm sure you are looking forward to returning to the UK, but you are going to miss the treasures of your mountain. This is yet another truly stunning image.

[Chappers]

I'm sure you are looking forward to returning to the UK, but you are going to miss the treasures of your mountain. This is yet another truly stunning image.

I'll half miss it - its a strange place and remarkable place. Summer is normally 45C (113F) - but winter, lots and lots of snow and can be -30C (-22F). So I won't miss the up coming winter weather. On the other hand UK weather is dull, grey and damp.

mmmmm - waiting for summer - somewhere in the world.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4214546183_eef7835c11_b.jpg

[someoldguy]

Christmas Eve...

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx317/61mg73/IMG_1623c1319.jpg

[madazrex]

hello to all happy christmas

iam very new to all of this so bare with me i was very good this year

and santa brought me my first camera with lens

i have a sony a330 slr

very happy so i will be uploading my first pic ever all coments gratly recived

thank jason

this is my lovely wife that bought me my cam so this was my one of my first pics

[rekud300]

Christmas Kitty

1st week with new camera.

[H2Ockey]

Every year Grandma has sewn pajamas for my girls and nephews as Christmas Eve presents. First shot is my youngest showing how loved they are. The second is showing off the jammies, the pose is “ok now look like the Grinch!”

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2572/4217744752_34e95e804a_b.jpg


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4216976039_afceaf85d0_b.jpg

[Chappers]

hello to all happy christmas

iam very new to all of this so bare with me i was very good this year

and santa brought me my first camera with lens

i have a sony a330 slr

very happy so i will be uploading my first pic ever all coments gratly recived

thank jason

this is my lovely wife that bought me my cam so this was my one of my first pics
Firstly - Welcome. You have a great wife - mine usually buys my Macs. I would have shot this in "Portrait" as opposed to "Landscape". My advice is take lots of photos - look at other peoples work - read stuff. And take even more photos. Keep it up - welcome again. This is a very friendly and gentle thread.

Christmas Kitty

1st week with new camera. Lovely photo with a few distractions (I'd photoshop out the cable for example and tried to get a slightly different angle to avoid so much tree. Also and only as a suggestion if you are interested in the style, look at Maxxamillians work on Page 1 of this thread - it would seem to suit your photo.)

Every year Grandma has sewn pajamas for my girls and nephews as Christmas Eve presents. First shot is my youngest showing how loved they are. The second is showing off the jammies, the pose is “ok now look like the Grinch!”
Very difficult to control the surrounding on these but lovely photos - capturing the elements that you need for preserving your memories. Love the faces - I would have tried (I stress the word tried here - as I have a son) to get close-ups of faces as portraits so the background is blurred but hey its Christmas - no time for that. Love those expressions though.

[madazrex]

loving all the photos folks will post some more when i have some better

holladay snaps

keep up the good work :D:D:D:D

[Chappers]

loving all the photos folks will post some more when i have some better

holladay snaps

keep up the good work :D:D:D:D

Of course you can always do some work on your holiday snaps afterwards - all done in iPhoto. - I straightened it, cropped it, upped contrast and sharpness.

What do you think?

[deep diver]

this is my lovely wife that bought me my cam so this was my one of my first pics

Your lovely wife is indeed lovely. I like your concept/thinking in this shot. I also like what Chappers has suggested.

There are so many details to understand in creating a good image, and one needs to understand how the eye travels across an image. The eye is drawn to faces and the "rule of thirds" dictates the focus of the image. While there may be compositional reasons to break that rule (and most of us do so at some time) this image is not one of them. What this means is that the eye is very strongly drawn to the reflection of your wife's face. That is what should be in focus. Right now the focus is on the left side of the back of her head. Your camera should allow you to select where you want to set the focus and then recompose.

Try reshooting this. I think you'll be pleased with the results.

[NStocks]

How's this?

Elaborate please ?

[rekud300]

That was a quick shot with the new camera, even though I have had it for a couple of weeks now, there is still obviously much to learn. Also, just learning how to use Aperture as well and tweaking all the different elements.

Maxxamillians is incredible with that photo, and the steps he went through to accomplish that, as of now, is far from my knowledge. Yet willing to learn and play. Between this forum, and the Nikon web page, I have learned quite a bit. The next step is to get some books that have been suggested on this site.

Is this more the direction I should be heading?

[Chappers]

That was a quick shot with the new camera, even though I have had it for a couple of weeks now, there is still obviously much to learn. Also, just learning how to use Aperture as well and tweaking all the different elements.

Maxxamillians is incredible with that photo, and the steps he went through to accomplish that, as of now, is far from my knowledge. Yet willing to learn and play. Between this forum, and the Nikon web page, I have learned quite a bit. The next step is to get some books that have been suggested on this site.
If you have Photoshop (elements) more can be achieved than meets the eye. Maxx is a master and I think there is something to aim for.

The next thread will be working on each others photos to see what fellow posters do with each others work. Maybe you could join us and hey maybe Maxx will work on a photo you submit.

[deep diver]

Elaborate please ?

Of course. You are correct when you said it needed to be cropped. There is too much negative space (all of the black) in the original and the burst is centered in the image. Both of these things make the image sort of bland. Cropping out a lot of the black makes the burst the dominant part of the image. Moving the center of the burst to the top right creates movement as the trails fall into the frame. Because of the shape of the burst that is the only place it can go. If you create a mirror image then it would go top left. Our eyes naturally track left to right so you might want to make the mirrot image and see what looks best.

[deep diver]

That was a quick shot with the new camera, even though I have had it for a couple of weeks now, there is still obviously much to learn. Also, just learning how to use Aperture as well and tweaking all the different elements.

Maxxamillians is incredible with that photo, and the steps he went through to accomplish that, as of now, is far from my knowledge. Yet willing to learn and play. Between this forum, and the Nikon web page, I have learned quite a bit. The next step is to get some books that have been suggested on this site.

Is this more the direction I should be heading?

Books are great to teach you concepts. The only way to develop your own eye is to take lots of pictures. In this age of digital images )and no worries about film costs) many people shoot a lot of images hoping that something will come out. If you shoot fewer images of more subjects and pay attention to the composition you will learn more quickly.

[Chappers]

Books are great to teach you concepts. The only way to develop your own eye is to take lots of pictures. In this age of digital images )and no worries about film costs) many people shoot a lot of images hoping that something will come out. If you shoot fewer images of more subjects and pay attention to the composition you will learn more quickly.

This is very good advice - there are times when lots of pictures of the same thing will yield results but not without good composition.

[ukuleleman]

The airline is still processing the claim. Besides that, they want $50 per bag to return them. :D:D

The tree growing out of the luggage is a bit distracting. If the green weren't so bright I think it would be better.
.

Yeh, your right, it's not the best picture I've ever taken, but my eyes were full of tears, those cases looked so sad, a bit like an abandoned dog!!

The tree is a strange colour, but the colour is really close to the original, it was a sort of fungus or alge and it was bright green.

[NStocks]

Of course. You are correct when you said it needed to be cropped. There is too much negative space (all of the black) in the original and the burst is centered in the image. Both of these things make the image sort of bland. Cropping out a lot of the black makes the burst the dominant part of the image. Moving the center of the burst to the top right creates movement as the trails fall into the frame. Because of the shape of the burst that is the only place it can go. If you create a mirror image then it would go top left. Our eyes naturally track left to right so you might want to make the mirrot image and see what looks best.

Great advice thank you !

[Designer Dale]

That was a quick shot with the new camera, even though I have had it for a couple of weeks now, there is still obviously much to learn. Also, just learning how to use Aperture as well and tweaking all the different elements.

Maxxamillians is incredible with that photo, and the steps he went through to accomplish that, as of now, is far from my knowledge. Yet willing to learn and play. Between this forum, and the Nikon web page, I have learned quite a bit. The next step is to get some books that have been suggested on this site.

Is this more the direction I should be heading?

Welcome. I really like what you did with this photo just by cropping it. You pulled the subject up front and moved him/her/former him/her out of the center of the frame. You also removed the distraction of the light cord without trying to PS it out. For me, PhotoShop alteration is a last resort. I try to do as much in the camera as possible. Excellent focus across the eyes.

Dale

[Designer Dale]

hello to all happy christmas

iam very new to all of this so bare with me i was very good this year

and santa brought me my first camera with lens

i have a sony a330 slr

very happy so i will be uploading my first pic ever all coments gratly recived

thank jason

this is my lovely wife that bought me my cam so this was my one of my first pics

Welcome.

Shots like this are difficult, and you did a good job on it. See if you can reshoot this with better framing and place the image in the mirror in sharp focus. Autofocus (I assume) did a nice job of focusing on your wife, but the subject is her face in the mirror.

Chappers beat me to it with his cropping suggestion, but let me explain why.

The dark curtains on either side of the frame distract from the subject and there is too much dark area above her head. I left more of the white on the right in, but had no real reason for that.

Excuse us for messin' with your photo. We do that...:rolleyes: Keep it up.

Dale

[madazrex]

Of course you can always do some work on your holiday snaps afterwards - all done in iPhoto. - I straightened it, cropped it, upped contrast and sharpness.

What do you think?

nice i like the crop and iam am using iphoto i finde it verry good i also have apiture

biut i find that very complicated and long winded i like the feel of iphoto and the simplisaty of that.

i dont know much about the setting and ajustments yet but still learning

loving the site and all the help and comets

[madazrex]

Welcome.

Shots like this are difficult, and you did a good job on it. See if you can reshoot this with better framing and place the image in the mirror in sharp focus. Autofocus (I assume) did a nice job of focusing on your wife, but the subject is her face in the mirror.

Chappers beat me to it with his cropping suggestion, but let me explain why.

The dark curtains on either side of the frame distract from the subject and there is too much dark area above her head. I left more of the white on the right in, but had no real reason for that.

Excuse us for messin' with your photo. We do that...:rolleyes: Keep it up.

Dale



thats fantastic

i see what you mean will try to get my wifey to pose for me agine i did sneek up on her lol i did use a auto focus and i can remeber now the focuing on the back of her head

you lot are all ace giving me all this encurragement

[Chappers]

thats fantastic

i see what you mean will try to get my wifey to pose for me agine i did sneek up on her lol i did use a auto focus and i can remeber now the focuing on the back of her head

you lot are all ace giving me all this encurragement

This thread is known for being friendly and helpful. Take your time - think about what you want to see in the photo and what you don't.

We are happy to offer encouragement and help.

I tried Aperture - wasn't keen - like some features of Picasa. Have Photoshop but use it less and less.

[Chappers]

I might miss these strange sunsets. A power-cut adds to the silhouette effect.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2524/4221500921_f7e55bee70_b.jpg

[madazrex]

I might miss these strange sunsets. A power-cut adds to the silhouette effect.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2524/4221500921_f7e55bee70_b.jpg

nice pic i like the light effecs that you have achived

[deep diver]

nice i like the crop and iam am using iphoto i finde it verry good i also have apiture

biut i find that very complicated and long winded i like the feel of iphoto and the simplisaty of that.

i dont know much about the setting and ajustments yet but still learning

loving the site and all the help and comets

I never thought that iPhoto was not enough for me but I agree that Aperture is way too much. I currently use PhotoShop Elements. When I no longer feel this is adequate then I'll move up to PhotoShop. I expect it will be a long time before that happens.

[deep diver]

I am very busy this week and may not have a lot (if any) time to check in. I wish everyone a very heathy and happy New Year.

Bruce

[Chappers]

I am very busy this week and may not have a lot (if any) time to check in. I wish everyone a very heathy and happy New Year.

Bruce

Like wise

Happy New Year

[Chappers]

nice pic i like the light effecs that you have achived

This is how it looked. I try not to adjust my photos very much.
I live on a mountain surrounded by more mountains - so when the sun goes down - it appears to have set, but in reality is only hiding behind a mountain - it then (and just for a minute) pops out from behind the mountains edge and gives sometimes quite interesting effects.

This one - is looking in the opposite direction and I noticed the sky go a strange colour - this lasted for about 2 minutes.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4223914671_4a0053b949_b.jpg

[Jaro65]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2728/4182781253_530c0b4c35.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26895093@N04/4182781253/)

This is cool. What is it and how did you do it?

[Jaro65]

Christmas Eve...

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx317/61mg73/IMG_1623c1319.jpg

You have a lovely home. Looks very warm and cozy.

[madazrex]

I never thought that iPhoto was not enough for me but I agree that Aperture is way too much. I currently use PhotoShop Elements. When I no longer feel this is adequate then I'll move up to PhotoShop. I expect it will be a long time before that happens.

when i bought my mac i bought the package that will let you book lessons from the mac pepole

they said they will teach you anthing you want to know lasts a year and you can
ask them to teach you on any software or subjuect you can only get this offer when you buy a new mac

fingers crossed it was on £70 qid if it dose what it says on the tin than this will be good i think

[madazrex]

how cool living on a mountain are you in the uk and i bet you have seen lots of snow lol

well i live in weeton lancs uk nr blackpool but just down the road from the weeton army camp

it a very sleepy village and will be getting out and about with my cam today finger crossed

but my 2 little rascals wanted to pose for me

please comment on my photos as these are taken manualy

[Chappers]

how cool living on a mountain are you in the uk and i bet you have seen lots of snow lol

well i live in weeton lancs uk nr blackpool but just down the road from the weeton army camp

it a very sleepy village and will be getting out and about with my cam today finger crossed

but my 2 little rascals wanted to pose for me

please comment on my photos as these are taken manualy

My mountain is about 2000 miles from the UK - I'm originally from Cambridge - which is very flat so being up high took some getting used too.

The mountain home is nice and lots of snow in the winter (well at least a metre of the white stuff) and very very hot in the summer 130F - 45C . Its has its plus points but everyone knows me because I'm the foreigner. I was adopted by a patisserie at one point. I never pay for a haircut. My son is given toys and sweets in shops. I once had to meet the entire family of a baker just because I mentioned his bread was good :D

Photos - nice kids - posing too - good. Girl - out of focus slightly - I'd get right down on the floor for these shots. I would crop the photos. Try adjusting the contrast and saturation in your photos too - you might like the results and is a good place to start with adjustments.
A good crop is also something to look into.

[Maxxamillian]

This is how it looked. I try not to adjust my photos very much.
I live on a mountain surrounded by more mountains - so when the sun goes down - it appears to have set, but in reality is only hiding behind a mountain - it then (and just for a minute) pops out from behind the mountains edge and gives sometimes quite interesting effects.

This one - is looking in the opposite direction and I noticed the sky go a strange colour - this lasted for about 2 minutes.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4223914671_4a0053b949_b.jpg

Live in the Rocky Mountains and love it when I see such dramatic cloud displays. Is there any way you could get rid of the buildings while keeping the tree silhouettes? I just love this picture :D :D

I am not one for landscape photography (it rarely does anything for me). This is a shot from a trip to Jackson, Wyoming just before the holidays. I couldn't resist the orange / blue complementary color potential.

http://www.cwhitlock.com/photos/752804120_t7C6e-XL.jpg

[Chappers]

Live in the Rocky Mountains and love it when I see such dramatic cloud displays. Is there any way you could get rid of the buildings while keeping the tree silhouettes? I just love this picture :D :D

I am not one for landscape photography (it rarely does anything for me). This is a shot from a trip to Jackson, Wyoming just before the holidays. I couldn't resist the orange / blue complementary color potential.


I love the colour contrast on your photo. Truly a lovely photo - but I am a bit like you - landscapes don't often do it for me - but yours is everything anyone could want from one.

As for mine - - buildings gone - I should have spent a bit more time on this - maybe it can be offered up for the next challenge (pre-building removal).

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4226209930_6bcb6fda44_b.jpg

[Designer Dale]

<<__>>

please comment on my photos as these are taken manualy

Hi. Let me comment on your children: They are cute...:)...

And now the photos themselves.

Do what you can in the viewfinder to keep the subject out of the center of the frame. When we look at something in a frame, we tend to look first to a line about 1/3 of the way up the frame and then slide out of it. There is a visual rule called "rule of thirds" that will explain this. Look it up in Google or whatever.

Be aware of what is going on around the edges of the frame.. Try to avoid leaving things hanging part way in or out of the frame like the planter (?) on the left and your son's feet on the top. My design instructor used to tell us to "Make it look intentional", either include all of it or crop it out. That keeps a photo from looking haphazard.

Glasses and flash have been sworn enemies since the dawn to image making with film. This works fine, but I want to see his eyes more.

This is how I would crop this one. Just enough to remove the visual junk (on offense).
The photo of your daughter is fine except for the focus. Sharp focus on the eyes is critical for pictures of people. All would work better if he was looking to the frame right, but you can't have everything now, can you?

A real good and entertaining way to learn how to place a subject in a frame is to watch movies. Pay attention to how the frame is setup. Directors and cameramen pay extreme care to framing.

Dale

[Designer Dale]

Am I the only one seeing this??? I mean to say...:eek::eek: centered :eek::eek:

Go to your mountain and do 30 Rule of 1/3s...

Dale

[madazrex]

Hi. Let me comment on your children: They are cute...:)...

And now the photos themselves.

Do what you can in the viewfinder to keep the subject out of the center of the frame. When we look at something in a frame, we tend to look first to a line about 1/3 of the way up the frame and then slide out of it. There is a visual rule called "rule of thirds" that will explain this. Look it up in Google or whatever.

Be aware of what is going on around the edges of the frame.. Try to avoid leaving things hanging part way in or out of the frame like the planter (?) on the left and your son's feet on the top. My design instructor used to tell us to "Make it look intentional", either include all of it or crop it out. That keeps a photo from looking haphazard.

Glasses and flash have been sworn enemies since the dawn to image making with film. This works fine, but I want to see his eyes more.

This is how I would crop this one. Just enough to remove the visual junk (on offense).
The photo of your daughter is fine except for the focus. Sharp focus on the eyes is critical for pictures of people. All would work better if he was looking to the frame right, but you can't have everything now, can you?

A real good and entertaining way to learn how to place a subject in a frame is to watch movies. Pay attention to how the frame is setup. Directors and cameramen pay extreme care to framing.

Dale

thanks for the help there i just forund the focus ring at the end of my camra i think this will make a big diffrance when taking the photos.

i see what you men when you are keeping the junk out or choseing the frame.

and as for my son i should of got doewn on the floor so i could get his eyes in the photo too

thank you agine for you kind istrution

[Designer Dale]

A coffee shop in Parkland, Washington on Christmas night.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/862/perkcentralnight1.jpg
EXIF Summary: 1s f/8.0 ISO100 55mm

Dale

[JohnMC]

Hi All,
I have returned to the internets after my holiday trips.

Macuser360 - I love the blurred lights photo on page two, it looks great. Was it the full tree or just a portion of it?

Chappers - Thanks for posting the photograph of the kid on the beach. It's 5F here (Minnesota) as I write this and we just got 15 inches of snow, on Christmas no less, I needed the reminder that summer does exist somewhere.

Maxx - Your Jackson Hole photograph is very striking, I find that area of the USA to be beautiful and you captured the essence their Autumn season very well, nice job.

[JohnMC]

Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2517/4229599661_f88d195999.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnmichaelchristensen/4229599661/)

[ukuleleman]

Let me begin by saying that this is not a gripe, I really am slightly confused,

Is it just me that got it wrong or am I the victim of the difference between English English and American English?

It seems from the contributions to this competition that you guys over on the US side of the pond understand the competition title 'Holiday' slightly differently to us here in England since the majority of pictures have a 'Christmassy' theme whilst I personally took a much wider view of it and expected photos taken on holiday or about holidays at any other time of the year, just as a 'for instance', I would not have been surprised to have seen some people riding camels in the middle east (Nothing to do with the three wise men!) or scuba diving in the mediterranean.

I suspect that had a brit chosen the title they would have called it 'The Christmas Holidays'.

As I say not a criticism, merely an observation.

[deep diver]

Let me begin by saying that this is not a gripe, I really am slightly confused,

Is it just me that got it wrong or am I the victim of the difference between English English and American English?

It seems from the contributions to this competition that you guys over on the US side of the pond understand the competition title 'Holiday' slightly differently to us here in England since the majority of pictures have a 'Christmassy' theme whilst I personally took a much wider view of it and expected photos taken on holiday or about holidays at any other time of the year, just as a 'for instance', I would not have been surprised to have seen some people riding camels in the middle east (Nothing to do with the three wise men!) or scuba diving in the mediterranean.

I suspect that had a brit chosen the title they would have called it 'The Christmas Holidays'.

As I say not a criticism, merely an observation.

No confusion. You are right. We have always interpreted the theme broadly. This is just a question of what people have chosen. The fact that we would say "vacation" where you would say "holiday" surely influences these choices. If it makes you feel any better, I have not posted any Christmas images.

[deep diver]

The Berlin Wall started to fall on November 9, 1989. It was a celebration of freedom and reunification. This section of the wall is at the Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston.

[Chappers]

Happy New Year everyone

[someoldguy]

Rockefeller Center , yesterday
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx317/61mg73/IMG_1683_1319.jpg

[JohnMC]

Let me begin by saying that this is not a gripe, I really am slightly confused,

Is it just me that got it wrong or am I the victim of the difference between English English and American English?

It seems from the contributions to this competition that you guys over on the US side of the pond understand the competition title 'Holiday' slightly differently to us here in England since the majority of pictures have a 'Christmassy' theme whilst I personally took a much wider view of it and expected photos taken on holiday or about holidays at any other time of the year, just as a 'for instance', I would not have been surprised to have seen some people riding camels in the middle east (Nothing to do with the three wise men!) or scuba diving in the mediterranean.

I suspect that had a brit chosen the title they would have called it 'The Christmas Holidays'.

As I say not a criticism, merely an observation.

ukuleleman, I choose to use the word "Holiday" as a very broad topic. I completely understand that in the United Kingdom the word "holiday" is often used to describe what we call in America a "vacation". The timing of this topic allows people to post images from the Christmas/Hanukkah/New Years "Holidays" or a vacation "Holiday" or anything else they choose to interpret as a "Holiday". The goal of the challenge is not to force people to take photographs of a narrow topic but to instead get people out taking photos. With this in mind, topics are often chosen to give people as much latitude as possible.

JohnMC

Edit: If it makes you feel better, I will try to post an image from my vacation in Yellowstone Nat Park this last summer in the thread tonight.

[JohnMC]

Rockefeller Center , yesterday
image

someoldguy, I really like what you are trying to capture with this image. There are two things that are hindering this photograph in my opinion. The first is the trumpets seem a little soft. The second is I would love to see this same location as a vertical. I think the image would look superb as a vertical with the "trumpet walkway" leading your eye into the Christmas tree in the center.

JohnMC

[Maxxamillian]

Hi All,
I have returned to the internets after my holiday trips.

Macuser360 - I love the blurred lights photo on page two, it looks great. Was it the full tree or just a portion of it?

Chappers - Thanks for posting the photograph of the kid on the beach. It's 5F here (Minnesota) as I write this and we just got 15 inches of snow, on Christmas no less, I needed the reminder that summer does exist somewhere.

Maxx - Your Jackson Hole photograph is very striking, I find that area of the USA to be beautiful and you captured the essence their Autumn season very well, nice job.

Thanks--it was a fun exercise to go through that shot. Your Yellowstone ornament shot brought a smile to my day :)

[Designer Dale]

Let me begin by saying that this is not a gripe, I really am slightly confused,

Is it just me that got it wrong or am I the victim of the difference between English English and American English?

It seems from the contributions to this competition that you guys over on the US side of the pond understand the competition title 'Holiday' slightly differently to us here in England since the majority of pictures have a 'Christmassy' theme whilst I personally took a much wider view of it and expected photos taken on holiday or about holidays at any other time of the year, just as a 'for instance', I would not have been surprised to have seen some people riding camels in the middle east (Nothing to do with the three wise men!) or scuba diving in the mediterranean.

I suspect that had a brit chosen the title they would have called it 'The Christmas Holidays'.

As I say not a criticism, merely an observation.

For the benefit of all new to this Challenge, here is page 1.

Fortnightly Challenge - Dec 18 thru Jan 8

Challenge topic: Holiday (the Holidays, a Vacation, be creative)

The challenge will run from right now until : 11:59PM Jan 8 (extended so everyone can take part in New Years.)

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.

Lets have fun!!!

This is not a contest. Join in.

Dale

[someoldguy]

someoldguy, I really like what you are trying to capture with this image. There are two things that are hindering this photograph in my opinion. The first is the trumpets seem a little soft. The second is I would love to see this same location as a vertical. I think the image would look superb as a vertical with the "trumpet walkway" leading your eye into the Christmas tree in the center.

JohnMC

Your comments are appreciated . Actually , I'm surprised the image came out as well as it did . There had to be 20,000 people in and around Rock. Center that night , all trying to get pretty much the same pictures . I held the camera (a 5d mk2) over my head and tried to compose it using live view . Here's the specs for the image : f.5@1/30 Tamron 28-300 VR @ 100 , ISO 1250 . Maybe there was some shake the VR didn't compensate for . Anyway , I have to visit some friends in Queens on Saturday and if things work out I'll go back on my return trip and try to retake it as a vertical . I'll post it if I think it's OK.

[JDDavis]

First time I've participated in the Fortnightly Challenge. I'd like to do more of them. Here's one from visiting family. I was trying to do a decent job without a tripod.

[JohnMC]

First time I've participated in the Fortnightly Challenge. I'd like to do more of them. Here's one from visiting family. I was trying to do a decent job without a tripod.

Very unique self portraiture, I like it.

[Designer Dale]

Your comments are appreciated . Actually , I'm surprised the image came out as well as it did . There had to be 20,000 people in and around Rock. Center that night , all trying to get pretty much the same pictures . I held the camera (a 5d mk2) over my head and tried to compose it using live view . Here's the specs for the image : f.5@1/30 Tamron 28-300 VR @ 100 , ISO 1250 . Maybe there was some shake the VR didn't compensate for . Anyway , I have to visit some friends in Queens on Saturday and if things work out I'll go back on my return trip and try to retake it as a vertical . I'll post it if I think it's OK.

I have that lens. I love it! Even an old guy like me can get sharp shots.

Dale

[Designer Dale]

First time I've participated in the Fortnightly Challenge. I'd like to do more of them. Here's one from visiting family. I was trying to do a decent job without a tripod.
^^^ EXIF Summary: 1/20s f/5.6 ISO200 200mm (35mm eq:300mm) ^^^

I like the colors and framing. Not bad for a hand-held photo. If you take your lens support arm, the one you have your watch on, and jam it in against your chest you can gain a little stability. Your elbow winds up on your stomach. Hard to describe.

Dale

[deep diver]

First time I've participated in the Fortnightly Challenge. I'd like to do more of them. Here's one from visiting family. I was trying to do a decent job without a tripod.

Welcome to this forum. You have a good eye. I'm looking forward to your participation here.

It took me a few minutes to figure out this one. In the end I like it. The shadowy scene within the red and the motion blur give this a very eerie feel. I wonder if you intended what came out but it works.

[madazrex]

First time I've participated in the Fortnightly Challenge. I'd like to do more of them. Here's one from visiting family. I was trying to do a decent job without a tripod.

nice shot i like the colour in the tv happy ney year

[someoldguy]

Notha one from NYC , around 6th Av. and 50th.

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx317/61mg73/IMG_1664_1319.jpg

[JDDavis]

^^^ EXIF Summary: 1/20s f/5.6 ISO200 200mm (35mm eq:300mm) ^^^

I like the colors and framing. Not bad for a hand-held photo. If you take your lens support arm, the one you have your watch on, and jam it in against your chest you can gain a little stability. Your elbow winds up on your stomach. Hard to describe.

Dale

Thanks for the tip. I'll try that next time for sure. Typing this I was also thinking about how I learned to shoot a rifle. When we shot, you pull the trigger after exhaling and I would use the rifle sling as leverage to hold it more steady. Could probably do the same thing with a camera. I shoot alot with out a tripod. (most of the time I wish I had a tripod).

[JDDavis]

Welcome to this forum. You have a good eye. I'm looking forward to your participation here.

It took me a few minutes to figure out this one. In the end I like it. The shadowy scene within the red and the motion blur give this a very eerie feel. I wonder if you intended what came out but it works.

There are very few shots that I take that come out the way I intended them. :) I was trying for a blurry background with as sharp of an image of me in the ball as I could get. It came out way underexposed but a little work with Aperture resulted in what you see. I wasn't going for an eerie feel just trying to capture a fish eye view of me in the ball.

Thanks for the comments and tips.

[CK Williams]

A couple from a recent holiday in Genoa NV. (clickable)

[SonicChronicler]

Seeing the New Year in with a bang in the village of Belford, Northumberland, England.

http://files.me.com/sonicchronicler/5i9bq2

[deep diver]

A couple from a recent holiday in Genoa NV. (clickable)

Life has gotten very complicated for me in the last 1.5 years. I really appreciate these reflections on a simpler, kinder, less complicated world. My only suggestion would be to take out all of the power lines. They are an unwelcome intrusion by the more modern world.

[deep diver]

Thanks for the tip. I'll try that next time for sure. Typing this I was also thinking about how I learned to shoot a rifle. When we shot, you pull the trigger after exhaling and I would use the rifle sling as leverage to hold it more steady. Could probably do the same thing with a camera. I shoot alot with out a tripod. (most of the time I wish I had a tripod).

I learned about a simple but effective photographic version of your sling. At the hardware store get some mason's line, a bolt that will screw into the tripod mounting bolt on your camera, and a fender washer (the big ones). Tie one end of the line to the bolt and the other to the washer. The length of line should allow you to step on the washer and raise the camera to eye height with there being some tension on the line. It is not perfect but it works well for exposures up to almost a full second.

[Maxxamillian]

More from a recent trip to Jackson, Wyoming.

http://www.cwhitlock.com/photos/754954096_maPcm-XL.jpg

[CK Williams]

Life has gotten very complicated for me in the last 1.5 years. I really appreciate these reflections on a simpler, kinder, less complicated world. My only suggestion would be to take out all of the power lines. They are an unwelcome intrusion by the more modern world.

That was my thought too, just haven't had the chance yet. (SOTC images) It is nice to escape the modern world. I wish I could do it more often. Here are a couple of more. The deer was walking down Main Street with its friends before pausing in a yard.

[mtbdudex]

Our home decorated for the holidays.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/Sz7-9USBMHI/AAAAAAAAImo/CEm0si2DwxM/_MG_3821.jpg

Not much snow here in SE Michigan, unlike others portions of the states.
Just barely enough for the kids to go sledding down the front.

Happy Holidays to all, hope everyone "re-fueled" your body for 2010.

[syedrizvi21]

Here is my token

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/1103/img0909pj.jpg (http://img689.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0909pj.jpg)
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/530/img1725s.jpg (http://img36.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1725s.jpg)

[mtbdudex]

Thanks for the tip. I'll try that next time for sure. Typing this I was also thinking about how I learned to shoot a rifle. When we shot, you pull the trigger after exhaling and I would use the rifle sling as leverage to hold it more steady. Could probably do the same thing with a camera. I shoot alot with out a tripod. (most of the time I wish I had a tripod).

+1 on nice shot .

For hand held stability, I've learned to wrap the excess neckstrap around my wrist as I tuck my elbows into my chest, makes the upper body "tripod like", stiff and really seemed to improve my lower shutter speed shots. ymmv.

[gnd]

I learned about a simple but effective photographic version of your sling. At the hardware store get some mason's line, a bolt that will screw into the tripod mounting bolt on your camera, and a fender washer (the big ones). Tie one end of the line to the bolt and the other to the washer. The length of line should allow you to step on the washer and raise the camera to eye height with there being some tension on the line. It is not perfect but it works well for exposures up to almost a full second.

I tried that several times and it didn't work well for me. I found out that in order to be stable I had to pull on the string, and that created horizontal movement. I only needed this to go slower than 1/6th and at those shutter speeds it wasn't working for me. I can go down to 1/10s with a 50mm lens and about 1/6s with the 28mm. Even with shutter speeds as slow as these I on average get about half my shots tack sharp (at 100%).


For hand held stability, I've learned to wrap the excess neckstrap around my wrist as I tuck my elbows into my chest, makes the upper body "tripod like" and really seemed to improve my lower shutter speed shots. ymmv.

What I usually do when I'm doing a lot of handheld slow shutter is take the neckstrap off the camera, it's just unnecessary clutter that adds to the vibrations and distractions. Having the extra battery grip helps more for stability than anything else. Of course, proper breathing and posture are mandatory.

[yetanotherdave]

Here's my first contribution to the two week challenges. This was shot late November, out of the two week window, but that's only a suggestion right? :)

Clickable to the flickr page
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4132312394_7c70f541ca.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yetanotherdave/4132312394/in/set-72157622870677216/)

[mpr131]

taken while on holiday and was greeted by 18 in. of snow!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4197840371_3e4c37ce8f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mpr131/4197840371/in/set-72157622907807529) (clickable)

another from a previous holiday in munich...a splendid city!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3498/4074264630_ccd5113ee5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mpr131/4074264630/in/set-72157622546499615) (clickable)

[mtbdudex]

What I usually do when I'm doing a lot of handheld slow shutter is take the neckstrap off the camera, it's just unnecessary clutter that adds to the vibrations and distractions. Having the extra battery grip helps more for stability than anything else. Of course, proper breathing and posture are mandatory.

My Canon factory neckstrap is not so easy to remove.....yours must have clips, might be minor $ upgrade for me later this year.
I do remove lens cap straps/etc when on tripod @ long zoom, even that causes slight vibration if hanging/swaying from the lens, the neckstrap I bundle around so it's still.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/Sz9zPC2QcrI/AAAAAAAAIm8/-VKQXgcyk5I/s288/IMG_4798.JPG

[Maxxamillian]

taken while on holiday and was greeted by 18 in. of snow!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4197840371_3e4c37ce8f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mpr131/4197840371/in/set-72157622907807529) (clickable)

another from a previous holiday in munich...a splendid city!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3498/4074264630_ccd5113ee5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mpr131/4074264630/in/set-72157622546499615) (clickable)


Love the shot from Germany--well done!

[gnd]

My Canon factory neckstrap is not so easy to remove.....yours must have clips, might be minor $ upgrade for me later this year.
I do remove lens cap straps/etc when on tripod @ long zoom, even that causes slight vibration if hanging/swaying from the lens, the neckstrap I bundle around so it's still.


Actually, I don't use the factory neckstrap. I have one of those cotton vintage straps that still have elastic bands for film cartridges. It's much much more comfortable to wear around the neck and also very easy to remove. Just search eBay (http://photography.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=vintage&_sacat=64343&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_odkw=&_osacat=64343) for vintage camera strap and you'll find a ton of them for 10$ and up. :)
They also don't scream "VERY EXPENSIVE DIGITAL CAMERA HERE" with bright red letters on black background ... ;)

[Designer Dale]

Actually, I don't use the factory neckstrap. I have one of those cotton vintage straps that still have elastic bands for film cartridges. It's much much more comfortable to wear around the neck and also very easy to remove. Just search eBay (http://photography.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=vintage&_sacat=64343&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_odkw=&_osacat=64343) for vintage camera strap and you'll find a ton of them for 10$ and up. :)
They also don't scream "VERY EXPENSIVE DIGITAL CAMERA HERE" with bright red letters on black background ... ;)

Scott Kelby has a unique way of making a sling out of the camera strap that braces the arm. I can't describe it, so go to a book store and look for his Digital Photography series. Don't buy the book, just look at the pictures. They used to be quite expensive the last time I looked at them here, but Amazon lists them for under $20 USD.

I'm not as concerned about a strap the is obvious. You have the camera out, anyway. What concerns me is a camera bag that screams "Steal Me"

Dale

[someoldguy]

someoldguy, I really like what you are trying to capture with this image. There are two things that are hindering this photograph in my opinion. The first is the trumpets seem a little soft. The second is I would love to see this same location as a vertical. I think the image would look superb as a vertical with the "trumpet walkway" leading your eye into the Christmas tree in the center.

JohnMC
Here's the vertical . Whole lot less people around , used a 24-105L this time.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx317/61mg73/IMG_1768c_1319.jpg

[CK Williams]

A couple from the Santa Fe NM area. (clickable)

[JDDavis]

+1 on nice shot .

For hand held stability, I've learned to wrap the excess neckstrap around my wrist as I tuck my elbows into my chest, makes the upper body "tripod like", stiff and really seemed to improve my lower shutter speed shots. ymmv.

Good conversation about stability. I have a Black Rapid RS-4 on my camera and it goes around bandoleer style. I like it a lot better than the traditional neck strap. After reading all this I've noticed that I can hook the strap with my right elbow as I tuck it in (tension) and then press my left elbow into my stomach (as someone mentioned above) and it makes for a pretty stable platform. I think this will improve my non tripod shots some.

[JDDavis]

Here's my first contribution to the two week challenges. This was shot late November, out of the two week window, but that's only a suggestion right? :)

Clickable to the flickr page
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4132312394_7c70f541ca.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yetanotherdave/4132312394/in/set-72157622870677216/)

I really enjoyed this shot. The lighting was just right. At first glance it looks like a shot of some far away galaxy or nebula....something spacey. Very interesting. Very nice.

[JDDavis]

Seeing the New Year in with a bang in the village of Belford, Northumberland, England.

http://files.me.com/sonicchronicler/5i9bq2

This reminds me of our first New Years in Heinsberg Germany. We could see the entire city from the 3rd floor window of our row house and the display and the action in the streets was amazing. I wish I could live on both sides of the pond.

[SonicChronicler]

More from a recent trip to Jackson, Wyoming.

http://www.cwhitlock.com/photos/754954096_maPcm-XL.jpg

I like this one very much. Nice shot.

[Designer Dale]

This is up in POTD also. Perk Central, Parkland, Washington Christmas night.

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6350/perkcentral2.jpg
EXIF Summary: 1/2s f/8.0 ISO100 50mm

Dale

[mrfridays]

Brand new to the world of dSLRs. Be gentle. ;)


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/4237741477_4d72984b7f_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4240089508_8dcb5a6af2_b.jpg


Canon EOS 1000D - 50mm - ISO 400 - f/1.8 - 1/20

[pol0001]

New Years Eve in Sulz am Neckar (Germany).

[someoldguy]

'Nother from NYC...
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx317/61mg73/IMG_1762_1319.jpg

[Maxxamillian]

Sonic Chronicler Thanks:D

Same trip--also found over in the POTD thread…

http://www.cwhitlock.com/photos/754366554_HZKDP-X2.jpg

[mikshayne]

We started our vacation on Christmas in Madrid, then to Canary Islands, ending up in Barcelona for New Years!

[Acsom]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v210/Mosca/IMG_0664-2.jpg

[joepunk]

Shop window in Oberammergau

Nikon D50, Zenitar 16mm 2,8 fisheye @ f/4 for sharpness as 2,8 gives you soft focus effect.

[MACUSER360]

Taken Christmas Morning

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/4229157093_78fa88d270.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26895093@N04/4229157093/in/set-72157622995676354/)

[JohnMC]

someoldguy -- I really like the vertical of the tree from NYC. I do think you might get a little more out of it if you cropped some of the dead space at the top off, I would recommend taking a little off the left of the image when you crop it.

John

[CK Williams]

Santa Fe NM (clickable)

[someoldguy]

someoldguy -- I really like the vertical of the tree from NYC. I do think you might get a little more out of it if you cropped some of the dead space at the top off, I would recommend taking a little off the left of the image when you drop it.

John
Thanks ..... If I get out from under some job related crap this weekend , I'll play with it and see what comes out. My hope was to try to center the tree between the angels but there was just no was I could position myself to get it
so.

[JohnMC]

Hi All,
I have posted a brief note and a request for topics here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=9044327). This is regarding our next challenge which starts on Saturday, so stop by and leave your thoughts.

John

[mikshayne]

A former student of mine, doing beautifully living in NYC. Went up to see her and her fiance' as well another close friend - and she joined us for "Santacon" in manhattan. Great fun! I got this shot of her at "Dances of Vice".