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Weekly Photo Contest (June 21 - June 28). Topic: Summer
- Thread starter Keleko
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
As usual quite a good set of submissions. I noticed that many of these pictures I've taken similar ones myself this summer, too. Okay, let's get to it.
Right out of the gate is a fun swimming picture. Very much on topic. A nice semi-candid shot. (Unfortunately the thumbnail didn't come across in the quote... oh well)
I'm not quite sure what is the subject here. There's no particular landscape feature other than the bush in front to focus on. The train (I think that's what it is?) is small and not prominent enough. The train would make a good subject if you zoomed in on it.
Kids with free time is certainly summer. A fun action shot.
I've lived through a pretty severe drought myself. This is one of the non-fun parts of summer. I'd like to see a bit more contrast in this picture. The dirt colors are kind of flat. I bet this would make a nice high contrast black and white.
Nice find and capture of the insect. Do you know what kind it is? I'd also recommend cropping the right grass strand out as it is a little distracting (at least to me). I appreciate how difficult it can be to get this kind of shot.
I like the black and white treatment and the motion blur. Her expression is pure summer fun.
The first flowers of summer submission. I've been taking quite a few of them myself. The depth of field bothers me a little here. It tends to bother me when there's too much foreground out of focus. Consider cropping out some of the bottom of the shot, or you could move in closer to the pink flowers so they're a larger part of the frame.
More flowers! This one has a good depth of field on the flower. I think this would have worked even better with a different angle so that the fence isn't in the shot. For me it takes away from the beauty of the flower.
Dog days of summer! I really like the composition of this shot. I definitely feel summer here with the field and sunset. Very well done. (Another attachment that didn't make the quote...)
I like the lighting on this swimming shot. Clearly the baby is enjoying the first lesson.
Another great sunset shot. Fishing is definitely a lazy summer day activity. I particularly like the dog on the dock waiting for the boat to arrive. (Image quote, where are you?)
Not quite sunset (I assume it is that time, anyway), but close. Good action silhouette in front of the sun. My only complaint is that it doesn't quite say summer to me.
Hey, look, a sunset silhouette jumping/action shot!
I like these pictures, but they just lack the summer feel for me. (No quote picture again...)
This one is more in tune with a lazy summer day. I'd prefer the horizon be level. This shot would have been better at sunrise or sunset time like the others.
We've been getting our share of these storms the past few days. They are definitely a product of summer. I love the way you've captured the lightning in action here. This is a kind of shot I have yet to attempt myself, but I sure want to try someday.
Another beautiful sunset. I wish the boat had been on the left of the frame so it was a stronger silhouette in the frame.
Very well done homework portrait. Sorry it isn't quite time out of school yet. Unfortunately that kind of hurts the summer theme. Make sure you take a last day of school picture with notebooks flying in the air.
Good shot of a summer field. The single purple flower is a nice color touch to the shot. I wish it had been a bit higher up in the frame. (It also works best if the image is in the quote...)
Here's a definite summer activity. I think this shot would be lots better without the other person in the frame on the right. Crop that out and you have a nice action shot. I'd recommend trying to get all the board in the frame, too, when you take these shots.
Really good timing on this. I know how fast those little birds are and so difficult to catch on camera. You even managed to get it framed well. Quite a lucky find and definitely sign summer is on the way.
You did a great job putting this together. Beautiful landscape with sunset. The colors are nice and strong without being overdone. Have you looking into something like Photomatix to make the post work easier? I wish this shot spoke more "summer" to me, but that's the only part I'm missing.
Yep, summer is prime surfing time. I'd recommend cloning out the distracting buoy in the background. I'd like to see more color in the sky and water, too.
Glad you got it to post this time. Sailing is certainly popular in the summer. Nice deep blue water and sky. There's a distraction of a small bit of railing(?) getting into the frame on the bottom left.
3. Ravaroo
2. Waybo
1. elfy
Special honorable mention to fulcrum.1995 for the beautiful sunset/landscape.
Right out of the gate is a fun swimming picture. Very much on topic. A nice semi-candid shot. (Unfortunately the thumbnail didn't come across in the quote... oh well)
I'm not quite sure what is the subject here. There's no particular landscape feature other than the bush in front to focus on. The train (I think that's what it is?) is small and not prominent enough. The train would make a good subject if you zoomed in on it.
Kids with free time is certainly summer. A fun action shot.
less than 2 inches of rain since January
I've lived through a pretty severe drought myself. This is one of the non-fun parts of summer. I'd like to see a bit more contrast in this picture. The dirt colors are kind of flat. I bet this would make a nice high contrast black and white.
Summer meadow
Nice find and capture of the insect. Do you know what kind it is? I'd also recommend cropping the right grass strand out as it is a little distracting (at least to me). I appreciate how difficult it can be to get this kind of shot.
ISO 400 ||
50mm ||
f/1.8 ||
1/250 ||
7d ||
Canon 50mm f/1.8
I like the black and white treatment and the motion blur. Her expression is pure summer fun.
The first flowers of summer submission. I've been taking quite a few of them myself. The depth of field bothers me a little here. It tends to bother me when there's too much foreground out of focus. Consider cropping out some of the bottom of the shot, or you could move in closer to the pink flowers so they're a larger part of the frame.
More flowers! This one has a good depth of field on the flower. I think this would have worked even better with a different angle so that the fence isn't in the shot. For me it takes away from the beauty of the flower.
Dog days of summer! I really like the composition of this shot. I definitely feel summer here with the field and sunset. Very well done. (Another attachment that didn't make the quote...)
I like the lighting on this swimming shot. Clearly the baby is enjoying the first lesson.
Another great sunset shot. Fishing is definitely a lazy summer day activity. I particularly like the dog on the dock waiting for the boat to arrive. (Image quote, where are you?)
Not quite sunset (I assume it is that time, anyway), but close. Good action silhouette in front of the sun. My only complaint is that it doesn't quite say summer to me.
Hey, look, a sunset silhouette jumping/action shot!
I like these pictures, but they just lack the summer feel for me. (No quote picture again...)
This one is more in tune with a lazy summer day. I'd prefer the horizon be level. This shot would have been better at sunrise or sunset time like the others.
We've been getting our share of these storms the past few days. They are definitely a product of summer. I love the way you've captured the lightning in action here. This is a kind of shot I have yet to attempt myself, but I sure want to try someday.
This was taken the evening of the summer solstice in Fredericton, NB.
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Another beautiful sunset. I wish the boat had been on the left of the frame so it was a stronger silhouette in the frame.
It maybe summer but it's not quite the holidays for everyone yet...
Not Quite Summer... by acearchie, on Flickr
Very well done homework portrait. Sorry it isn't quite time out of school yet. Unfortunately that kind of hurts the summer theme. Make sure you take a last day of school picture with notebooks flying in the air.
Good shot of a summer field. The single purple flower is a nice color touch to the shot. I wish it had been a bit higher up in the frame. (It also works best if the image is in the quote...)
Skimmin'
Here's a definite summer activity. I think this shot would be lots better without the other person in the frame on the right. Crop that out and you have a nice action shot. I'd recommend trying to get all the board in the frame, too, when you take these shots.
It was a terrible week in New England for this contest: It's been cold and wet all week, and summer just hasn't arrived. But we finally had one decent day, and, as I sat on the deck, takin' a moment to relax, look who dropped in for a visit! We have our regulars, who visit all year long, but this LITTLE guy definitely says better weather is coming! Yeah!!!!
ISO 400, 270mm, f/6.3, 1/250. Manual exposure.
Really good timing on this. I know how fast those little birds are and so difficult to catch on camera. You even managed to get it framed well. Quite a lucky find and definitely sign summer is on the way.
Here's my contribution.
Mission Peak, Fremont, California.
Shot Nikon D700 with Tokina 11-16 @16mm. 6 Shots bracketed and manually stitched in Photoshop CS5 using refine edge tools
You did a great job putting this together. Beautiful landscape with sunset. The colors are nice and strong without being overdone. Have you looking into something like Photomatix to make the post work easier? I wish this shot spoke more "summer" to me, but that's the only part I'm missing.
Yep, summer is prime surfing time. I'd recommend cloning out the distracting buoy in the background. I'd like to see more color in the sky and water, too.
I tired by PM, let's see if this goes through. Don't really know why.
Glad you got it to post this time. Sailing is certainly popular in the summer. Nice deep blue water and sky. There's a distraction of a small bit of railing(?) getting into the frame on the bottom left.
3. Ravaroo
2. Waybo
1. elfy
Special honorable mention to fulcrum.1995 for the beautiful sunset/landscape.
Waa-hoo!!! My first time in the winner's circle! I am not disappointed to come in second to such a fine photo as elfy's shot of his dog overlooking the field.
Congratulations, elfy! That is one awesome photo!
There were many other fine photos this week, as well. Good job, folk!
I think we all owe Keleko a HUGE thank you! Not only did he do a fine job critiquing, he offered great advice as to how many shots could be improved. (I know I really appreciate that information; this is why I enter the challenges and contests.) And he included thumbnails. (It was nice to not be forced to have two windows open, so I can see the photo as I read about it!)
I've been a bit disappointed lately at the long delays in the judge's response. Therefore, I am especially noting that, at the beginning of the contest, Keleko warned us that he would be on away on vacation at contest closure, and was unsure of internet availability. Still, he posted a warning that the deadline was approaching, and another notice that the contest was closed and that the results would be up tonight. And, within only six hours of the contest closure, he had these results posted! Now, THAT's the way to do it!
Great job, Keleko! Thanks!
Congratulations, elfy! That is one awesome photo!
There were many other fine photos this week, as well. Good job, folk!
I think we all owe Keleko a HUGE thank you! Not only did he do a fine job critiquing, he offered great advice as to how many shots could be improved. (I know I really appreciate that information; this is why I enter the challenges and contests.) And he included thumbnails. (It was nice to not be forced to have two windows open, so I can see the photo as I read about it!)
I've been a bit disappointed lately at the long delays in the judge's response. Therefore, I am especially noting that, at the beginning of the contest, Keleko warned us that he would be on away on vacation at contest closure, and was unsure of internet availability. Still, he posted a warning that the deadline was approaching, and another notice that the contest was closed and that the results would be up tonight. And, within only six hours of the contest closure, he had these results posted! Now, THAT's the way to do it!
Great job, Keleko! Thanks!
Yes - elfy well done - certainly a deserved win - congrats.
And Keleko - demonstrates how do judge and approach it with style, thank you.
As for the insect (butterfly) - I have no idea what it is. There seemed to be two types which had different markings and they could have been male and female but one was bigger bodied and looked different. The bigger one looked more like a bee or wasp (except for the wings) and had a different pattern. I did see some mating and they were the same in size and markings. My photo is of a bigger one and they were not frightened of me. I wonder if they were a camouflaged predators. I confess that I really don't know.
I sadly don't have the other photos of the others with me but it always intrigued me. I found this - the others were not like this close up - they looked more like a butterfly body (sort of skinny)
And Keleko - demonstrates how do judge and approach it with style, thank you.
As for the insect (butterfly) - I have no idea what it is. There seemed to be two types which had different markings and they could have been male and female but one was bigger bodied and looked different. The bigger one looked more like a bee or wasp (except for the wings) and had a different pattern. I did see some mating and they were the same in size and markings. My photo is of a bigger one and they were not frightened of me. I wonder if they were a camouflaged predators. I confess that I really don't know.
I sadly don't have the other photos of the others with me but it always intrigued me. I found this - the others were not like this close up - they looked more like a butterfly body (sort of skinny)
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Congrats to effy and the top three. Keleko, great job of reviewing the photos and I appreciate the constructive criticism. My photo, now re-cropped to remove the railing (you were spot on).
I wish all the images showed up in the judging post. It seemed all the direct attachments to the forum are the ones that didn't. Does anyone know why those didn't show up? Huge thanks for the auto-timg plugin for Safari that made it much easier to do it that way.
I wonder if they evolved to look like a bumblebee so that they will be safe from insect predators. I wasn't sure if it was a butterfly because the body was thicker than what I'm used to seeing. Really neat looking in any case.
That's much improved. I didn't mention the buoy in the foreground, but I was thinking it should have been cropped/cloned out, too. I'm glad to see you did that. I have one other minor issue - it looks to me that the horizon is tilted just a little bit down on the left side. I haven't pulled it up in anything to see if it actually does line up (sometimes it is deceiving and actually does). You might want to check it yourself and see if it does.
I wonder if they evolved to look like a bumblebee so that they will be safe from insect predators. I wasn't sure if it was a butterfly because the body was thicker than what I'm used to seeing. Really neat looking in any case.
Congrats to effy and the top three. Keleko, great job of reviewing the photos and I appreciate the constructive criticism. My photo, now re-cropped to remove the railing (you were spot on).
That's much improved. I didn't mention the buoy in the foreground, but I was thinking it should have been cropped/cloned out, too. I'm glad to see you did that. I have one other minor issue - it looks to me that the horizon is tilted just a little bit down on the left side. I haven't pulled it up in anything to see if it actually does line up (sometimes it is deceiving and actually does). You might want to check it yourself and see if it does.
Thats the thing - I think my photo could be of a predator that looks like a butterfly.
Other photos of other similar looking butterflies were much thinner (like you would expect a butterfly to be). The thin ones had a different stripe pattern. I considered that fat and thin ones were male and female - until I saw only thin ones mating.
The fat ones were in a minority and unlike the thin ones were not troubled by my presence - in fact they were very determined to stay in one position. Thin ones were very nervous - and it was not easy to photograph them unless they were involved with making babies.
It remains a mystery to me.
Wow. Can't believe I won. Thanks for all the kind words guys, it's much appreciated. Also, thanks to Keleko for a fantastic job on judging/critiquing all the entries. Very detailed stuff. I'll try my best to match up to that next week.
OK. Just used the straightening tool and this is the final product:
thanks for the suggestions. I guess I should get in the habit of truly checking and processing all photos submitted to contests. Live and continue to learn
Congratulations elfy I liked your submission very much too. I appreciate Keleko taking the time to critique all the entries as well. I love summer.
OK. Just used the straightening tool and this is the final product:
thanks for the suggestions. I guess I should get in the habit of truly checking and processing all photos submitted to contests. Live and continue to learn
Yeah, you do have to go the extra step for photos in a contest. The judge will (or at least should) notice things that throw it off just a little. Those things can make the difference between a good shot and a great shot.