Assignment for the Week: 4/9 - 4/16

[fish]

Here's your photo assignment for this week: Spheres.


Photos must be fresh - taken this week, not stuff you've got hanging around on your computer.
The primary focal point of your image should be one or more spheres.
Note that this is very different from the circles assignment, in that you need to show considerable depth of field.

Have at it.



Advanced spin: Maximum bokeh (doncha love that word?). How to get bokeh? Easy...large aperture with w/ 7 (or more) blade iris. "Ooo, but won't that be hard to do and still have a good depth of field to show the three dimensional spheres?" Yes. Good luck. :D

[fish]

Either everybody is out hiding easter eggs or this might actually be a challenging assignment. I know I'm still thinking about it.

[fish]

My first submission...going for advanced bokeh.


Happy Fun Ball.

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3369572-L.jpg

[wxwax]

It's nice but your background isn't very sharp.

[wxwax]

http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/3373568-M.jpg

[ian408]

http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/3373568-M.jpg
Very nice Waxy!

ian

[wxwax]

:encore Thanks, mate.

[fish]

It's nice but your background isn't very sharp.

Thanks...I'll try to use a smaller aperture next time. :nod

[komet]

It's nice but your background isn't very sharp.
Was it meant to be? Looks good as is (to me).

[ondrovic]

you can almost smell the lovely bokeh....

[ondrovic]

Glass sphere with good bokeh #1

[ondrovic]

Glass sphere with good bokeh #2

[fish]

Was it meant to be? Looks good as is (to me).
Yes, that was intentional...and so was waxy's comment....and my response. He's such a kidder.

[fish]

you can almost smell the lovely bokeh....
"smell" :rofl


I have a rubber earth ball like that too...guess I'll need to get a shot of it.

[wxwax]

Was it meant to be? Looks good as is (to me).


Yah, I was pulling his leg. :lol3

[fish]

Okay, here's my rubber ball.

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3378933-M.jpg

[ian408]

Okay, here's my rubber ball.

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3378933-M.jpg
Damn, looks like the cat horked up a good one :)

[tmlphoto]

Not sure about the bokeh?

[wxwax]

Nice shot, tml.

[fish]

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3385298-L.jpg



http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3385299-L.jpg



http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3385675-L.jpg

[wxwax]

#2 :thumb :nod

[fish]

#2 :thumb :nod

:beer

[komet]

Spheres...spheres...spheres.

Fraternal sphere...
http://komet.smugmug.com/photos/3389280-M-1.jpg
Radiant sphere...
http://komet.smugmug.com/photos/3389277-M.jpg
Spheres of authority
http://komet.smugmug.com/photos/3389275-M.jpg

[Richard Cabesa]

this is all I go today. Bad light

http://richard-cabesa.smugmug.com/photos/3389711-M.jpg


David

[hutchman]

I went out today with the camera and did not know what the assignment for the week was. Me bad!

Anyway my first submission is kind of a sphere. Well not really but a sphere on the top and not on the bottom.

This is a picture of our #2 manchild. He has a partial sphere on his head.

http://hutch.smugmug.com/photos/3390048-L.jpg

More to follow!

Hutch

[Sandy]

Went Sphere hunting in Hollywood at the new Kodak Center yesterday.
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A4963923232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D%3A37%3D56% 3C%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3C77%3B98%3B9ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A4934%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D%3A37%3D5 6%3C%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3C764%3C59%3Bot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A496%3A%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D%3A37%3 D56%3C%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3C7653792ot1lsi

[KLXDale]

The best I found so far.....two for one

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid111/p51c5d5ddb10a374a583fb558373e0b4f/f90da848.jpg

[wxwax]

The best I found so far.....two for one

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid111/p51c5d5ddb10a374a583fb558373e0b4f/f90da848.jpg.orig.jpg


In the absence of an image, Dale, the imagination runs riot with the possibilities of two spheres! :stud










We really need an "evil" smilie around here.

[fish]

Spheres are where you find them.

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3405784-L.jpg

[fish]

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3405792-L.jpg




http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3405787-L.jpg

[gypsy77360]

Here is an elongated globe....http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/3405889-M.jpg
Date Taken:
2004-04-11 15:34:32

Make:
NIKON CORPORATION

Model:
NIKON D70

Size:
1311x1836

Bytes:
1199766

Aperture:
f/4.5

Focal Length:
112mm (168mm 35mm)

Exposure Time:
0.01s (10/1000)

JPEG Quality:
fine

Flash:
31

Exposure Program:
Normal program

Exposure Bias:
1

DigitalZoomRatio:
1/1

SensingMethod:
One-chip color sensor

ColorSpace:
sRGB
a few more... it was raining today
http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/3406398-M.jpg
http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/3406535-M.jpg
http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/3406681-M.jpg
:dunno

[Thwack]

Two spheres in this shot.

http://thwack.smugmug.com/photos/3409800-M.jpg

It was cropped out of the following shot since my optical zoom couldn't get me any closer:

http://thwack.smugmug.com/photos/3409803-M.jpg

Here's a link that lets you see the rest of the engine this bell lives on:

http://thwack.smugmug.com/photos/3409801-O.jpg

Happy Easter!

http://thwack.smugmug.com/photos/3409802-M.jpg

[ian408]

I am having a hard time with this one.

It's easy to take a picture of a sphere. But I want something more than
just the sphere. So, I used some newsprint to fake a light table and went
to work.

My opinion is that it would be better with pure white roll paper and better
lighting. This is a very fresh shot. In fact, the drinky pooo is almost gone :)


http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/3417541-M.jpg

[cletus]

Here's the only sphere I shot this weekend:

http://ab0wa.smugmug.com/photos/3427226-M.jpg

[Argusphoto]

Tiny spheres in the champaign

http://wallyworld.smugmug.com/photos/3441712-M.jpg

Spheres, Bokeh, I'll drink to that!

[Sandy]

Cheers....Tiny spheres in the champaign

http://wallyworld.smugmug.com/photos/3441712-M.jpg

Spheres, Bokeh, I'll drink to that!

[DoctorIt]

Okay, here's my rubber ball.

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3378933-M.jpgOh yeah? Well I have 3 of them, and mine stick to the wall!

http://www-unix.ecs.umass.edu/~ermiller/photos/2004-04/2004-04-12.jpg

[Richard Cabesa]

I found another

http://richard-cabesa.smugmug.com/photos/3444289-M.jpg

David

[cletus]

I found another

http://richard-cabesa.smugmug.com/photos/3444289-M.jpg

David
I thought about doing something eyeball related too... Oh, you were using the tennis ball as a sphere :D

[Azure]

I don't know what's that, the sun was behind the cloud.

http://azure.smugmug.com/photos/3449553-M.jpg

[peachmaan]

1

[peachmaan]

2

[peachmaan]

3

[peachmaan]

last

I guess I'd call thisone coexisting RELIGION

[fish]

spheres? :scratch

[DoctorIt]

spheres? :scratchtoo many peaches maybe.
:dunno

[Rolling Stone]

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/3462844-M.jpg

[Rolling Stone]

The dog's soccerball is showing it's age.

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/3462850-M.jpg

[cletus]

The dog's soccerball is showing it's age.
You are correct sir!

[Rolling Stone]

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/3462857-M.jpg

[Kolya]

Here's my entry.

Cheers,
Kolya

[pathfinder]

Spheres - hmmmmm - Here's one in blue no less.... http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3406426-L.jpg

[peachmaan]

spheres? :scratch

Ok, ok , ok.... I got the spheres term wrong.... thought a sphere is sth thats blurry, being in one "world" of its own(out of focus), and the 2nd sphere is sth sharp one in an image.... the second "world"/image/theme in a pict. .....
Sorry buana ... :bow


Hey gypsy... have you ever tried to catch these suckers in flight???
http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/3406398-M.jpg
I have some blurry attempts.... 1 outta 10 was a good shot. but I don't have it here now...

Laterz

[SavannahMan]

Heres a wooden sphere...
http://savannahman.smugmug.com/photos/3486766-M.jpg
but could you explain Bokeh again? (maybe in Latin¿)

[cmr164]

Heres a wooden sphere...

but could you explain Bokeh again? (maybe in Latin¿)
How about in Japanese.... You can start with:

http://web.canon.jp/technology/s_labo/light/001/03.html
å…‰ã�¯ã€�æ³¢ã�®æ€§è³ªã€�ç²’å*�ã�®æ€§è³ªã‚’å…¼ã�*ã� �ã�ªã�ˆã�¦ã�„ã�¾ã�™ã€‚ã�“ã�®ç�¾è±¡ã�¯ã€�ã��ã‚“ã�ªå …‰ã�®æ³¢ã�¨ã�—ã�¦ã�®ç‰¹å¾´ã�®ã�²ã�¨ã�¤ã€Œå›žæŠ˜ã€� ã�«ã‚ˆã‚‹ã‚‚ã�®ã�§ã�™ã€‚回折ã�¯ã€�物体ã�«å…‰ã� Œã�‚ã�Ÿã�£ã�Ÿã�¨ ã��ã€�å…‰ã�Œç‰©ä½“ã�®å½±ã�®éƒ¨åˆ†ã�«å›žã‚Šè¾¼ã‚€ã� “ã�¨ã�‹ã‚‰èµ·ã�“ã‚Šã�¾ã�™ã€‚ã�Šé¢¨å‘‚å*´ã�§ã�¯ã€�æ °´è’¸æ°—ã�®ç²’å*�ã�«å…‰ã�Œã�‚ã�Ÿã�£ã�¦å›žã‚Šè¾¼ã‚€ ã�Ÿã‚�ã€�å…‰ã�¯ã�¾ã�¶ã�—ã��ã�ªã��ã�ªã‚Šã€�ã�¼ã‚„ã� ‘ã�¦è¦‹ã�ˆã‚‹ã�® ã�§ã�™ã€‚

[pathfinder]

Ok, ok , ok.... I got the spheres term wrong.... thought a sphere is sth thats blurry, being in one "world" of its own(out of focus), and the 2nd sphere is sth sharp one in an image.... the second "world"/image/theme in a pict. .....
Sorry buana ... :bow


Hey gypsy... have you ever tried to catch these suckers in flight???
http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/3406398-M.jpg
I have some blurry attempts.... 1 outta 10 was a good shot. but I don't have it here now...

Laterz
You can find a large number of hummer shots on the web on the birding sites, many of them in flight - but almost every one is done with electronic flash to capture them - But not all - notice that the shutter speeds on these are not very fast and the hummers are not sharp as a result, but I like them better than the cold imobile look of electronic flash myself

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3487115-L.jpg



http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3487478-L.jpg



http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3487843-L.jpg

They are tough to catch in flight - they fly up, down, and backwards all at once.

[pathfinder]

In order to get this thread back on the subject of spheres I have two more images to proffer

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3492052-L.jpg


Which do you like the best - the pink of the black background?

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3492047-L.jpg

[fish]

Heres a wooden sphere...
http://savannahman.smugmug.com/photos/3486766-M.jpg
but could you explain Bokeh again? (maybe in Latin¿)

I like that one. Good character. Bokeh is essentially a blurring of the background so as to not detract from the primary object in the image. It's generally accomplished by a large aperture (shallow DOF).

Here's a good example of nice bokeh. Notice that you just see a creamy background, rather than being able to make out any sort of object or pattern. It's also easier with a telephoto lens.

http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/3406398-M.jpg

[gypsy77360]

Hey gypsy... have you ever tried to catch these suckers in flight???

I have some blurry attempts.... 1 outta 10 was a good shot. but I don't have it here now...

Laterz
Yep,
Tried all day.Musta shot about 100 frames. Was raining , skies all grey , dim light,cool ,scrubbed both sides of 2-pane insulated window where the feeder was hanging under the eave of my house , set up tripod about 3 feet from window ( didn't wanna move couch), zoomed in w/ 80-200 AF D f2.8, shot all kinds of combos / modes. Since it is right outside my window , I am going to keep trying , this time in late afternoon light to get a nice irridescence (sp?) from their feathers , speed up shutterspeed to 1/1000 + to try and freeze their little wings. They are really fast , zoomers for sure , especially when they chase each other around feeder.They are fun to watch and one pair even winters @ mi casa.

[Argusphoto]

After an intensive Google search (0.00023 seconds) I found; http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/bokeh.htm
This article tells me more than I really want to know.
It would seem that most of the contributions, including mine, are not correct. The way I read it, the background should be completely out of focus but still of some interest.

[ian408]

In order to get this thread back on the subject of spheres I have two more images to proffer



Which do you like the best - the pink of the black background?

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3492047-L.jpg
Pink. Helps highlight both spheres.

Ian

[Rolling Stone]

After an intensive Google search (0.00023 seconds) I found; http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/bokeh.htm
This article tells me more than I really want to know.
It would seem that most of the contributions, including mine, are not correct. The way I read it, the background should be complete out of focus but still of some interest.
I'm working within the bounds of my point and shoot so this is not possible for me. Time for a new camera.

[pathfinder]

I'm working within the bounds of my point and shoot so this is not possible for me. Time for a new camera.DD - I shot my spheres with a 10D and a 200mm lens because I wanted to try and get the Bokeh Flash was asking for. But I did not upload those images - Didn't like them. http://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/sad.gif

The image with the pink background, that Ian preferred, I could have shot with a 995 CoolPix or a G5. The secret was that I moved the spheres out on my back porch and placed a 2 x3 foot piece of black velvet behind the spheres about 2 feet behind them for a background to isolate against. That pink image could have been shot by almost any digicam and then processed in an imaging editor.. The fact that I used a DSLR was really irrelevant. If I have the time this evening I will try one with my CoolPix 995.

So if you want a new camera, by all means get one, but not because it won't take pictures like my spheres.http://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/Laughing.gif

[Argusphoto]

[QUOTE=pathfinder]In order to get this thread back on the subject of spheres I have two more images to proffer



Which do you like the best - the pink of the black background?

Definitely, the black.

[wxwax]

In order to get this thread back on the subject of spheres I have two more images to proffer


Pink. :nod And the quality of submissions to this thread just took a quantum leap.

[Rolling Stone]

Help, I've come down with a bad case of Bokeh.

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/3506130-M.jpg

[Rolling Stone]

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/3506133-M.jpg

[Rolling Stone]

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/3506138-M.jpg

[pathfinder]

DD - The fact that I used a DSLR was really irrelevant. If I have the time this evening I will try one with my CoolPix 995.

So if you want a new camera, by all means get one, but not because it won't take pictures like my spheres.http://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/Laughing.gifI lied - I did not use my CoolPix - battery was discharged so I used the Canon G5. http://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/lickout.gif Shot several frames of the same subjects - they were willing and cooperative so why not?!

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3509671-L.jpg

Solid black background - pretty straight forward

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3509672-L.jpg

A sky I have used before - but still a good sky and a nice contrast to the blue sphere, and last, a spotlighted vesrion with pink again for Ian http://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/Laughing.gif

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3509670-L.jpg

All done with a digicam not a DSLR -so Humongous - relax and enjoy life with the Olympus you havehttp://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/Laughing.gif You too Dirt-Dog. But DSLR's can be fun - just like dirt bikes ...right?http://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/Laughing.gif

[RachelBrune]

OooOOOoooh... All VERY pretty. I can't pick just one that I like, they are all gorgeous.
I haven't been able to find a single darn sphere, although I haven't been looking very hard. I've been taking a lot of civic pictures, tomorrow I've got a sinkhole, but no spheres.
As for the whole SLR vs. P&S, why not have both? If you're on this site, it's apparent photography is more than a hobby, and there are some very reasonably priced DLSRs, so perhaps it's time to find an occasion to engage(read indulge) your passion. I've got one of both, and one of both with film, and use them a lot. You'll find your use of them justifies the expense. (And no, I don't work for B&H!)
-Rachel

I lied - I did not use my CoolPix - battery was discharged so I used the Canon G5. http://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/lickout.gif Shot several frames of the same subjects - they were willing and cooperative so why not?!



Solid black background - pretty straight forward



A sky I have used before - but still a good sky and a nice contrast to the blue sphere, and last, a spotlighted vesrion with pink again for Ian http://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/Laughing.gif



All done with a digicam not a DSLR -so Humongous - relax and enjoy life with the Olympus you havehttp://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/Laughing.gif You too Dirt-Dog. But DSLR's can be fun - just like dirt bikes ...right?http://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/Laughing.gif

[pathfinder]

OooOOOoooh... All VERY pretty. .....As for the whole SLR vs. P&S, why not have both? If you're on this site, it's apparent photography is more than a hobby, and there are some very reasonably priced DLSRs, so perhaps it's time to find an occasion to engage(read indulge) your passion. I've got one of both, and one of both with film, and use them a lot. You'll find your use of them justifies the expense. (And no, I don't work for B&H!)
-RachelWelcome back Rachel. I agree, everybody should have whatever cameras (plural) they desire. Like you, I use both digicams and SLRs. Not much film anymore, but occaisionally.

I found my blue sphere for ~$10 in a garden supply store and thought it might be useful as a sphere. Seems like it has been - a good demonstration that light, not subject or camera, creates the best pictures. I keep reminding myself this - it is so simple, but so very true. And because I know you like B&W just for Rachel

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3510458-M.jpg

[ian408]

I lied - I did not use my CoolPix - battery was discharged so I used the Canon G5. http://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/lickout.gif Shot several frames of the same subjects - they were willing and cooperative so why not?!



Solid black background - pretty straight forward

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3509672-L.jpg

A sky I have used before - but still a good sky and a nice contrast to the blue sphere, and last, a spotlighted vesrion with pink again for Ian http://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/Laughing.gif


The sky is very nice too. Better than the pink.

ian

[pathfinder]

The sky is very nice too. Better than the pink.

ian Same sky I used for Rutts branch - you may have seen it - Like DoctorIt suggested - I collect backgrounds to use later.http://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/cool2.gif


http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3470029-S.jpg

[ian408]

Same sky I used for Rutts branch - you may have seen it - Like DoctorIt suggested - I collect backgrounds to use later.http://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/cool2.gif


http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3470029-S.jpg
Actually, I'm a little behind and haven't seen that one.

But, I do recall the "saving" tip a while back.

I'm thinking of setting up the drink shot again...then PUI :)

Ian

[Sandy]

I really like the pink highlights. You're right Rachel, I've been thinking about getting the Nikon 8700 in addition to the p&s..

OooOOOoooh... All VERY pretty. I can't pick just one that I like, they are all gorgeous.
I haven't been able to find a single darn sphere, although I haven't been looking very hard. I've been taking a lot of civic pictures, tomorrow I've got a sinkhole, but no spheres.
As for the whole SLR vs. P&S, why not have both? If you're on this site, it's apparent photography is more than a hobby, and there are some very reasonably priced DLSRs, so perhaps it's time to find an occasion to engage(read indulge) your passion. I've got one of both, and one of both with film, and use them a lot. You'll find your use of them justifies the expense. (And no, I don't work for B&H!)
-Rachel

[ian408]

Here's another sphere.

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/3513495-M.jpg

Who will the Sharks face in the next round of the playoffs?

Ian

[fish]

Yet another terrific response to the weekly photo assignment. I'm writing the next one up now, so hang on.

[gubbs]

http://gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/3515362-M.jpg

???
http://gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/3515364-M.jpg




??

[SavannahMan]

I like that one. Good character. Bokeh is essentially a blurring of the background so as to not detract from the primary object in the image. It's generally accomplished by a large aperture (shallow DOF).

Here's a good example of nice bokeh. Notice that you just see a creamy background, rather than being able to make out any sort of object or pattern. It's also easier with a telephoto lens.

http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/3406398-M.jpg
Thanx for the feedback. Still trying to learn how to take a picture, and you guys r great. Will have to try the telephoto lens for the P&S I have (DX6440) It doesn't have millions of advanced features, but as I understand it that just means I have to work harder for the end result?

[RachelBrune]

Ah ha! My evil plan is working! >-)

I really like the pink highlights. You're right Rachel, I've been thinking about getting the Nikon 8700 in addition to the p&s..

[RachelBrune]

And you are right. This is absolutely my favorite. Light and contrast just show up so very well when the colors are gone.



Welcome back Rachel. I agree, everybody should have whatever cameras (plural) they desire. Like you, I use both digicams and SLRs. Not much film anymore, but occaisionally.

I found my blue sphere for ~$10 in a garden supply store and thought it might be useful as a sphere. Seems like it has been - a good demonstration that light, not subject or camera, creates the best pictures. I keep reminding myself this - it is so simple, but so very true. And because I know you like B&W just for Rachel

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3510458-M.jpg

[Thwack]

I haven't been able to find a single darn sphere...

Look no further than you local candy aisle..

http://thwack.smugmug.com/photos/3524734-S.jpg

and who can ignore a candy with a name that sounds like a cheap porno flick?

http://thwack.smugmug.com/photos/3524733-S.jpg

[fish]

psst...the assignment has ended.

[Thwack]

psst...the assignment has ended.

Yeah, I know...I would've posted the last pics sooner but a meeting got in the way. :D