>> dgrin challenge 14: who are the people in your neighborhood? <<

[Andy]

challenge 14, who are the people in your neighborhood?

(with apologies to the creators of sesame street!)

we run into all sorts of people each and every day. now, you get to photograph them! people shots are are equal parts "piece of cake and "impossible." trying to capture the essence of that person, in their character or their job or at a particular scene in "your neighborhood," is what makes this a particularly "challenging" task. yes - i know this will be difficult for many of you, and a totally new experience for some. that's the point of being "challenged" right?

now you might be thinking - "oh no! .. i can't photograph total strangers!" my answer? sure you can! you can practice that famous question: "excuse me, sir (ma'am)...may i take your photograph?" you'll be surprised at the number of times folks will blush and say "okay" :) sure, you can also photograph folks you know, too. some of you are more bold than others - and so you can share the tips and techniques involved in this fascinating type of photography.

people are everywhere, in small towns and big cities..so there's no
shortage of subjects to shoot ...er... photograph. here are some ideas that come to mind: gas station attendant (if you still have them!); the fedex guy; the woman who serves you your coffee each day; the traffic cop; firefighters; the mayor; local thugs (from a distance, please!); the piano teacher; that old lady at the park who feed the ducks; the town "nut" (yes, every town has one - or two!); the traveling salesperson; perhaps the neigborhood kids playing basketball; the town doctor; the city clinic staff; a fisherman at the local stream or bridge...two lovers admiring a beautiful
sunset... well, by now you get the idea.

a couple of rule
modifications, so please check here (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=1338)

the contest runs until june 15th. (**contests will always always end on mondays at 12noon NYC time**)

a few examples submitted by me to get you going....

are located here in this gallery (http://williams.smugmug.com/gallery/43183)

this is an opportunity to stretch our imagination, and our photographic and our interpersonal skills. in addition, it's a great chance for us to get to know the people from towns and cities all around the world! i'm excited to see what you all come up with, i know that you guys are an extremely imaginative crowd! so *please* get involved, have a lot of fun, and share your photos ;>

enjoy (challenge) photography,

[wxwax]

Good one Andy, and thanks for taking the time to give such a detailed explanation of the assignment. Could be a challenge for Lynn, recovering from her ankle surgery. Do they still have milkmen making deliveries in MA?

[damonff]

Daughter and Mother

http://nomadphotography.smugmug.com/photos/4814862-L.jpg

[Andy]

I guess I was thinking of neighborhood as walking distance. You sure can walk, and when you get there, you still have the stamina to get a lot done and take some great pictures while you are at it. I really like the one of the girl reading. And the old man on the bench, I never would have thought of taking him from the back. Some good pictures. Scary!
ginger

where you work, play, shop, recreate. not just where your home is ;-)

these pics are from nyc and environs. i live, 45 miles north of nyc on the hudson river, but i'm a ny-er thru and thru, and i'm there every day, so it's my "neighborhood"

the intent here is get people shots, candids, etc.

thanks for the kind words

[Andy]

you'll notice, in my examples, that i've employed varioius techniques. some are frontal shots, the person is aware. others are behind, they are not aware. some are b&w. some have various treatments in photoshop. realliy, this is a wide open challenge.

but let's remember the basics, please:

good composition.
interesting subject(s)
make good use of lighting, or add your own
proper exposure
good color management

before you post your entry, put on your newspaper photo-editor hat: would you put this photo in your publication?

don't forget that you can use the other "shots" forums to get feedback on your entries. and also the digital darkroom section of "photoshop shenanigans"

[wxwax]

Banana Seller
Daughter and Mother


Wow, off to a strong start, Damonff. I really like the silhouette. But I really, really like the expression on the mom's face and her posture and the framing.

[gubbs]

http://Gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/4868615-L-2.jpg

[wxwax]

Cool shot, gubbs. I like what you did with the blur. What does she look like if she's the only one without blur?

And is it really that warm in England right now?

[wxwax]

found these two at the end of my shooting session in nyc's central park today. i'll post example shots as i get them, is that alright with you guys?




:thumb Sure, of course. Then we can go out and steal yer ideas. :evil

[wxwax]

Cool shot, gubbs. I like what you did with the blur. What does she look like if she's the only one without blur? :scratch who do you mean Sid, the girl with the pink?


I was thinking the center of attention was the one looking at the camera.

[Andy]

[QUOTE=ginger_55]I walked all over my neighborhood today, and I couldn't find anyone who looked like that. I did see the older lady who is always gardening next door. I am terrified of her, one, my yard is a mess, and hers is not a mess, also, I am afraid that she might try to talk to me, and I won't be able to hear her. I don't hear social talk very well anymore, there is no frame of reference. And I have a sign out front saying that i am deaf, so I have been scared of what she thinks of me, just in general. Well, she wasn't happy I was taking her picture, but I was. I made a copy for her, too. Maybe I will have my husband take it over. This is my favorite of the scary elderly lady. Doesn't she look scary? ginger


wtg, ginger! you're on your way! :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

[Sandy]

NEWBIE

Can you imagine being only 2 weeks old and coming into the world as it is today?
This little baby and his mama were at the park where I usually run my dog and I couldn't resist asking if I could photograph the baby.

[gus]

' Ziggy '

...ziggy has lived in this very spot for the 9 years that i have seen him. People say he has been there longer. When it pours rain he pulls the bubble wrap plastic sheet over himself & he still sits there in summer when the the temperature hits 42 c (107 f). He has money & family & doesn't drink, just chooses this life. He is well educated & will have a chat with you if you wish.
This is the footpath of one off our busiest arterial roads in the city.


http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/4868512-L.jpg

[gus]

Hey andy...whats the go here ? one submission each or several ?

[Andy]

Hey andy...whats the go here ? one submission each or several ?

right now the rules say THREE but be prepared soon that we'll move to TWO entries and then finally, ONE entry per challenge.

i'll be making the change gradually ;-)

[Andy]

______________________

Why are you doing that?? What happened to Cletus group? Etc. Why is no one posting on this group like they did last time? The rules might be three, but it is easy to clean your submissions up to three at the last minute. What is the purpose of lowering the amt of submissions?

ginger

i believe that it is most important to be *self-critical* and so, in our case, we could use the regular shots forums for feedback, and submit our best shot to the challenge.

when i make a photograph, and present it, i *want* you all to like it, but i don't care if someone, or everyone, doesn't like it... becuase first and foremost, i like it. has to be this way for me.

think about it? thanks for continuing the discussion...

[damonff]

Shadow Face

http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/4843396-L.jpg

[rutt]

Shadow Face

Oh, oh. That's going to be hard to beat. The only opening might be relevance to topic. Really nice. (And, B+W has to be very special for me to like it at all.)

[damonff]

Thanks Rutt. I was waiting for my friend to pick something up before lunch on Saturday and this guy was riding down the street. I wanted to capture his face and I got him just as he entered the frame. I was disappointed at first but when I made it into a silhouette it worked...

[Andy]

Andy, I guess I am not critical enough. I know which picture I would leave if I had to leave one. But it would tear me up taking the others off. And I stopped at a place today at a place called Breach Inlet. Too much current for real swimming, but there were a lot of people enjoying the place. Of course they are my neighbors as I talked to most of them. I even did something I hardly ever do, I asked someone for permission to take his picture. Usually, I just tell them what I am doing. Sometimes they get all coy, even the men, and they say "no", but I keep shooting, and they get comfortable. But this guy I asked, just to do it. My problem point is, I already have pictures, 3, to submit. I probably will pick from them, as I have defined, in my mind, neighborhood to mean my immediate area. So far all my pictures are of people in my own cul do sac, and I will probably enter from that. But I honestly just love a whole lot of my pictures. I guess I am not self critical enough, and you all are so good, but my pictures are my pictures, generally reflect my style. I learn new techniques, take more pictures than I normally would because of these challenges, but I like a whole lot of my pictures. Different subjects. I know I will enter the child in the doorway, because I happen to like sad children. I love sad children, just my quirk. But that does not mean the pictures are actually better, it just means that I prefer a picture of a sad child to almost anything else. I don't know how you could narrow your own pictures down to one. I think the topic should get more narrow as the selection process gets tighter. That would help in being self critical. Smile, ginger (I started taking pictures as a child, too, with a Brownie camera, I was 8)

very thoughtful post, ginger. you're on your way to self-criticism, keep it up. it's very very hard, and you *must* take chances with your work!

[ginger_55]

All around my neighborhood. From the young to the old, these are the young.

http://gingersnap.smugmug.com/photos/4898740-L.jpg
Child
by ginger

http://gingersnap.smugmug.com/photos/4837060-L.jpg
Across The Cul De Sac


http://gingerSnap.smugmug.com/photos/5081667-L.jpg

The Cat Lady at the end of the cul de sac

photography by ginger






by ginger

[Andy]

All around my neighborhood. From the young to the old, these are the young.


Children by ginger (the pictures, grin)

c'mon, they cudda been yours :wink

ginger i like your style :lust

[gus]

right now the rules say THREE but be prepared soon that we'll move to TWO entries and then finally, ONE entry per challenge.

i'll be making the change gradually ;-)
Thats what i thought the entire idea was....one shot...do your best...& be judged.

Its not as if there isnt room in the other areas to post your good shots under many headings. I think its crowding out the assignment idea.

[Andy]

Thats what i thought the entire idea was....one shot...do your best...& be judged.

Its not as if there isnt room in the other areas to post your good shots under many headings. I think its crowding out the assignment idea.

next challenge ....

thanks 'gus

[lynnma]

next challenge ....

thanks 'gusI agree entirely.. one really good shot, your best, then it makes the assignment tougher and more interesting I think. Just my 2 cents.:D

[Andy]

please keep your contributions to the challenge to three shots. remember, you can "try out" your shots for comments and critique in the other fora ;-)

thanks

[ginger_55]

I have deleted most of mine. I cannot do anyone else's, but I think that all the talk makes this challenge very cluttered and difficult to look at. I also deleted all my "chatter" posts. Just an observation. by ginger

[rutt]

I just couldn't resist this simple portrait of a happy child on a sunny June day. So here is my first submission.

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/4915589-L.jpg

[Shakey]

People photography is something I have not delved into much in my short time into this hobby.
At any rate I will try.


Title: Walking Away
http://shakey.smugmug.com/photos/4943821-M.jpg



Tim

[gus]

Cool to get the bird there as well shakey :thumb

[lynnma]

I just couldn't resist this simple portrait of a happy child on a sunny June day. So here is my first submission.

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/4915589-S.jpgThats a lovely shot rutt.. lovely tones. (bet it would make a great b&W):D

[DoctorIt]

Thats a lovely shot rutt.. lovely tones. (bet it would make a great b&W):D whaddya sayin'? don't approve of green hair?

[DavidTO]

the contest runs until june 15th.

Hate to be a stickler...but can you be more specific?

Thanks for keeping us all in line.

[Andy]

Hate to be a stickler...but can you be more specific?

Thanks for keeping us all in line.

submission deadline for this challenge is monday, june 14th at noon nyc time

i apologize for the mistake. so, you have just under a week left.

your benevolent host has spoken :huh

[dkapp]

This photo was taken on the Muni (subway) in San Francisco Sunday. PS CS strips the EXIF info when I do "save for web." If anyone has a workaround, I'd appreciate the info.

The old man and woman were trying hard not to notice each other, and i was sure they were going to strike up a conversation by the end of the trip. I guess neither one could get up the nerve to say "hello"

Please let me know what you think of the shot. I've been doing a lot of reflection & motion shots lately & I'm looking to improve.

Picture was taken with a D70 & kit lens. Only post processing was crop & curves.

Thanks,
Dave

http://dkapp.smugmug.com/photos/4970295-M.jpg


**Edit**
I just used the technique provided by andy. I had to convert to 8 bit to get the *.jpg option. Full EXIF is avaialbe at my site http://dkapp.smugmug.com/gallery/136098
**End Edit**

[Andy]

[QUOTE=dkapp]This photo was taken on the Muni (subway) in San Francisco Sunday. PS CS strips the EXIF info when I do "save for web." If anyone has a workaround, I'd appreciate the info.

don't do "save for web" instead, choose "save as" give it a file name and location, choose compression of 7 and off you go ;-)


as benevolent host i don't comment on pics until after the challenge ;-)

[gypsy77360]

As I was in Austin , Texas this weekend , here are a few people I saw in my neighborhood......
People/Capitol @sunset
http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/5081391-M.jpg
An intent artist
http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/4891678-M.jpg
Hank Williams Jr.
http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/5079103-M.jpg

[Sam]

Here is a guy who was in my neighborhood, or maybe I was in his.

[damonff]

Cool one Shakey...

[gus]

Andy....i have a major problem here. Ever since this title went up...i have had the tune (sesame street, " who are the people in your neighborhood ") in my head for every waking moment. Nothing will shake it...pain killers...eating raw chillies...riding like there is no tomorrow in traffic. NOTHING will stop it.


Can we choose something next time that has less effect on the ADD guys on the board next time please.

[Wolf]

Andy....i have a major problem here. Ever since this title went up...i have had the tune (sesame street, " who are the people in your neighborhood ") in my head for every waking moment. Nothing will shake it...pain killers...eating raw chillies...riding like there is no tomorrow in traffic. NOTHING will stop it.


Can we choose something next time that has less effect on the ADD guys on the board next time please.
Man, I am glad I'm not alone. I have had the same problem and it is making my ADD impossible to live with!! At least I know I am not completely "nuts". I guess it could've been worse, like maybe, "It's a small world", that one will make ya totally buggers...

[gus]

Man, I am glad I'm not alone. I have had the same problem and it is making my ADD impossible to live with!! At least I know I am not completely "nuts". I guess it could've been worse, like maybe, "It's a small world", that one will make ya totally buggers...
Oh great man....now im gonn'a be doing that as well !! :wxwax

[lynnma]

Oh great man....now im gonn'a be doing that as well !! :wxwaxHey me too!!! ... Every time I think about shooting someone it starts...I'll add "rain drops keep fallin on me head"...:rofl

[gubbs]

manamana

[Andy]

i fell your pain.

do this:

play "ymca" by the village people, backwards. that will cure you of the two offending songs.

then, go have a

"pina colada" and put on some rupert holmes


hahahahahahhehehehehe

[Wolf]

i fell your pain.

do this:

play "ymca" by the village people, backwards. that will cure you of the two offending songs.

then, go have a

"pina colada" and put on some rupert holmes


hahahahahahhehehehehe
Oh, how nice of you, now we ADD'ers have two more monotonous tunes banging away in our brains! Good example though of more repititive tunes that you can't get out of your head!

The backwards part might just work...

[Wolf]

Hey me too!!! ... Every time I think about shooting someone it starts...I'll add "rain drops keep fallin on me head"...:rofl
No, no, please no! Not raindrops!! Yikes...

[RachelBrune]

Damonff: Shadow Face is excellent! But so is every shot you post. I like your style and sense of emotion, as well as the extraordinary you find in every day shots.
-Rachel

[pathfinder]

Three Hats

http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/4814852-S.jpg

I love this shot, but I am not thrilled about the sepia - could we see it in color or as a platinum style toning? I am particularly interested in the original color. Thanks.

[gubbs]

http://Gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/4995121-L.jpg

[dkapp]

I see a lot of great shots here...the voting is going to be tough.

Dave

[Andy]

I see a lot of great shots here...the voting is going to be tough.

Dave

the entries are very good

[damonff]

Thanks Rachel. The guy was passing by on a bike when I snapped him...

[damonff]

Pathfinder...I posted the color versionn in cool shots...thanks for the compliment...

[snapapple]

This is a shot I took at a family wedding last weekend. My grandsons and my nephew were sipping their fruit punch at the bar. I posted it in "other cool shots" first. I'm recovering from my heart attack (see cool shots) so havn't been out and about too much. Sorry I missed out on the voting for "Pathways".

[Andy]

remember, try to encourage other folks to enter the challenge. and, when the time comes, everyone must vote, and encourage others to vote - even non-entrants can vote!

andy

[lynnma]

I had to get out of the house today. Went for a manicure. Here's the shot I took. Great shot snapple... hows it feel to be out and about?:D
Lynn

[snapapple]

It feels great to be out again! I can't believe how quickly I get tired though.
I'm replacing the manicure shot. I thought the light looked like it was coming out of her head. The Starbucks shop is next to nail salon. So, here's a shot from there too. The guy was actually moving. No blur added in post. You know how these guys do three things at once. --This is my first try at linking to Smugmug.
Manicure
http://snapapple.smugmug.com/photos/5015929-M.jpg
Starbucks
http://snapapple.smugmug.com/photos/5015931-M.jpg

[Shakey]

Entry#2
Title: Harold
http://shakey.smugmug.com/photos/5017472-M.jpg

[snapapple]

Love the expression on Harold. Looks like he's playing golf. Is he?

[Shakey]

No he is watching baseball. :D

[tmlphoto]

http://tmlphoto.smugmug.com/photos/5025352-L.jpg

Kanine Kayak

[tmlphoto]

http://tmlphoto.smugmug.com/photos/5025551-L.jpg
Copy Cat

[DavidTO]

Here's my entries:

Tree Climber

http://davidrosenthal.smugmug.com/photos/5022454-M.jpg


Backrub

http://davidrosenthal.smugmug.com/photos/5022623-M.jpg


Friends

http://davidrosenthal.smugmug.com/photos/5047201-M.jpg

[Shakey]

Entry #3

Title :City Hall
http://shakey.smugmug.com/photos/5050011-M.jpg


mere paces away is City Hall and City Council who in their infinite wisdom pass laws on grass height and backyard firepits,while ever increasing population of homeless people needing shelter falls on deaf ears.
It never seems to be on top of anyone's minds during summer but winter brings temperatures past -40.

Tim

[damonff]

Smoking

http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/5038920-L.jpg

[Sandy]

This very stylish guy stopped to have tea or coffee at the Buzz and I was able to get a good candid shot in as I passed by. Looks like he is engrossed in whatever he is studying or reading.

http://sandra.smugmug.com/photos/5043772-L.jpg

[wxwax]

Friends
http://davidrosenthal.smugmug.com/photos/5047201-S.jpg

A very nice slice of life. Nice moment captured, and of course the symmetry.

[DavidTO]

A very nice slice of life. Nice moment captured, and of course the symmetry.

Thanks, wxwax

[SeeMoon]

Wow! I saw a lot of good entries! Here are mine..

Bird;

http://see-moon.smugmug.com/photos/5066439-L.jpg

Proud;

http://see-moon.smugmug.com/photos/5067021-L.jpg

[digismile]

Not much to submit this challenge. A photo of my neighbour's son as he "toddled" around the neighbourhood. Gonna' need a LOT of Tide!


http://digismile.smugmug.com/photos/5067425-L.jpg

[SeeMoon]

Last one; My mom didn't want her picture taken..

Mom;

[digismile]

http://gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/5073159-S.jpg
OK gubbs! What gives!:huh

I look at a photo you posted, and then come back and it's gone! What happened to the the B/W photo (old lady in wheel chair) with just a hint of colour in the girl's sweater? "Fete something or other..."

I thought it was a great photo. I almost didn't even see the colour it was so subtle, but that's what I liked!:D

Talk about BLINK and it's gone!
Brad

[gubbs]

Sorry, you're a victim of my indecision
its here (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=15639#post15639)

[Argusphoto]

I found these two at Five Points South in Birmingham

http://wallyworld.smugmug.com/photos/5076346-M.jpg

[wxwax]

Not a great challenge for me, I'm afraid, haven't been able to devote myself the way I'd like. Here are a couple that are not worthy.


Mailman
http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/5076537-M.jpg



Tennisman
http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/5076332-M.jpg

[ginger_55]

Why are the balls green?

[wxwax]

Why are the balls green?

Slightly enhanced, Ginger, but that's their actual color. You don't seem to see many white tennis balls, anymore.

[Argusphoto]

a local Artist

http://wallyworld.smugmug.com/photos/5076348-M.jpg

[digismile]

http://www.moonriverphotography.com/photos/5072069-S.jpg

enjoy (party crashers) photography,
Great photo (as always!)

It's easy to see why this is such a great photo. The baby looks like it is looking right at me. It absolutely GRABS you and brings you into the photo. She was right there in the moment when you took the photo. Doesn't it make you wonder what she was thinking about you Andy?

Brad

[Shakey]

Replace Entry #2 Harold with...
Title :Any Step will do




Timhttp://shakey.smugmug.com/photos/5080777-M.jpg

[ginger_55]

Slightly enhanced, Ginger, but that's their actual color. You don't seem to see many white tennis balls, anymore.

I have not seen white balls in so many years, I don't know if I ever did, and I am an old lady. I have never seen a green ball, either. Yellow, they are yellow!
ginger

[GREAPER]

I have not seen white balls in so many years, I don't know if I ever did, and I am an old lady. I have never seen a green ball, either. Yellow, they are yellow!
ginger
I rarly see white tennis balls anymore but have seen them. I see yellow ones ocasionally but by far the most common color where I live is green

[Sam]

Confidence

[gubbs]

Hey Gubbs...I was inspired by your great capture...hope you don't mind... Thanks Damon,
No problem, I apreciate the feedback and advice so feel free to change anything!
Plus, I much prefer yours! I've changed the entry, left the colour in though as I like the red brick??

[damonff]

Love it Gubbs. It looks great!! I like the red brick too. I've just been obsessed with that particular tritone lately...sick of color (for my stuff).

[gus]

Very cute there sam :thumb



Hey Shakey...your mate looks like my mates (page 2 of this thread) brother

[lynnma]

Confidence
Sam thats a beautiful shot...:clap :clap:clap

[Argusphoto]

Nice day for a ride.

http://wallyworld.smugmug.com/photos/5076347-M.jpg

[GREAPER]

Happy Boy


http://dehmphoto.smugmug.com/photos/4926370-L.jpg

[Andy]

i'm out of town from sunday eve thru tuesday. my able assistant shay stephens has my finalist pics and will post the voting thread on monday afternoon. he's got my proxy if there are late entries in the next 24 hours

nice work, guys!

[SeeMoon]

Replace Entry #2 Harold with...
Title :Any Step will do




Timhttp://shakey.smugmug.com/photos/5080777-S.jpg

As much as i like this one (good job in PS by the way!) i'm kind of sorry to see you've replaced Harold! I liked that one very much..

[GREAPER]

Park Walker


http://dehmphoto.smugmug.com/photos/5101634-M.jpg


Father N Son

http://dehmphoto.smugmug.com/photos/5101633-L.jpg

[lynnma]

Park Walker





Father N Son

I love the father and son greap....:D

[gubbs]

http://Gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/5134337-L.jpg

[Shay Stephens]

Andy is out of town for a few days (ultra secret spy mission I hear). So he asked me to close the challenge for him (or am I Andy masquerading as Shay??). So consider this challenge officially terminated!

I am sure there is probably a more appropriate Klingon way to end this, but my Star Trek language learning CD is still being shipped (when will it ever get here?!?!)

Anyway, while I wait for that CD, I will setup the voting thread in the next few minutes (or whatever you Earth people call a voting thread now).

:-)

[rutt]

Andy is out of town for a few days (ultra secret spy mission I hear). So he asked me to close the challenge for him (or am I Andy masquerading as Shay??). So consider this challenge officially terminated!

I am sure there is probably a more appropriate Klingon way to end this, but my Star Trek language learning CD is still being shipped (when will it ever get here?!?!)

Anyway, while I wait for that CD, I will setup the voting thread in the next few minutes (or whatever you Earth people call a voting thread now).

:-) I thought we had until the end of today. Here is what is says in Andy's opening post:

the contest runs until june 15th.

[DoctorIt]

me too. I just checked the "photo challenges" general thread though, and for sure, its noon nyc time. drats, i had some good ones from this weekend too!

[rutt]

me too. I just checked the "photo challenges" general thread though, and for sure, its noon nyc time. drats, i had some good ones from this weekend too!
I just looked at Andy's opening post, which says it runs until June 15, didn't check the fine print. Please clarify.

[Shay Stephens]

I just looked at Andy's opening post, which says it runs until June 15, didn't check the fine print. Please clarify.
The modified rules state in part:
1. contests will start on thursdays, and run for roughly eleven days, ending on a monday at 12noon nyc time. the purpose of this is so that you folks will have two weekends in which to create your prize winning photographs.

And since I am on a harsh Klingon kick, I will enforce this with cruel severity!

Phasers on stun, take no prisoners.....arrrghghghghghghghg

[Andy]

The modified rules state in part:
1. contests will start on thursdays, and run for roughly eleven days, ending on a monday at 12noon nyc time. the purpose of this is so that you folks will have two weekends in which to create your prize winning photographs.

And since I am on a harsh Klingon kick, I will enforce this with cruel severity!

Phasers on stun, take no prisoners.....arrrghghghghghghghg


mondays at noon (http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=15082&postcount=34)

[Shakey]

Rutt ,I hope you did'nt get caught holding your best photo's till the end :-(.

Tim

[rutt]

Rutt ,I hope you did'nt get caught holding your best photo's till the end :-(.

Tim
Yeah, that's just what happend. Last night I was trying to narrow it down, then I checked the opening post of the thread and thought "gee, I can stew on it for an extra day". So I did. I guess I'm easily confused.

[Andy]

Yeah, that's just what happend. Last night I was trying to narrow it down, then I checked the opening post of the thread and thought "gee, I can stew on it for an extra day". So I did. I guess I'm easily confused.

ahh jeez -- i'm really sorry.

i did put it in red to try to highlight it. i'm sorry that the opening post doesn't have it right. i'll fix in the future.

[rutt]

ahh jeez -- i'm really sorry.

i did put it in red to try to highlight it. i'm sorry that the opening post doesn't have it right. i'll fix in the future.
No real harm done. I had a blast shooting for this assignment and I'm looking forward to the next one. The real goal is to improve as photographers, right? And I really feel that happened for me this time.

[Andy]

No real harm done. I had a blast shooting for this assignment and I'm looking forward to the next one. The real goal is to improve as photographers, right? And I really feel that happened for me this time.

please do post your entries anyhow, so i and the others can see them?

thanks very much.

[rutt]

please do post your entries anyhow, so i and the others can see them?

thanks very much.
You've seen them in other threads. I would probably have substituted one of the "play" images for the girl with the green hair and used a the out at third from the "Comeback!" story and finally I would have used this image:

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/5113237-L.jpg

[ondrovic]

I shot this Saturday at a community singing in my adopted neighborhood of Benham, KY.

[damonff]

I love this one...

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/5113237-L.jpg[/QUOTE]

[gubbs]

http://Gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/5152396-L.jpg

[gubbs]

http://gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/5152398-L.jpg

[Andy]

http://Gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/4868615-L-2.jpg

gubbs, i dig this shot, i really do. it was *this* close to being a finalist :clap

i think that the blown areas were just a bit too blown, and i found myself distracted by them rather than enticed by them. i love the action, the mood, and the subjects. nice compo, too.

[Andy]

[QUOTE=Sandy]NEWBIE

i felt that the toning was too reddish/rusty, and detracted. also, the parental hand was very big and takes up a lot of space, also distracting me.

[Andy]

i couldn't find a focal point here. unsupported by your caption, i'd not know what i was looking at. i think this image could benefit from more of ziggy showing, and more of the surroundings.

[Andy]

this image was very dark to me, and i struggled with it. i love the shadow face part but the rest got me confused. maybe you can make a portrait orientation out of just the left side?

[Andy]

a cool shot but the extreme crop and central compo threw me. wasn't as strong as your finalist entry.

[Andy]

a cool shot but the extreme crop and central compo threw me. wasn't as strong as your finalist entry.

not as strong as your finalist entry. also, it just seemed overdone to me. the blur is very hard to do naturally. i know how much work you put into this one, jus think about how much you learned for the next time!

[Andy]

i liked the portrait. nice compo, really sharp, and i liked the catchlights in her eyes.

[Andy]

tim, this is an engaging shot. i'd like some breathing room in the compo to the left of the man. also, if he could be brought up exposure wise just some, i think i'd have been much more engaged in the scene.

[Andy]

the rally shot was a bit touristy for me. great for the scrapbook but i didn't feel it was as strong as the other entries. hank is great, honorable mention for this one, lovely compo and shot overall. edged out by your finalist.

[ginger_55]

not as strong as your finalist entry. also, it just seemed overdone to me. the blur is very hard to do naturally. i know how much work you put into this one, jus think about how much you learned for the next time!
Thanks for the explanations, Andy. Yes, I put a lot of work in that shot, but I put a lot more work in on a baptism shot of a man holding his baby. His wife died in childbirth. I worked on that all Sunday afternoon and all day yesterday. Had books open the whole thing. Beautiful baby, didn't have to touch her at all, but the man looked like, well he had huge circles under his eyes, they were swollen and I even removed what looked like bloodshot. I wanted it to be nice, and I think it is. No one told me he was going to be there.

Now, on The Cat Lady, I answered your explanation, as I really, honestly want to know what I learned. Not to blur so much? What do you think the criteria is for blur, because I struggled with it in my mind, before I settled on an obliterated background.

The kid probably, to me, just wasn't as strong. I would have done the same thing again with her. I will center things, if I get a real chance. Also, I crop most things very tight. That would be a big problem if anyone ever ordered anything from me. They would end up with a significant part of the picture gone. Geez, I have been trying....... I know that problem, but it has been kind of my trademark for years. I crop in the camera in the spur of the moment, too. Sometimes I couldn't do anything if I wanted.

But The Cat Lady, should she have been less blurred. (No one noticed that until I did her over, for the last time, a huge part of the cat, a giant leg, was missing. Funny.)

ginger, and on the cat lady and the blur????? Next time?? I do think you picked a good picture from me. I have never done one like that before. It was a straight shot, and I think it is very good.

[Andy]

Here is a guy who was in my neighborhood, or maybe I was in his.

this would have made it in the finals if the climber had been up towards the top of the frame rather than at the bottom of it. do you see what i mean?

good work ;-)

[Andy]

a bit oliv-y for my taste. and i think it's a stop or so too dark. i love the idea, and perhaps with some tweaks this could be a great shot. edged by your finalist entry.

[Andy]

i really liked this shot, and you were *this* close to making the finals. a cool shot. love the compo and the rows of threes :clap

also - on your starbucks shot - keep shooting there! it's such a great place for candids. i would have liked to see the barista's face for this one. otherwise, i have a lot of machinery etc and little interest.

[Andy]

a great candid portrait. edged by your finalist :clap :clap

[Andy]

more snapshot-y than challenge-y in my opinion. it's a very cool shot, you have way cool dogs to do this :wink :wink

also, on "copy cat" i like this one very much for the fridge.

[Andy]

the climber could be great, but the branches are obscuring the main subject's face ... a distraction to me. love it, otherwise!

the backrub - a really fun family type shot.

[Andy]

i like the subject and compo and treatment. i'd love it if the subject was a tad more exposed (brighter)

[Andy]

lovely idea, and almost perfect. i think you need to work on the selection and area around the boys hair -- always a tough area!

[Andy]

love the treatment in post. this was edged by your finalist entry

[Andy]

a very nice momento of a trip somewhere but not strong enough to make the finalists. some nice neighbors though :1drink

as for the artist, i wouldn't know he was one without your caption. so it sort of lost me....

i liked the cyclist - a cool shot but i was distracted by the cars around. look for ways to isolate your subject if you can

[Andy]

crop the mailman and just the boxes he's working on. lose the whole right side and i think it's an improved shot.

tennisman, nice concept - just edged by the other finalists.

[Andy]

a great portrait of this lovely young girl. just edged out by the finalists.

keep up the good work.

[Andy]

i love his expression. and eyes. i find that it's a bit dark for me though, would love to have seen a bit more light on his face.

(oh and ditto for father and son - they could benefit from an exposure boost i think)

well done!

[snapapple]

also - on your starbucks shot - keep shooting there! it's such a great place for candids. i would have liked to see the barista's face for this one. otherwise, i have a lot of machinery etc and little interest.[/QUOTE]


Andy, here's a Starbucks shot with a face (just for fun). Is it better or worse? I still don't see a lot going on, but the guy is kind of weird looking. // Snappy

http://snapapple.smugmug.com/photos/5186014-M.jpg

[SURFPHOTO]

Boat Captain of a Swiss Ferry boat on Lake Luzern

eos 1d
28 to 80 2.8L

[Andy]

Boat Captain of a Swiss Ferry boat on Lake Luzern

eos 1d
28 to 80 2.8L

hi surf - challenge is closed ... thanks for the entry, i like him !

[wxwax]

Boat Captain of a Swiss Ferry boat on Lake Luzern

eos 1d
28 to 80 2.8L

I like him too... just what a boat captain should look like.

[SURFPHOTO]

Sorry .. did not read the enrty info.. shame on me!
I do however, paln to join in the next round!!

[Andy]

Sorry .. did not read the enrty info.. shame on me!
I do however, paln to join in the next round!!

absolutely no shame! this is a great shot!