Assignments: Simple shapes and lines

[Nikolai]

OK, here's the deal: some of us never learned how to shoot. I mean - not that many people here took a single photography class. And now, with the families and full time jobs, chances of taking one are as fat as me becoming next US president (hint: I was not born in US:-).
Recently one of my colleagues acquired a DSLR and he's eager to learn. So we kinda started a little Photography 101 class. And then I thought - hey, maybe somebody else would be interested, too...
So, here we are, starting an online photography class. No lectures (yet), but practice, practice and practice. No prizes, no penalties. The only awards you'll be getting is that you'll notice that the quality of your shots will - hopefully - improve.
We start with weekly assignments. We'll specify the "theme" and all you have to do is go out and shoot (sometimes you don't even have to go out, just shoot:-). Once again, there will be no As or Fs, no awards or disqualifications. Simply put the theme to the back burner of your mind and have your camera with you.

Now, without further ado - this week's (and our class' first) assignment:
Simple Shapes and Lines.
Circles, triangles, squares - any basic geometrical shape will do.
Recommendations: try to avoid "rectangles", such as buildings or window panes. However, a nice closeup of the USB connector will definitely do:-)

Try to post your findings as replies to this thread. There is no expiration date, but next week we'll have another theme, so I suggest you start working on your shapes and lines now:-)

Rules, index, etc. (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=376903#post376903)

[Nikolai]

01: IMG_6269: Angled lines and a circle:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86245245-L.jpg

02: IMG_6270: Multiple circles, hexagons and triangles:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86245249-L.jpg

03: IMG_6271: Circumferences:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86245260-L.jpg

04: IMG_6273: Circles and pentagon:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86245264-L.jpg

05: IMG_6275: Diagonal line:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86245268-L.jpg

06: IMG_6276: Circles and triangles:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86245274-L.jpg

07: IMG_6277: Lines and angles:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86245283-L.jpg

[Antonio Correia]

Nikolai,

This is a terrific ideia. (I assume terrific is fantastic, good).
I'm in. :):
Wait and see...
Regards. :thumb

[Antonio Correia]

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/86288261-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

Great, welcome to the class!!! :clap

Since we're all learning, a few suggestions:

No need for such a detailed EXIF data, it just bloats the post
Sea shells like yours feature a rather complicated mathematical object called "logarithmic spiral". And we're specifically looking for very basic objects. :D
At this point our goal is not to have a different treatment of the same subject, however good it is :wink , but rather, find different subjects, for which we need to be actively looking in different places...
No rush, we have the whole week!So, do you think you can find a few more basic shapes? :wink

Obrigado!

[Antonio Correia]

The so called rather complicated mathematical object called "logarithmic spiral" are composed of basic elements. :D

Nikolai let me ask you as you are in the position of teacher and you do know very much of this:
- Do you have any degree in this matter ?
- Have you been to a school of photography ?

:thumb

[Nikolai]

The so called rather complicated mathematical object called "logarithmic spiral" are composed of basic elements. :D

Nikolai let me ask you as you are in the position of teacher and you do know very much of this:
- Do you have any degree in this matter ?
- Have you been to a school of photography ?

:thumb

Since you've asked:
* I have been teaching various aspects of applied mathematics (probability theory, gas and hydro dynamics, systems of partial differential equations, functional analysis, etc.) and computer science at one of the top soviet universities for 13+ years as an associate professor. I had my Ph.D. ready when USSR fell down, teaching didn't pay much and I had to provide for the family, so I switched to computer programming... :D
* No, I haven't. Otherwise I'd charge for the lessons... :wink

And, for the record, logarithmic spiral is *not* "composed of basic elements", just as a circumference is not composed from segments of a straight line... :):

HTH

Cheers! :1drink

[Antonio Correia]

Since you've asked:
* I have been teaching various aspects of applied mathematics (probability theory, gas and hydro dynamics, systems of partial differential equations, functional analysis, etc.) and computer science at one of the top soviet universities for 13+ years as an associate professor. I had my Ph.D. ready when USSR fell down, teaching didn't pay much and I had to provide for the family, so I switched to computer programming... :D
* No, I haven't. Otherwise I'd charge for the lessons... :wink

And, for the record, logarithmic spiral is *not* "composed of basic elements", just as a circumference is not composed from segments of a straight line... :):

HTH

Cheers! :1drink

I really am impressed.

So, I dare say, you are much more inteligent than myself. No kidding.

I do have more photos preparing... :thumb

[Nikolai]

I really am impressed.

So, I dare say, you are much more inteligent than myself. No kidding.

I do have more photos preparing... :thumb

I don't think we need to go in IQ contest here. We're all gifted, simply in different areas. I happended to be a math nerd (in my past, at least), which hopefully didn't make me a bad guy :):

Anyways, I got another sample for this week's class from my todays trip to a bamboo forest (http://nik.smugmug.com/gallery/1745216):

Lines:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86340924-L.jpg

Cheers! :1drink

[Antonio Correia]

Nikolai,
It isn't very sharp is it ? :huh
Then, this pic stands for lines, right ?
:thumb

[Antonio Correia]

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/66130841-M.jpg

[Antonio Correia]

lines
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/86348373-M.jpg

[Antonio Correia]

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/86351303-M.jpg

[Antonio Correia]

more lines
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/86347356-M.jpg

[Antonio Correia]

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/86356994-M.jpg

[Antonio Correia]

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/86357775-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

Nikolai,
It isn't very sharp is it ? :huh
Then, this pic stands for lines, right ?
:thumb

It's a dark bamboo forest, I shot 50mm f/1.8 wide open at a close distance, so DOF is rather shallow. However, as you rightly guessed :thumb , I was shooting for the lines impression, not trying to get everything in focus.. :):
Cheers! :1drink

[Nikolai]

lines, angles, lines and circles!
Good going! I'm curios to see what else you will get untill this week is over:-) :thumb

[Antonio Correia]

lines, angles, lines and circles!
Good going! I'm curios to see what else you will get untill this week is over:-) :thumb


Not much !
I have something to do from time to time ... :):
Like these ?
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711/2/86355893

[Nikolai]

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/gallery/1587711/3/86095475

for circles/spheres... if it was taken during the assignment timeframe - and with the assignment in mind :wink

[Antonio Correia]

http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/86506125-M.jpg

[juliejules]

I am always trying to improve my technique, so I'll try to particpate as time permits.

Here is the first thing I saw that struck me as simple geometric shapes. Here are 2 photos of my PODS container.


http://juliejules.smugmug.com/photos/86786740-L.jpg

http://juliejules.smugmug.com/photos/86786844-L.jpg

[SpeshulEd]

Awesome idea! I'm always looking for more stuff to focus on... here's some that I already have on smugmug:

http://speshuled.smugmug.com/photos/86428386-M.jpg

http://speshuled.smugmug.com/photos/86436552-M.jpg

I'll have to keep an eye out for more when I go shooting at night.

[Nikolai]

I am always trying to improve my technique, so I'll try to particpate as time permits.

Here is the first thing I saw that struck me as simple geometric shapes. Here are 2 photos of my PODS container.


Let's see if you can get more of some other shapes:-) :thumb

[Nikolai]

Awesome idea! I'm always looking for more stuff to focus on... here's some that I already have on smugmug:

I'll have to keep an eye out for more when I go shooting at night.

Nice lines and angles! Now let's get some fresh ones! :thumb

[juliejules]

I took this one earlier this summer. These are poppets, which are used to hold up sailboats on land.
http://www.juliejules.com/photos/81616564-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

I took this one earlier this summer. These are poppets, which are used to hold up sailboats on land.

In a general spirit of the assignment, I'd suggest sopme cropping so nothing except those triangles shows.
And, of course, a fresh version is always the goal :wink

[Antonio Correia]

Nikolai,

As expected, a brilliant ideia this one ...

I don't have a picture today. :scratch

Tomorrow I'll be shooting in the church.
Regards
:thumb

[Haystack]

I will play,

[Nikolai]

Nikolai,
As expected, a brilliant ideia this one ...

:): :thumb :wink
I don't have a picture today. :scratch
No worries, we have the rest of the week:-)


Tomorrow I'll be shooting in the church.
Regards
:thumb
Good luck with that, hope everything will go as planned and you'll end up with some nice dramatic shots.
Saude! :1drink

[Nikolai]

I will play,
I can see the lines of the rows, and little cylinders of the hay :thumb
Now, let's get something more prominently geometric :D

[ChrisJ]

Great idea, Nik...

Rectangles (sorry, couldn't avoid them...)
http://chrisandjoy.smugmug.com/photos/86864021-L.jpg

Lines
http://chrisandjoy.smugmug.com/photos/86864025-L.jpg

[truth]

http://truth.smugmug.com/photos/85793514-L-1.jpg

[Nikolai]

Great idea, Nik...
Rectangles (sorry, couldn't avoid them...)
Lines


Well, your rectangles also qualify as lines:-)
Welcome to the Class! :thumb

[Nikolai]

I knew them road signs will be coming :rofl

[juliejules]

http://juliejules.smugmug.com/photos/86871206-L.jpg

I know it's an old photo, and I'll try to get more before the end of the week.

[truth]

I knew them road signs will be coming :rofl
Just happened to have em handy for ya. Glad I could help.

[Nikolai]

I know it's an old photo, and I'll try to get more before the end of the week.
Yep, the week is young:-)

[Nikolai]

I know it's an old photo, and I'll try to get more before the end of the week.

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/43244918-L.jpg

[Antonio Correia]

I had to go out today for some 1/2 hour and I took the camera and etc with me in the car.
I shot this picture in the center of Setúbal.
There is a little distortion in the window at left ... :huh
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/86880582-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

I had to go out today for some 1/2 hour and I took the camera and etc with me in the car.
I shot this picture in the center of Setúbal.
There is a little distortion in the window at left ... :huh


... this would be an example of rectangles? :scratch

[Antonio Correia]

... this would be an example of rectangles? :scratch
Arcs, rectangles, squares. No ?

[Nikolai]

Came home from work and had a quite half an hour to play with this week assignment and produce more samples... :D

01: IMG_6314: Lines and triangles (toolshed door):

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86920316-L.jpg

02: IMG_6315: I Love Lines (pool pump door):

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86920334-L.jpg

03: IMG_6316: Lines (backyard fence):

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86920356-L.jpg

04: IMG_6317: Lines (hammock strings):

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86920388-L.jpg

05: IMG_6318: Rectangles and lines (kitchen wall):

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86920427-L.jpg

06: IMG_6319: Circumference (empty wine glass):

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86920438-L.jpg

07: IMG_6320: Circles (non-empty wine glass:-):

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86920457-L.jpg

08: IMG_6321: Lines and square angles (driveway):

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86920495-L.jpg

09: IMG_6322: Line (driveway):

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86920564-L.jpg

HTH

[pathfinder]

Ok - Watch out Nik, I'm joining the marching band!!:clap :1drink

These were all shot this evening with a Tamron 180 macro at f18 to f25 in Manual Mode, and illuminated with a SunPac FP38 Flat Panel flash unit triggered with a PW. I really am liking the SunPac FP38 flat panel flash :thumb , its guide number of 35 is just about perfect for macros at small apertures.

Straight lines first - I always think first of B&W for graphical assigments like Lines and Curves, Nik. But sometimes, monotones work well for me also.

Straight Lines and Curves

From my airconditioner grill - B&W of course
http://Pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/86925702-L.jpg


A Klipsch speaker cabinet
http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/86925069-L.jpg


An audio analyzer B&W again
http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/86924195-L.jpg


And now, Curves and Circles

A wooden drawer pull - monotone
http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/86924757-L.jpg


A vase in B&W - cuves and circles
http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/86924287-L.jpg

Or in color
http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/86924472-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

Ok - Watch out Nik, I'm joining the marching band!!:clap :1drink

I'm very glad to have you in our class! :clap
Is Nightingale joining, too?:wink

[pathfinder]

I'll ask her, but she is busy this summer teaching nurses, so I doubt she'll be joining us.

But I will ask her. Thanks for the welcome Nik!:):

[Nikolai]

I'll ask her, but she is busy this summer teaching nurses, so I doubt she'll be joining us.

But I will ask her. Thanks for the welcome Nik!:):

And one more for tonight (kids just came back from Pennies For Piccolos):

Circles (coin grid):
http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/86937593-L.jpg

Have a good one! :thumb

[spudjer]

Lines and circles in the heat!
14175

[Nikolai]

Lines and circles in the heat!


Very nice angles, too! :thumb

[spudjer]

Very nice angles, too! :thumb

Thanx Darth, I hope to participate in your future lessons, great to flex the "eye". Haven't had time to PP them but I think they might work well in b&w, high contrast to play on the geometrics! (Kodalith film effect)

Another view for you!
14184

[ChrisJ]

Circle
http://chrisandjoy.smugmug.com/photos/87035838-L.jpg

Repeating Shapes
http://chrisandjoy.smugmug.com/photos/87048430-L.jpg

Rectangles (I couldn't resist, that is not ps'ed in!)
http://chrisandjoy.smugmug.com/photos/87035835-L.jpg

:D

[Nikolai]

Thanx Darth, I hope to participate in your future lessons, great to flex the "eye". Haven't had time to PP them but I think they might work well in b&w, high contrast to play on the geometrics! (Kodalith film effect)
Another view for you!


I only wish you had spent just a few seconds in PS or ACR and straightened the shot, it looks a bit skewed, kinda spoils the othwerwsie nice impression :rolleyes

[Nikolai]

I knew somebody would bring this moon circle in! :thumb
Nice patterns, too (but promise you'd retake it when we get to "Patterns" one :wink )
And I like the rectangles with the smiley! :thumb
I would probably only crop the last row, it's incomplete anyway, to make it a perfect grid (we don't have to afraid of having non-2:3 crops! :wink )
Cheers! :1drink

[douglas]

Blueberrieshttp://www.smugmug.com/photos/87069048-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

Blueberries

Nice DOF! (and nice spherical subjects) :thumb

[Mike Lane]

Hey, why not??? I actually did take a class at better photo :uhoh This is one of the shots of mine from the line week if I remember right:

http://mikelane.smugmug.com/photos/38259799-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

Hey, why not??? I actually did take a class at better photo :uhoh This is one of the shots of mine from the line week if I remember right...

If I remember my math, this surface is called "hyperbolic". One the the amusing facts about it is that this perfectly smooth curvy thing can be contstucted from the straigt segments..:):

So... anything fresh to the point? :wink

[truth]

http://truth.smugmug.com/photos/87353414-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

Haven't seen those open for a while :thumb

[truth]

Haven't seen those open for a while :thumb

Popped the screens off for the pic.

[douglas]

Closeup of hub and disk brake on bicycle.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/87395848-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

Closeup of hub and disk brake on bicycle.

Very creative! :thumb

[AlphaMale]

My very first Digital Grin posting, taken with my just purchased Sony Alpha a100... my very first DSLR.

Many thanks Nikolai for this great idea, I for one can use all the help I can get!

[Nikolai]

My very first Digital Grin posting, taken with my just purchased Sony Alpha a100... my very first DSLR.

Thanks for the entry! Nice lines and triangles!

Normally I'd suggest to clone out that bottom left dark corner, but here it fits nice as a line :-) :thumb

Glad we're starting to have some Sony guys coming, brings some color to our duotone Canon-Nikon society :rofl

Many thanks Nikolai for this great idea, I for one can use all the help I can get!
You're welcome, thanks for pitching in! :):

[Xtopherous]

Bronx Zoo Bamboo

[Nikolai]

Bronx Zoo Bamboo

Thanks! I see not only Simi Valley has the bamboo forests:-) (I posted a shot earlier).
And yours is actually taller and thicker than our local variety. I wonder if it's the different brand of bamboo or ours is simply too young? :dunno

I'd also humbly suggest some Anti-PF treatment. It takes just a few seconds in PS with no additional s/w to purchase..

[Xtopherous]

Brooklyn Bridge:

[Xtopherous]

Thanks! I see not only Simi Valley has the bamboo forests:-) (I posted a shot earlier).
And yours is actually taller and thicker than our local variety. I wonder if it's the different brand of bamboo or ours is simply too young? :dunno

I'd also humbly suggest some Anti-PF treatment. It takes just a few seconds in PS with no additional s/w to purchase..
PF? Sorry, I'm new to some of the abbreviated terminology. I can only assume it has to do with that terrible hot spot right in the middle of the shot; I had no idea that was there until I got home (the camera picked up way more light than my eyes did, apparently). Not totally sure how to reduce that without affecting the whole image.

[Nikolai]

PF? Sorry, I'm new to some of the abbreviated terminology. I can only assume it has to do with that terrible hot spot right in the middle of the shot; I had no idea that was there until I got home (the camera picked up way more light than my eyes did, apparently). Not totally sure how to reduce that without affecting the whole image.

It's a particular representation of a more general color distortion, usually referred to as CA (Chromatic Aberration).

PF usually happens when a camera encounters a high contrast areas on a small, finely shaped subjects, such as when you shoot towards a bright sky through the foliage. But virtually any high contrast border can produce some.
It really depends on the lens quality and how sensor treats those high contrast areas. Sony's 828, which I owned at a time, although being a very nice P&S with a high quality CZ optics, was notoriously bad about PF.

[Xtopherous]

It's a particular representation of a more general color distortion, usually referred to as CA (Chromatic Aberration).

PF usually happens when a camera encounters a high contrast areas on a small, finely shaped subjects, such as when you shoot towards a bright sky through the foliage. But virtually any high contrast border can produce some.
It really depends on the lens quality and how sensor treats those high contrast areas. Sony's 828, which I owned at a time, although being a very nice P&S with a high quality CZ optics, was notoriously bad about PF.
Ah OK, that makes sense. It's funny, because I had this picture in PS and was ready to attack it (the blues/violets) with the Hue/Sat tool, but I figured I would just leave it alone unless someone said something about it. That didn't take long, haha.

[Nikolai]

Ah OK, that makes sense. It's funny, because I had this picture in PS and was ready to attack it (the blues/violets) with the Hue/Sat tool, but I figured I would just leave it alone unless someone said something about it. That didn't take long, haha.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1009&message=11101790

Of course, there are many ways, it's just one of them...

HTH

[LiquidOps]

you mean something to get me out shooting more :)

i'm all for it...

stand by... working on something as I type :)

Thanks a lot Nik :D :clap

Steven

[Nikolai]

you mean something to get me out shooting more :)
i'm all for it...
stand by... working on something as I type :)
Thanks a lot Nik :D :clap
Steven

You're welcome! :thumb
But hurry up - I already have assignments themes planned at least until XMas, and it's only one week per theme... Next one starts tomorrow :wink
Glad you joined! :1drink

[pathfinder]

Not New, but fittng, maybe??


Straight Lines and Curves - and in color too for our Sony friends

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/29589061-L.jpg

And Curves in Black and White in color
http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/29625133-L.jpg

[LiquidOps]

You're welcome! :thumb
But hurry up - I already have assignments themes planned at least until XMas, and it's only one week per theme... Next one starts tomorrow :wink
Glad you joined! :1drink

And here we go :)

http://WanderingThroughLife.smugmug.com/photos/87547715-L.jpg

Took today :)

Can you figure out what it is?

Steven

[Nikolai]

Not New, but fittng, maybe??
Straight Lines and Curves - and in color too for our Sony friends
And Curves in Black and White in color

Technically speaking, it was Simple Shapes and Lines, but who counts ;-) :thumb

[Nikolai]

Can you figure out what it is?
Steven

Tiki torch? Basket?
Dunno, but it looks good and fits nicely! :thumb

[LiquidOps]

Tiki torch? Basket?
Dunno, but it looks good and fits nicely! :thumb

yup :) the Tiki Torch :)

haha


best i could find right now...

i might be moving to AZ... so shooting time is limited :(

[pathfinder]

Sorry Nik

I was responding to Douglas' image

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/87395848-S.jpg

I'll try to behave:uhoh

[anwmn1]

Just like real class. Sneaking in just before the bell rings!

Count me in I am looking to learn. This will be my first photography class- ever!

http://aaronnewman.smugmug.com/photos/87543370-L.jpg
Curves, Arches, and Lines. Took this the other night after getting out of class.


http://aaronnewman.smugmug.com/photos/87542961-L.jpg
Same night- Lines, Triangles, and Trapezoids?


http://aaronnewman.smugmug.com/photos/87543425-L.jpg
Squares, Diamonds, and Lines


http://aaronnewman.smugmug.com/photos/87543457-L.jpg
Squares, Curves that make circles and an Octogan to boot.

[allensphoto]

I am always trying to improve my technique, so I'll try to particpate as time permits.

Here is the first thing I saw that struck me as simple geometric shapes. Here are 2 photos of my PODS container.



http://juliejules.smugmug.com/photos/86786844-L.jpg

sweet ..
if looked at in different ways... the glare looks like paint and the paint looks like glare... looks like blue and white paint ...

[Nikolai]

Just like real class. Sneaking in just before the bell rings!
Count me in I am looking to learn. This will be my first photography class- ever!

Squares, Curves that make circles and an Octogan to boot.

Nice work, thank you! :thumb

[anwmn1]

Nice work, thank you! :thumb

No, thank you! I appreciate you doing something like this. I look forward to improving!

[Antonio Correia]

Not New, but fittng, maybe??


Straight Lines and Curves - and in color too for our Sony friends

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/29589061-L.jpg

And Curves in Black and White in color

Beautiful :thumb:thumb:thumb:thumb:thumb

[sit]

Shapes from Back Bay.

Bench lines
http://alex-emil.smugmug.com/photos/87645513-M.jpg

Fence and shadows
http://alex-emil.smugmug.com/photos/87645690-M.jpg

Bench curves
http://alex-emil.smugmug.com/photos/87645563-M.jpg

Bubbles in a swirl
http://alex-emil.smugmug.com/photos/87645871-M.jpg

Fence curves
http://alex-emil.smugmug.com/photos/87646011-M.jpg

Thanks for looking,

-Emil

[Nikolai]

Shapes from Back Bay.

Cool, you've made it! :thumb
Now, let's get to the next One... :D

[aporia]

Just back in commission after returning from a week in the SF Bay Area. This forum is just what the Dr. ordered. :clapGreat idea. Thanks.

Here's one from me before you move on to the next assignment.

Lines, triangles, shapes, and symmetry from the SF Bay Bridge:

http://Darrand.smugmug.com/photos/87692112-L.jpg
(http://Darrand.smugmug.com/photos/87692112-M.jpg)

[Nikolai]

Just back in commission after returning from a week in the SF Bay Area. This forum is just what the Dr. ordered. :clapGreat idea. Thanks.

(http://Darrand.smugmug.com/photos/87692112-M.jpg)

Welcome to the class! Nice shot of a Bay Bridge, lines and all:-)

[Nikolai]

All from Huntington Library trip.

Lines, grid, triangles, ovals

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/87759596-L.jpg

Lines, circumferences, triangles:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/87759615-L.jpg

More lines and rects:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/87759653-L.jpg

Lines, triangles and rectangulars:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/87759669-L.jpg

And more lines for a better bamboo

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/87759273-L.jpg

On to the next One...

[Antonio Correia]

Nice work Nikolai.
:thumb

[juliejules]

I was sailing when I got these and couldn't get them uploaded until today. No post processing on any of these, other than default CR2->JPG conversion by Bridge. Oh yeah, the last one I touched up with the clone tool to remove some spots from the sky.

Some circles:

http://juliejules.smugmug.com/photos/88082793-L.jpg

http://juliejules.smugmug.com/photos/88082644-L.jpg

Another display of triangles:
http://juliejules.smugmug.com/photos/88082438-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

Nice spiral, lines, circles and polygones :thumb

[WPK]

hi, everyone!

testing initial post here...

http://static.flickr.com/80/215606010_d4aa77a95a.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wpk/215606010/in/set-72157594237399814/)
"ok, circles, triangles, lines... done! j/k :)"

http://static.flickr.com/95/215606055_94bc419099.jpg?v=0
"you killed my father -- i am your father"

http://static.flickr.com/96/215606091_143f934da8.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/67/215606131_5ba2fdca6a.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/68/215606179_35456b568e.jpg?v=0
"oh, the beautiful Apple on/off switch"

http://static.flickr.com/80/215612233_8528a93033.jpg?v=0

sorry, the pics were not showing initially; apparently, image links to Google's Picasa are not working...

http://picasaweb.google.com/wpk0927/Class1

WPK

[Nikolai]

hi, everyone!

testing initial post here...

WPK

You may wanna check "how to post a pic (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=8401)", your images are not showing.
It's also a part of a bigger "helper" post "How to do everything at Dgring and still keep your dignity (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=18703)"
Once you figure out picture posting, go ahead and modify your original thread :-)
Glad you've joined us! :thumb

[EDIT: I can see them now!]

[hesaias]

Is it too late to play with you guys?
:bow

[hesaias]

http://www.hesaias.com/images/_MG_2078.jpg

http://www.hesaias.com/images/_MG_2847.jpg

http://www.hesaias.com/images/_MG_2858.jpg

http://www.hesaias.com/images/_MG_2861%20copy.jpg

http://www.hesaias.com/images/_MG_2867.jpg

http://www.hesaias.com/images/_MG_2876.jpg

http://www.hesaias.com/images/_MG_2878.jpg

[Nikolai]

Is it too late to play with you guys?
:bow

No, never! As long as the pictures are fresh :D
Welcome to the Class!:clap

[hesaias]

Awesome. I will endeavor to do some catching up, so I will post on each lesson . What do you think of my first shots. My favorite is the one of the clockwork.

[Nikolai]

Awesome. I will endeavor to do some catching up, so I will post on each lesson . What do you think of my first shots. My favorite is the one of the clockwork.

I would suggest to catch up on the current subject first (Field), it will be more more fun for everybody. Besides, it will be more helpful for you, too...

My favorite is the last one. Kinda abstract.. Clockwork is bit bland to my personal taste...:dunno

[Shima]

Bottom of a lamp I own... taken a few days ago

http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/117248400-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

Bottom of a lamp I own... taken a few days ago

Very nice lines! :thumb

[dlscott56]

Hoping to eventually catch up :D

[dlscott56]

#2

[Nikolai]

Always good to catch up:-) :wink
#1 is a totally valid entry. :thumb
#2 is a much better picture... but it's not "simple shapes and lines" :dunno

[mwalters]

A few lines and shapes...

Lines and Implied Squares - Garden Chair Weave

http://airglowimaging.smugmug.com/photos/139880529-M.jpg

Humble Brownie - Lines and Circles

http://airglowimaging.smugmug.com/photos/139880564-M.jpg

Garden Decking

http://airglowimaging.smugmug.com/photos/139880734-M.jpg

Matthew

[Nikolai]

A few lines and shapes...
Lines and Implied Squares - Garden Chair Weave
Humble Brownie - Lines and Circles
Garden Decking
Matthew

Great entries, thanks! :thumb

[richtersl]

Hope this qualifies. :uhoh

http://lrichters.smugmug.com/photos/140365077-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

Hope this qualifies. :uhoh


That's pretty cool, thinking out of the box! :clap :thumb

[PadraicDublin]

Ok so it's really, really late to be entering here but I've only just joined and am starting to cycle my way through some of the forum posts etc. And I thought this shot might qualify. It's of the pyramid in The Louvre in Paris.

[Nikolai]

Ok so it's really, really late to be entering here but I've only just joined and am starting to cycle my way through some of the forum posts etc. And I thought this shot might qualify. It's of the pyramid in The Louvre in Paris.
Nice! I love the Pyramid! Great entry! :thumb

[farfromthesun]

Sorry I'm late, sir......... :D

Blinds:

http://farfromthesun.smugmug.com/photos/164250569-M.jpg


Pots and Pans:

http://farfromthesun.smugmug.com/photos/164236878-M.jpg


Shirts:

http://farfromthesun.smugmug.com/photos/164250435-M.jpg


Washing Line:

http://farfromthesun.smugmug.com/photos/164236379-M.jpg


Records:

http://farfromthesun.smugmug.com/photos/164253057-M.jpg


Leaves:

http://farfromthesun.smugmug.com/photos/164250458-M.jpg


I think I am going to learn A LOT from doing this!

Cheers, Ryan

[Nikolai]

Sorry I'm late, sir......... :D
...
I think I am going to learn A LOT from doing this!
Cheers, Ryan

Welcome to the Class :clap and thank you for the great entries! :thumb

[Steve1962]

.....does this comply .............

inside a dovecot looking up at the roof in rural Oxfordshire ........



http://steve1962.smugmug.com/photos/148646138-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

.....does this comply .............
inside a dovecot looking up at the roof in rural Oxfordshire ........

Great picture, very good entry! :thumb

[klc]

Here a of my pictures for this category! :D Advice and suggestions are always greatly appreciated!

[Nikolai]

Here a of my pictures for this category! :D Advice and suggestions are always greatly appreciated!
Thanks for the entry! :thumb
To make it totally compliant, I'd crop the bottom part of the shot )with trees and such), thus leaving only the lines part...:deal

[klc]

Thanks for the entry! :thumb
To make it totally compliant, I'd crop the bottom part of the shot )with trees and such), thus leaving only the lines part...:deal


Do you mean like this?

[Nikolai]

Do you mean like this?
Yessir! :thumb

[leaforte]

Playing Catch Up

http://tonymcguiness.smugmug.com/photos/166330132-L.jpg

EXIF (http://tonymcguiness.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=166330132)

[Nikolai]

Playing Catch Up
EXIF (http://tonymcguiness.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=166330132)

Very cool shot, great entry, thanks! :thumb

[Pat664422]

A Sphere with... lines?

http://PatsPix.smugmug.com/photos/166981606-L.jpg



Artistic angles?

http://PatsPix.smugmug.com/photos/166981934-L-1.jpg



My computer case - Small circles, big circles, small rectangles, big rectangle:

http://PatsPix.smugmug.com/photos/166982513-L.jpg



Birdhouse - Squares, rectangles, circles, triangles:

http://PatsPix.smugmug.com/photos/166982778-L-1.jpg



American flag - Lines, rectangles, stars!

http://PatsPix.smugmug.com/photos/166982212-L.jpg




and finally, another piece of America - circles, curved and intersecting lines and.... a PROLATE SPHEROID!! (God bless wikipedia)

http://PatsPix.smugmug.com/photos/166933696-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

A Sphere with... lines?
Artistic angles?
My computer case - Small circles, big circles, small rectangles, big rectangle:
Birdhouse - Squares, rectangles, circles, triangles:
American flag - Lines, rectangles, stars!
and finally, another piece of America - circles, curved and intersecting lines and.... a PROLATE SPHEROID!! (God bless wikipedia)

Welcome to Dgrin and to the Class! :clap
And thank you for the entries! :thumb
Now my suggestion is to start with the most recent one and then play catchup later :deal

[emmalou]

Here I thought this would simple :huh I was so wrong!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/emmaloudawg/IMG_2734.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/emmaloudawg/bar.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/emmaloudawg/IMG_2658.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/emmaloudawg/bubb.jpg

[Nikolai]

Here I thought this would simple :huh I was so wrong!

Emma,
thank you for the entries!

The first two fit the bill nicely, however the last two are too much complex, I think...

[emmalou]

Emma,
thank you for the entries!

The first two fit the bill nicely, however the last two are too much complex, I think...

I thought they might be.thank you.:thumb

[bavasshokie]

http://bavasshokie.smugmug.com/photos/170840460-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

hay
Thank you! :thumb

[bavasshokie]

Thank you! :thumb


Any thoughts?

[Nikolai]

Any thoughts?
I'd say the image is a bit overcomplicated with all those chaotic haycubes, but since there are also nice lines and triangles on the wagons, that's ok.
I think it would be a clearer image if you just framed it to one load...
In any case, don't sweat it, there are more fesh ones :-) :wink

[Terrence]

I've been here a while, but it's time I start catching up to the assignments. Here's my first.

http://terrencej.smugmug.com/photos/171259703-M.jpg
1. Lines

http://terrencej.smugmug.com/photos/171259766-M.jpg
2. Converging lines

http://terrencej.smugmug.com/photos/171259394-M.jpg
3. Triangle, semi-circle and lines

http://terrencej.smugmug.com/photos/171259134-M.jpg
4. Not-so-simple shapes inside a circle

[Nikolai]

I've been here a while, but it's time I start catching up to the assignments. Here's my first.
1. Lines
2. Converging lines
3. Triangle, semi-circle and lines
4. Not-so-simple shapes inside a circle
Thank you, nice entries! :thumb

[Snakeroot]

http://stalnaker.smugmug.com/photos/189560015-M.jpg


http://stalnaker.smugmug.com/photos/189560154-M.jpg


http://stalnaker.smugmug.com/photos/189560326-M.jpg


http://stalnaker.smugmug.com/photos/189566206-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

My attempts
Thank you, nice entries! :thumb
I especially like the spiral one!

[Snakeroot]

Thank you, nice entries! :thumb
I especially like the spiral one!

Ya, I like that one too... and there's so many great ways to crop it to do different things. I went with the most boring crop on this assignment, since it was supposed to be circular. :) I'm sure I'll be using that image a lot to make other things.

[kisi]

saw these exercises a few weeks ago, so i decided to start from the beginning on them! here are my lines:

https://kisi.smugmug.com/photos/195072317-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

saw these exercises a few weeks ago, so i decided to start from the beginning on them! here are my lines:

Thank you! Nice entry! :thumb
I would only suggest to work your way backwards: always participate in the most recent assignment, and only then catch up with the past. :deal
I's rather see you producing one solid entry per week than 52 "weak" ones..;-) :wink

[kisi]

Thank you! Nice entry! :thumb
I would only suggest to work your way backwards: always participate in the most recent assignment, and only then catch up with the past. :deal
I's rather see you producing one solid entry per week than 52 "weak" ones..;-) :wink

hehe! :rolleyes ok will do, thanks!

[HippiefromOz]

http://hippyfromoz.smugmug.com/photos/216255308-S-1.jpgI am new here and I decided the best way to learn is to participate here - this is my attempt at Simple Shapes & Lines.
I shot this photo today at Minnippi Parklands in Brisbane.
Hope it is suitable
Lesley

[Nikolai]

I am new here and I decided the best way to learn is to participate here - this is my attempt at Simple Shapes & Lines.
I shot this photo today at Minnippi Parklands in Brisbane.
Hope it is suitable
Lesley

Welcome to Dgrin and to the Class! :clap
thank you for the entry! :thumb
Keep them coming!

And, as always, I suggest to start with the most current assignment, and only then start playing catchup...

[doug pettway]

Here's a shot of my first fretless bass

http://douglaspettway.smugmug.com/photos/246930405-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

Here's a shot of my first fretless bass

Doug, nice one, thank you! :thumb

[cjmchch]

I was out shooting a few shots this morning and happened to have some that could be used for this category. So I'll give it a go with these 4

http://www.outclassed.co.nz/23.jpg

http://www.outclassed.co.nz/22.jpg

http://www.outclassed.co.nz/25.jpg

http://www.outclassed.co.nz/26.jpg

[doug pettway]

cjmchch, Number 2 is very cool. what is that?

[Nikolai]

I was out shooting a few shots this morning and happened to have some that could be used for this category. So I'll give it a go with these 4
Great entries, thank you very much!:thumb
I agree with Doug, #2 stands out! :clap

[cjmchch]

cjmchch, Number 2 is very cool. what is that?

This perspective will show you. Thanks for the comments

http://www.outclassed.co.nz/IMG_0525.jpg

[doug pettway]

wow. i thought it was wood so i was thinking on a much smaller scale.

[pony2go]

What do you think. Kinda new at this. I guess I am running behind
Janine

[Nikolai]

What do you think. Kinda new at this. I guess I am running behind
Janine
Jannie, thank you. nice idea! :thumb

[spb13]

Here is my attempt for this assignment.

http://spb13.smugmug.com/photos/261190650_RJYzS-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

Here is my attempt for this assignment.

Sean, thank you!
Intersting take on the theme!:thumb

[eL eSs Vee]

My Entry.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb171/MrNewportCustom/DSC_1570-web2.jpg

[Nikolai]

My Entry.

Nice pattern, Lee! :thumb

[TPBinKC]

Does this work?

http://TPBinKC.smugmug.com/photos/271169647_CiGuF-L-1.jpg

[Nikolai]

Does this work?

It would if you'd cropped the feet out ;-)

[TPBinKC]

It would if you'd cropped the feet out ;-)

Better?
Or at least what is requested...

http://TPBinKC.smugmug.com/photos/271566483_72MSp-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

Better?
Or at least what is requested...

Yep :thumb

[DonRicklin]

Trying once again, Nikolai

http://DonRicklin.smugmug.com/photos/258001679_VwaAy-L-3.jpg

Don

[TPBinKC]

Yep :thumb

Cool, on to the next one...

[Nikolai]

Trying once again, Nikolai

Don

Don, thank you!
I do see straight lines, but the shapes are a bit too complex for this task, don't you agree? :scratch

[sanaka]

First of all, I must thank you, Nikolai. I think you are amazing to have created and keep managing this; it is an incredible service. I think it is just what I need. I feel OK with the technical things, but I need to develop the vision, or photographic eye, or whatever people call it, to actually take good pictures.

Which brings me to these, my ho-hum shots for the Simple Shapes and Lines assignment.

1. Diagonal lines and an arc (debris around my shop)
http://sanaka.smugmug.com/photos/271783538_AjLSd-M.jpg

2. Line/circles on a mango tree
http://sanaka.smugmug.com/photos/271802479_VjdRu-M.jpg

3. Arc and truncated cones (back of storage shed)
http://sanaka.smugmug.com/photos/271783571_wFdaP-M.jpg

4. :D (A panelled door with its half-round window masked off for finishing)
http://sanaka.smugmug.com/photos/271783608_iuEwM-M.jpg


Hope these qualify for the assignment and aren't too amazingly boring!

Peace,
Sanaka

[Nikolai]

First of all, I must thank you, Nikolai. I think you are amazing to have created and keep managing this; it is an incredible service. I think it is just what I need. I feel OK with the technical things, but I need to develop the vision, or photographic eye, or whatever people call it, to actually take good pictures.
Thank you for your kind words, welcome to the Class!
Which brings me to these, my ho-hum shots for the Simple Shapes and Lines assignment.
1. Diagonal lines and an arc (debris around my shop)
2. Line/circles on a mango tree
3. Arc and truncated cones (back of storage shed)

4. :D (A panelled door with its half-round window masked off for finishing)
Hope these qualify for the assignment and aren't too amazingly boring!
Peace,
Sanaka
Thank you for the entries, I like #3 and #4 the most! :thumb
#2 - not so much :dunno (we're looking for geometrically perfect actual lines, not imaginary ones)

[sanaka]

Thanks, Nikolai :D

I was kind of thinking about your bamboo/lines shot when I put the tree one in there, but yeah, point taken.

Never even in my rampant hippie college days was I ever 71 assignments behind in a class! :huh I wish I had caught on much earlier becasue I'd like to participate thoroughly and gain as much as I can. So I think I will try for a few a week until I at least mostly catch up.

I know I can do this how I want, but do you recommend also doing whatever is the current weekly assignment while I'm catching up, or just wait until I'm all caught up first? I.e. how structured is the cumulativeness of the assignments?

Peace,
Sanaka

[Nikolai]

Thanks, Nikolai :D

I was kind of thinking about your bamboo/lines shot when I put the tree one in there, but yeah, point taken.

Never even in my rampant hippie college days was I ever 71 assignments behind in a class! :huh I wish I had caught on much earlier becasue I'd like to participate thoroughly and gain as much as I can. So I think I will try for a few a week until I at least mostly catch up.

I know I can do this how I want, but do you recommend also doing whatever is the current weekly assignment while I'm catching up, or just wait until I'm all caught up first? I.e. how structured is the cumulativeness of the assignments?

Peace,
Sanaka

Please do not feel pressured or rushed beacuse of the lag. The last thing we need is a slew of a hastily taken pictures. What I recommend (even in the lead/index post) is to try to stay current and only then work your way back, no more than two-three per week.
Qulaity over quantity! :deal

[sanaka]

The last thing we need is a slew of a hastily taken pictures.
For sure. Point taken.


What I recommend (even in the lead/index post)...
From lurking here I've learned that you, Nikolai, are pretty much a saint about dealing with people not following/reading the rules and guidelines.

Please accept my apology for getting off on this bad foot in that regard: I PROMISE to not be a chronic annoyer. Ban me if I become such!! :bash

Ok, off to look for the candles!

Peace,
Sanaka

[Nikolai]

From lurking here I've learned that you, Nikolai, are pretty much a saint about dealing with people not following/reading the rules and guidelines.
Please accept my apology for getting off on this bad foot in that regard: I PROMISE to not be a chronic annoyer. Ban me if I become such!! :bash

No problem mate, I have two kids, do you think they ever read/heard ANY rules? :wink

Ok, off to look for the candles!
Peace,
Sanaka
:thumb

[pyry]

Here's a simple-ish shape from my kitchen. My garlic sprouts:

http://pyry.smugmug.com/photos/275185716_mpeU5-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

Here's a simple-ish shape from my kitchen. My garlic sprouts:

Pyry,
it's a nice shot :thumb , but it wouldn't get you a passing grade in your geometry 101 class. :dunno

[pyry]

Pyry,
it's a nice shot :thumb , but it wouldn't get you a passing grade in your geometry 101 class. :dunno

Yeah, I misunderstood the topic, the word 'geometric' is missing from the title. I figured that out as skimmed through the thread. (note to self: read the full assignment text first, you've done this before...)

At that point I'd already shot the piccie so posted it why not. :D

[russell_53040]

A while back, ok a long while back Antonio told me about this site. I was trying shooting a wine glass and he gave me the link to the bottles assignment. Well thought it was time to give the assignments a try. Hoping I can keep myself going on them. I did manage to get 1-4 a try. So here is number 1. :barb
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/russell_53040/assignments/_MG_0513.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/russell_53040/assignments/_MG_0515.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v66/russell_53040/assignments/_MG_0516.jpg

[Nikolai]

A while back, ok a long while back Antonio told me about this site. I was trying shooting a wine glass and he gave me the link to the bottles assignment. Well thought it was time to give the assignments a try. Hoping I can keep myself going on them. I did manage to get 1-4 a try. So here is number 1. :barb

Welcome, and thank you for your entry!:thumb
Just FYI, it is recommended to always start with the most current exercise and only then work on the catchup, mostly backwards...

[TexPhotog]

Ok, so here is my first attempt at this assignment...

http://www.pmaphotovideo.com/photos/319657310_5ZvC3-M-1.jpg

Tell me what you think...

(And yes, I saw the last post about starting from the last assignment and working my way back... but that's just weird... feels wrong... plus, this gives me a chance to go out and shoot "from the start")

[Nikolai]

Ok, so here is my first attemtp at this assignment...
Tell me what you think...

Thanks, Miguel! :thumb
It's a nice entry with a lots and lots of "simple shapes and lines".
In fact, there are so many of them that it's thant that simpe any more. Maybe zoom into some smaller area with a - very - simple pattern? :wink

(And yes, I saw the last post about starting from the last assignment and working my way back... but that's just weird... feels wrong... plus, this gives me a chance to go out and shoot "from the start")
Please also take human factor into your consideration. I'm far more inclined to provide a detailed feedback on a new concept compared the one that's been already coverd dozens of times and in all ways possible...:dunno

[TexPhotog]

Please also take human factor into your consideration. I'm far more inclined to provide a detailed feedback on a new concept compared the one that's been already coverd dozens of times and in all ways possible...:dunno

See... that makes gooder sense... I will try to catch up fast and try to do double duty with a new assignment as well as an old one... (TRY :wink )

I do need to start shooting more and more, and will def. keep what you just said in mind...

Thanks for the help.

[TexPhotog]

Second attempt...

How's this one - and btw, I did screw up on this one and shot it in auto instead of full manual... my mistake... but hey, that's how we learn, right???

http://www.pmaphotovideo.com/photos/319656486_chN8K-M-1.jpg

[Nikolai]

Second attempt...

How's this one - and btw, I did screw up on this one and shot it in auto instead of full manual... my mistake... but hey, that's how we learn, right???



I would like it even more if it was simply cropped skylight part:-)

[TexPhotog]

I would like it even more if it was simply cropped skylight part:-)

Such as this???

http://www.pmaphotovideo.com/photos/320760691_pfkP8-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

Such as this???

Yesss! :thumb :clap

[DonRicklin]

http://DonRicklin.smugmug.com/photos/321738258_PT9gb-L.jpg

From this (http://DonRicklin.smugmug.com/photos/321745788_g7ydx-M.jpg).
Don

[Nikolai]

From this (http://DonRicklin.smugmug.com/photos/321745788_g7ydx-M.jpg).
Don
Very cool, thank you, great entry!:thumb

[TexPhotog]

http://DonRicklin.smugmug.com/photos/321738258_PT9gb-L.jpg

From this (http://DonRicklin.smugmug.com/photos/321745788_g7ydx-M.jpg).
Don

Oh... that's cool... what is it??? Looks like a painting...

[DonRicklin]

Oh... that's cool... what is it??? Looks like a painting...Try the ' From this (http://donricklin.smugmug.com/photos/321745788_g7ydx-M.jpg).' link in my OP. I went in and shot up! More at Art in the Park (http://DonRicklin.smugmug.com/gallery/5285538_HTg9P).

:ivar:barb

Don

[Trevlan]

This is my entry at the first assignments. This was pretty difficult for me to stage because I don't have the proper lighting kits. :-(

http://Trevlan.smugmug.com/photos/344343125_AHmji-L.jpg

[Trevlan]

This is my entry at the first assignments. This was pretty difficult for me to stage because I don't have the proper lighting kits. :-(

http://Trevlan.smugmug.com/photos/344343125_AHmji-L.jpg

My friend thought my entry for this assignment was low grade. I will reshoot something better. Please disregard this attempt...

[Trevlan]

After my horid first attempt, here are a couple that fit the assignment better.

1.
http://trevlan.smugmug.com/photos/364416931_JxrZR-L.jpg

2.
http://trevlan.smugmug.com/photos/364416950_qBAnJ-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

After my horid first attempt, here are a couple that fit the assignment better.
Unfortunately, I still find your entries too cluttered with "other stuff". Please try to find a frame where the other stuff would only take a secondary focus, if at all..

[mpaulie]

Hi Nikolai,
I've never taken any classes and I would really like to improve my skills before I purchase a more expensive camera and lens. I can't promise I will wait a week to move on to the next lesson though, I am very eager to learn and improve.

Lesson 1:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/2907462040_ff98d79d40.jpg

Thank you Nikolia for creating these!
Michael

[Nikolai]

Hi Nikolai,
I've never taken any classes and I would really like to improve my skills before I purchase a more expensive camera and lens. I can't promise I will wait a week to move on to the next lesson though, I am very eager to learn and improve.

Lesson 1:

Thank you Nikolia for creating these!
Michael

Thanks Michael, nice entry! :thumb And welcome! :clap

[divamum]

Ok, please consider this a sort of "pre" entry - I'm not 100% happy with either of these (explanation below), but I wanted some feedback before I reshoot in a few days after I return from an out of town gig.

In any case, I think the IDEA is good, but the execution is lacking. I was faced with background challenges - SUBJECT is decent (?), but the background stinks and attempts to minimise it (ie stopping down or up to adjust dof) created other problems. DOF is clearly not very good here - I needed to use a telephoto to get close enough in to the rings (I'm not much of a monkey-bar girl, myself, so had to stay ON the ground :D), but that of course resulted in shallow dof. Stopping down improved subject clarity, but then the background is more distracting. And round and round we go...

In any case, here's where I"m starting from (two images on this occasion, simply because this isn't intended as my "final entry" :)


Shallow dof bugs me

http://lh3.ggpht.com/mezzomg/SOUs4dd8TYI/AAAAAAAABjs/Qml6oShS6qA/s640/IMG_1553.JPG

I prefer this one, except for all the background stuff. An attempt at cloning it out was only partly successful, so I abandoned that for the purposes of this exercise (this is unretouched except for cropping)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/mezzomg/SOWLEXrOHLI/AAAAAAAABlA/I88Bps0wKJA/s640/IMG_1530s.JPG

Am I hitting on the right problems, and possible solutions?

I will say that these asignments are AMAZING for making my brain "think like a photographer" (even if I am, clearly, not there yet lol). I keep driving past things and thinking, "oooo... that would be so cool... now which way is that side facing, would that be morning or evening sun there?!" - it's very cool!

More to come, but comments in the meantime very much welcomed. More soon! (and thanks!)

[Nikolai]

Ok, please consider this a sort of "pre" entry - I'm not 100% happy with either of these (explanation below), but I wanted some feedback before I reshoot in a few days after I return from an out of town gig.

In any case, I think the IDEA is good, but the execution is lacking. I was faced with background challenges - SUBJECT is decent (?), but the background stinks and attempts to minimise it (ie stopping down or up to adjust dof) created other problems. DOF is clearly not very good here - I needed to use a telephoto to get close enough in to the rings (I'm not much of a monkey-bar girl, myself, so had to stay ON the ground :D), but that of course resulted in shallow dof. Stopping down improved subject clarity, but then the background is more distracting. And round and round we go...

In any case, here's where I"m starting from (two images on this occasion, simply because this isn't intended as my "final entry" :)


Shallow dof bugs me


I prefer this one, except for all the background stuff. An attempt at cloning it out was only partly successful, so I abandoned that for the purposes of this exercise (this is unretouched except for cropping)

Am I hitting on the right problems, and possible solutions?

I will say that these asignments are AMAZING for making my brain "think like a photographer" (even if I am, clearly, not there yet lol). I keep driving past things and thinking, "oooo... that would be so cool... now which way is that side facing, would that be morning or evening sun there?!" - it's very cool!

More to come, but comments in the meantime very much welcomed. More soon! (and thanks!)

I'm glad you're enjoying these! :thumb

First one is more like latest shallow DOF, shapes are too complicated.
Second one is better (circles), but it's also suits "frame in frame" and "vanishing point". Maybe try something even simpler? :wink

[divamum]

Well, there I was thinking I'd have to wait until I got home, and what should I see at the airport but geometry everywhere ... How's this?

http://lh5.ggpht.com/mezzomg/SOaHlkFo84I/AAAAAAAABlw/TS4A41MM_tM/s640/IMG_0928s.jpg

Frustratingly, I'm limited to the P&S for 4 days, but... at least it's something!!

Again, I can only thank you for these "eye-tuning" exercises. I would NEVER have noticed this except in passing if it hadn't been for reading this forum, and it's very excting to (quite literally) have my eyes opened! :):barb

[sdways01]

Triangles and squares

http://sdways01.smugmug.com/photos/399657536_5z4ca-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

Triangles and squares

Lovely, Adam, thank you!:thumb

[globaltraveller]

(Un?)fortunately this was taken today:

http://globaltraveller.smugmug.com/photos/405305374_rFwcZ-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

(Un?)fortunately this was taken today:

It looks like something with snow involved. :wink
Nice pattern and nice shot:thumb , but I honestly don't think it matches the theme, or does it? :scratch

[globaltraveller]

It looks like something with snow involved. :wink
Nice pattern and nice shot:thumb , but I honestly don't think it matches the theme, or does it? :scratch

That might not have fit so well... this one is more for the task:

http://globaltraveller.smugmug.com/photos/408024750_fPd7y-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

That might not have fit so well... this one is more for the task:

Now we're talking, hard to beat the straightness and the simplicity of the rail tracks! :thumb