Assignment #16: Specular highlights

[Nikolai]

OK, pannin' n' blurrin' (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=425284#post425284) turned out to be pretty tough, didn' it? :wink

Let's drop technical difficulty down a notch and concentrate on something what is sometimes considered to be a defect: specular highlight.

Sun "stars", reflected or direct, a bright street light in a dark alley - well, your imagination is the limit.

As always: fresh pictures only, moderate PS is OK.
For the rest of the basic rules and index please check out this sticky (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=41800).

Let's highlight!

[anwmn1]

We are looking for reflection of light correct? Like these?

Clouds Reflecting
http://aaronnewman.smugmug.com/photos/90709051-L.jpg

Cardinal Stadium Roof on 1927 Ford
http://aaronnewman.smugmug.com/photos/96089729-L.jpg

More Recent Sun Star
http://aaronnewman.smugmug.com/photos/112251643-L.jpg

I'll find more. Just wanted to be sure I am on the right track.

Aaron

[Nikolai]

We are looking for reflection of light correct? Like these?
Clouds Reflecting
Cardinal Stadium Roof on 1927 Ford
More Recent Sun Star
I'll find more. Just wanted to be sure I am on the right track.
Aaron

Clouds: no, they are just light, but it's possible and often desirable to salvage them.

Roof: the windows - yes, as well as some chrome refelection

Sun star: yup, can't get any brighter (unless you're in a ground zero of the nuclear blast, but this may fry your CCD anyway:-)

Good luck!:thumb

[douglas]

Fun with candle light.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/112651305-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

Fun with candle light.


Great entry, as always! :thumb

Although I think the reflections on the left "steal" the attention, I'd clone them out, what do you think? :scratch

[douglas]

Great entry, as always! :thumb

Although I think the reflections on the left "steal" the attention, I'd clone them out, what do you think? :scratch

Thank you Nik. I considered cloning them out but I thought maybe they were "specular highlights" So I left them in for assignment subject reasons. Although I agree removing them which would be very easy in this shot, I think would make a better photograph.

[Nikolai]

Thank you Nik. I considered cloning them out but I thought maybe they were "specular highlights" So I left them in for assignment subject reasons. Although I agree removing them which would be very easy in this shot, I think would make a better photograph.

Those reflections are pretty dark, and as such, do not consitute the "specular highlights", which, by definition, are expretmely bright areas one should ignore while balancing the image.

[Nikolai]

Specular highlights on the car:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/112740699-L.jpg

Taken about 15 minutes ago...

[douglas]

Shot this one moments ago...

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/112836254-L.jpg

[Nikolai]

Shot this one moments ago...

Cool idea! :thumb

[Antonio Correia]

Curious how CPF behaves here. Later I'll post those experiments.
These pictures were shot in the garden and right in front of the house.
It's not my car.
Is it well done, Nik ?
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/112893933-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/112894324-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/112894852-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/112895119-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

Curious how CPF behaves here. Later I'll post those experiments.
These pictures were shot in the garden and right in front of the house.
It's not my car.
Is it well done, Nik ?


They are all a propos, but the first two are awesome! :thumb :clap

[Antonio Correia]

They are all a propos, but the first two are awesome! :thumb :clap

Thank you Nikolai.

In all the photos I was controlling the reflections because I was using a CPFilter.
As I moved I could get the sun, or avoid it.
In the car for example I moved 2 or 3 times not to get the sun too strongly.
The same happened on the 3.ed picture.
Myself I think the 2.ed picture is too flat under an aesthetic point of view.

I hope to be able to shoot more soon.

All the best.

[photodoug]

red only seen when the light refracts just so....

http://photo-doug.smugmug.com/photos/113003966-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

red only seen when the light refracts just so....


With all due respect, I don't see any assignment subject here:dunno

[Shima]

This picture was taken a few days before the assignment was posted, but I have way too many papers to write this week for grad school to go running outside midday presently to take a new one (with my now new camera, still had the old camera at the beginning of this week).

Taken in my dad's backyard back on Long Island on the 21st with my Canon Powershot Pro1.

http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/113064932-M.jpg

I realize it's overly centered, but that's what happens when you're just shooting for fun and not the actual assignment, if I make some headway on these papers tonight (as is the plan if I stop procrastinating on here) then I'll finally get to take the new Rebel I got last night out into some natural light for some fun :)

[photodoug]

With all due respect, I don't see any assignment subject here:dunno
yea, I'm pushing the definition. The red spots are highlights that only refract when the light is just right....suppose it missed the mark.

and this isn't allowed, right?

http://photo-doug.smugmug.com/photos/113089798-M.jpg

[ShadowHawk]

Shot this one moments ago...

My condolenses to see you have a Windows ME disk. :cry

I can only hope you are now running 2000 or XP or something better?? :D

[Shima]

My condolenses to see you have a Windows ME disk. :cry

I can only hope you are now running 2000 or XP or something better?? :D

Oh man, I hadn't noticed that it was indeed an ME disk... I too would like to offer my condolenses (as one who works for the Geek Squad and fixes computers on a daily basis). When someone walks in with an ME computer, I immediately start walking them over to the Computers department... x.x

Regardless though, it's an awesome shot :)

[ShadowHawk]

When someone walks in with an ME computer, I immediately start walking them over to the Computers department... x.x


That was nice of you.. whenever I saw a person with a ME computer, I usually just unloaded both barrels of a shotgun into the case and told the shocked owner that it was for the best!! :wink

Anyway I am getting offtopic... it was a nice photo! An interesting viewpoint. :) :thumb

[Nikolai]

This picture was taken a few days before the assignment was posted, but I have way too many papers to write this week for grad school to go running outside midday presently to take a new one (with my now new camera, still had the old camera at the beginning of this week).

I hope now that the papers are done you can go out and bring something fresher?:wink

[douglas]

My condolenses to see you have a Windows ME disk. :cry

I can only hope you are now running 2000 or XP or something better?? :D

Lol thats to funny, I was wondering if someone would have a simalar remark, I hated Win ME! Glad to have XP now!

[douglas]

Taken tonight...

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/113207962-L.jpg

[Shima]

I hope now that the papers are done you can go out and bring something fresher?:wink
Oh man I wish...
I have a 30pp that's up to 16 pages right now...
a 10pp that hasn't been started
Two 6pp's that need to be proof read and have a few more sources sited
An easy 2-3 pp that needs to be started
a 6-8pp that needs to be started
And a 6pp that needs to be revised and slightly lengthened

I think my head is going to explode... they're all due between tonight and dec 9 on different days x.x... once I get a moment of "save me" I'll probably take a break and play w/ the new toy outside :)

[Shima]

Aw shucks, can't buy a new camera and then let it just sit there while I write papers.... took this on the rebel xti an hour or so ago

http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/113270370-M.jpg


I took some really cool reflection photos too, not sure if they count as highlights persay:
http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/113271147-M.jpg

http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/113271245-M.jpg

http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/113270580-M.jpg


Back to those darned papers now...

[Swartzy]

http://Swartzy.smugmug.com/photos/112112326-L.jpg

[Antonio Correia]

Swartzy,
I think: Of course it enters.
It's very good !!!
:thumb

[Antonio Correia]

More in the near future. :D
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/113294535-M.jpg

[Swartzy]

http://Swartzy.smugmug.com/photos/111292100-L.jpg

[Elaine]

Love those bridge shots, Swartzy! Really beautiful!

I posted this in "People" but I think it applies here too. Specular Christmas tree lights...and it's fresh from today...


http://e-heasley.smugmug.com/photos/113286950-L.jpg

[Antonio Correia]

Swarty !


That's fine. (I think).
I was going to shoot more tonight but my wife took my car with the tripod and I was needing it ...:wink
:thumb

[Shima]

Took this tonight... I like the way the flash bounced off of it.

http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/113382742-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

Taken tonight...


Approved:-) Specualr highlights are present :-):deal

[Nikolai]

Aw shucks, can't buy a new camera and then let it just sit there while I write papers.... took this on the rebel xti an hour or so ago

I took some really cool reflection photos too, not sure if they count as highlights persay:

Back to those darned papers now...

First one is a great picture and it meets the requirements alright!:thumb
Reflections - well, what can I say - OT?:dunno

[Nikolai]

Does this work?
Oh man, it sure works! Great entry, great picture!:thumb :clap

[Nikolai]

More in the near future. :D


This is pretty cool! Nice highlights and nice image!:thumb

[Shima]

First one is a great picture and it meets the requirements alright!:thumb
Reflections - well, what can I say - OT?:dunno

I can take them down if you want. I liked the first one, glad you agree :)

[Nikolai]

bridge

Another hit! You're killing us! :bow :clap :lust

[Nikolai]

Specular Christmas tree lights...and it's fresh from today...


Welcome to the Class! Very nice portrait! :thumb

[Nikolai]

Took this tonight... I like the way the flash bounced off of it.


Yea, me too! :wink
However, I'd be more inclined to classify those as "catch lights", just like the sparkles of flash/light in people's eyes. Specular Highlights, imho, require larger blown areas (as in your Toyota badge case) or a direct light souces (Swartzy's bridges). :dunno

Come on, Cat, I know, you can do it:-):wink :lust :deal

[Swartzy]

I've been busy....all the motion shots are of geese and such at high shutter speeds so there wasn't much movement feel of the pics....been concentrating on other stuff lately.....like this:

http://Swartzy.smugmug.com/photos/111342006-L.jpg

and I must include my latest wall hanger (running out of wall space..LOL):

http://Swartzy.smugmug.com/photos/112219862-L.jpg

[Shima]

Yea, me too! :wink
However, I'd be more inclined to classify those as "catch lights", just like the sparkles of flash/light in people's eyes. Specular Highlights, imho, require larger blown areas (as in your Toyota badge case) or a direct light souces (Swartzy's bridges). :dunno

Come on, Cat, I know, you can do it:-):wink :lust :deal

Ah ok, I was a little vague on the definition to begin with, so thanks for the clarification :) If time allows tomorrow I'll try and get more that fit with the definition, as with my original first shot :)

[douglas]

Wow alot of great shots posted today!

[Shima]

http://Swartzy.smugmug.com/photos/111342006-L.jpg


This is gorgeous

[Antonio Correia]

This morning shots.
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/113539241-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/113538615-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/113537975-M.jpg

[Antonio Correia]

Tonight shot. Only one ... :(:
No Photoshop tricks ! I swear ! Guess how I did it. :D
Aperture: f/20.0 ISO: 200 Focal Length: 23mm (23*1,6mm) Exposure Time: 5s (5/1) Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode Exposure Program: Shutter priority
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/113550892-M.jpg

[Antonio Correia]

Wednesday morning shots
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/113749160-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/113752110-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/113752042-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

I've been busy....all the motion shots are of geese and such at high shutter speeds so there wasn't much movement feel of the pics....been concentrating on other stuff lately.....like this:

and I must include my latest wall hanger (running out of wall space..LOL):



Very cool! :thumb :clap

Quick question: did you use star-filter for your bridge shots? :scratch If not, how else did you get those stars so nice? :dunno

[Nikolai]

Thanks for the entries!:thumb
Sorry for slacking with the responses - very busy at work..:deal

[JenGrace]

How's this for blown-out areas?

http://jenw.smugmug.com/photos/113811699-O.jpg

[Elaine]

Playing around with a star filter that I was given...it doesn't fit any of my current lenses, so I hand held it in front of the lens...maybe a bit overexposed, but kinda fun...

http://e-heasley.smugmug.com/photos/113825374-L.jpg

[Swartzy]

Very cool! :thumb :clap

Quick question: did you use star-filter for your bridge shots? :scratch If not, how else did you get those stars so nice? :dunno

Nope, no star filter. I use my standard UV (Promaster) filter, which is on all the time, especially crawling around at night! It's simply exposure times with the most excellent camera.....:lust Thanks!

[Nikolai]

Playing around with a star filter that I was given...it doesn't fit any of my current lenses, so I hand held it in front of the lens...maybe a bit overexposed, but kinda fun...



Nice stars! :clap :thumb

[Nikolai]

Nope, no star filter. I use my standard UV (Promaster) filter, which is on all the time, especially crawling around at night! It's simply exposure times with the most excellent camera.....:lust Thanks!

Ah, ok, then! :thumb

But I'm starting really thinking of one :-), especially after looking at Elaine's pikcha:-) :wink

[Antonio Correia]

Nope, no star filter. I use my standard UV (Promaster) filter, which is on all the time, especially crawling around at night! It's simply exposure times with the most excellent camera.....:lust Thanks!
Swartzy, could you please explain that a little bit more ?
I don't quite understand and the effect is really nice.

What I don't know is the meaning here of crawling around ... :dunno
I suppose a baby crawls.

Thank you.

[Bayer-Z28]

This is one that I took at my cousin's place a couple days ago. (I know they're supposed to be new...)

Sorry for the poor quality. I like the overall picture, but I was messin around and I didn't have my tripod.

Dang, I need that new Camera....

http://aycu16.webshots.com/image/5535/2005065633721802108_rs.jpg

[Nikolai]

This is one that I took at my cousin's place a couple days ago. (I know they're supposed to be new...)

Sorry for the poor quality. I like the overall picture, but I was messin around and I didn't have my tripod.

Dang, I need that new Camera....



"Couple days ago" totally falls into this assignment timeframe, specular highlight is present - hence, you're golden:-):deal

Thanks for the entry! :thumb

[Shima]

I created these by doing the following:
Put CD's under my lamp in the living room, and then held an empty smirnoff bottle up next to my lens. I think it came out really neat :) Taken tonight.
No flash so it's all the trick of the lighting of the lamp...


http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/114018310-M.jpg

http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/114018430-M.jpg

http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/114018509-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

I created these by doing the following:
Put CD's under my lamp in the living room, and then held an empty smirnoff bottle up next to my lens. I think it came out really neat :) Taken tonight.
No flash so it's all the trick of the lighting of the lamp...


Cool shots :thumb
No specular highlights again :cry
I mean, there are some tiny specs of them, but the idea of the class is to get them really pronounced.

The primary idea behind specular highlight is that you can tweak the rest of the image into the dark oblivion of #000000, yet they still will be shining at full #FFFFFF.

HTH

[Shima]

Cool shots :thumb
No specular highlights again :cry
I mean, there are some tiny specs of them, but the idea of the class is to get them really pronounced.

The primary idea behind specular highlight is that you can tweak the rest of the image into the dark oblivion of #000000, yet they still will be shining at full #FFFFFF.

HTH

Argh, so the light playing tricks doesn't work, it's just gotta be pure highlights o' light then?

[Nikolai]

Argh, so the light playing tricks doesn't work, it's just gotta be pure highlights o' light then?
yup, you got it:-):thumb

[Antonio Correia]

Friday's shots
20D + 70-200 IS L USM + 1.4 multiplier + CPF
I wish I knew how to do the stars or crawling around (?) the UV filter.
http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/114075833-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/114077101-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/114077381-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/114076813-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/114077883-M.jpg http://antoniocorreia.smugmug.com/photos/114076421-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

Friday's shots
20D + 70-200 IS L USM + 1.4 multiplier + CPF
I wish I knew how to do the stars or crawling around (?) the UV filter.


Cool entries, thanks!:thumb

[Shima]

Very cold night last night:
http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/114279737-M.jpg

Shooting directly at the sun:
http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/114280065-M.jpg

More ice:
http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/114281316-M.jpg


My favorite:
http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/114281897-M.jpg

Curves of my car:
http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/114282410-M.jpg

My car from the front:
http://shima.smugmug.com/photos/114282484-M.jpg

[Swartzy]

YaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA:clap
Sorry Nik....I couldn't resist

[Nikolai]

YaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA:clap
Sorry Nik....I couldn't resist
Agree with David:-) :thumb

[ChrisJ]

My completely utilitarian entry...
http://chrisandjoy.smugmug.com/photos/167516452-L.jpg

[emmalou]

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

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

[Nikolai]

My completely utilitarian entry...

Nice work, Chris, I like it. :thumb
Clean up the BG and it'll be a great abstract shot! :deal

[Nikolai]

koi fish
Nice highlights, thank you!:thumb