....its all subjective... no matter what picture you take some people will love it and some won't. In the end, it's you who needs to love it... because you do this for your enjoyment, right? Everyone's suggestions are just that... suggestions. You should sort through them and see which ones YOU agree with and which ones you don't. Or try some out... see how it works... and then you decide if you want to go with it. There is no right or wrong.
Well .. I kind of see all of you as having the right pov and me obviously having the wrong pov because you guys obviously know more about this photo taking thing than I do. I'm used to being told what a client wants and then I produce that for them.
As for processing. There isn't a picture I've posted that hasn't been processed in some fashion... a boost here, a boost there... maybe black and white, some selective focusing... something. Processing isn't a no-no, even graininess and effects can really enhance a photo depending on what you do and how you do it.
I've tried submitting images with added graininess that I liked, but never got a positive response from them. I pay attention to what does get a positive response, and what was pointed out as being the example to follow were some of Sean's photo's that he provided. They all have sharp images and even one had a vivid blue background, so that's what I tried to produce... the tower with the vivid blue background.
Sometimes, I think I'm doing good when I produce something I like here, but then others don't like it and I'm thinking it's not about what I like, it's about what someone else likes if I'm going to be a success at this, here. It's a bit difficult to really step out and do what *I* really love to do.
Well .. I kind of see all of you as having the right pov and me obviously having the wrong pov because you guys obviously know more about this photo taking thing than I do. I'm used to being told what a client wants and then I produce that for them.
First, we're not clients so this is about YOUR vision.
I've tried submitting images with added graininess that I liked, but never got a positive response from them. I pay attention to what does get a positive response, and what was pointed out as being the example to follow were some of Sean's photo's that he provided. They all have sharp images and even one had a vivid blue background, so that's what I tried to produce... the tower with the vivid blue background.
What gets a positive response in one photo might not in another. Grain might work for one but not another... it's not either or... it depends on the individual photo.
Sean's examples are just that... examples of angles and shapes... and what worked in one of his photos might not work in this one. You're not trying (at least you shouldn't be) to reproduce Sean's work... you are making your own.
Sometimes, I think I'm doing good when I produce something I like here, but then others don't like it and I'm thinking it's not about what I like, it's about what someone else likes if I'm going to be a success at this, here. It's a bit difficult to really step out and do what *I* really love to do.
Let's go with this... how about making it about what YOU like? Otherwise, what's the point? You've got a bunch of photos that you don't necessarily like but everyone else does?? You can't please everyone so you've got to please yourself.... so the song goes. If you twist and fret and worry and stress... then you'll lose the enjoyment that you should get out of your photos. Maybe you need to redefine your definition of "success". As for me personally, I feel I'm successful when I love what I post and feel I've learned something new and stepped out of my comfort zone.... regardless of how my photo does in the comments or voting. If my photo does well.... that's just icing on the cake.
Pho-tog-ra-pher (n) 1. One who practices photography 2. one obsessed with capturing life with their camera. 3. One who eats, sleeps and breathes photographs. 4. One who sees the world in 4x6. www.lisaspeakmanphotography.com
It was a bit disheartening to read that my best efforts only look like I'm participating in an "exercise". <sigh> Will professional or more experienced photographers ever see my efforts as anything but?
Don't knock the "exercise" aspect of these challenges. The exercise
is to see something in a scene that you might not have noticed if not
for the mandate. Many of us like the themed, or mandated, assignments
because they often force us to look at what we normally photograph
differently.
You can often find a photograph within a photograph by moving in
closer or cropping to bring out a theme. It can expand our photographic
comfort zone.
First, we're not clients so this is about YOUR vision.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
I'm going to take a leap and show what I really love to do with photographs.
This is one of the other shots I took that I hadn't edited before. I thought the plane would be a distraction. No title yet, unless one of the edits looks like it might be good for the challenge.
This is what I love to do besides presenting macros/close-ups with vivid color... I love to make an image into another world... sort of...
Do you (or anyone else) have any suggestions/comments? pls?
These are more interesting to me that your prior efforts. Angling the tower
works. #4 is interesting. Looks like a Threshold Adjustment Layer was
used.
Pho-tog-ra-pher (n) 1. One who practices photography 2. one obsessed with capturing life with their camera. 3. One who eats, sleeps and breathes photographs. 4. One who sees the world in 4x6. www.lisaspeakmanphotography.com
Not sure what you mean by a new thread. I was very involved in photography in the 70's... film and darkroom... after 40 years coming back to photography. Still in the newbie stage.
Not sure what you mean by a new thread. I was very involved in photography in the 70's... film and darkroom... after 40 years coming back to photography. Still in the newbie stage.
As in... go back to where all the different topics "threads" are under "The Dgrin Challenges" and hit "New Thread" and post your photo for comments as a discussion separate from the one that Jenn started here in reference to her photos. Otherwise, your post will be lost in her discussion.
Pho-tog-ra-pher (n) 1. One who practices photography 2. one obsessed with capturing life with their camera. 3. One who eats, sleeps and breathes photographs. 4. One who sees the world in 4x6. www.lisaspeakmanphotography.com
Jenn ~ I am loathe to comment on the newest edits... since you took my comments previously to heart and went with what you liked best.... and now if I say anything in the negative we'll be right back where we started. With that said .... I'm (my own personal opinion) not a big fan of the plane being there... it sort of gives me thoughts of 9/11... plane...into a tower....
Of the ones with the plane I would go with either the first or the last.... 2-4 are all over processed (for my tastes) and distract from your main subject ... however there is something interesting in how the metal of the tower looks almost chrome in #4.
Please take these comments with a grain of salt.... they are but one person's opinion and they in no way call into question your abilities.
Pho-tog-ra-pher (n) 1. One who practices photography 2. one obsessed with capturing life with their camera. 3. One who eats, sleeps and breathes photographs. 4. One who sees the world in 4x6. www.lisaspeakmanphotography.com
Jenn ~ I am loathe to comment on the newest edits... since you took my comments previously to heart and went with what you liked best.... and now if I say anything in the negative we'll be right back where we started. With that said .... I'm (my own personal opinion) not a big fan of the plane being there... it sort of gives me thoughts of 9/11... plane...into a tower....
I understand... luckily, in that group of shots I got the plane on the other side as it was passing by!
Of these ones I would say #5 ... the other ones seem too processed to me and #8 especially... you end up losing the subject in the background. In #5... you have the nice clear repeating patterns of the diamonds going up in front.
Pho-tog-ra-pher (n) 1. One who practices photography 2. one obsessed with capturing life with their camera. 3. One who eats, sleeps and breathes photographs. 4. One who sees the world in 4x6. www.lisaspeakmanphotography.com
What I've learned during the previous challenges...
Challenges judged by members are always subjective not only to professional dissection, but individual taste. Not everyone will like some subjects, processing, etc. Some themes will throw you out of your comfort zone while others may give you an advantage.
While planning a theme entry with what is available to you, I have found that choosing a subject that others can relate to as being an additional advantage. It's only recently that I personally understood this and the result has been much more positive. Evoke Emotion...
Photoshop is not the only tool or program available, don't overuse filters and such. Way over processed HDR is loved by some, hated by others, so pick a happy medium between all edits and post processing. It has taken quite some time for myself to settle into a 'style' of photography. I studied photos I loved and figured out how they were created while discovering my 'style' along the way. Each photo I produce is run through a minimum of 3 different programs each with their own task, then layer blended.... So don't limit yourself, But... post processing can also make or break a photo.
Have fun with the challenges, consider all critiques as a learning experience and do not take them as being negative toward your photo, but to help. Some of my best photos have been hit hard on other forum critiques, but I still love them.
After all that typing, what I'm trying to say is... Shoot what you want, but where others make a deciding vote you also have to consider what their interests may be.
As for your tower photo, prepare it to your liking. With time still remaining in the challenge keep an eye out for other possibilities that you may like better. Your entry can always be changed!
What I've learned during the previous challenges...
Challenges judged by members are always subjective not only to professional dissection, but individual taste. Not everyone will like some subjects, processing, etc. Some themes will throw you out of your comfort zone while others may give you an advantage.
All the themes throw me out of my comfort zone since I'm a webmaster/graphic artist and photography is a hobby and something I'm trying to learn with a basic digital camera and a recently purchased mini-tripod.
While planning a theme entry with what is available to you, I have found that choosing a subject that others can relate to as being an additional advantage. It's only recently that I personally understood this and the result has been much more positive. Evoke Emotion...
Seems the version with the plane approaching the tower evoked some emotion reminding one person of 9/11. That wasn't my intention, tho. But, is that kind of 'evoking emotion' that you meant?
Photoshop is not the only tool or program available, don't overuse filters and such. Way over processed HDR is loved by some, hated by others, so pick a happy medium between all edits and post processing.
Here, as a rule, I don't overuse filters, but part of this discussion was about me attempting to do what I love to do, which is more along the lines of creating 'other worlds' through graphics using photographs. So, the most recent 2 groups of images is a result of that effort. I think #5 turned out better than the #1 airplane image did, though, I still really love the special filters because it gives a different look and offers a bit of eye candy for me versus the usual kind of photograph. Does that make sense? I guess I like something different than the usual kind of photo.
It has taken quite some time for myself to settle into a 'style' of photography. I studied photos I loved and figured out how they were created while discovering my 'style' along the way.
I'm not exactly sure WHAT my style is or even if I have one. I do know I don't like taking 'people' photos, but I love taking nature/outdoors photos and close-ups (as best I can with the camera I am using now.) For example, I love the photo of the tower up against the vivid blue sky. To my eye, it just has an amazing contrast, but others suggest I get shots with clouds in it which to me adding clouds would ruin the result I was wanting. OTOH, if I want to get votes here then I should produce what 'other' people want to see, BUT, if I think of it that way then I'm taking the wrong tac and I should see success as having images I like regardless of if they get votes. ACK! A person wants to be accepted and have their images enjoyed by others, but also to do what they enjoy at the same time. I admit I'm the emotional type at times and get disappointed, but I've always been goal oriented when it comes to things like this...
ergo: the GOAL - take photo for challenge
- meet the qualifications.. yadda yadda ...
- success = how well I met the GOAL
Each photo I produce is run through a minimum of 3 different programs each with their own task, then layer blended.... So don't limit yourself, But... post processing can also make or break a photo.
I only have one program which is photoshop, but I'm familiar with it. One thing I've not really ever used, tho, is the method you processed your photo of the old toys in the garage. That was interesting.
Have fun with the challenges, consider all critiques as a learning experience and do not take them as being negative toward your photo, but to help. Some of my best photos have been hit hard on other forum critiques, but I still love them.
Some challenges I do pretty well at not being disappointed, mostly in myself ... at times I get confused as to 'how I can do better'. Does 'doing better' equal pleasing others here and getting a few more votes in a challenge, or does 'doing better' equal me just doing what "I" love and getting no votes at all? I tend to search for the 'how to get from point A to point B' kind of thing.
This whole experience is good for me learning about how to apply the suggestions and critques and balancing that with my own not knowing if I'm improving or not. I don't have anything to guage me improving except the comments and/or votes. Everyone has been so patient and helpful even when I'm having a meltdown (which is usually because I am frustrated with myself because I can't figure out how to do better). The idea of doing BETTER is an ellusive ghost some days!
After all that typing, what I'm trying to say is... Shoot what you want, but where others make a deciding vote you also have to consider what their interests may be.
As for your tower photo, prepare it to your liking. With time still remaining in the challenge keep an eye out for other possibilities that you may like better. Your entry can always be changed!
Troy
I'm curious... do any of the images I've submitted in this thread appeal to you? What about them do you like/dislike? I really do appreciate all the different points of view.
My main work? I'm an autobody specialist. Fix and paint cars, semi trucks and heavy equipment for 27 years now. I'm also an artist since childhood (professionally) and merged into graphic design. Been studying photography for about 4 years now, sometimes not touching a camera for weeks. Testing programs seeking their abilities is something that can be an advantage even in your field, and for business they are 'tools' that can be written off.
While the tower has many angles and does qualify, it doesn't have that visual appeal. Perhaps at an angle where many never see, right in the middle looking straight up? Don't limit yourself to only thinking of the tower, thinking big... Macro may also come in handy.
I'm also an artist since childhood (professionally) and merged into graphic design. Been studying photography for about 4 years now, sometimes not touching a camera for weeks. Testing programs seeking their abilities is something that can be an advantage even in your field, and for business they are 'tools' that can be written off.
I began as a web designer maybe 15-20yrs ago and merged into graphic design and started learning photography after I bought my first digital camera maybe 4 or 5 yrs ago. The first couple of years I just used it for taking family shots and events like ice and snow storms, then I got more interested in seeing if I could learn more and get better at it.
While the tower has many angles and does qualify, it doesn't have that visual appeal. Perhaps at an angle where many never see, right in the middle looking straight up? Don't limit yourself to only thinking of the tower, thinking big... Macro may also come in handy.
A friend of mine who's a photographer suggested I see if I can get permission to take shots of the tower from inside looking up into the tower. That tower is locked up pretty securely, but who knows.. it doesn't hurt to ask, right? I had one other idea that I've already taken shots of, but it seemed rather simplistic. I haven't edited any of those image, either, but they fit the challenge. Maybe simplistic will end up being better...
Thanks for your perspective. I really appreciate it.
I began as a web designer maybe 15-20yrs ago and merged into graphic design and started learning photography after I bought my first digital camera maybe 4 or 5 yrs ago. The first couple of years I just used it for taking family shots and events like ice and snow storms, then I got more interested in seeing if I could learn more and get better at it.
Comments
Well .. I kind of see all of you as having the right pov and me obviously having the wrong pov because you guys obviously know more about this photo taking thing than I do. I'm used to being told what a client wants and then I produce that for them.
I've tried submitting images with added graininess that I liked, but never got a positive response from them. I pay attention to what does get a positive response, and what was pointed out as being the example to follow were some of Sean's photo's that he provided. They all have sharp images and even one had a vivid blue background, so that's what I tried to produce... the tower with the vivid blue background.
Sometimes, I think I'm doing good when I produce something I like here, but then others don't like it and I'm thinking it's not about what I like, it's about what someone else likes if I'm going to be a success at this, here. It's a bit difficult to really step out and do what *I* really love to do.
Panasonic Lumix 10x DMC-TZ3 :photo
Leica Mega O.I.S./28mm WIDE :smile6
First, we're not clients so this is about YOUR vision.
What gets a positive response in one photo might not in another. Grain might work for one but not another... it's not either or... it depends on the individual photo.
Sean's examples are just that... examples of angles and shapes... and what worked in one of his photos might not work in this one. You're not trying (at least you shouldn't be) to reproduce Sean's work... you are making your own.
Let's go with this... how about making it about what YOU like? Otherwise, what's the point? You've got a bunch of photos that you don't necessarily like but everyone else does?? You can't please everyone so you've got to please yourself.... so the song goes. If you twist and fret and worry and stress... then you'll lose the enjoyment that you should get out of your photos. Maybe you need to redefine your definition of "success". As for me personally, I feel I'm successful when I love what I post and feel I've learned something new and stepped out of my comfort zone.... regardless of how my photo does in the comments or voting. If my photo does well.... that's just icing on the cake.
www.lisaspeakmanphotography.com
Don't knock the "exercise" aspect of these challenges. The exercise
is to see something in a scene that you might not have noticed if not
for the mandate. Many of us like the themed, or mandated, assignments
because they often force us to look at what we normally photograph
differently.
You can often find a photograph within a photograph by moving in
closer or cropping to bring out a theme. It can expand our photographic
comfort zone.
http://tonycooper.smugmug.com/
Thanks for all the suggestions.
I'm going to take a leap and show what I really love to do with photographs.
This is one of the other shots I took that I hadn't edited before. I thought the plane would be a distraction. No title yet, unless one of the edits looks like it might be good for the challenge.
This is what I love to do besides presenting macros/close-ups with vivid color... I love to make an image into another world... sort of...
Do you (or anyone else) have any suggestions/comments? pls?
1. Original edit 1.
2. Edit 2
3. Edit 3 (my favorite)
4. Edit 4
Panasonic Lumix 10x DMC-TZ3 :photo
Leica Mega O.I.S./28mm WIDE :smile6
works. #4 is interesting. Looks like a Threshold Adjustment Layer was
used.
http://tonycooper.smugmug.com/
Any comments pro/con appreciated.
Thanks... Peter
Peter... I would post this as a new thread...
www.lisaspeakmanphotography.com
Not sure what you mean by a new thread. I was very involved in photography in the 70's... film and darkroom... after 40 years coming back to photography. Still in the newbie stage.
As in... go back to where all the different topics "threads" are under "The Dgrin Challenges" and hit "New Thread" and post your photo for comments as a discussion separate from the one that Jenn started here in reference to her photos. Otherwise, your post will be lost in her discussion.
www.lisaspeakmanphotography.com
Peter
Of the ones with the plane I would go with either the first or the last.... 2-4 are all over processed (for my tastes) and distract from your main subject ... however there is something interesting in how the metal of the tower looks almost chrome in #4.
Please take these comments with a grain of salt.... they are but one person's opinion and they in no way call into question your abilities.
www.lisaspeakmanphotography.com
I understand... luckily, in that group of shots I got the plane on the other side as it was passing by!
What do you think of these?
5.
6.
7.
8. (my personal fav. of this last 4)
Panasonic Lumix 10x DMC-TZ3 :photo
Leica Mega O.I.S./28mm WIDE :smile6
www.lisaspeakmanphotography.com
Challenges judged by members are always subjective not only to professional dissection, but individual taste. Not everyone will like some subjects, processing, etc. Some themes will throw you out of your comfort zone while others may give you an advantage.
While planning a theme entry with what is available to you, I have found that choosing a subject that others can relate to as being an additional advantage. It's only recently that I personally understood this and the result has been much more positive. Evoke Emotion...
Photoshop is not the only tool or program available, don't overuse filters and such. Way over processed HDR is loved by some, hated by others, so pick a happy medium between all edits and post processing. It has taken quite some time for myself to settle into a 'style' of photography. I studied photos I loved and figured out how they were created while discovering my 'style' along the way. Each photo I produce is run through a minimum of 3 different programs each with their own task, then layer blended.... So don't limit yourself, But... post processing can also make or break a photo.
Have fun with the challenges, consider all critiques as a learning experience and do not take them as being negative toward your photo, but to help. Some of my best photos have been hit hard on other forum critiques, but I still love them.
After all that typing, what I'm trying to say is... Shoot what you want, but where others make a deciding vote you also have to consider what their interests may be.
As for your tower photo, prepare it to your liking. With time still remaining in the challenge keep an eye out for other possibilities that you may like better. Your entry can always be changed!
Troy
http://snaptx.smugmug.com/
Light is everything in life and photography.
Seems the version with the plane approaching the tower evoked some emotion reminding one person of 9/11. That wasn't my intention, tho. But, is that kind of 'evoking emotion' that you meant?
Here, as a rule, I don't overuse filters, but part of this discussion was about me attempting to do what I love to do, which is more along the lines of creating 'other worlds' through graphics using photographs. So, the most recent 2 groups of images is a result of that effort. I think #5 turned out better than the #1 airplane image did, though, I still really love the special filters because it gives a different look and offers a bit of eye candy for me versus the usual kind of photograph. Does that make sense? I guess I like something different than the usual kind of photo.
I'm not exactly sure WHAT my style is or even if I have one. I do know I don't like taking 'people' photos, but I love taking nature/outdoors photos and close-ups (as best I can with the camera I am using now.) For example, I love the photo of the tower up against the vivid blue sky. To my eye, it just has an amazing contrast, but others suggest I get shots with clouds in it which to me adding clouds would ruin the result I was wanting. OTOH, if I want to get votes here then I should produce what 'other' people want to see, BUT, if I think of it that way then I'm taking the wrong tac and I should see success as having images I like regardless of if they get votes. ACK!
ergo: the GOAL - take photo for challenge
- meet the qualifications.. yadda yadda ...
- success = how well I met the GOAL
I only have one program which is photoshop, but I'm familiar with it. One thing I've not really ever used, tho, is the method you processed your photo of the old toys in the garage. That was interesting.
Some challenges I do pretty well at not being disappointed, mostly in myself ... at times I get confused as to 'how I can do better'. Does 'doing better' equal pleasing others here and getting a few more votes in a challenge, or does 'doing better' equal me just doing what "I" love and getting no votes at all?
This whole experience is good for me learning about how to apply the suggestions and critques and balancing that with my own not knowing if I'm improving or not. I don't have anything to guage me improving except the comments and/or votes. Everyone has been so patient and helpful even when I'm having a meltdown (which is usually because I am frustrated with myself because I can't figure out how to do better).
I'm curious... do any of the images I've submitted in this thread appeal to you? What about them do you like/dislike? I really do appreciate all the different points of view.
Panasonic Lumix 10x DMC-TZ3 :photo
Leica Mega O.I.S./28mm WIDE :smile6
While the tower has many angles and does qualify, it doesn't have that visual appeal. Perhaps at an angle where many never see, right in the middle looking straight up? Don't limit yourself to only thinking of the tower, thinking big... Macro may also come in handy.
I began as a web designer maybe 15-20yrs ago and merged into graphic design and started learning photography after I bought my first digital camera maybe 4 or 5 yrs ago. The first couple of years I just used it for taking family shots and events like ice and snow storms, then I got more interested in seeing if I could learn more and get better at it.
A friend of mine who's a photographer suggested I see if I can get permission to take shots of the tower from inside looking up into the tower. That tower is locked up pretty securely, but who knows.. it doesn't hurt to ask, right?
Thanks for your perspective. I really appreciate it.
Panasonic Lumix 10x DMC-TZ3 :photo
Leica Mega O.I.S./28mm WIDE :smile6
Ditto, same here, all of the above.
Small world!
Panasonic Lumix 10x DMC-TZ3 :photo
Leica Mega O.I.S./28mm WIDE :smile6