|
| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 25 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
Wonderful image, Audrey! I hope you and Phil are doing well. I particularly like how you first captured this intimate scene so directly and then how to positioned the layers beneath the water of rocks with just the right shutter speed to have both nice surface texture as well as some nice translucence. I love doing these type of images at falls and rapids and this one if hands down for me a special image. |
Jul 20th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 25
|
| 50 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
Very nicely done image, Jeffrey. I like your composition and tonal conversion a lot. |
Jul 20th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 50
|
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
But that was not the image to be commented on. It was just used as a reference point. I submitted a painterly version using Topaz. I guess in not commenting, that doesn't work in any regard for you. Again, I can see that submitting an artistic approach is not acceptable here. |
Jul 22nd |
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
That is interesting, Sharon. I found that image to be well captured image out of a sequence of several, but rather "boring" except for the angle of the wings. I did not like the color of the sky which drew me to want to, in my opinion, enhance it with some color and give the eagle a little more pop in the final LR version. The submitted version was my flight of fancy which takes it beyond a camera shot and creates a piece of art.
I have a friend from another group I am active in that does wonderful bird pictures, but really turns them into crazy works of art that sometimes work for me and sometime seem over the top...he punches up color, creates splashed painted background. My little eagle is lame by comparisons. Who knows what folks like at any given time. I do think I probably should not do the artistic approach here for it falls short and can't be reviewed for that without some comparison to the natural. I had submitted the variations with the idea that we all might see the possibilities. |
Jul 17th |
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
That is quite creative visualization.....the aurora was not meant to look natural. I intended a creative visualization which I do not see quite the same way, but I see the artistic approach doesn't work for you. I will stick to more natural renderings, I think. I will have to take a look at my August version again since I did some effects that I liked. Perhaps I will just submit a more traditional image. I guess I will know better (I am hearing loud and clear from most of you) not to submit any flights of fancy (play on words). |
Jul 17th |
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
When I sent them to you, I sent one labeled as Fly Like an Eagle (Slightly Tweaked Original).jpg and the other was labeled Fly like an Eagle (Final Version LR).jpg. The submitted one was labeled as I always do Fly like an Eagle PSA PID DD SG #52.jpg. I thought all would be clear. If done again, I will label the submission image if desired and differently other versions with a appropriate descriptive title followed by a 1 and a two 2, etc. |
Jul 17th |
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
I apologize for not providing the settings. That is out of character for me. Here they are. Nikon D500 with 200-500mm f5.6 lens, 240mm, ISO 180 (Auto ISO), set at 1/1600s, f/6.3, -1/3 EV, Aperture Priority, Lightroom and Topaz Impressions Painterly style processing for final submission. Lightroom for Original 1 and 2 only. |
Jul 16th |
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
Original 2 (they got reversed in posting, I think) was the original out of camera with just a slight edit. The Original 1 was the version meant as a final to stand alone on its own merit before I decided to create an artsy version as purely an alternative way of presenting the bird. That was submitted image which was meant to have a painterly feel, as I described and thus sharpness might not be seen in the same perspective as with a purely PP photography. It is really a matter of taste. Not everyone cares for the creative options that Topaz Impressions offers. I just want to push the envelop in our group to show another way of seeing and presenting. |
Jul 12th |
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
Wonderful revisit to the submitted version. Nicely done. I got a chuckle out of your comment above about the "nature competition". I am glad I do not play in that pool. |
Jul 12th |
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
Of course, at the end of the day, be true to your vision. We all have perspectives and as long as the technical is pretty good, how you end up creating is what really matter. |
Jul 12th |
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
Mike, I like how you exposed this image and how you ended up getting the tonal quality. I do think the foreground shadows could be opened up some more. I wonder if the island was on the left for I see some artifacts that makes the horizon line look a bit manipulated. I also feel that my eye wants to see more space between the foreground rocks and the horizon. Finally, I find the spacial relationship of the bench in contrast to the sunset just a bit unsettling. I know the subject is the bench per the title, but what if I didn't have a title....what is the subject? Should it be the sunset or the bench. For me, my eye keeps wanting to find more detail in the foreground and yet gets pulled to the sunset which is interesting, but then distracted by the bench. I keep unnecessarily pondering what is it that doesn't quite work here. In desperation, I want so much for the bench to be much more minimal, which might be either less of it in the frame or a different angle of view where it is not right right in my face. |
Jul 9th |
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
Judith, the story is here without a doubt and I like that. However, in my opinion the colors are harsh and distracting as well as the angle of view such that the scene is very busy given the colors. I also feel, that I have to take some effort (may be just me) to figure out what is between the flower petals and the bee. That my be odd, but it took me awhile to ascertain they were the wings of the bee. It think that part of the image looks unnatural. |
Jul 9th |
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
Tom, this is really nice. I have no suggestions. This fellow is wonderfully captured and presented. The color, exposure, clarity and sharpness are so well done. |
Jul 9th |
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
Your image is lovely and I like it pretty much the way you present it. The composition is delightful, it is sharp and well exposed and, in my opinion, has a nice sense of environment with being distracting. Well done. I suggest only that you study the petals of this beauty a little and remove some of the spots. |
Jul 9th |
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
Carol, I like the composition and overall exposure. I think, though, the scene is a bit flat. Some tone curve might enhance it. I have to agree with Mike, f22 is often not your friend in landscape scenes. Diffraction sets in. It is ok for artistic effects at times, but really I have learned that rarely will I go beyond f/13 or 14 and often you can go down to f/8 to f/11 quite nicely. I also try more and more to pay attention to they hyperlocal distance and even if I haven't focused within the algorithmic elements of a certain focal length, I will estimate and use the something up to 1/3 the distance into the frame. I have so many images that I took at f22 that I wish I could redo until I learned how much it can work against getting the clean crispness that when toned just right will make an image pop. |
Jul 9th |
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
I like the composition and overall color as well as the exposure. For me, I can see what Mike mentions the bird being a little lighter and perhaps that is just in some areas to open up shadows. I think I find two things that got my attention. I don't believe the the bird and the branch are sufficiently sharp. Also, I find that I would prefer to see more room at the top of branch within the frame. |
Jul 9th |
| 52 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
Mike, thanks for the comment. I like all three versions of my image. It just shows, in my opinion, that there are so many possibilities and that any variation can stand on its own merits. I fully understand some do not like special effects, but that is the very thing that gets my blood flowing. |
Jul 9th |
7 comments - 8 replies for Group 52
|
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
It was silly of me to post the list. It was easy to copy and paste from my profile at Nikonians.org. Getting the suggestions of what to carry made me do it since I had so much stuff I was trying to be humorous as well as express how hard it is sometimes to decide what to take on travel trips. Thanks for the comments. |
Jul 29th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
Stuart, I am glad you like experiments. I submitted in DD SG #52 this month an artistic rendering of a eagle (it is a nature plus group). This is a nice group of folks that I learn a lot from regarding nature shots and traditional photography. When I decided to see how an artistic / painterly effect worked, they only wanted to talk about the two none painterly versions I had posted for comparison. I know I have to figure out how to better submit experiments and get feedback. I thought the feedback here for Jerry went well...we are an accepting group and understand we are studying options. I have actually come back to this image several times because Jerry got me to see something a little differently even if I didn't care for it totally. I really like what DD offers us. |
Jul 23rd |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
You know, Stuart, that is a good point about the catchlight in the eyes. I didn't notice it, I look forward to Abhijeet's thoughts about how he created those effects. |
Jul 23rd |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
Seeing your note, made me recall that I need to mention this in notes to the whole group that we can venture into any of the DD study groups and over comments. I noticed some did so this month. I do that occasionally. BTW, there are 7 other monochrome groups that can inspire us besides all the other various study groups. |
Jul 23rd |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
Well seen, Stuart. |
Jul 23rd |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
We have a 2017 Honda CR-V (actually my wife's car) since I usually drive a 2007 Honda Civic Coup. I have taken many long trips over the past 8 years of retirement with the 2007 Honda. I pack it to the gills with two tripods, two large camera bags for my Nikons and lenses, two bags of filter assessors, a bag with Fuji options of cameras and lenses and my bag with flash gear as well as my ball heads, side kicks, long lenses and misc. stuff. I drove all over the midwest that way, around Lake Superior, to Colorado and Utah. Last year when I went to Maine (driving from Richmond, VA) my kind wife let me take the 2017 Honda and wouldn't you know, I put just about the same in that car (could have fit more). What was nice I could get to stuff when in the 2007 Honda I had to struggle to get to stuff since it was so packed in. Anyway, since that last trip, I haven't taken more then a few things on trips. It is getting less and less about the gear and more and more about the image and doing the very best with whatever I have with me. How things change. BTW, I hope the list gives you ideas, but the bottom line is, it is all about the quality of the image capture even with a cell phone. |
Jul 20th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
I have similarly fine Fuji cameras and lens with filters, etc. No judge or jury or evaluator, etc., etc., etc. has commented about that to me. If they did, I would ask them what they were evaluating (Smiling).
BTW, since we are showing off equipment, here is a list of my equipment (it is always interesting to figure out what to carry and stay within the lightweight journey rules of airlines, my wife (most especially) and trying to travel with "carry on" only as often as practical except on extended trips and cruises where I got to bring the Tuxedo:
NikonLenses:
20mm f2.8 AF-D Nikkor
35mm AF-S DX Nikkor/1.8G
50mm AF-S Nikkor f1.4 G
50mm AF Nikkor f1.8D
24-85mm f3.5-4.5 ED VR
16-35mm AF-S F/4 ED VR
16-80mm f2.8-4 AF-S DX VR
18-55mm AF-S DX VR 3.5-5.6G
18-200mm Nikkor; 1:3.5-5.6G ED VR II
18-300mm Niikkor; f3.5-5.6G ED VR
24-120mm Nikkor AF-S f4 ED VR
28-300mm AFS F3.5-5.6 ED VR
70-300 mm ED AF-S Nikkor 1:4.5-5.6 VR;
200-500mm f5.6E ED VR Nikkor Telephoto Lens
E Series 50 mm;
E Series 35 mm (quantity 2)
OtherLenses
8mm Rokinon f3.5 Fisheye
10-24mm SP Tamron Di II 1:3.5-4.5 (DX Format
11-16mm Tokina AT-X Pro DX, f2.8
12-24mm, Sigma DG, 1:4.5-5.6 (FX Format)
24 mm PC Tilt-Shift Rokinon, F3.5
28-75mm Di Tamron F2.8 (FX Format)
35mm f2.8 Pro DX Tokina Macro;
60mm f2 Tamron Di II Macro (DX Format)
10-24mm F4 Fuji X Series
18mm F2 Fuji X Series
23mm F2 WR Fuji X Series
35mm F2 WR Fuji X Series
27mm F2 Fuji X Series
35mm F1.4 Fuji X Series
60mm F2.4 Macro Fuji X Series
18-135mm f2.8 - 4.8 Fuji X Series
18-55mm F2.8-F4 Fuji X Series
55-200mm F3.5-4.8 Fuji X Series
90mm f2.8 Tamron Di Macro (FX Format)
100mm f2.8, Tokina, AT-X M100 Pro D (Macro)
70-200mm APO F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Sigma
50-500mm f4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Sigma;
80-200mm Rokinon (old slide zoom);
Various Adaptors and Magnifiers for Macro;
Kenko 1.4X, 2X and 3X Teleconverter;
Kenko Teleplus Pro300 3XM Teleconverter;
Kenko Extender set
Canon 500D for Macro Extension
NOTE: Metabones Adaptors & Speed-boosters for Nikon lens to Fuji X Series Camera
Speedlight:
SB-15
SB-300
SB-600
SB-700
SB-910
Nikon Gear:
Nikon Df
Nikon D90 (converted to IR 590nm)
Nikon D500
Nikon D750
Nikon D800
Nikon P7000
Nikon Coolpix A
Nikon Coolpix 3700,
Nikon FM2 Manual SLR film camera,
Nikon EM AP SLR film camera
2 Nikon Remote controls
SB 910 Speedlight
Nikon R1C1 Speedlight kit
SB 300 Speedlight
SB 600 Speedlight
SB 700 Speedlight
SS 15 Speedlight
MC-DC2 remote (2)
MC-30 remote (2)
MC-36 remote
OtherGear:
Fujifilm X10;
Fujifilm X100
Fujifilm X-E1
Fujifilm X-T1
Fujifilm X-Pro2
Various Fuji Speedlights for the X-Series cameras
Minolta X-370;
Olympus D-400;
Sony DSC-150W
Sony Cybershot DSC-W150;
Wide range of UV Filters, GND Filters, VND filters and Polarizers;
IR 590nm and 720nm filters
Cokin Filter Holder Assemblies;
Calumet 4 Channel Wireless and Wire remote for flash and shutter release;
various hoods for lenses;
Canon Pixma 9000pro Printer,
HP C6180 printer
D-SLR compatible Flash by Phoenix
Sekonic L-358 light meter
Sekonic L-398A light meter
ExpoDisk
Nik Software Collection
Topaz Suite
ON1 RAW
MacPhun Creative Suite
Aurora HDR 2017
Photomatix
HDR Expose 3
PTqui
Helicon Focus
Piccure
Tripods:
Gitzo GT3541L with Markin Ball Head and the Magica System.
Also have in reserve or for home use, Manfrotto 055XPROB & 055CXPRO4; Manfrotto Hydrostatic RC5 ball head with medium sized plate & RC3 ball head with large slide plate for big lens, a Calumet 7045 Medium Ball Heat, and a Feisol "U" bracket Gimbal Tripod Swivel Head; a 27 year old IIC Pro, and 3 low end low profile convenience brands for quick and dirty light weight work with some of the different cameras.
Heads:
Markin Ball Head Q20, Manfrotto RC5 with medium quick release slide plate and RC3 ball head with large quick release slide plate for big lens, a Calumet 7045 Medium Ball Heat, and a Feisol "U" bracket Gimbal Tripod Swivel Head; Adorama Focus Rail.
Bags:
Think Tank Airport Take-off (combo roll through the airport and backpack). Tenba Shootout Backpack and Carry-on Camera bag; Zekos small backpack; Lowepro large backpack; Tenba Black Label Photo Satchel for travel walk about use; and four small camera bags for quick convenience use and equipment storage of various cameras and related gear.
FavouriteGadget:
2 Domke PhotoTog Jacket....when I remember to wear it and most of all put the right accessories in it! Then I have more of a chance to quickly get the stuff I need. Also, my Nikonians Hat and T-Shirts; While not a gadget, my favorite DSLR was my D700 which I elected to trade in with a D600 and D7000 to get the D750.
MostUselessGadget:
1) The item(s) I forget to bring with me!
2) I obviously didn't much research when I got the 3X Kenko Teleconverter. That is a "crapshoot" to use even if lucky.
3) NOTE: Anytime I think I can use the lightweight cheap tripod...it always is more trouble then it is worth to get stable control.
Most desired item:
The Mack Truck to bring all my choices for the perfect photography trip! SMILE
|
Jul 20th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
On revisiting this image, I think the original still works very nicely since the angle of view drives my eye right to the subject. While the alternate image suggested by Oliver is quite nice (the blurring and texturing is technically very nicely done) I end up liking both. Here is an example where I think the more we look at an image we can start to deviate from that instant moment we were grabbed to "see" what the image maker saw. That is a bit of a two edge sword I think. Sometimes I wish I could just stay in that first visual moment and savor without looking for more. Other times, it is the very thing we need to do, i.e., let our eye roam and see possibilities. |
Jul 20th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
Thanks, Jerry. I was delighted that with the all myriad environmental conditions that I could frame the image decently. I was delighted with the tonal results in the conversion. Thanks for your comment. |
Jul 20th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
Thanks, Jerry. I am glad you see what I saw in the outcome on this one. |
Jul 20th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
Stuart, I so wish I could travel on my own sometimes, but my wife would have none of that, because I would love to go to a location like this and experiment at many different times of the day. Of course, then I would have travel with more gear and in the last couple years I have trimmed down to no tripod on travels and leave the array of filters at home. Do I miss those opportunities? Yes, but I also enjoy not lugging all that gear through security, etc. Sometimes we just have to accept what changes. |
Jul 20th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
Thanks for stopping by our group....that is really great. Our group is getting known. |
Jul 20th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
Thanks, Steven, for stopping by and providing clarification. I thought it might be a dozen, but was too lazy (shame on me) to dig out the map when posting and actually know accurately, thus my "8 or more" option. |
Jul 9th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
Jerry, my eyes get tired of trying to discover what I am looking at. It seems like a lot of busy lines. So sorry, it doesn't work for me. Now, I like your Original #2 for I get better definition of subject within its environment. Even, then I would like to see a little more separation between the leopard and it's background. |
Jul 9th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
Stuart, well done. The tone, light, texture, composition is excellent. I continue to admire much of what you offer us and how you use your work flow. Thanks for sharing that information. In fact, I think our entire group is a wonderful learning experience. |
Jul 9th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
Abhijeet, I think you have created a very nice portrait. The focus and light is quite nice and works well. My only suggestion is to allow us to see more detail in the woman's hair. I also think the skin almost borders unnaturally soft. Very nice work. |
Jul 9th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
Jerry, this is excellent. The tonal contrast, composition, detail, and clarity gives me a natural abstract with so many possibilities to look at. It becomes a pleasure to stay in the image and move about always seeing something new. Well done. I have no suggestions. |
Jul 9th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
For me, this is near perfect and gives us a wonderful story with just the right amount of accentuating light and darks, clarity of hand action and intensity of focus on the man's smart phone. I think the image really works. Well done. |
Jul 9th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
Stan, I find the depth of field, clarity and sharpness along with the composition just wonderfully done and presented. Well done! |
Jul 9th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
Very interesting information, Stan. Thanks for sharing this. |
Jul 9th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Comment |
Thanks for all the comments. I think, I got lucky regarding the cars and trucks. That was the one moment that I got fewest and least intrusive number of vehicles and favorably positioned. If Ansel was there when I was, I'd dare him to do better! Smile regarding the cars. BTW, for me in the way they are positioned they are possibly even enhancing elements. |
Jul 9th |
| 64 |
Jul 18 |
Reply |
Don, Thanks for the comments. Regarding my copyright that is my "signature" location of my signature that never varies, unless I forget to check the box, whenever I post online. I try to frame images accordingly with varying success. Unfortunately for online work you will have forgive me always. Smile! That is what I do. |
Jul 9th |
9 comments - 13 replies for Group 64
|
18 comments - 21 replies Total
|
