WPC 1402 - Cold RESULTS
Jan 17, 2014 22:14:06 #
From http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-177869-1.html
The winners of Cold with 165 entries and (449) votes are...
1st place = u02bnpx with 8.69 points and (19) votes (1st) date taken 2004:01:19
2nd place = GreyGeek with 6.79 points and (17) votes (1st) date taken Unknown
3rd place = Moonsey with 5.88 points and (11) votes (1st) date taken Unknown
4th place = pithydoug with 5.71 points and (15) votes (1st) date taken 2014:01:09
Congratulations everyone - especially those who added a little more by telling us about their photos!!!
> http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/photo_contest.jsp?pcnum=98 <
- Click (ratings) to see all the entries at once
Running Totals - Underlined equals multiple time winners
1st = fad2000, u02bnpx
2nd = Fuzzycoach, GreyGeek
3rd = mcdykes, Moonsey
4th = tjoyce0528, pithydoug
The winners of Cold with 165 entries and (449) votes are...
1st place = u02bnpx with 8.69 points and (19) votes (1st) date taken 2004:01:19
2nd place = GreyGeek with 6.79 points and (17) votes (1st) date taken Unknown
3rd place = Moonsey with 5.88 points and (11) votes (1st) date taken Unknown
4th place = pithydoug with 5.71 points and (15) votes (1st) date taken 2014:01:09
Congratulations everyone - especially those who added a little more by telling us about their photos!!!
> http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/photo_contest.jsp?pcnum=98 <
- Click (ratings) to see all the entries at once
Running Totals - Underlined equals multiple time winners
1st = fad2000, u02bnpx
2nd = Fuzzycoach, GreyGeek
3rd = mcdykes, Moonsey
4th = tjoyce0528, pithydoug
"Eternal Vigilance" This is a 500-pound bronze sculpture by John Silk Deckard that sits in front of the Erie Art Museum in Erie, PA. The sculptor wrote that "Man is the most dangerous species on earth. His only hope for salvation is himself."
It doesn't get much colder than this! A frozen-solid Goofy hangs on to a car antenna during an ice storm
Looking for a handout
Ashokan Reservoir ay sunrise
Jan 17, 2014 22:28:14 #
To help this weeks WPC 1402 - Cold ANALYSIS volunteer please visit http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-178359-1.html
Jan 18, 2014 15:50:59 #
An interview with u02bnpx,
1) How long have you been into photography and what got you started?
When I was very young (I'm now 78), my aunt introduced me to the magic of her folding Kodak camera with bellows. At around 12, I had a chance to "play" a bit with my older brother's twin-lens Ikoflex. I lusted after a Kodak Medalist owned by the Russian Orthodox priest of the church I attended. My first SLR was a Pentax K1000.
2) Do you have any formal training and what kind of photography do you do most?
I studied film history, criticism, and production in the grad school for one year at USC's School of Cinema. I got into freelance film reviewing for the Erie paper, did it for 25 years, but I have no interest in using the video capabilities of my iPhone or my cameras. I did learn much about exposure, however, during that yeat at USC when I was in my late 30s.
3) In your opinion, what makes a good picture stand out from the rest?
Something striking--either subtly or boldly--about light, composition, and/or subject matter. I think of Gulley Jimson, the fictional painter in Joyce Cary's 1944 novel, "The Horse's Mouth." When Gulley is asked for his reaction to an exhibit of Impressionist paintings, he replies: "It skinned my eyes." A typical photo from National Geographic does the same for me. There's a 1955 movie of the novel starring Alec Guinness.
4) What equipment did you use and was there any special setup? Can you walk us through it?
Used a lowly Powershot S400 Elph. I'd been carrying it with me to shoot exteriors of restaurants that I was reviewing. Took the shot, walked back to my car, which was parked on the street on which sits the Erie Art Museum. I'd shot this sculpture on sunny days from all sorts of angles. But the addition of the naturally "sculpted" snow made all the difference. It dictated a straight-on shot. And I was lucky that my Elph chose settings of f/4 at 1/500. It softened the background nicely. I certainly didn't consider driving home and back to shoot it with a big DSLR. Wind and snow wait for no photographer.
5) Do you post process your final images, and if so can you describe your workflow?
I do minimal PP with Photoshop Elements I (yes, ONE). I don't shoot raw, I download my card into a computer file, delete the big mis-shoots, then crop, adjust levels, brightness, contrast, shadow reduction, and sharpening.
6) Who or what has influenced your photography and what inspired you to take your winning shot?
This shot took more serendipity than inspiration, although I'd tried to take many shots of this sculpture at different times of the day (or night). I've been influenced locally by members of the Photography Club to which I once belonged.
7) Would you change anything if you could do it again, and if so what?
I would have liked to take a greater variety of shots, but I was working on a restaurant review-related deadline and was in a bit of a rush. Plus, the weather was much nastier than it looks in the finished photo.
8) What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
I wish I knew how important it is to pay more attention to the requirements of collecting and saving old prints. Can't tell you how much I miss some photos I can still see in my mind's eye. But, having lived in 10 different cities and gone through one divorce, such "little things" as photos tend to get neglected.
9) What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
I have a Rube Goldbergy flash diffuser that I often use on the Canon 580 and 5D MkII. Got directions for it in a Youtube video. It makes my subjects smile. I also love my Velbon travel tripod and ball head for informal shots, especially if I'm using the timer.
10) If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Although I own the Canon 16-35II L and the 70-200II L f/4, my favorite is the 24-105. Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'.
11) What lighting equipment, if any, do you take on a shoot?
When I was shooting restaurant owners inside the premises, I often took a light stand, an umbrella, an extra flash for slave, and the 580 on a transmitter in my hotshoe.
12) If you couldn't do photography what else would you do?
I've written over 20 travel pieces as a freelancer for several publications. I'm too old--not to mention retired--now to pursue that with the required vigor, but such writing for a large newspaper, magazine, or website would have given me an alternative career. BTW, my wife and I are off for 3 weeks in St. Croix soon, and then, in the fall, it's off for 3 weeks in Switzerland. Again, I'll take my SX40HS, but I won't be looking to sell any pics or words.
13) Do you have any funny or interesting stories about your experiences?
In August I was asked to take a group shot of 40 septuagenarians like myself for our 60th high school class reunion. I visited the site beforehand and was worried about lighting. It would be dusk. Did the best I could, got a friend to snap the shot so I could be in it. After 10 or 12 snaps, I was worried about the smile quotient. Just at that point, the former class clown let loose with "OH S**T!" My friend instantly snapped again, and that was the keeper shot.
14) Is there somewhere we can see more of your work?
Here's a link to my Smugmug travel sampler gallery, about 77 photos, I believe. It needs to be updated.
http://erieguy.smugmug.com/Travel/A-Travel-Sampler#!/i-C8LHzhF
15) Do you have any advice for the rest of us?
Just keep alive to your environment, no matter when or where. I've been called an absent-minded professor, mainly because I taught college English Lit. for 15 years. But I think that label partly comes from my habit of seeing photo potential in so many places, likely and unlikely, when people are seeking my attention. If I find that potential without a camera in hand, I undergo a brief period of brooding.
1) How long have you been into photography and what got you started?
When I was very young (I'm now 78), my aunt introduced me to the magic of her folding Kodak camera with bellows. At around 12, I had a chance to "play" a bit with my older brother's twin-lens Ikoflex. I lusted after a Kodak Medalist owned by the Russian Orthodox priest of the church I attended. My first SLR was a Pentax K1000.
2) Do you have any formal training and what kind of photography do you do most?
I studied film history, criticism, and production in the grad school for one year at USC's School of Cinema. I got into freelance film reviewing for the Erie paper, did it for 25 years, but I have no interest in using the video capabilities of my iPhone or my cameras. I did learn much about exposure, however, during that yeat at USC when I was in my late 30s.
3) In your opinion, what makes a good picture stand out from the rest?
Something striking--either subtly or boldly--about light, composition, and/or subject matter. I think of Gulley Jimson, the fictional painter in Joyce Cary's 1944 novel, "The Horse's Mouth." When Gulley is asked for his reaction to an exhibit of Impressionist paintings, he replies: "It skinned my eyes." A typical photo from National Geographic does the same for me. There's a 1955 movie of the novel starring Alec Guinness.
4) What equipment did you use and was there any special setup? Can you walk us through it?
Used a lowly Powershot S400 Elph. I'd been carrying it with me to shoot exteriors of restaurants that I was reviewing. Took the shot, walked back to my car, which was parked on the street on which sits the Erie Art Museum. I'd shot this sculpture on sunny days from all sorts of angles. But the addition of the naturally "sculpted" snow made all the difference. It dictated a straight-on shot. And I was lucky that my Elph chose settings of f/4 at 1/500. It softened the background nicely. I certainly didn't consider driving home and back to shoot it with a big DSLR. Wind and snow wait for no photographer.
5) Do you post process your final images, and if so can you describe your workflow?
I do minimal PP with Photoshop Elements I (yes, ONE). I don't shoot raw, I download my card into a computer file, delete the big mis-shoots, then crop, adjust levels, brightness, contrast, shadow reduction, and sharpening.
6) Who or what has influenced your photography and what inspired you to take your winning shot?
This shot took more serendipity than inspiration, although I'd tried to take many shots of this sculpture at different times of the day (or night). I've been influenced locally by members of the Photography Club to which I once belonged.
7) Would you change anything if you could do it again, and if so what?
I would have liked to take a greater variety of shots, but I was working on a restaurant review-related deadline and was in a bit of a rush. Plus, the weather was much nastier than it looks in the finished photo.
8) What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
I wish I knew how important it is to pay more attention to the requirements of collecting and saving old prints. Can't tell you how much I miss some photos I can still see in my mind's eye. But, having lived in 10 different cities and gone through one divorce, such "little things" as photos tend to get neglected.
9) What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
I have a Rube Goldbergy flash diffuser that I often use on the Canon 580 and 5D MkII. Got directions for it in a Youtube video. It makes my subjects smile. I also love my Velbon travel tripod and ball head for informal shots, especially if I'm using the timer.
10) If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Although I own the Canon 16-35II L and the 70-200II L f/4, my favorite is the 24-105. Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'.
11) What lighting equipment, if any, do you take on a shoot?
When I was shooting restaurant owners inside the premises, I often took a light stand, an umbrella, an extra flash for slave, and the 580 on a transmitter in my hotshoe.
12) If you couldn't do photography what else would you do?
I've written over 20 travel pieces as a freelancer for several publications. I'm too old--not to mention retired--now to pursue that with the required vigor, but such writing for a large newspaper, magazine, or website would have given me an alternative career. BTW, my wife and I are off for 3 weeks in St. Croix soon, and then, in the fall, it's off for 3 weeks in Switzerland. Again, I'll take my SX40HS, but I won't be looking to sell any pics or words.
13) Do you have any funny or interesting stories about your experiences?
In August I was asked to take a group shot of 40 septuagenarians like myself for our 60th high school class reunion. I visited the site beforehand and was worried about lighting. It would be dusk. Did the best I could, got a friend to snap the shot so I could be in it. After 10 or 12 snaps, I was worried about the smile quotient. Just at that point, the former class clown let loose with "OH S**T!" My friend instantly snapped again, and that was the keeper shot.
14) Is there somewhere we can see more of your work?
Here's a link to my Smugmug travel sampler gallery, about 77 photos, I believe. It needs to be updated.
http://erieguy.smugmug.com/Travel/A-Travel-Sampler#!/i-C8LHzhF
15) Do you have any advice for the rest of us?
Just keep alive to your environment, no matter when or where. I've been called an absent-minded professor, mainly because I taught college English Lit. for 15 years. But I think that label partly comes from my habit of seeing photo potential in so many places, likely and unlikely, when people are seeking my attention. If I find that potential without a camera in hand, I undergo a brief period of brooding.
Jan 18, 2014 16:10:03 #
An interview with GreyGeek,
1) How long have you been into photography and what got you started?
Im 68 years old and have been shooting since 1964 (50 years). I bought my first camera in Japan while in the Navy and learning it was my mission during long weeks at sea off the coast of Vietnam.
2) Do you have any formal training and what kind of photography do you do most?
After the Navy I returned to college and took one photography course, including darkroom, and I was hooked forever. i enjoy composing landscapes.
3) In your opinion, what makes a good picture stand out from the rest?
To me a good photo is the one that makes you stop and look to study it a bit longer. It doesnt matter what the subject is. If youre compelled to stop and look, thats a good photo.
4) What equipment did you use and was there any special setup?
Can you walk us through it? No special equipment, just my old Canon Digital Rebel (I use Nikon now). I went out during the ice storm not knowing what Id find and it was the first thing I saw with icicles on it.
5) Do you post process your final images, and if so can you describe your workflow?
I almost always crop my photos, even though I carefully compose them in the camera. Adjusting brightness and contrast is always a consideration too, but not always necessary.
6) Who or what has influenced your photography and what inspired you to take your winning shot?
I always take note of the photos that friends look at longer, and comment on. That lets me know what subjects interest people. I have been disappointed many times with subjects that I thought were very interesting subjects, but drew little interest. Again, make people stop and look.
7) Would you change anything if you could do it again, and if so what?
On this photo, no I wouldn't change anything. It was a quick capture after a simple point and shoot. No magic with this shot.
8) What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
Way back then, it was the differences in all the types of film available that confused me. Today its the subtle differences in lighting and light sources. Knowing how to take advantage of the available light is often the key to a great photo.
9) What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
The tripod. Never underestimate the value of a sturdy tripod.
10) If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
I like a zoom lens, usually in the range of 50 300 mm. I think I could shoot anything with that lens.
11) What lighting equipment, if any, do you take on a shoot?
I dont own any lighting equipment what-so-ever, but would like to have a few lights for indoor portrait work
12) If you couldn't do photography what else would you do?
Post production. I love to manipulate photographs to produce different effects. Im also a computer geek.
13) Do you have any funny or interesting stories about your experiences?
I have the most fun on days like St. Patricks Day when people are in a good mood and want to do something silly in front of a camera.
14) Is there somewhere we can see more of your work?
I have galleries posted at www.pbase.com/pete_pantsari, and youre welcome to take a look.
15) Do you have any advice for the rest of us?
Have fun with it. Dont spend a great deal of time planning a shoot. Just grab your camera and go out exploring. The shots will become evident if you have a good eye. Also, dont assume that everyone interested in photography can afford a high-end Nikon. Help them with the mechanics of taking better shots with the equipment they can afford. Theyll enjoy it more, and thank you more.
1) How long have you been into photography and what got you started?
Im 68 years old and have been shooting since 1964 (50 years). I bought my first camera in Japan while in the Navy and learning it was my mission during long weeks at sea off the coast of Vietnam.
2) Do you have any formal training and what kind of photography do you do most?
After the Navy I returned to college and took one photography course, including darkroom, and I was hooked forever. i enjoy composing landscapes.
3) In your opinion, what makes a good picture stand out from the rest?
To me a good photo is the one that makes you stop and look to study it a bit longer. It doesnt matter what the subject is. If youre compelled to stop and look, thats a good photo.
4) What equipment did you use and was there any special setup?
Can you walk us through it? No special equipment, just my old Canon Digital Rebel (I use Nikon now). I went out during the ice storm not knowing what Id find and it was the first thing I saw with icicles on it.
5) Do you post process your final images, and if so can you describe your workflow?
I almost always crop my photos, even though I carefully compose them in the camera. Adjusting brightness and contrast is always a consideration too, but not always necessary.
6) Who or what has influenced your photography and what inspired you to take your winning shot?
I always take note of the photos that friends look at longer, and comment on. That lets me know what subjects interest people. I have been disappointed many times with subjects that I thought were very interesting subjects, but drew little interest. Again, make people stop and look.
7) Would you change anything if you could do it again, and if so what?
On this photo, no I wouldn't change anything. It was a quick capture after a simple point and shoot. No magic with this shot.
8) What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
Way back then, it was the differences in all the types of film available that confused me. Today its the subtle differences in lighting and light sources. Knowing how to take advantage of the available light is often the key to a great photo.
9) What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
The tripod. Never underestimate the value of a sturdy tripod.
10) If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
I like a zoom lens, usually in the range of 50 300 mm. I think I could shoot anything with that lens.
11) What lighting equipment, if any, do you take on a shoot?
I dont own any lighting equipment what-so-ever, but would like to have a few lights for indoor portrait work
12) If you couldn't do photography what else would you do?
Post production. I love to manipulate photographs to produce different effects. Im also a computer geek.
13) Do you have any funny or interesting stories about your experiences?
I have the most fun on days like St. Patricks Day when people are in a good mood and want to do something silly in front of a camera.
14) Is there somewhere we can see more of your work?
I have galleries posted at www.pbase.com/pete_pantsari, and youre welcome to take a look.
15) Do you have any advice for the rest of us?
Have fun with it. Dont spend a great deal of time planning a shoot. Just grab your camera and go out exploring. The shots will become evident if you have a good eye. Also, dont assume that everyone interested in photography can afford a high-end Nikon. Help them with the mechanics of taking better shots with the equipment they can afford. Theyll enjoy it more, and thank you more.
Jan 18, 2014 20:47:54 #
An interview with pithydoug,
1) How long have you been into photography and what got you started?
Had a Canon AE1 File camera some years back which I used for about 4 years. Kids, long work hours and the camera went on the shelf. Enter Digital and the kids older(as out of the house). Bought a Canon Elph to see what digital was all about. Floored with the quality but limited in minimal light. Moved up to an entry level Canon XTi and pleased but not ecstatic but the hook was back in. Was going to move up in small increments like 7d maybe 5dII and the 5DIII came out. I'm not getting any younger so I bought it. SWEET!
2) Do you have any formal training and what kind of photography do you do most?
Nothing formal, 95% landscape and people under duress.
3) In your opinion, what makes a good picture stand out from the rest?
I'd rather try to define the meaning of life. You know it when you see it.
4) What equipment did you use and was there any special setup? Can you walk us through it?
5DIII with 24-105mm F4 L, Vanguard Tripod. 1/25 sec at F/11 ISO 100, 32MM. Was shooting the sunrise but sunrise was bust. Turned back to west and the light was just catching the tops of the trees. Moved my tripod to the other side of the weir and cranked out a few shots every few minutes.
5) Do you post process your final images, and if so can you describe your workflow?
I shoot raw and did post process with LR but not very much. some clarity, some vibrance and a smidgen of contrast.
6) Who or what has influenced your photography and what inspired you to take your winning shot?
I simply enjoy capturing landscapes. I love the outdoors.
7) Would you change anything if you could do it again, and if so what?
Not really.
8) What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
Composition! And while this photo fared well, composition is always a work in progress. This is the reason I play at the hog and as many other sites as time allows. Learn from others.
9) What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
Circular Polarizer although not used in this photo.
10) If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Tought to choose I also have 17-40MM f/4 L and love it but the 24-105 primary.
11) What lighting equipment, if any, do you take on a shoot?
I have Speedlite 430 but seldom ever use it.
12) If you couldn't do photography what else would you do?
I have lots of hobbies and mostly related to outdoors. I volunteer at a land conservancy and also do a lot of trail running. No, I don't carry the 5d when I run.
13) Do you have any funny or interesting stories about your experiences?
Well yes, kinda. I was in Chatham on Cape Cod. I was driving around early in the morning taking all the roads that lead to the ocean looking for that unique setting. On my last trip to the water I walked past a car that I though was empty. Let's just say it was a bit X-rated and backed up. This was Thanksgiving day. I guess people celebrate in different ways.
14) Is there somewhere we can see more of your work?
Not at the moment. At some point in time I will get more confident and come out of the photographic closet.
15) Do you have any advice for the rest of us?
Yes, everyone keep posting(less the heated camera A vs. camera B). I learn a little something every day.
1) How long have you been into photography and what got you started?
Had a Canon AE1 File camera some years back which I used for about 4 years. Kids, long work hours and the camera went on the shelf. Enter Digital and the kids older(as out of the house). Bought a Canon Elph to see what digital was all about. Floored with the quality but limited in minimal light. Moved up to an entry level Canon XTi and pleased but not ecstatic but the hook was back in. Was going to move up in small increments like 7d maybe 5dII and the 5DIII came out. I'm not getting any younger so I bought it. SWEET!
2) Do you have any formal training and what kind of photography do you do most?
Nothing formal, 95% landscape and people under duress.
3) In your opinion, what makes a good picture stand out from the rest?
I'd rather try to define the meaning of life. You know it when you see it.
4) What equipment did you use and was there any special setup? Can you walk us through it?
5DIII with 24-105mm F4 L, Vanguard Tripod. 1/25 sec at F/11 ISO 100, 32MM. Was shooting the sunrise but sunrise was bust. Turned back to west and the light was just catching the tops of the trees. Moved my tripod to the other side of the weir and cranked out a few shots every few minutes.
5) Do you post process your final images, and if so can you describe your workflow?
I shoot raw and did post process with LR but not very much. some clarity, some vibrance and a smidgen of contrast.
6) Who or what has influenced your photography and what inspired you to take your winning shot?
I simply enjoy capturing landscapes. I love the outdoors.
7) Would you change anything if you could do it again, and if so what?
Not really.
8) What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
Composition! And while this photo fared well, composition is always a work in progress. This is the reason I play at the hog and as many other sites as time allows. Learn from others.
9) What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
Circular Polarizer although not used in this photo.
10) If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Tought to choose I also have 17-40MM f/4 L and love it but the 24-105 primary.
11) What lighting equipment, if any, do you take on a shoot?
I have Speedlite 430 but seldom ever use it.
12) If you couldn't do photography what else would you do?
I have lots of hobbies and mostly related to outdoors. I volunteer at a land conservancy and also do a lot of trail running. No, I don't carry the 5d when I run.
13) Do you have any funny or interesting stories about your experiences?
Well yes, kinda. I was in Chatham on Cape Cod. I was driving around early in the morning taking all the roads that lead to the ocean looking for that unique setting. On my last trip to the water I walked past a car that I though was empty. Let's just say it was a bit X-rated and backed up. This was Thanksgiving day. I guess people celebrate in different ways.
14) Is there somewhere we can see more of your work?
Not at the moment. At some point in time I will get more confident and come out of the photographic closet.
15) Do you have any advice for the rest of us?
Yes, everyone keep posting(less the heated camera A vs. camera B). I learn a little something every day.
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