Nightski

I went to the WWPW (World Wide Photo Walk) in Pillager, Minnesota this year. We had 2 hours to get out and shoot something that we can submit for a winning prize of Scott Kelby Training videos with the value of $249. As I understand it each group that walks gets a prize for the person that the walk leader chooses.

I almost gave up before I even got started. It was windy, bright and sunny, dry, brown, and didn't have much in the way of anything interesting for landscape type shots. I was tired .. the other photographers looked like they were way better than me. To be honest, I always feel pretty insecure when I am around other photographers.

But I took a deep breath, decided just to play with subjects that I never think twice about, and here's one of the ones i cam up with. I will post 3 more threads and leave links to them. I would really like some feedback as I am struggling with which one to submit. I doubt very much I will win anything, because I tracked down the guy that I thought was probably the most creative photographer there .. and I was right. He got an awesome shot. I ended up sitting with him at dinner and had a fun time talking to him. I shared my onion rings with him. :-)

Canon 6D
Sigma 150-500mm F/5-6.3
ISO 400
F/5.6
1/3200 second exposure

#2 http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-252059-1.html
#3 http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-252060-1.html
#4 http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-252061-1.html

Vining Autumn Leaf

(Download)

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

To decide between images, I collect them together, give a brief full-screen look at the first, then do the same for the second. With the mindset that I can only keep one, I remove one from the group and start over until left with The One.

The trick here is the quick look. Stare too long, and as the photographer that took to image, you start to analyze it. Look at it quickly, and it limits the attachment you have towards it, lending you to look at it with open eyes.

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Of the four, I know which one I like, but am curious now, if you try this method, which you like and why. S-

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

I like this a lot - almost.
I love the colour contrasts, the blue vs the warm tones.
I love the concept of the shot.
But I want it all to be sharp, with no DOF fade off.
Maybe taken square on if possible.
I love the backlight saturating the colour in the leaves.
I'd like the shot to be zoomed back a bit but without increasing any other elements within the photo. I want it to still only have sky,wire,fall leaves and bokeh brown area.
Zoomed back a bit the wire could be a little tighter,finer, and you could use negative space to make the leaves more forlorn, stranded, lonely, cold, deserted.

I think it has been a very good exercise for you shooting out of your comfort zone.
I saw someone use a sporting analogy with me the other day, and one comes to mind now.
Two struck outs, a third base and a home run.
I'm impressed.

Nightski

I really appreciate this feedback, lighthouse. I liked this shot very much, but I know I don't quite have it. I just took one shot. Then I felt I should get moving as I had only two hours to explore and shoot. But now .. I have something to try. I love that.

I used the Sigma because I felt like i had nothing to lose, and so I decided to just have fun with my new lens. It does have a nice bokeh. I am very pleased with that aspect of it.