The Master In You

The Master in You is an evolution of the monthly Master's Critique. Here we will give you a "topic" each month with some themes to consider. Shoot some images with the assignment in mind and then post them in this thread and tell us about them. Where did you shoot the image? What are your concerns and challenges with the image? How much, if any, consideration did you give to gear to get the image you wanted? You might also wish to address the themes that are mentioned along with the topic.

General guidelines: This is an open thread where you are encouraged to post your original works and discuss them. Please post only your own work. Do not post edits of another member's work unless you have asked that member for permission to edit. Remember that some people do not want their work edited by anyone. Please respect that. The topics will be active for one month at a time. You will have the entire month to ponder and work on the subject. Feel free to post at any time during the month. You can post more than one image. If you shoot more than one image on any given topic, you may make several submissions. That way we might be able to stimulate some conversations that act as inspiration or, at least, incentive for others to go out and try the topic themselves.

The original purpose of FYC was to be a "cafe" atmosphere where people gather to discuss topics pertaining to photography. It is hoped that this thread will encourage members to get out and shoot images that pertain to the topic and then enter into a discussion about your posts and the posts of others. This monthly topic is not about : "That is really nice" or "two thumbs up". While these are certainly legitimate responses, the aim of this topical thread is to throw a wider net. It is hoped that we will discuss what works and what does not work so well. If someone's work does not appeal to you, feel free to say so in a way that acknowledges that we all have different ideas about what appeals to us.

The Moderators


Assignment 1 July 2021: Water
Theme 1 What look do you go for. Blurred or stop action?
Theme 2 Cascade? Mountain stream? Sill water? What brings out your creativity?

Because we are looking for membership participation, nothing is “etched in stone”. We would love to hear your ideas for future assignments and themes.

In 2019 my favorite little cypress and tupelo swamp was so severely storm-damaged that it was closed to all entry. It finally reopened this week, so I took the camera down with this water theme in mind though I wasn't sure there'd be anything I could photograph. The damage was disheartening to see. It will take hundreds of years to regrow. But it still has some spots of beauty to enjoy in this lifetime. I've always liked the crazy way this section looks in summer, with pools of light coming through the canopy and reflecting off the almost black water.

In 2019 my favorite little cypress and tupelo swamp was so severely storm-damaged that it was closed to all entry. It finally reopened this week, so I took the camera down with this water theme in mind though I wasn't sure there'd be anything I could photograph. The damage was disheartening to see. It will take hundreds of years to regrow. But it still has some spots of beauty to enjoy in this lifetime. I've always liked the crazy way this section looks in summer, with pools of light coming through the canopy and reflecting off the almost black water.

The first shot really appeals to me because I like minimalist themes. You have just a hint of the islands on the horizon. I like that the sky is blue and empty. The water sets the scene and there is some texture there to move us along to the rest of the scene.

Two is interesting because of the texture in the water, and the clouds. Adding to the interest is the beautiful color.

I found the shots taken in Maine the most interesting because of the layers of elements that combine to make a cohesive composition. You have the water, the horizon and the sky. The horizon separates the sky from the water. (duh!), but elements of the sky are reflected in the water which brings the whole thing together. Both of these photos work for the same reason and are a very good example of this month's topic.
Erich

Water on glass is always good at conveying a feeling of extreme wetness. I think it was a good choice to keep the background recognisable. I've seen similar shots where the background was blurred to the point of being unrecognisable and it just doesn't work so well. I think we need to be reminded of the outside world that we're viewing from the dryness of our refuge. Without that it's just patterns on glass.

#2 looks a bit forlorn. It looks like the Stars and Stripes is almost in the gutter down amongst the garbage bins. My prediction is that America is about to see some very happy and prosperous times, but first it needs to be saved from the toxic agenda that's taking it down from the inside. That's what'll happen once the rightful president is restored to office (coming soon).

In 2019 my favorite little cypress and tupelo swamp was so severely storm-damaged that it was closed to all entry. It finally reopened this week, so I took the camera down with this water theme in mind though I wasn't sure there'd be anything I could photograph. The damage was disheartening to see. It will take hundreds of years to regrow. But it still has some spots of beauty to enjoy in this lifetime. I've always liked the crazy way this section looks in summer, with pools of light coming through the canopy and reflecting off the almost black water.