Weekly Competition #247 - Heavy Metal Competition
Competition Details
Closing Date: 08/04/2012
Judge: aliengroveNo, not the music! I have always been fascinated by large metal structures, especially bridges and old mine workings, and the use of metal in large machines like ships, railway locomotives, aircraft, cranes etc. One of my favourite photographs is the famous picture of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, perhaps the godfather of "heavy metal", standing next to some huge metal chains.
I would like to see your images showing the use of metal in heavy engineering, ancient or modern, with the emphasis on the word "heavy". No images of machines like the Airbus A380 that make extensive use of composites please.
I am hoping to be surprised by a few entries, and will score the images on similar lines to Axel in the previous competition, with points for originality (which can include processing), composition, technique and adherence to/interpretation of the theme.
I look forward to seeing your entries!
Link
Posted 09/04/2012 - 13:00
The results/critique will follow shortly...
Last Edited by aliengrove on 09/04/2012 - 13:00
Link
Posted 09/04/2012 - 14:06
Thanks for all the entries, which showed a lot of variation and allowed me the chance to look at a lot of heavy engineering, which I love. I have scored the images on four categories, one of which (adherence to theme) was almost redundant as the vast majority of images submitted were bang on theme. However, there were enough images that I thought were off-theme to leave this category in. I was hoping for some images of bridges, especially as I have seen several excellent ones on the site, but not a single one...
Some of the scoring is obviously subjective, especially the last, where I have scored the images on the overall impression they made on me.
Childhood memories replayed by TOZZA27
I was expecting some locomotive images, and the first entry proved me right. I love old steam engines, and this looks like a fine example. However, the sky is this picture is blown out, which extends to the top of the cab as well. I find the fence a bit distracting, too. The front buffers of the engine also are a bit cramped in the frame. Overall I think the image could do with an increase in contrast.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 3
Composition/technique 2.5
Overall impression 2.5
Total 13
Cast Iron Maze by John Riley
An interesting lump of iron, and certainly fits the theme. I find the eye on the block a bit too centrally placed, however, and the trees top right a bit distracting. I think the image would be more effective taken from a lower angle, showing more of the block., though I am not sure if this would have been possible.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 2.5
Overall impression 3
Total 15.5
Winch at the End of the World by VonBatCat
I love old winches, one of my favourite images from my early days with a DSLR is a mono image of one taken in Greece. This one seems a bit shiny, as if it has been covered in clear lacquer. I think in terms of composition, the winch is a little tight into the corner of the frame, but it still works. The bare patch of ground is obviously from the passage of many feet, but it is a bit distracting. The rock on the left is a bit distracting, personally I would clone it out, and also use a gradient to darken the sky a bit.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 3.5
Overall impression 3
Total 16.5
Heavy Casting by Hyram
A beautiful casting, they just don't make things like this any more. Evidently a cylinder on a locomotive, it appears as if some part has been removed from the front. The colour works very well with the lighting. My only criticism is the composition looks a touch tight.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 3.5
Overall 3.5
Total 17
Propellor by tyronet2000
This ships propeller certainly fits the theme, but the modern house behind it spoils the image for me. The grass looks a very odd shade of green too. The plinth on which the propeller is sitting also looks a bit odd, with all the detail washed out.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 3
Composition/technique 2
Overall impression 2
Total 12
Driving force by davidtrout
The first thing that strikes me about this image is the processing, which I love. The metallic look, and the contrast against the dark shadows make it a very striking image. I also like the composition, with the connecting rode leading he eye along the wheels. If I was going to be really picky, I would shave a few millimetres off the right hand edge, just to remove the line on the last wheel rim, but it's great just as it is. There are a few blown-out highlights on the first wheel, , but they don't detract from the image at all imo. A beautiful and very well-executed image.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique4.5
Overall impression 5
total 19.5
Colombo Docks by milamber
Difficult lighting conditions have made this image (that fits the theme perfectly) almost impossible to capture as the ye would see it. The dark area to the left cutting off the prow of the ship, and the bright lights on the water and front part of the crane jibs, have made it difficult to get a balanced image.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 4
Composition/technique 2.5
Overall impression 2.5
Total 14
Winching gear by mudge
An interesting looking machine, but he composition looks very cramped. I wish I could see more of the right hand side of the winch, including that chain. The narrow DOF also means the right hand side is a bit blurred, and there seems to be a bit of flare on the right hand side too. Nice colours though
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 3
Composition/technique 2.5
Overall impression 2.5
Total 13
Dinner by Darlene
A very interesting looking stove, and not an entry I was expecting, but as it looks like cast-iron, it does fit the theme. A very interesting chimney, which appears to have a smoker built in. The composition of the photograph does not do much for me unfortunately, perhaps a wider-angle lens if you have one would have worked better. Nicely exposed though.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 3
Overall impression 3.5
total 16.5
Anchor at sunrise by tonyb10
I love old anchors, the bigger the better. Unfortunately I don't think the lighting was quite right to capture this as a shot of the anchor itself; the bright lights and sky draw my eye away from the anchor, which is very dark. From the exif, you seem to have had plenty of light to play with. An ND grad or even HDR would have enabled the lighting to be more balanced, or alternatively it could have been shot from a lower angle to silhouette the anchor against the sky. As is so often the case with old anchors used as decorative sculpture, the concrete or sand it is sitting on becomes very distracting in a photograph with green grass around it.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 4
Composition/technique 2
Overall impression 2
Total 13
Heavy Metal Door by bforbes
Lovely processing on this image, and like the flame on the right hand side. The composition I find a bit cramped, however, at the top and the bottom. I would like to have seen the whole door, and the plate at the front. The exposure is perfect, and if it were't for the cramped composition I think this would have been in contention for winning the comp.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 3
Overall impression 4
Total 17
The Stobcross Crane by gartmore
This works very well as a silhouette, and I like the sun shining though it. Overall I think the image could have done with more contrast, the crane would look better imo if it was completely black against the sky. That may also have alleviated the effect of the slight blue cast to the whole image, which as the image category is mono, I am guessing is the result of toning. I relly like the bird flying into the frame bottom left.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 4.5
Composition/technique 4
Overall impression 3.5
Total 17
Sword of Carlos Y by Lee55555
Not quite what I was expecting in this competition, and not really “heavy metal” in the sense I was talking about when I said I would like to see the use of metal in heavy engineering. I can see where you are coming from, though. The image iteslf looks a bit unbalanced to me; I wuld rather have seen the whole sword, or just the handle and hilt. It's a bit in-between those two, and doesn't really work for me composition-wise. Good exposure though.
Adherence to theme 3
Originality 4
Composition/technique 3
Overall impression 3
Total 13
titainiummy by bettyswolloks
This looks more like light alloy than heavy metal, so I don't think it fits the theme at all. As I have seen that you produce some very good images, I will be frank and say that the image does not do much for me at all, in spite of the fact I used to be a bit of a petrol-head. The narrow DOF means that my eye is drawn to the spring thing, which is not that interesting. The whole right hand side of the image has nothing in it to draw my attention, exacerbated by the fact that it is all out of focus. The totally blurred bit at the bottom is also very distracting.
Adherence to theme 1
Originality 2
Composition/technique 2
Overall impression 2
Total 7
The Titanic Building by Sean282
A very interesting looking building, I have never heard of it before but must try and see it some time. The use of metal to clad a building does I guess fit the theme. The image itself however does not look very sharp, and there is a bit of flare in the centre which makes me wonder if it's IR, as it looks like a hot-spot. It is evidently a long exposure from the blurring of the clouds, and the lack of sharpness makes me wonder if your tripod was up to the task. Overall the image could have done with a bit more contrast, too.
Adherence to theme 4
originality 4
Composition/technique 2.5
Overall impression 3
Total 13.5
Hooked! By johnha
An interesting sculpture, which I guess is made from an old crane hook and chain. Great lighting, and I really like the shadow. The modern building behind the sculpture lends a graphic nature to the shot which I find quite appealing. The only slight bugbear for me is the lines around the bricks near the bottom, which would be less distracting if thy were burned a bit. A very nice image though.
Adherence to theme 4
Originality 4.5
Composition/technique 4.5
Overall impression 4.5
Total 17.5
Powerstation by AxelLuther
An instantly recognisable AxelLuther image, with bright colours, great detail and unusual processing. However, I don't think this is one of your best ones, Axel. I find the perspective a bit disorienting, not helped by the ground not being level, and I find the unnatural looking sky a bit distracting. I think it could do with the whole image rotated about 7 degrees to the left. There is also a round blob at the top of the the left hand tower which could possibly be the moon but does not have enough definition to it to be more than a distraction to my eye.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 3.5
Overall impression 3.5
Total 17
Another place by stopher
An interesting image, with the sculptures juxtaposed against the windmills, but I don't think it fits the theme, as these are purely decorative structures. The light looks a bit flat, too, making me think the image would have been more effective in mono. Good composition.
Adherence to theme 3
Originality 4
Composition/technique 3.5
Overall impression 3
Total 13.5
Fordson tractor circa 1940`s by Malcolm Leader
Not quite on theme, I think, as it's not really an example of heavy engineering. This works well in mono, though some of the highlights, especially on the man's face and arm, and the radiator grille, are a bit blown.
Adherence to theme 4
originality 3
Composition/technique 3.5
Overall impression 3.5
Total 14
The Bofors Gun, Heavy on Attitude, Heavy with Memories by Frogherder
Great to see some of these old guns surviving and used as memorials. Like two other images in the comp where old pieces of engineering are used as sculptures, the area it sits on is a bit distracting. The lighting is also very flat, making me think this would have been far more effective in mono, perhaps with a bit of colour-popping for the wreath. I think I would have cloned out the blue plaque, too, as I keep struggling to read it and therefore not paying enough attention to the rest of the image.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 3
Overall impression 2.5
Total 15.5
141 TD 740 by Dr Orloff
Great locomotive shot, and from someone here I would not normally associate with this type of subject. It works very well in mono, I love the different layers of tones in the smoke. There is a fair bit of noise in the smoke and sky, which in this type of image I think would look better masked as grain. The far right hand side looks a bit dark too, I would perhaps use a grad filter in Lightroom to lighten this a touch. Lovely image though.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 4
Composition/technique 4.5
Overall impression 4.5
Total 18
Bessemer Converter by Sandanista
A very interesting looking device, just the sort of unusual thing Iwas hoping to see in this comp. At first glance, it looks like like there is a lot of noise in the image, but the exif does not indicate this. I caan only assume this has come from processing, and on closer inspection it looks like there are vertical lines in the image, so I am wondering if this is deliberate, or alternatively if the exposure has been tweaked by a few stops. Whatever the casue, I think it detracts from the image. Compositionally, I think the image would look better if you had captured the whole of the right-hand support.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 3.5
Overall impression 3
Total 16.5
Engine Room by davidstorm
I am assuming that this is a governor off an engine, and it doesn't really qualify as “heavy metal”; in fact it's probably made of brass. Of course it is no doubt attached to a large machine. A very interesting device nonetheless. The OOF areas in the shot have an irregular graininess which looks like a bit too much noise reduction has been applied.
Adherence to theme 3
Originality 5
Composition/technique 4
Overall impression 3
Total 15
Oxen Only by Noelcmn
Lovely colours in this image, the colour the of the rust complemented by the orange stones. Compositionally, the cut-off trees are a bit distracting, I think framing it without the house in the background would have made a more balanced image. It does not look totally sharp, but as there does not seem to be a bigger image available, it's not possible to check.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 2.5
Overall impression 3
Total 15.5
Fast Forester by drofmit
The blurred image certainly gives an impression of speed, and normally I like this kind of image, but the burnt-out highlights and the big white bit top right spoil the image for me. This white bit could easily cropped/cloned out. While cropping I would also crop out the half rear wheel and reduce the overall exposure a bit, or increase the contrast.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 4
Composition/technique 3
Overall impression 3.5
Total 15.5
I have really enjoyed looking at all the entries, which have been very varied. After toting up the scores there is a clear winner, but it was very tight for the other podium places.
First place, 19.5 points, davidtrout
Second place, 18 points, Dr Orloff
Third place, 17.5 points, johnha
Over to you, David!
Photography, like alcohol, should only be allowed to those who can do without it. - Walter Sickert
flickr
aliengrove.com
PPG
My Blog
Some of the scoring is obviously subjective, especially the last, where I have scored the images on the overall impression they made on me.
Childhood memories replayed by TOZZA27
I was expecting some locomotive images, and the first entry proved me right. I love old steam engines, and this looks like a fine example. However, the sky is this picture is blown out, which extends to the top of the cab as well. I find the fence a bit distracting, too. The front buffers of the engine also are a bit cramped in the frame. Overall I think the image could do with an increase in contrast.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 3
Composition/technique 2.5
Overall impression 2.5
Total 13
Cast Iron Maze by John Riley
An interesting lump of iron, and certainly fits the theme. I find the eye on the block a bit too centrally placed, however, and the trees top right a bit distracting. I think the image would be more effective taken from a lower angle, showing more of the block., though I am not sure if this would have been possible.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 2.5
Overall impression 3
Total 15.5
Winch at the End of the World by VonBatCat
I love old winches, one of my favourite images from my early days with a DSLR is a mono image of one taken in Greece. This one seems a bit shiny, as if it has been covered in clear lacquer. I think in terms of composition, the winch is a little tight into the corner of the frame, but it still works. The bare patch of ground is obviously from the passage of many feet, but it is a bit distracting. The rock on the left is a bit distracting, personally I would clone it out, and also use a gradient to darken the sky a bit.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 3.5
Overall impression 3
Total 16.5
Heavy Casting by Hyram
A beautiful casting, they just don't make things like this any more. Evidently a cylinder on a locomotive, it appears as if some part has been removed from the front. The colour works very well with the lighting. My only criticism is the composition looks a touch tight.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 3.5
Overall 3.5
Total 17
Propellor by tyronet2000
This ships propeller certainly fits the theme, but the modern house behind it spoils the image for me. The grass looks a very odd shade of green too. The plinth on which the propeller is sitting also looks a bit odd, with all the detail washed out.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 3
Composition/technique 2
Overall impression 2
Total 12
Driving force by davidtrout
The first thing that strikes me about this image is the processing, which I love. The metallic look, and the contrast against the dark shadows make it a very striking image. I also like the composition, with the connecting rode leading he eye along the wheels. If I was going to be really picky, I would shave a few millimetres off the right hand edge, just to remove the line on the last wheel rim, but it's great just as it is. There are a few blown-out highlights on the first wheel, , but they don't detract from the image at all imo. A beautiful and very well-executed image.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique4.5
Overall impression 5
total 19.5
Colombo Docks by milamber
Difficult lighting conditions have made this image (that fits the theme perfectly) almost impossible to capture as the ye would see it. The dark area to the left cutting off the prow of the ship, and the bright lights on the water and front part of the crane jibs, have made it difficult to get a balanced image.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 4
Composition/technique 2.5
Overall impression 2.5
Total 14
Winching gear by mudge
An interesting looking machine, but he composition looks very cramped. I wish I could see more of the right hand side of the winch, including that chain. The narrow DOF also means the right hand side is a bit blurred, and there seems to be a bit of flare on the right hand side too. Nice colours though
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 3
Composition/technique 2.5
Overall impression 2.5
Total 13
Dinner by Darlene
A very interesting looking stove, and not an entry I was expecting, but as it looks like cast-iron, it does fit the theme. A very interesting chimney, which appears to have a smoker built in. The composition of the photograph does not do much for me unfortunately, perhaps a wider-angle lens if you have one would have worked better. Nicely exposed though.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 3
Overall impression 3.5
total 16.5
Anchor at sunrise by tonyb10
I love old anchors, the bigger the better. Unfortunately I don't think the lighting was quite right to capture this as a shot of the anchor itself; the bright lights and sky draw my eye away from the anchor, which is very dark. From the exif, you seem to have had plenty of light to play with. An ND grad or even HDR would have enabled the lighting to be more balanced, or alternatively it could have been shot from a lower angle to silhouette the anchor against the sky. As is so often the case with old anchors used as decorative sculpture, the concrete or sand it is sitting on becomes very distracting in a photograph with green grass around it.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 4
Composition/technique 2
Overall impression 2
Total 13
Heavy Metal Door by bforbes
Lovely processing on this image, and like the flame on the right hand side. The composition I find a bit cramped, however, at the top and the bottom. I would like to have seen the whole door, and the plate at the front. The exposure is perfect, and if it were't for the cramped composition I think this would have been in contention for winning the comp.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 3
Overall impression 4
Total 17
The Stobcross Crane by gartmore
This works very well as a silhouette, and I like the sun shining though it. Overall I think the image could have done with more contrast, the crane would look better imo if it was completely black against the sky. That may also have alleviated the effect of the slight blue cast to the whole image, which as the image category is mono, I am guessing is the result of toning. I relly like the bird flying into the frame bottom left.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 4.5
Composition/technique 4
Overall impression 3.5
Total 17
Sword of Carlos Y by Lee55555
Not quite what I was expecting in this competition, and not really “heavy metal” in the sense I was talking about when I said I would like to see the use of metal in heavy engineering. I can see where you are coming from, though. The image iteslf looks a bit unbalanced to me; I wuld rather have seen the whole sword, or just the handle and hilt. It's a bit in-between those two, and doesn't really work for me composition-wise. Good exposure though.
Adherence to theme 3
Originality 4
Composition/technique 3
Overall impression 3
Total 13
titainiummy by bettyswolloks
This looks more like light alloy than heavy metal, so I don't think it fits the theme at all. As I have seen that you produce some very good images, I will be frank and say that the image does not do much for me at all, in spite of the fact I used to be a bit of a petrol-head. The narrow DOF means that my eye is drawn to the spring thing, which is not that interesting. The whole right hand side of the image has nothing in it to draw my attention, exacerbated by the fact that it is all out of focus. The totally blurred bit at the bottom is also very distracting.
Adherence to theme 1
Originality 2
Composition/technique 2
Overall impression 2
Total 7
The Titanic Building by Sean282
A very interesting looking building, I have never heard of it before but must try and see it some time. The use of metal to clad a building does I guess fit the theme. The image itself however does not look very sharp, and there is a bit of flare in the centre which makes me wonder if it's IR, as it looks like a hot-spot. It is evidently a long exposure from the blurring of the clouds, and the lack of sharpness makes me wonder if your tripod was up to the task. Overall the image could have done with a bit more contrast, too.
Adherence to theme 4
originality 4
Composition/technique 2.5
Overall impression 3
Total 13.5
Hooked! By johnha
An interesting sculpture, which I guess is made from an old crane hook and chain. Great lighting, and I really like the shadow. The modern building behind the sculpture lends a graphic nature to the shot which I find quite appealing. The only slight bugbear for me is the lines around the bricks near the bottom, which would be less distracting if thy were burned a bit. A very nice image though.
Adherence to theme 4
Originality 4.5
Composition/technique 4.5
Overall impression 4.5
Total 17.5
Powerstation by AxelLuther
An instantly recognisable AxelLuther image, with bright colours, great detail and unusual processing. However, I don't think this is one of your best ones, Axel. I find the perspective a bit disorienting, not helped by the ground not being level, and I find the unnatural looking sky a bit distracting. I think it could do with the whole image rotated about 7 degrees to the left. There is also a round blob at the top of the the left hand tower which could possibly be the moon but does not have enough definition to it to be more than a distraction to my eye.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 3.5
Overall impression 3.5
Total 17
Another place by stopher
An interesting image, with the sculptures juxtaposed against the windmills, but I don't think it fits the theme, as these are purely decorative structures. The light looks a bit flat, too, making me think the image would have been more effective in mono. Good composition.
Adherence to theme 3
Originality 4
Composition/technique 3.5
Overall impression 3
Total 13.5
Fordson tractor circa 1940`s by Malcolm Leader
Not quite on theme, I think, as it's not really an example of heavy engineering. This works well in mono, though some of the highlights, especially on the man's face and arm, and the radiator grille, are a bit blown.
Adherence to theme 4
originality 3
Composition/technique 3.5
Overall impression 3.5
Total 14
The Bofors Gun, Heavy on Attitude, Heavy with Memories by Frogherder
Great to see some of these old guns surviving and used as memorials. Like two other images in the comp where old pieces of engineering are used as sculptures, the area it sits on is a bit distracting. The lighting is also very flat, making me think this would have been far more effective in mono, perhaps with a bit of colour-popping for the wreath. I think I would have cloned out the blue plaque, too, as I keep struggling to read it and therefore not paying enough attention to the rest of the image.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 3
Overall impression 2.5
Total 15.5
141 TD 740 by Dr Orloff
Great locomotive shot, and from someone here I would not normally associate with this type of subject. It works very well in mono, I love the different layers of tones in the smoke. There is a fair bit of noise in the smoke and sky, which in this type of image I think would look better masked as grain. The far right hand side looks a bit dark too, I would perhaps use a grad filter in Lightroom to lighten this a touch. Lovely image though.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 4
Composition/technique 4.5
Overall impression 4.5
Total 18
Bessemer Converter by Sandanista
A very interesting looking device, just the sort of unusual thing Iwas hoping to see in this comp. At first glance, it looks like like there is a lot of noise in the image, but the exif does not indicate this. I caan only assume this has come from processing, and on closer inspection it looks like there are vertical lines in the image, so I am wondering if this is deliberate, or alternatively if the exposure has been tweaked by a few stops. Whatever the casue, I think it detracts from the image. Compositionally, I think the image would look better if you had captured the whole of the right-hand support.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 3.5
Overall impression 3
Total 16.5
Engine Room by davidstorm
I am assuming that this is a governor off an engine, and it doesn't really qualify as “heavy metal”; in fact it's probably made of brass. Of course it is no doubt attached to a large machine. A very interesting device nonetheless. The OOF areas in the shot have an irregular graininess which looks like a bit too much noise reduction has been applied.
Adherence to theme 3
Originality 5
Composition/technique 4
Overall impression 3
Total 15
Oxen Only by Noelcmn
Lovely colours in this image, the colour the of the rust complemented by the orange stones. Compositionally, the cut-off trees are a bit distracting, I think framing it without the house in the background would have made a more balanced image. It does not look totally sharp, but as there does not seem to be a bigger image available, it's not possible to check.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 5
Composition/technique 2.5
Overall impression 3
Total 15.5
Fast Forester by drofmit
The blurred image certainly gives an impression of speed, and normally I like this kind of image, but the burnt-out highlights and the big white bit top right spoil the image for me. This white bit could easily cropped/cloned out. While cropping I would also crop out the half rear wheel and reduce the overall exposure a bit, or increase the contrast.
Adherence to theme 5
Originality 4
Composition/technique 3
Overall impression 3.5
Total 15.5
I have really enjoyed looking at all the entries, which have been very varied. After toting up the scores there is a clear winner, but it was very tight for the other podium places.
First place, 19.5 points, davidtrout
Second place, 18 points, Dr Orloff
Third place, 17.5 points, johnha
Over to you, David!
Photography, like alcohol, should only be allowed to those who can do without it. - Walter Sickert
flickr
aliengrove.com
PPG
My Blog
Link
Posted 09/04/2012 - 14:29
Very well done David, great winning entry, also congrats to Dr O and johnha runners up. Thanks for the comp and your usual high quality judging Jon.
I added some textures to my shot, I was hoping to enhance the grimy industrial nature of the subject matter and convey a sense of the old age of the converter, though it obviously had quite the opposite effect, I must admit I was a bit unsure myself.
Great simplicity is only won by an intense moment or by years of intelligent effort. T.S Eliot
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Flickr
My new website
I added some textures to my shot, I was hoping to enhance the grimy industrial nature of the subject matter and convey a sense of the old age of the converter, though it obviously had quite the opposite effect, I must admit I was a bit unsure myself.
Great simplicity is only won by an intense moment or by years of intelligent effort. T.S Eliot
PPG LUD
Gear Pentax K-x, DAL 18-55MM F3.5-5.6AL, DAL 55-300MM F4-5.8ED, DA 16-45MM F4 ED AL, D FA M 100MM F2.8, Sigma 18-125MM F3.8-5.6 DC HSM
Flickr
My new website
Link
Posted 09/04/2012 - 14:50
Thanks for the first place Jon, there were some excellent entries so I'm well pleased. It was a very good subject and I'm sorry I let you down by not entering a bridge. Bridges are among my favourite structures and I have loads of pictures of them.
Congrats to my fellow podiumers and to many other very strong entries.
Thanks for your careful judging and helpful comments Jon. You and Axel have used an effective style of judging by points which has sometimes been used previously and which I may or may not adopt for the next theme.
I'll be back with the next topic soon.
David
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http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout
Photobucket http://s799.photobucket.com/albums/yy273/Davidtrout2/
Congrats to my fellow podiumers and to many other very strong entries.
Thanks for your careful judging and helpful comments Jon. You and Axel have used an effective style of judging by points which has sometimes been used previously and which I may or may not adopt for the next theme.
I'll be back with the next topic soon.
David
PPG:
http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout
Photobucket http://s799.photobucket.com/albums/yy273/Davidtrout2/
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Posted 09/04/2012 - 15:26
Great winning shot David. I had that one as my chosen. Great expert judging. Great Comp.
John (VonBatCat)
Rule of Thirds - I don't do fractions
link]Other Stuff
VonBatCat.Com
John (VonBatCat)
Rule of Thirds - I don't do fractions
link]Other Stuff
VonBatCat.Com
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Posted 09/04/2012 - 16:05
Absolutely lovely shot David, well done and congrats to DrOrloff & Johnha (I've seen that chain and hook on my travels at some time, can't exactly remember where though)
I was going to enter a bridge but thought that would be too obvious. Then I thought of the WW1 tank and the Arbouretum, but it was away for refurbishment so I was left, at the last minute with the heavyist bit of metal I could find and miserable weather about to happen. I did try to blur out the background etc but was left with a halo so decided that au naturelle was best as it is supposed to be a memorial.
Bernard
I was going to enter a bridge but thought that would be too obvious. Then I thought of the WW1 tank and the Arbouretum, but it was away for refurbishment so I was left, at the last minute with the heavyist bit of metal I could find and miserable weather about to happen. I did try to blur out the background etc but was left with a halo so decided that au naturelle was best as it is supposed to be a memorial.
Bernard
Link
Posted 09/04/2012 - 16:20
Well done David, I have to say I had it picked.
My thanks to Jon for his competition and judging, also for his kind comments on my entry. I will have to learn to pull back a bit.
Barrie
Too Old To Die Young
.
Pentax K5x2 K20D Q I-10 01 02 DA*300 A50/2.0 A50/1.7 FA50/1.4 FA100/3.5 K55/1.8 M40/2.8 M200/4.0 FA135/2.8 FA35 DA70/2.4 FA28-70 DA10-17 DA18-55WR DA16-45 DA17-70 DA55-300 DA50-200WR DA*50-135 Sigma 24,50,105,180 8-16 17-70 24-70 150-500 400/5.6MF Tamron 70-200/2.8 17/3.5MF 28/2.5MF 90/2.5MF 300/2.8MF
My thanks to Jon for his competition and judging, also for his kind comments on my entry. I will have to learn to pull back a bit.
Barrie
Too Old To Die Young
.
Pentax K5x2 K20D Q I-10 01 02 DA*300 A50/2.0 A50/1.7 FA50/1.4 FA100/3.5 K55/1.8 M40/2.8 M200/4.0 FA135/2.8 FA35 DA70/2.4 FA28-70 DA10-17 DA18-55WR DA16-45 DA17-70 DA55-300 DA50-200WR DA*50-135 Sigma 24,50,105,180 8-16 17-70 24-70 150-500 400/5.6MF Tamron 70-200/2.8 17/3.5MF 28/2.5MF 90/2.5MF 300/2.8MF
Link
Posted 09/04/2012 - 16:35
Thanks Jon for an excellent competition and judging, the best shot undoubtedly won!
On my shot you mentioned irregular gain due to noise reduction; in fact the image has not had any noise reduction at all. The grain is probably due to HDR processing that can introduce this type of effect. I probably overdid this a little!
Regards
David
My Website http://imagesbydavidstorm.foliopic.com
PPG Link
Some cameras, some lenses, some bits 'n' bobs
On my shot you mentioned irregular gain due to noise reduction; in fact the image has not had any noise reduction at all. The grain is probably due to HDR processing that can introduce this type of effect. I probably overdid this a little!
Regards
David
My Website http://imagesbydavidstorm.foliopic.com
PPG Link
Some cameras, some lenses, some bits 'n' bobs
Link
Posted 09/04/2012 - 17:23
Apologies for not entering, particularly since I'd been planning a picture of one of Brunel's railway bridges. I do think my photography is improving though... I guessed the winner! Congratulations to one and all.
K5 + 18-135mm kit lens
K5 + 18-135mm kit lens
Last Edited by Frankie on 09/04/2012 - 17:40
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Posted 09/04/2012 - 19:56
Congratulations to David for a fine winning entry.
Many thanks to aliengrove for an interesting competition.
Lots of entries with equal 4th place
Hyram
Bodies: K20D (2), K10D, Super A, ME Super, Auto 110 SLR, X70, Optio P70
Pentax Glass: DA* 300, DA* 60-250, DA* 50-135, DA* 16-50, DA 70 Ltd, FA 31 Ltd, DA 35 Ltd, DA 18-55 (2), DA 12-24, DA 10-17, M 200, A 35-70, M 40, M 28, Converter-A 2X-S, 1.4X-S, AF 1.7, Pentax-110 50, Pentax-110 24
Other Glass: Sigma 105 macro, Sigma-A APO 75-300
Flash: Metz 58 AF-1 P, Pentax AF160FC ringflash, Pentax AF280T
Many thanks to aliengrove for an interesting competition.
Lots of entries with equal 4th place
Hyram
Bodies: K20D (2), K10D, Super A, ME Super, Auto 110 SLR, X70, Optio P70
Pentax Glass: DA* 300, DA* 60-250, DA* 50-135, DA* 16-50, DA 70 Ltd, FA 31 Ltd, DA 35 Ltd, DA 18-55 (2), DA 12-24, DA 10-17, M 200, A 35-70, M 40, M 28, Converter-A 2X-S, 1.4X-S, AF 1.7, Pentax-110 50, Pentax-110 24
Other Glass: Sigma 105 macro, Sigma-A APO 75-300
Flash: Metz 58 AF-1 P, Pentax AF160FC ringflash, Pentax AF280T
Link
Posted 09/04/2012 - 23:45
Thanks for the third place Jon, congrats to David, a superb and very striking shot.
I must admit my entry seemed a bit too close to your decription of the theme but I'd seen it a few times and the competition prompted me to shoot it. I'm glad you like the shadow, I tried to zoom into the chain/hook but felt the shadow added so much more to the image. After submitting it, I did wonder if converting it to mono may have improved it?
I see what you mean about the bricks, I had kind of noticed them, but only because it didn't look completely level, I hadn't considered burning them. I thought levelling them would have put the shadow too close to (or off) the bottom left of the frame.
When I saw the Bofors gun, I immediately thought of the two naval rifles outside the Imperial War Museum. The Bessemer Converter looked like a contraption out of Wallace & Grommit.
John.
PPG Flickr
I must admit my entry seemed a bit too close to your decription of the theme but I'd seen it a few times and the competition prompted me to shoot it. I'm glad you like the shadow, I tried to zoom into the chain/hook but felt the shadow added so much more to the image. After submitting it, I did wonder if converting it to mono may have improved it?
I see what you mean about the bricks, I had kind of noticed them, but only because it didn't look completely level, I hadn't considered burning them. I thought levelling them would have put the shadow too close to (or off) the bottom left of the frame.
When I saw the Bofors gun, I immediately thought of the two naval rifles outside the Imperial War Museum. The Bessemer Converter looked like a contraption out of Wallace & Grommit.
John.
PPG Flickr
Last Edited by johnha on 09/04/2012 - 23:49
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Posted 10/04/2012 - 09:07
I enjoyed Johnha's picture because of its graphic simplicity. It made a powerful image. Sandinista's picture of the Bessemer converter brought back memories of my young days. I was brought up in Consett, a major steel town like Sheffield which was my dad's birthplace. The Bessemers were fiery monsters like something out of sci-fi film.
PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout
Photobucket http://s799.photobucket.com/albums/yy273/Davidtrout2/
PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout
Photobucket http://s799.photobucket.com/albums/yy273/Davidtrout2/
Link
Posted 10/04/2012 - 13:07
Appreciate the comments - thanks for those - well done to David and the runners up - some really inspiring photos on show.
Great judging too.
Tony
K20D,*istD ( now a dedicated M42 digital ),K100D,MZ5N,P50,ME Super,Spotmatic 1000,Spotmatic,ESII,ES,H2.18-55 II,18-55,75-300 FAJ,35-80 FA,80-200 F,28-105 FA,Sigma 24-70 AF Aspherical,Sigma 28-300 Hyperzoom , Praotor II 500 M42,Centon 500mm mirror,and a few Pentax M42 Taks,super-Taks,smc Taks,A and M lenses.Benbo trekker,7dayshop monopod and a Lowepro rucksack.
I am now on Flickr which is nice !
Great judging too.
Tony
K20D,*istD ( now a dedicated M42 digital ),K100D,MZ5N,P50,ME Super,Spotmatic 1000,Spotmatic,ESII,ES,H2.18-55 II,18-55,75-300 FAJ,35-80 FA,80-200 F,28-105 FA,Sigma 24-70 AF Aspherical,Sigma 28-300 Hyperzoom , Praotor II 500 M42,Centon 500mm mirror,and a few Pentax M42 Taks,super-Taks,smc Taks,A and M lenses.Benbo trekker,7dayshop monopod and a Lowepro rucksack.
I am now on Flickr which is nice !
Link
Posted 10/04/2012 - 15:55
Congrats to David for a fine win and to JohnA too. Thanks AG for an interesting comp and the best possible result. All the noise in the image is actually added grain in SilverFX, but I'll take another look and maybe change the size of the grain to make it look less like noise.
Pentax Photo Gallery
Pentax Photo Gallery
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Posted 10/04/2012 - 21:22
great topic - amazing judging and wonderful podium entries and winner (congrat David).
Understand your points Jon - a polarizing picture indeed
- now as you mention it, I also see the blub - honestly - not sure what it is (don't think it is the moon - the clouds were very dense)
_____________________________________________
Colors are the lack of darkness
You find more of my pictures here: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/axelluther or on my web page: www.axel-luther.com
Understand your points Jon - a polarizing picture indeed
- now as you mention it, I also see the blub - honestly - not sure what it is (don't think it is the moon - the clouds were very dense) _____________________________________________
Colors are the lack of darkness
You find more of my pictures here: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/axelluther or on my web page: www.axel-luther.com
Link
Posted 15/04/2012 - 03:12
Congrats to the winner David,it is truly heavy metal.Also on the comments on my pic,I will learn by that.Great judging. thank you Tony B.
