Back to Basics - Month 1 - LINES

[Pete]

Hi everyone.

This is where to come if you've lost your photo-mojo and you're finding it difficult to work out what to shoot, how to improve your composition, and how to get your "eye" back again.

I'm intending this thread (and the ones to follow) to be open for people who feel that they need to get back to basics in order to improve their photography. Photos submitted should be posted with a view to them being (gently) critiqued by other members. I also invite pros to contribute with guidance for us poor lesser mortals and generally help us out with exploring the fundamentals.

Each month, I'll start a new thread introducing another compositional element to explore. That doesn't mean that each thread will die - far from it, I want each area to continue to be explored and discussed.

The idea is that you should go out and actively look for compositions that includes the subject, you should be very deliberate about what you're shooting, and why. This should really be treated as a learning excercise. It would also be helpful if when you post your shots, you can give a brief synopsis of why you framed it a particular way and what attracted you to take the shot.

LINES

The barest of fundamentals, lines are arguably the strongest part of a photo. They can divide the composition into sections, they can lead the eye into a compositional focus, or lead focus out of frame into something we imagine. They can be soft, strong, urban or organic in nature. They can lift and inspire, or depress, they can draw us in, or leave us out.

Go out, look for lines, look for what they lead to, what they separate. Let's see what you come up with that involves lines.

[thomascanty]

The first thing that came to my mind when I read your post was a picture I already had. I was in Death Valley last week, at Badwater (the lowest point in the U.S.), when I fired off this shot. I was kneeling down to get a low perspective of Badwater, looking south, when I noticed the line of the "boardwalk" on the right-hand side of my view screen, leading to several people in the distance. I recomposed and fired away.
http://www.ldphotography.net/cdpf/line1.jpg

[coreypolis]

ohh, how many can we post :)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/viperx27/Tulips/IG3Q3486.jpg


Lines definetly created this photo. Gives you a real emotional tug
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/viperx27/DR%202006/_G3Q5527.jpg


Lines definetly created this photo. Gives you a real emotional tug
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/viperx27/DR%202006/_G3Q5947.jpg


The master of "lines"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/viperx27/urban/img_7010.jpg

[Skrim17]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y116/skrim/lines1.jpg

I drove past this bridge this morning and came back to it later int he day to photograph it. I took a few angles but liked this best, the weather was crappy and if it wasnt so far away I might return to take more on a better day and from the other end.

[Pete]

Great start, Crissa. Love the way you've kept the top rails horizontal there. I'd love to see a lower viewpoint of the same bridge, right down near the ground. Also from the outside of the bridge, looking across and down.

Lovely.

[VGP]

I used to live in Philidelphia and as a kid I use to love looking up at the tall bldg's in both Philly and New York as if the two sides eventually meet in the sky somewhere.


http://www.vgpinc.com/pictures/potn/greengiant.jpg




http://www.vgpinc.com/pictures/potn/elcentro.jpg

[misspix]

Crissa: I love the foot bridge! Excellent choice to convert to b&w. I agree with Pete, would love to see a real low viewpoint. Also, maybe one lone figure placed at the end of the bridge to emphasize that lonely feeling I'm picking up.

[misspix]

VGP: I like the second shot the best, I almost get dizzy :lol:

[Skrim17]

I didn't get a shot from the bottom, after reviewing my photos that was the first thing I thought of.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y116/skrim/lines2.jpg

[Pete]

Wonderful Crissa.

Here's my attempts at this. One of which being a bus station with an interesting roof line (otherwise it's of no real interest).
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/peteghia/Lines/IMG_3820.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/peteghia/Lines/IMG_3873.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/peteghia/Lines/IMG_3851.jpg

[Becky N]

Lonnie, agree your recomposition draws the eye into this picture.

Cory, great examples of how diverse a simple line can be.

VGP, I really like the converging lines that bring together the traditon of the sculpture and the contemporary of the skyscraper.

Crissa, I agree with what has been said and glad you showed us another percpective.

Pete, very interesting roof line. The night shots are excellant, hum, how should I say, non-traditional lines? The path were the first lines I saw in number one but the more I look at it the way the lights draw you in subtly really makes me look deep into the shadows. The lots of lines draw us into the second night shot. Well done.

[Pete]

Thanks Becky (I was rushing out for the camera club when I posted those up, so aplogies for the lack of words. The roof line was interesting to me, but I couldn't find a way of making the photograph look interesting, which is a bit of a disappointment.

The path (up from the rail station) was very dark, but a linear path up to the roadway. That's what I wanted to accentuate, but found it hard to get a corect exposure. I liked the strength of the fence (it's actually there to stop muggers hiding in the bushes), the and line of light. The leaves on the path shows that it's not often swept, and gives the shot an air of danger. I want to work on this shot more and put more mood into it.

The train shot (even though it's a bit shakey) is full of lovely perspective and movement. Just a terrible shame that the static objects aren't as sharp as they could be.

[Athena]

spiral lines:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=78980&d=1147755121

[Pete]

Wow, that's great Athena. That works for me on a number of levels. My eye's drawn to the centre, which one side of my brain is saying is on a level plane, and the other side of my brain gives me a downward spiral. The differences in tonality in the background gives a very good impression of depth.

Nice abstract.

[Becky N]

Fabulous Athena, I like how the double spirals seem like one for a momement then split back to two.

[michael_]

great idea i will definately be keeping an eye on this series, hopefully its not raining today and i can contribute.

[michael_]

here are a few of mine, train track seem to create the best leading lines :) which is what i was trying to do in all these.

http://gallery.mvettasphotography.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=515

http://gallery.mvettasphotography.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=503

http://gallery.mvettasphotography.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=507

http://gallery.mvettasphotography.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=511

[jbarclay]

I am going to give this a try. I'm not sure if I like the color or the B&W version better, so I'm giving both. I think the single tower emphasizes the lines.

125054

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[michael_]

def. the colour version

[jbarclay]

Thanks for the comment Michael, I am still undecided here. I like the color, but I like the nostalgic look of the b&w also.

[Pete]

Lovely, Jack. The colour version is definitely the stronger image. I like that one. Just wondering what a sunrise/sunset version of the same photo would be like.

Mike. I really like those track shots, you got the composition real good there and like the spray can there as well.

The only think I'd say in criticsm is that I'd have like to see the bottom two pictures with a larger DOF. The tracks are leading the eye away, but it's visually confusing to see them go out of focus so soon.

Just my opinion tho.

[jbarclay]

Thank-you Pete, that is the sunset version and I don't have the sunrise version. Maybe I'll get a chance to try that, the next trip to San Francisco.

[Pete]

Ahh, I see it now you said Jack... Think I was just going by the sky colour - my mistake. Sunrise shots are so darned difficult - I never like getting up while it's still dark!

[jbarclay]

My sentiments exactly, if we were supposed to see the sunrise they would have made them happen later in the day.

[michael_]

The only think I'd say in criticsm is that I'd have like to see the bottom two pictures with a larger DOF. The tracks are leading the eye away, but it's visually confusing to see them go out of focus so soon.

Just my opinion tho.

i tend to agree, i think #1 is the strongest of them all because of the wider DOF, i took over 100 shots there so ill go through and see what else i have. But yeah my main objective was composition and i am extremely happy with how they turned out.

[michael_]

My sentiments exactly, if we were supposed to see the sunrise they would have made them happen later in the day.

haha tell me about it, i have planned to get up for sunrise shots every weekend for the past 2 months and failed every time ;)

[uniqueimages]

Michael, then get some sleep....

11:30pm and your on here, that may be your downfall?

[Skrim17]

Jack I know what you mean about the nostalgia in the B&W, I think I might bump the contrast a tad tho for my personal taste, I really do like the color version as well.

[michael_]

Michael, then get some sleep....

11:30pm and your on here, that may be your downfall?

haha :P finally posted Nigel :)

[Jamie Holladay]

[quote=jbarclay;2279729]I am going to give this a try. I'm not sure if I like the color or the B&W version better, so I'm giving both. I think the single tower emphasizes the lines.

Jack, These are both wonderful shots. I do tend to like the color shot better myself (although I like the feel of the B&W). I noticed that these look as though they may have been cropped. I do not know what the original version looks like but I think you can make this a more interestinig shot. If you were to crop out the pillar on the right so that you could only see only the cables leading in to the photo moving the tower to the right third a bit more, and then giving the other end of the cables the lead out of the photo. Just a thought & MHO. Wonderful shots!

[MikeMcL]

Hmm, I looked through tons of pics, and couldnt find hardly any lines. I am not really a "line" type of guy... It did make me think to look more for them though, which is the whole purpose of this. Here are a few C+C appreciated, even if its harsh:-}

[MikeMcL]

2 more, sorry to spam the thread.

[Skrim17]

Not spam at all Mike,m I like your shots, particularly the wheel. Part of the intention of this thread is for you to read the challenge and then go out and shoot specifically for it with the theme in mind. While I like wha toyu posted perhaps since it was hard to find a "lines" shot you can now go out and try to find one!

happy hunting.

[Marsha050]

I like the different lines created in this picture. I changed the mode from color to B/W and then increased the brightness and the contrast. I did this to bring out the different lines in the fences, the peeling paint of the building in the background and the boxes. I hope you see what I see and tried to accomplish.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/Marsha050/LinesContrast.jpg

[Becky N]

Michael, reading your reply, you did a good job on the composition the DOF does draw the eye to the litter. You can also use lines in composition to draw the eye into the shot or towards a point of interest. Nice shots, I like them all, #2 especially with the splash of color against the brown hues.

Jack, I like both shots in their own right. I'd like to see a crop as Jamie described for comparison. OT from the lines, try distressing or adding some noise to the B&W, adding a tad more contrast and possibly play with the yellow channel or filter just a bit, not to make it totally sepia, just a smidge.

Mike, the zoom movement on the wheel is very cool, definetly draws the eyes into the frame.

Marsha, lots of lines your PP seemed to do the trick in bringing out the background, makes us look beyond the fence.

[Marsha050]

Thank you Becky N....

[jbarclay]

Jamie, thanks for the input. You are right it is cropped some, I left the pillar on the right to give it a starting point(at least that was my thought) and I cropped at the bottom of the cable arch on the left to give some direction out of the photo. I tried the new crop a you suggested, I like it, what is the consensus now?

Becky and Crissa, I played with the b&w conversion a little also, added some noise, a "smidge" of yellow, and bumped the contrast. It certainly adds a more old fashioned effect and I think brings out the nostalgia feel more.

Thanks for the critique everybody. What do you think of the outcome?

125158

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[Skrim17]

LOVE the crop Jim and the tweaking, good job!

[cfpackerfan]

LOVE the crop Jim
Psst, Crissa..... it's Jack. ;) :lol: :p

I agree...the crop and the tweaking are superb!

[jbarclay]

^^ Yeah what she said ^^^^^

Thanks Cat.

[Skrim17]

sorry, I'm feeling rather cattish tonight (hint hint). Jack it is then!!

[Skrim17]

and I still like the changes!

[jbarclay]

Thank you Crissa, I wasn't sure the comments were meant for me at first. Then I thought you were taking a shot at me for something I said, or didn't say. :oops:
I am still not convinced that the b&w tweaks work real well. My original thought was to clean it up and then lighten it a little to bring out more of the detail. After I tried it, it does make it look more nostalgic. That was the idea behind the b&w in the first place.

Thanks for all the help. I'm still learning, and hopefully improving. At least I'm trying new ideas.

[VGP]

VGP: I like the second shot the best, I almost get dizzy :lol:

VGP, I really like the converging lines that bring together the traditon of the sculpture and the contemporary of the skyscraper.

I am glad you liked it, thanks!

[Jamie Holladay]

Jamie, thanks for the input. You are right it is cropped some, I left the pillar on the right to give it a starting point(at least that was my thought) and I cropped at the bottom of the cable arch on the left to give some direction out of the photo. I tried the new crop a you suggested, I like it, what is the consensus now?

Becky and Crissa, I played with the b&w conversion a little also, added some noise, a "smidge" of yellow, and bumped the contrast. It certainly adds a more old fashioned effect and I think brings out the nostalgia feel more.

Thanks for the critique everybody. What do you think of the outcome?


I like the crop much better. I wished I had the opportunity to shot that.

[Becky N]

Nicely done, Jack I like the the new crop and the tweaks.

[jbarclay]

Thank you, Jamie and Becky.
Jamie it is just a short plane ride, better yet make it a road trip in Silvee. :) Now that would be a great photo oportunity. SFO and Silvee, Hot car, Hot town. Imagine the possibilities.

[BLS]

This is a shot from yesterday when I went looking for lines. I headed into Gettysburg, PA, where they were commemorating Lincoln's Address with a parade. C&C welcome.



http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-8/812687/Canon--girlEC.jpg

[Becky N]

Barbara nice shot, though I'm not sure she would have been in the miltia during Lincoln's time. Really like how you caught just enough of the wheel, barrel and DOF to know what is going on and how tack sharp your subject is. Looks like it was cold and cloudy which, IMO adds to the story.

[Marsha050]

Barbara, I love you picture!!! I ike the DOF with the subject being so clear and yet the background help us know what is going on. It makes me want more... great job!!!

[mij]

Plenty of lines here, the international platforms of Waterloo station from a month ago:

http://jotbin.com/files/ph/img_0695.jpg

On Friday I was at Canary Wharf waiting in the rain for a bus and thought of this thread. I guess that was the point of it though as I would probably not have taken this otherwise:

http://jotbin.com/files/ph/img_1634.jpg

As I got wetter, and the bus never appeared, I gave up and ended up on the underground (Hammersmith line) instead:

http://jotbin.com/files/ph/img_1653.jpg

This one from a week ago is lines of a sort. It did not really work, but with the above it makes you wonder just how unpopular I am!

http://jotbin.com/files/ph/img_1563.jpg

Michael.

[michael_]

i like the 3rd one michael it looks very , hmm whats the word ...

[Pete]

That's great, Mike. Exactly the kind of thinking I was wanting this thread to prompt. Love that one of the streetlamps all in a row.

Rare thing to see a Hammersmith line tube empty as well...!

[Skrim17]

I can't believe how clean your tube is, ever seen a NY subway??

[Athena]

Jack - what method did you use for the BW conversion on your bridge?

[Pete]

Jack - what method did you use for the BW conversion on your bridge?

It has the look of "Gradient Map" to me. It's what I use on mine, then I add a channel mixer adjustment layer on top to get it a high contrast.

[Pete]

Wide angle gives huge lines...

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/peteghia/IMG_4032.jpg

[Mgdh]

Been playing Pete? ;)

Looks VERY good :D

[Pete]

Yeah. Love the way the wide angle makes the station look SO long... It was a good thing that the pillars either side are on the mid axis, it helped to minimise any vertical divergence. The small amount of slanting there helps to "cover" the roof.

[BLS]

Pete -- Great shot with good exposure. It held my interest a long time. Unusual and pleasing color sheme for the train. I especially like seeing the passengers inside with the warm yellow light.

BeckyN and Marsha050 -- Thanks for the kind words about my shot.

[jiggling_john]

Plenty of lines here, the international platforms of Waterloo station from a month ago:



On Friday I was at Canary Wharf waiting in the rain for a bus and thought of this thread. I guess that was the point of it though as I would probably not have taken this otherwise:



As I got wetter, and the bus never appeared, I gave up and ended up on the underground (Hammersmith line) instead:



This one from a week ago is lines of a sort. It did not really work, but with the above it makes you wonder just how unpopular I am!


Michael.

wow! not only did you manage to get on an empty tube in london, but an empty bus as well... how did you manage that?! :-p

[chemicalbro]

i've posted this elsewhere on the forums........but i like the lines in this shot
http://hellmouth.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/lochKatrine.jpg

[jbarclay]

Jack - what method did you use for the BW conversion on your bridge?

You mean you're supposed to use a method?? Actually I just desaturate and play with the colors, noise and sharpen etc. to my liking. That's about the only method to my madness.

[Skrim17]

So Pete have you been pondering next months assignment?

[Athena]

lol Jack - I can remember why I asked you that. I think I might have saved a curves setting for you to try that made your bridge pop more... hmmm. I'll check my files.

[Athena]

That is exactly what I did.
I found the file (not too hard - I named it "ForJack") lol. You interested? If you are, I'll upload it and give you a link with instructions. :D

[drookie]

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/55271384-M.jpg

Just found this thread. I love to learn and I think we have so much to learn from each other.

This is a shot I took of the Bay Bridge (SF) from Treasure Island through a hole in the fog. It was only there for a moment then socked in.

CC Welcomed.

[Pete]

So Pete have you been pondering next months assignment?

Umm, yeah. I know which assignment I'll be starting next month.

It doesn't mean of course that this thread will die, so you should still be looking for lines in your shots and posting them up.

[jbarclay]

That is exactly what I did.
I found the file (not too hard - I named it "ForJack") lol. You interested? If you are, I'll upload it and give you a link with instructions. :D

Yeah sure, I'll give anything a try. Always open to new and better things, thank you.

[Athena]

Hi Jack -
I'm not sure how you feel about it, but anyone could try this by first downloading the color version of your bridge image. Then:

Download the curves settings file from HERE (http://lifeprintsphotography.com/POTN/forJack.acv).
Save it somewhere you'll remember.

Please don't be offended, but since I don't know where you are with PS, I made these instructions very basic.

1. Open your color bridge file in PS.
2. From the pull-down menu, click on "New Adjustment Layer" and choose "Hue/Saturation..."
3. When the first dialog box opens, click OK.
4. When the second one opens, move the saturation slider all the way to the left and then click OK. Your image will appear B&W now.
5. From the pull-down menu, click on "New Adjustment Layer" and choose "Curves..."
6. Click OK on the first dialog box.
7. On the second dialog box, click "Load..." and find/choose the file you downloaded called "ForJack.acv. Click "Load". You'll see the changes already.
8. Then click OK to close the Curves dialog box.
9. If you don't have it open already, press F7 to show your layers.
10. You can toggle the visibility (click the little eye icon) of the "Curves 1" layer to see the difference.

The nice thing about this is that your original image is untouched. Everything was done in adjustment layers. :D

[ruairidh]

Do these count as lines ??

http://static.flickr.com/100/306796754_266556ec61_b.jpg

Wasn't really looking for this shot, but the squirrels weren't out to play on the day. I kind of like the contrast between the straightness of the trees and the curve of the path leading you through them. Definitely different from my usual photograph.

[jbarclay]

Hello Athena, I loaded the curves setting you sent, and you are right they do look good, thank you. Is this a standard setting that you use for your b&w conversion workflow, or did you just do some tweaking until you found a setting that you liked for this photo?
As for how I feel about it, why you %$#& j/k. :) I appreciate the input, it takes time to actually help others to improve their skills. Your time is valuable and your expertise is a big help. I would hope that you will feel free to share your opinions and your skills with me and (I hope) the the rest of us here any time. I, for one, am here to improve my skills and want to receive as much help as I can beg or borrow from other forum members. So, in case there is any doubt left in your mind, Thank you for the help, and please consider this an open invitation to critique or offer suggestions anytime , to any of my photos.
By the way, I liked the tutorial.

[jbarclay]

Here's the same shot with Athena's curves applied. Thank you Athena. I hope it is ok with you that I post your revision. I didn't think about that originally.

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The changes are applied to the copy so image quality is probably a little different. I'm not at home so I couldn't apply the changes to the original.

[Athena]

Of course I don't mind Jack. It's your photo. :) It pleases me more to see you post it with the changes than it would have to just make the changes and post it myself.
And your words of praise up above are greatly appreciated. You're my shining star for today for making me feel so good. :D I'm curious though what this means?
As for how I feel about it, why you %$#& j/k. :)


Oh, and these curves were specifically for your image. I've never actually saved a curves setting before. I just make new ones each time. ;)

[jbarclay]

:D I'm curious though what this means? ;)


I was just trying to be funny. :oops: Starting off the sentence like you offended me or something, but I was just kidding. I'll stick with my day job and stop the comedy routines. But hey, I'm a shining star now, so maybe you will forgive me for attempting to be funny. :) hehhe

[Athena]

LOL - okay, I get it. :o
Yesterday was exhausting - I think I only had a couple of brain cells firing. All better now though. :D

[drookie]

I love this idea but I think Monthly will loose momentum. Could we try weekly or bi-weekly assignments? This is not to say that I don't enjoy hearing about Jacks star shining or Athena's brain cells :)

[BLS]

Drookie, I think you make a good point. Bi-weekly sounds good to me.

[Becky N]

drookie and BLS check out WWPD here is this weekend's challenge:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2344499#post2344499

[TexasToest]

I love this idea but I think Monthly will loose momentum. Could we try weekly or bi-weekly assignments? This is not to say that I don't enjoy hearing about Jacks star shining or Athena's brain cells :)

I'm pretty new here, and am just getting into this. We almost filled up a month this time. The last post was only 2 days ago. I somehow think that a month gives us more time to shoot, and post. We can post more than one picture, or we can post improvements on our original post. There are some talented people here I'd like to hear from on any shots I post. And, I actually intend to post here even after the month is up. I saw an outstanding line picture the other day, but it is only there at sunset. I've not been able to get back there at that time of day, but when I do, I'll post that here.

However, I can see how some might lose interest during a month's time.

[jbarclay]

It is Pete's Post to do with as he sees fit. I think the monthly format works pretty well. It gives everyone a chance to get out and make their composition, and allows time for critiquing. Just my $.02 worth.

[Pete]

Hi there... I never intended these posts to only last for a month each, all I'm doing is starting off a new one each month. What I'm intending for is a continuing set of threads for all the basic compositional values.

So, lines shouldn't die in December. I still want people to continue looking at the basics when they compose a photograph.

[Becky N]

This composition was set to draw you up the street. Yhe intent was to give an idea of the route the participants walked with temperatures in the teens F. To begin the season celebrations:

http://performancephoto.us/images/Beckysgallery/061202-IMG_1514.jpg

[mij]

I can't believe how clean your tube is, ever seen a NY subway??

The time I went to New York it was 90° and very humid so I loved being on the subway! A lot of our trains have been refurbished relatively recently but they are not all so clean. There are older ones on the District Line which still have wooden floors. Besides which we do not get air-conditioning because the system is so old the tunnels are too narrow to allow conventional systems so for that reason alone I would rather use the NY system.

wow! not only did you manage to get on an empty tube in london, but an empty bus as well... how did you manage that?! :-p

Even more impressively, it was rush hour when I was on the tube. Despite going against the flow, heading into the city from West Ham,I still found it surprising and just had to take advantage of the opportunity.

Anyway, back to the thread and some more transport themed lines from a few weeks ago:

http://jotbin.com/files/ph/img_1722f.jpg

http://jotbin.com/files/ph/img_1681f.jpg

First time attempting black and white so I am sure they could be better, but it seemed it would suit the street better while the station was so dull looking it needed something to help it out. Incidentally, the train on the left is one of the underground ones I mentioned above that still has a wooden floor.

Michael.

[zacker]

Do these count as lines ??

http://static.flickr.com/100/306796754_266556ec61_b.jpg

Wasn't really looking for this shot, but the squirrels weren't out to play on the day. I kind of like the contrast between the straightness of the trees and the curve of the path leading you through them. Definitely different from my usual photograph.
the trail into the woods and also into the Photo sure as heck does! great shot!!

[Athena]

Anyway, back to the thread and some more transport themed lines from a few weeks ago:

http://jotbin.com/files/ph/img_1722f.jpg


I love this photo. I used to live in Richmond - memories.

[Becky N]

When Pete started this thread I had a definite idea in mind, very text book, rail tracks leading into a sunset, just never got out and took the shot. Then last night I was playing and realized this morning one of my shots fits this in a non-text book manner.

http://performancephoto.us/images/Beckysgallery/061219-IMG_1803.jpg

I also remember I have clean my sensor today.:D :rolleyes:

[Pete]

Yep, that works for me, big time... What the doo-hickey is it though?

[Athena]

looks like a zoomed candle. ;)

[wu_wei0]

looks like a zoomed candle. ;)
Just what I was thinking. ;);)

[Becky N]

Actually 5 tea lights zoomed. I lined them up like a V and focused on the center. Tried both zooming in and zooming out and changing my focus at both ends of the focal length. This one is the one I liked best.

[Pete]

Wooo... Great tricksey shot there. Seasonal too!

[Athena]

that's because great minds think alike Wu. ;)

[cfpackerfan]

I know, the second B2B is up, and I'm only just now posting in the first. :oops:

[Mgdh]

I know, the second B2B is up, and I'm only just now posting in the first. :oops:

Great shot though, Cat. Really good use of lines to draw the eye in on these.

[Pete]

Great shots, Cat... That first picture would look really neat if you put the camera in the bottom left hand corner, those shadows look really interesting.

[Athena]

I'd love to see a person at the convergence in that first image. Seriously powerful lines those. :)

[misspix]

Okay, here goes. I have not been able to get anything new that I am happy with, so I thought I would post a couple of 'almost, but not quites' in the hopes of getting some pointers on what I could have done differently.

[Wsman2]

This one's just kinda' all over the place. It was just a simple snap shot taken in Union Square in San Francisco last week while waiting to cross the street.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/138/333569801_c57a45e54f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/Wildabeast71/)

[Pete]

Just to keep this thread alive... Here's more.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/peteghia/Made%20of%20Stone/IMG_5311.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/peteghia/Made%20of%20Stone/IMG_5336.jpg

[Athena]

You've captured the rare, caucasion, super long legged tourist completely unawares in it's natural habitat! ;)
Seriously, the first one is really lovely. I would be tempted to crop out the foreground up until just past the shadow. I do quite like the distortion on that last one - pretty cool.

[Mgdh]

I've finally got a couple of images to share in this thread. Took 'Nifty' (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2512418#post2512418) down to Newquay harbour at the weekend and thought of the 'back to basics' while I was there.

http://newquay-plus.co.uk/POTN/nifty/070106Harbour-14.jpg

http://newquay-plus.co.uk/POTN/nifty/070106Harbour-03.jpg

http://newquay-plus.co.uk/POTN/nifty/070106Harbour-23.jpg

[Pete]

Nice shots there, Mark. Really wish I had a harbour like that near where I live.

If that was me, I'd be right on my knees and elbows getting right down onto the deck, I'm getting to be a fan on getting low and involving some foreground. Especially easy with the 10-20 because of the amazing DOF - 9.5in to infinity.

Lovely colours, framings and textures there.

[Mgdh]

Thanks for the comments Pete :D Now, once more with your 'club head' on ;):lol:

I was pretty low down for the first shot. These were taken with Nifty, so it was effectively a short telephoto shot ;)

[Pete]

Needs to be low enough to smell the seaweed, Mark... ;)

I'm not truely happy if I get back to the car without having wet and muddy knees..!

[Gerald-NC]

I just found this thread today, from another one, so I remembered having a couple of shots here at work that fit in this category.

The first are some trees here at work that I just happened to think while shooting the sunset "hmm a shot up these would be cool with the sky color" and while getting in position and clicking off one or two I realized I could recompose and kinda get them to meet in the center. I don't know, see if it "does it" for ya lol.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3424/theviewsmallzu3.jpg

Next, I knew the new parking deck was opened up at the hospital and took my cam while getting my blood tests. I went on top of the deck was looking for architectural type shots so I shot a few things on/in the deck of interest. I planned on PS'ing this some how, but haven't gotten around to doing anything at all to it.

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/6504/linessmallpc1.jpg


I've got others at home that might fit here.

[misspix]

Hi Gerald :D Your first one made me dizzy, lol! Cool shot! I really like the different lines/patterns in the second one. I wonder if it might be more striking if some/most of the parking lot area were cropped out?
Nice work!

[KO_300D]

Lots of green lines :)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/150016285_0e6c928d89.jpg?v=0

[corinto]

Does this qualify for lines? Or should I wait for frames?

[Becky N]

they can lead the eye into a compositional focus,

Used a small aperature for broader DOF but focused on the waterfall and used the millrace as my leading line. I hope it worked. If it hadn't been so cold, I might have thought to go to the other side of the bridge so the tree isn't in the middle of the frame.

http://performancephoto.us/images/Beckysgallery/070119-IMG_2609.jpg

[FatPete]

Some great photos in this thread. I kept meaning to add my own contribution, but never really had anything suitable until tonight. Didn't realise how much the moon can move in 30 seconds, and should've taken more care with the composition... but my fingers were frozen by this stage!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p184/pete_naylor/pjn_1085.jpg

[misspix]

Cool, Pete :D Love the perspective!

[Miniflash]

I thought I would give this a try here is mine

[Mgdh]

Nice shot Deb. Those lines in the water are great. The lines in this shot seem to break it into sections and it's quite an interesting effect.

I love the seagull sitting on top of the post in the middle of the shot :D

[Miniflash]

Thanks Mark I liked the way the water cooperated lol ..It was a unusual kind of day,the water most often is calm and slight ripple .I like the way it turned out I can tell when I keep stopping at the photo when glancing at my photo albums .

[heycow]

My contribution...

http://www.heycow.com/d/950-5/Shadows+and+Trellis.jpg

[cfpackerfan]

Ben!! That is absolutely FANTASTIC!! I love everything about that shot. WOW

[FatPete]

Ben - that's brilliant - my eyes are just drawn straight through the picture - great shot.

[Pete]

Holy Moley...!! I'm falling into that shot. Superb.

[Athena]

Fabulous shot Ben - my favorite so far.

[heycow]

Gosh thanks guys and gal. :D It is actually my favorite photo that I've taken. Looks great 20x30". :)

[Becky N]

Ben, chiming in with the others, that is a fantastic shot.

[heycow]

Thanks Becky. :)

[misspix]

Ben!! That is absolutely FANTASTIC!! I love everything about that shot. WOW

Ben - that's brilliant - my eyes are just drawn straight through the picture - great shot.

Holy Moley...!! I'm falling into that shot. Superb.

Fabulous shot Ben - my favorite so far.
Completely agree with the above :D Wonderful!

[heycow]

Thank you Terri, much appreciated. :)

[rammy]

Quite a few different types of lines :-)

[kpj]

Hi everyone
This is an inspiring if somewhat intimidating thread. Here's mine - please give nice, kind, gentle pointers!

I took this before I saw the thread because I liked the profusion of masts and ropes, plus the light that threw everything into almost b&w. I've cropped it a bit, and added a teeny bit of contrast, but that's about it.

By the way - where is the starting from basics section???

KPJ - canon A530 much harder to get used to than my 20+ year old SLR. I have a busy time ahead of me, but the stuff on this forum is just so creative.

[Becky N]

Welcome, KPJ, interesting shot, well exposed in a difficult setting.

I saw this at the conference center Friday where our national sales meeting was being held and immediately thought of this thread.
http://performancephoto.us/images/Beckysgallery/070126-IMG_3467.jpg

[misspix]

Cool shot Becky! Um, what were you standing on?

[Becky N]

The floor, this was through the window on one side of the skywalk, thus the reflections on the ceiling.

[misspix]

Ahhhh. I thought perhaps you had learned how to hover in mid air :)

[Skrim17]

Is that your reflection on the far side? I really like this.

[FatPete]

Great shot there Becky - draws your eyes right into it.

[Becky N]

Is that your reflection on the far side? I really like this.

Thank you everyone. No, Crissa, that is a plant in the lobby area on the other side of the sky walk.

[shiato storm]

Wonderful Crissa.

Here's my attempts at this. One of which being a bus station with an interesting roof line (otherwise it's of no real interest).
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/peteghia/Lines/IMG_3820.jpg


just found this thread [doh!] but recognised this place as I was there recently - thats vauxhall station, just by Fixation (camera repair place...!) :D
ok, way off track but hey... ;)

[Pete]

just found this thread [doh!] but recognised this place as I was there recently - thats vauxhall station, just by Fixation (camera repair place...!) :D
ok, way off track but hey... ;)

Totally correct. I was on my way back from Fixation, having had my 24-105 fixed by them.

[ibdb]

Saw this view from "Cheeseburger in Paradise" on Front Street in Lahaina, Maui, and had to get up from the table to take a few shots. I loved the lines in this shot:

http://dbberg2.googlepages.com/DBB_070217_9715_potn.jpg

[misspix]

I really liked the play of the shadows and lines in this one
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k259/miss-pix/POTN/IMG_1490-01.jpg

[cfpackerfan]

Sweet shot Terri. :D

[misspix]

Tankee, Cat :)

[drandtus]

Please exscuse the crookedness and exposure. This was taken in November and I had only owned my camera or a few days.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q260/drandtus/POTNprojects/IMG_1672.jpg

[corinto]

Not that it is any good. But it does have a lot of lines.

[cfpackerfan]

A couple from me:

[Becky N]

Nice, Cat, I like the perspective on the 2nd one.

[grumpyhaggis]

I'd appreciate your comments on these. Same subject, but different aspects. It's a kind of 'old hat' subject. How could I have done it better?
159705

and this...

159706

[Skrim17]

I like them a lot Jim, can you change the post so they aren't next to eachother tho? I would be able to see each one better that way.

[grumpyhaggis]

I like them a lot Jim, can you change the post so they aren't next to eachother tho? I would be able to see each one better that way.

I'm not sure how to do that! Can you give me a clue? (I really envy people who can put text after their pictures too!:(:confused:)

Edit: S' OK - I've sussed it!

[Skrim17]

WAY better Jim, now I can't decide which I like better!!

[Skrim17]

visually I find #1 more appealing and by coincidence it is closest to the rule of thirds. The second seems a hair off kilter to me, I think the dock is straight but the horizon isn't, or the other way around. The first seems more symmetrical all around even tho I can't see as much of that beautiful sky!

[grumpyhaggis]

visually I find #1 more appealing and by coincidence it is closest to the rule of thirds. The second seems a hair off kilter to me, I think the dock is straight but the horizon isn't, or the other way around. The first seems more symmetrical all around even tho I can't see as much of that beautiful sky!

Thanks Crissa. I see what you mean about about the second one. I think what throws the eye is the slight widening of the ice line on the lake from right to left, which makes something seem out of true. I did try to straighten as much as I could, using the end of the jetty as the baseline. If I did it again, I think I'd like to get down closer to the jetty and have more of the sky.