POTN Powershot Speed Challenge #68 - Leaves

[t-bonestahl]

Challenge #68 - Leaves

It can be a single leaf or a bunch of leaves. They can be dead or alive. If you do not have leaves outside, indoor plants work just as well. Just as long as the subject is a leaf or leaves.

Have fun!

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To submit, click "Post Reply" and put your Photo Name in the Subject Line. Don't forget your Camera Model.

Post until Monday noon GMT, April 30th 2007.

Photo Submissions

1. Camera -- Any Canon Powershot Series Camera (SD, A-series, S1/2, & S-series only...No Pro 1's!!!)

2. Time -- any on-topic photo taken at any time is eligible, although photos that have won other competitions should NOT be entered.

3. Size -- Photo must be EXACTLY 800 pixels on the longest side and no more than 200K in size with NO BORDERS. Here is some help for resizing your photos in Photoshop - http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...9&postcount=26 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=663519&postcount=26)

4. Post-Processing -- do whatever you like and the host will decide if it works.

5. Posting --
* ONE PHOTO per photographer in each challenge.
* Photo Name in the message subject line.
* Camera model.

6. Notes -- Name and camera you used and any other information pertaining to the photo...location, photo tips, brief EXIF data ect.

7. Commenting -- No commenting during challenge. When the posting is closed, comments can be made in this thread.Time

One challenge every week, on the following schedule:

New Topic ... After winner is declared.
Posting Starts ... Right after topic is announced.
Posting Stops ... Monday noon GMT
Winners Announcement ... As soon as possible after the contest has been closed.[B]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please consider turning on Private Messaging in your profile.
This will allow the host to contact you about winning or ineligible photos. You turn this feature on by clicking "User CP, Edit Options, Enable Private Messaging" (about a third of the way down the page). Thank you.
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POTN Powershot Challenge Info & Winners List and Rankings: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=133933 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=133933)
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[turboflame]

Canon A530


http://i16.tinypic.com/435a3cg.jpg

[teekay]

A95
http://community.netidea.com/teekay/temp/GreenSkeleton.jpg

[abYss]

March 18, 2007. Camera : A710 IS, Manual Tv=1/1000 Av=3.2, Flash = OFF
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http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d79/abyss_004/POTN/cyberpark05.jpg

[Edd S]

Title: The Old and the New
Camera: Canon S2IS


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f31/Edd_S/leaves.jpg

[Powershot_S2]

Title: Bacillus (http://hyperdictionary.com/dictionary/bacillus) (<- Link)
Time: 2007-04-26T15:30:24-05:00
Camera: S2 IS
Aperture: 4.0
Focal Length: 6.0mm
Shutter Speed: 1/500
Flash: No flash (Natrual Light)
Post Processing: Resize from 2592x1944 to 800x600

http://img458.imageshack.us/img458/272/426001iz0.jpg

[mishnogram]

I wasn't sure whether this would apply but I looked it up and seems like for evergreen trees, their mature leaves are the needles.

I had my polarizer filter on. Canon S2, 1/320s, f/3.5, EV -2/3, and WB set to sunny

http://lee-family.smugmug.com/photos/121121389-800x800.jpg

[Club]

Red Vine
Canaon A95
f 2.8
1/60
no post processing

[Formulated_One]

Title - "Rainbow Forest..?"
Camera - Canon A510 - Auto Mode - Hand Held
Post Processing - Resized, 20% Contrast, -5% Brightness..

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f101/FormulatedOne/Misc%20II/ttrree14.jpg

[barbazan]

From live to death

August 2006, Canon S2 IS

[Cindi]

Shooting Mode Aperture-Priority AE
Tv (Shutter Speed) 1/500
Av (Aperture Value) 3.5
Light Metering Evaluative
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 50
Lens 6.0 - 72.0 mm
Focal Length 51.8 mm


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/ecx350/POTN%20Challenges/Nature029-resized.jpg

[cL0d]

Powershot S60. Taken at sunset. Some light PP.
It's a plant in my mom's garden, here in Italy.

[stanley_pope]

Grape leaf, as seen though rose color glasses.

Canon S3
1/640 sec.
F4
ISO 80
Focal Length 51.8mm
WB - Auto

Stan

[Novaheart]

title - red vine leaves
f2.8
1/500
macro mode
sharpened in photoshop
A620

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f180/novaheart/potn%20contests/red-vine-leaves.jpg?t=1177812961

[chrysalis]

Fresh Rhubard Shoots
CanonS3IS
no PP except cropping.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n287/chrysalis738/Rhubarb.jpg

[cmos_censor]

S3-IS
Minor touch-up, crop and resize in the GIMP.
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5256/leavessn0.jpg

[Jeece]

Prisonner

http://www.jeece.net/photo/IMG_4277.jpg

Ivy behind the bars of my balcony.

Canon S2 IS
F4
1/400s
ISO 100
Macro mode
Focal lenght: 6mm
Natural light - no flash

[spur]

S3, f/4.0, 1/1000

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j116/spur_5918/POTN/IMG_0250A.jpg

[drocpsu]

"Spring Leaves"
Canon Powershot S3IS
Exposure: 1/200 sec
Aperture: f/4
PP: slight sharpening & blur

http://www.derekdemeter.com/pics/flickr/leaf1_edit.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/drocpsu/477733160/)

[Gerald-NC]

I took this in the winter before they had fallen from one of my pear trees. It's always been a fav of mine. Very little editing done include some sharpening and light correction.

Cannon S2-IS
Av 3.5
Tv 1/400
Vivi setting

The Lest Pear Leaves

[chrysalis]

I almost forgot to enter, but glad to see it hasn't been closed yet :D ^^

it should have closed about 3 hours ago.....check the rules at the top of the thread. I guess the "host" has just not declared it closed

[Gerald-NC]

I know, but the past few contest, there have still been submissions up until the "real" closing. But I don't care lol, just had a busy weekend camping with my church so not been home :D Accept it or not it'll be ok.

[GoHokiesGo]

I took this over labor day 2005. Our family visited a few wineries and vineyards in Virginia. I always liked these couple pictures I took with the grapes, and I figured it would qualify since it had leaves as well.

"The Grape Vine"
Canon Powershot S2IS
Exposure: 1/125 sec
Aperture: f/3.5
PP: levels and resize
http://filebox.vt.edu/users/jpeacott/website%20stuff/laborday-061.jpg

it should have closed about 3 hours ago.....check the rules at the top of the thread. I guess the "host" has just not declared it closed

It looks like is still has another 1 hr 45 min left till it officially closes, it closes at noon mountain time right??

[Cindi]

It looks like is still has another 1 hr 45 min left till it officially closes, it closes at noon mountain time right??

GMT stands for Greenwich time.
This explains it all http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/

[teekay]

It looks like is still has another 1 hr 45 min left till it officially closes, it closes at noon mountain time right??

The contests always close at Monday noon GMT - that's Greenwich Mean Time - regardless of when or whether the judge reminds people. Remember, the judge is often asleep at that time - as I am, here in the Pacific time zone.

[GoHokiesGo]

Ahh, so that's greenwich time. Wasn't totally sure, so I assumed mountain time at first glance. That and the judges usually keep it open till they post closed for the last few (I'm still new to these). I will remember that for the future!

[Cindi]

Ahh, so that's greenwich time. Wasn't totally sure, so I assumed mountain time at first glance. That and the judges usually keep it open till they post closed for the last few (I'm still new to these). I will remember that for the future!

I didn't realize at first that it was greenwich time either so no worries. :)

[Gerald-NC]

lol just looking back, last week's winner's post was made at 9:45AM EST, meaning it was 2hrs 45min after the "sposed to be closed" time ;)

[t-bonestahl]

Sheesh...there are a healthy amount of entries this week (a good thing).

It is now closed.....sorry about the delay.

Thanks Cindi for the info on the Greenwich time.

I will post the results later this evening! EST:D

[t-bonestahl]

Ok…this was tough. First of all, I would like to say that it is great to see a healthy amount of entries this week and I thought the photos this week were good. So thank you to everybody that participated, it made my job hard, but that’s ok. I am offering a short feedback on each photo (very humbly I might add), to help illuminate why I chose each photo, plus I think it helps. Please keep in mind that this is only my opinion so take it or leave it for what it is. So here it goes…

Turboflame – I thought that this entry was wonderful. You can clearly see what the main subject is, even in the midst of similar objects. However, the file size is over 200K and therefore the photo cannot qualify for challenge (rule #3). Great entry though, would have been one of my top picks.

Teekay – I love the detail and concept of this photo. The color of the leaf is nice and the edges also contain a nice red color. Overall I feel that you were aiming for a “modernish” look and the pp lends itself well to this. The leaf does seem oversharpened to me. The background, which I assume is grass, also contains black artifacts towards the top of the photo. These also can be seen around the leaf edges. If there is a way to clean this up, it would help the leaf pop a little and remove distractions from the main subject.

abyss – Fantastic photo. The pads contain very sharp detail, and the spots of complimentary color really add interest to the shot. I find myself constantly drawn back to it. My only complaints are that the light seems a bit harsh. This may be due to the time of day it was taken. Mind you, I also think this adds a certain appealing quality to it (yes, I’m torn). Also, the “watermark” (if you want to call it that) is very distracting. Maybe something a bit more subtle would be nice.

Edd S - I always enjoy your photos. The leaves remind me of doilies and work well with the old and new concept. Perhaps try reducing the blue channel a little bit. This may reduce a little of the glare off of the background leaves. Maybe try experimenting with the effect of the texture of the see through leaves up close against different backgrounds…just for fun. The leaves also seem a tad oof. But I’m being picky. Nice entry.

Powershot_S2 – The deep red color in the leaf with the black spots and the hints of red in the background help unify the whole photo. But I found the harsh glare on the leaf to be too much. Unfortunately it reduces the effect of the shape of the leaf. Your focus and composition were great though.

Mishnogram – Good interpretation of leaves. Your composition in this photo is wonderful. But, I felt like the subject was more the barn then the needles, even with the barn as part of the bokeh (sp?). It looks like a beautiful place to be.

Club – I like the colors in this photo. The light from the flash is harsh though. It looked like maybe it was dawn outside and the light was fading. If there is enough light, and you have a tri-pod, you should experiment with long exposures in fading light. Sometimes you can get the shot you want without using a flash and it ends up being a more “natural” looking picture.

Formulated_One – I was hoping somebody would enter in an autumn picture. I live where we do not have seasons and this is the season I miss the most. Nice colors, and definitely fits the theme of the contest. The picture quality seems a little off for some reason. Most of your pictures do not have this issue at all. So I’m not sure why this is the case. Also, in regard to the purple fringe around the branches, I have found that a polarizer or changing your angle in relation to the sun can help with that. Part of owning a digital camera I guess.

Barbazan – Actually a somewhat disturbing picture. Definitely a little morbid, but that’s what gives it power. The leaves are overblown though giving the subjects a harsh look. A lower exposure would benefit the thematic element of your photo as well. Also…I like the spider webs.

Cindi – Nice sharp photo with a beautiful bokeh. It is a little overexposed though. Maybe a tighter composition with the subject filling in more of the frame would help the viewer focus in. Another suggestion, if you would like more than one bud on the photo try odd groupings. Groupings of 3, 5, 7, etc… create more visual interest. Great colors.

cL0d – The edges of the leaf against the black background is what makes this photo pop. I really enjoy the detail in the veins of the leaf and the vibrant colors against the dark background. Maybe a secondary subject would help garner a little more interest within the photo. Definitely one of my top picks.

Stanley_pope – This photo looks like I am looking under a microscope. Love your title too. Is this literal? Nice composition and colors. It does seem to be a little oof. Also, you might try a variation with the leaf a taking up more of the space.

Novaheart – Love the color of your sky in this. I know it’s not the main point, but it creates a nice contrast to the leaves. This looks like a tricky shot taken in the middle of the day with the harsh sun overhead. It is hard not to get the overblown highlights in this light as I’m sure you know. Did you use a polarizer? Maybe rotate it to take the edge off of the leaves even though you’ll sacrifice a little of the sky color. Good dof for using the macro.

Paul B – I get a feeling of peace from this photo. Is that a river in the background? For some reason I see little artifacts around the leaves (especially the top ones). Also, the background is pixilated. Are you shooting at the highest quality on your camera’s settings? If so, can you save it as a larger file? You may be losing quality by saving it as a small file. Nice entry.

Chrysalis – An interesting variation on the theme. The leaf you captured in the upper left hand corner is texturally rich. Maybe moving the composition to include more of the leaf, while still showing a little of the red would give the viewers eye a more solid spot to settle. Nice submission.

Cmos_censor – I really enjoy this photo. The subject is nicely isolated and looks like I could reach out and grab it. Also I think your background really adds to the photo. The colors do seem a little flat. Play with your levels to help brighten it up a little and bring out a little more color. The focus on the plant is a little soft, but again I’m being picky.

Jeece – your title and the photo is fantastic. The details on the leaves with the water droplets are wonderful, and your exposure is great. I only wish that the whole bottom leaf was in the picture. In a way I feel isolated from seeing the whole “picture”. Kind of ironic given the title of your photo.

Spur – Beautiful sky color in contrast with the yellow in the flowers. My suggestion would be to focus in on one element of the branch (the pods, leaves, flowers) and give the viewer a solid primary subject to focus their eyes on. Also some clouds would be nice….I know how much control you have over that.;) Next time bring your cloud filter...:D

Drocpsu – I enjoy the colors in the leaves against the background of similar colors. Beautiful leaf that you chose to photograph. It looks like the light was harsh at the time you took this photo. This obviously led you to shoot the leaf in the shade. If there was a way to eliminate the light patches or better yet, illuminate the whole leaf with out blowing out the highlights, this could help solidify it as the main subject of the photo. Right now my eyes are drawn to the leaf above it. Your background is really beautiful.

Gerald-NC – I see why you like this photo. The leaves against the sky really create a lovely set of colors. The formation of the leaves also suggest movement, kind of like a Van Gogh. I would like to see the leaves closer though. This would eliminate some of the empty space in the photo and allow us to see more detail in the leaves. Nice entry.

GoHokiesGo – Nice grapes. That must have been a great trip. Visiting wineries is really a blast (if you like wine that is). I like how you composed this shot with the one bunch taking prominence over the rest (maybe a little off center would be nice). I do feel that this screams “GRAPES” more than leaves though. But, it does make me want to open a bottle.

Thank you everybody. I will post the results on the next post.

[t-bonestahl]

Here are the results:

abYss - "Floating" What drove this one over the top was the visual interest in it, detail of the pads, and creativity in regard to the theme.

cL0d - "Hydrangea Leaf" Great execution.

teekay - "Green Skeleton" - extremely creative and visually beautiful.

Honorable mentions -
Jeece
Edd S
cmos_censor

Thank you! Have fun abYss.

[Jeece]

Woah, holy comments Batman. You are an involved challenge host. :o Topic was a tad early to shoot fresh material, but luckily I had a few "relics" to choose from.

Thanks for the mention, t-bonestahl. Congrats to all contestants - we had quality entries this week. New members seem to win quite often recently... they sure bring more competition to the seniors!

[benarnold]

I really enjoyed the photos entered this week, it's interesting to see the wide range of takes on the simple concept of leaf. Great critiques t-bonestahl, you obviously put a lot of thought into the judging!

I was too lazy to shoot anything last week, even for a topic that I could hardly fail to find interesting subjects for. Oh well, I'll make a double effort to enter one for abYss' topic.

My personal favourites this week were from turboflame, teekay, formulated_one, cindi, and gerald-nc. Good work everyone.

[abYss]

Woaaah, what a surprise ! I did not even expect that humble entry to win this challenge :o . Thanks t-bonestahl, I really appreciate the recognition considering the number of fantastic photos that were submitted for this particular contest. Congrats to everyone !

Now, it's time for me to think of a new theme. I'll post the new challenge shortly. :D

[Gerald-NC]

Cool. Thanks a lot for the comments T-bone.

I hope y'all don't mind but I wanted to include this one just for comment's sake. I thought about entering it but I question the composition myself...though I love the colors. It's a grape leaf from my vines:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/325436333_66711cdf03.jpg

[Cindi]

I love it when the host comments on each photo, it really helps to know what others think and it helps us to improve our shots. Great pictures everyone!!!

[GoHokiesGo]

wow, great job at giving everyone detailed comments. I also agree with your winning pick, I kept looking at Abyss's picture as well. Everyone took some awesome photos!

[stanley_pope]

Congratulations to the winner, an excellent choice. Now if I can only find a beauty that’s asleep
Stan

[cL0d]

This is my first contest. I'm very happy and really appreciate the comments.
Thanks!

cL0d