pool break

[300Daz]

Hi all. I shot this photo a few years ago when i first had my 300D. I was very new to photography then and am only now starting to learn the craft seriously. (hence joining P.O.T.N.)

I saved it onto a disk and didn't retain exif data so apologies there. But i can tell you it was with the 18-55mm lens and no flash used. I used the self timer (because i was the person breaking the balls) and it took me about 12 shots to get the spread of balls the way they are with the 8 ball almost stationary.

I would welcome any comment/critique from fellow forum members.

Darren

[AB8ND]

Cool shot.
No flash, what luck getting the 8 ball stationary

Jack

[txduggan]

Agreed....very cool shot - pun intended ;)

I'd crop it tighter to get rid of the 2 ineffective spaces in the upper right and left corners.

Maybe a little white balance tweaking too?

[jcpoulin]

good stuff, very creative. Try it again ( if possible) and get more on-top, will eliminate peripheral stuff and put the balls and table top only.

[Bryman]

what is the splotchy areas on the bottom right hand corner and some on the left border? I like the shot but I agree with the others that a higher perpective would make it look better. Great idea for a shot!

[300Daz]

Thanks to all who commented and offered advice (all taken on board). I'm glad you thought it was a worthy photo.

To Bryman... I'm glad you noticed those "splotchy marks". This photo was also my first attempt at any real PP'ing with photoshop. A couple of the balls (probably the outer two in the triangle) broke away at a greater speed than the others and appeared in the picture as ghosty white streaks as opposed to the rest of balls having some definition. I am very much new to Photoshop so wasn't sure on the best method to remove them. I used the clone stamp and 'finger' smudge. Open to advice from anyone on improving this.

[AdamLewis]

I might try it again with a rear curtain flash and maybe try getting a little higher over the table if you can.

[Bryman]

if you make image editing ok I can post process your photo and show you what it would look like to get rid of the splotchy areas. I would use the clone tool, it'll be really simple on photoshop. Post up the original and make sure image editing is set on ok so we can edit and repost your images.

[khall]

Set up the 8 ball to show the 8.

[300Daz]

Bryman (and anyone else), here is the original as requested. Looking forward to seeing your edited version.

[Bryman]

Here's my try at getting rid of the less defined trails. I messed with the curves also to give it a little more pop. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2173/2164130774_5aa5c788a7_o.jpg

[300Daz]

Thanks Bryman...awesome job on your edit. My photoshop is just the 'Elements v2.0' bundle that came with the camera and it doesn't have the curve adjustment mode (or not that I can find). But you certainly got it looking cleaner and sharper than I had.

[lycan]

mmmm

Where have i seen this photograph before.

[300Daz]

mmmm

Where have i seen this photograph before.
Enlighten us.

[lycan]

Enlighten us.

One word....

Boost

[JC4]

Too funny. I got my first dSLR about a year ago as well(XTi), and this was one of my first shots:
http://lh4.google.com/JCaputo4/RjCmibPufSI/AAAAAAAAAEU/abC2VLu8aWY/s288/IMG_2824.jpg (http://lh4.google.com/JCaputo4/RjCmibPufSI/AAAAAAAAAEU/abC2VLu8aWY/s800/IMG_2824.jpg)

I also was the one breaking, so it took a few attempts to get what I wanted. I used a slow exposure, with a 430ex set to second curtain, to freeze the action at the end of the shot.

[300Daz]

One word....


Boost


Sorry, still don't follow ya..

[300Daz]

Too funny. I got my first dSLR about a year ago as well(XTi), and this was one of my first shots:
http://lh4.google.com/JCaputo4/RjCmibPufSI/AAAAAAAAAEU/abC2VLu8aWY/s288/IMG_2824.jpg (http://lh4.google.com/JCaputo4/RjCmibPufSI/AAAAAAAAAEU/abC2VLu8aWY/s800/IMG_2824.jpg)

I also was the one breaking, so it took a few attempts to get what I wanted. I used a slow exposure, with a 430ex set to second curtain, to freeze the action at the end of the shot.

Great minds think alike!!:D