Canon DSLR Speed Challenge #93 – POSED or STAGED

[Kendoway]

Canon DSLR Speed Challenge #93 – POSED or STAGED

POSED or STAGED:
As photographers, we sometimes find it necessary to position and orchestrate our subjects (people, animals, objects) to make the photo. Sometimes this involves creating a set, adding props, makeup, costumes, or moving outside our typical comfort zones.
This is NOT necessarily the same as Speed Challenge #38 (Portraits), but may include portraits – as they are typically premeditated.
Wedding pictures are allowed, but I’m looking for something that really breaks the conventional paradigms.
Special Caveat: If your picture appears to be “unposed” (example: a street scene where your subject is deliberately not looking at the camera – and we couldn’t tell the difference), please describe the process you used to stage the photograph along with your XLIF.Standard Rules apply:
Photo Submissions:

1. Camera - Any Canon DSLR Camera
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 - Please see the Image posting rules.
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 & lens used.* Notes -- post brief EXIF data including ISO, shutter speed and aperture used.
6. Commenting - No commenting during challenge. When the posting is closed and a winner has been declared, comments can be made in this thread.
7. Have FUN!

One challenge every week, on the following schedule:

* New Topic - After winner is declared.
* Posting Starts - Right after topic is announced.
* Posting Ends - 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (USA) Sunday April 5th, 2009.
* Winner from this competition decides the theme of the next one (and judges it for a winner) after this competition is closed.

[DAMphyne]

Although it may look spontaneous, this picture took forever to set-up.
Finally got it right.
10D
F6.7
1/125
ISO200
:cool:

[airfrogusmc]

This was set up to look like a candid. Because of various concerns we had to stage it so I could control things like light and subject position.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/DrNursewithx-ray.jpg

5D 35L
ISO 800
1/125 at f/4.5
manual
patern

[Flo]

Let Me Entertain You

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/emmaloudawg/Critters/IMG_1855.jpg


Camera Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
Date/Time: 2008:10:03 12:36:56
Resolution: 533 x 799
Flash Used: Yes (manual, red eye reduction...
Focal Length: 28.0mm (35mm equivalent: 45mm...
CCD Width: 22.20mm
Exposure Time: 0.0063 s (1/160)
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO Equiv.: 400

[athrasher]

Waiting for Santa

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2101/2134058153_4581d06303_b.jpg

While intended to look candid, it would be a bit much to ask an eight-year-old to go to sleep in a reasonably well-lit room on Christmas Eve.

Rebel XT
1/60
f/4.5
ISO 400
33mm

[dilorenzo1954]

We Apologize For The Delay...

Semi posed...The kids really were zonked out the dad, not so much, but he closed hie eyes for me for the better image;)

Camera: Canon EOS 5D
Lens: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM
Focal Length: 40mm
Av: f/4
Tv: 1/10 sec
ISO: 400
Exposure: Manual
Metering: Pattern
Processing: CS4 & Nik Silver Efex


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3405082735_e04fdf6dc4_b_d.jpg

[Robuk]

http://fpnw-uk.smugmug.com/photos/504600847_H4z3E-X2.jpg

Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Sue Jones-Davies, three of the original stars of the Life of Brian at a charity showing, staged photo.

EOS 50D
28/03/2009
Canon 17-85 @ 24mm
1/250
F4 @ iso 400
Flash

[Jason C]

The shoot was at work on the loading dock with a friend. I had to get some pictures in for two assignments for photo-class (CD cover and Perspectice).

40D
EF 50mm f/1.4
1/320th sec
f/2.8
iso 100
reflected sunlight
post with DPP
no crop

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3385997519_985c3b60c1_b.jpg

[lavanut]

I didn't see in the rules it had to be about people, so here's one that was definitely posed and staged. (Candids didn't work too well with the eggs.:)) I'd hoped to shoot a new one for this challenge, but I haven't had time.

From the "Eggs-cellent Adventures" series (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=651053)...
Underwater Eggs-cursion
354894
Model: Canon EOS 50D
Shutter Speed: 1/125 sec
Exposure Program: Manual
F-Stop: f/8.0
Aperture Value: f/8
ISO Speed Ratings: 400
Focal Length: 50.0 mm
Lens: EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

[John_B]

Steps to Showing a Photo

http://johnbdigital.com/pets/steps_to_photo.jpg

Technical Details
for Steps to Showing a Photo

Camera - Canon EOS 40D
Film / Media - SanDisk Ultra II 2.0GB
Lens - Canon EF 50mm f/1.4
Shooting Mode - Manual
Tv( Shutter Speed ) - 1/60th sec
Av( Aperture Value ) - F/1.8
Metering Mode - Spot
ISO Speed - 400
Focal Length - 50mm
Flash - On
Flash Type - External E-TTL 580ex
White Balance - Flash
AF Mode - One-Shot AF
Color Space - sRGB
Camera set to Jpeg

[MSJGD]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r12/jgdphoto/IMG_5260-5.jpg

EOS 20D
1/250 sec
f/8.0
ISO 100
127 mm
70-200 +ex 1.4

[Kendoway]

Ok, time is up. Good grief people, couldn’t you have posted some lousy shots for me instead of all these GREAT ones? This was a very difficult decision because so many of them are winners, and I’m still relatively new person on POTN which means a portion of my final choice will driven by my raw inexperience. Again, they are all great shots, so please forgive my amateur criticisms and the decision I make.

Ok, lets go down the list in the order they appeared:


DAMphyne (David): Great picture – what a bunch of rascals! Did you ever manage to get all of them looking at the camera together? I’m going to guess the answer to that is no. I love the big burly guy in the back row (left) making a muscle. Too funny. Great shot, but maybe it’s a little out of focus?



Airfrogusmc (Allen): Heck of a great commercial style shot. I’m guessing it was hell to figure out the white balance with fluorescents up above, and pushing from the right behind the X-ray screen. Did you also use a bounce flash? Nice DOF, while keeping both subjects in focus – and great expressions on both of your models (especially the nurse). I’m seeing a little bit of light reflection on that X-ray screen?



Flo (Gail): Love the red subject on a gloss black set – it’s really got punch, and the reflection is superb! Was this cropped? I’m thinking the subject needs a little more breathing space to sustain the rule of thirds. Love the picture!



Athrasher: What a great subject with the red hair and freckles! She’s got fine features, and the shot has a very natural feel to it. How does she look for other portraiture?, green eyes I’m guessing. For a sleepy time shot it’s great, but maybe the foreground is a tad over-lit? Just a thought – and I love the shot.



Dilorenzo1954 (Ed): Haha, he looks so pooped in that picture. Captures the “fun” of modern day airport travel (ok, replace “fun” with “nightmare”). Interesting choice with the black and white, and it works well. The only thing that breaks the illusion a tiny bit is his blurred (moving) right hand. Just my personal taste, but I’d love to see this photo with the outlet, air vent, and vending machine cropped out. Lovely photo.



Robuk: Who doesn’t LOVE a celebrity photo, especially if it’s some of the Python crew – most excellent, and lucky you! I’m guessing you had other photographers on the scene (since Palin seems to be looking at another camera?). Terry Jones is dead on, the skin tones are correct, and the lighting is good.



Jason C: Great DOF and your focus is right on the money. Love the low angle, and I often see this type of picture ruined when the nostrils are placed dead center. Double good work not showing up in the reflection of his sunglasses.



Lavanut: What a unique and interesting entry. I know how much work goes into A) Building a set, and B) Building a model (subject), lighting it – and then shooting it. The light seems a little bright, unless that was the effect you were going for. You should do more of these – it’s got potential for a kid’s site/book. Nifty.



John B: Heck of a cute pup you have there – what a little ham. Love the DOF so that the face has that “pop” factor! Double bonus for having a Canon camera in the picture. Maybe a little PP color correction on the eyes, and some burning to remove that flash glare around the muzzle and eyebrows?



MSJGD (Jean-Guy): What a wonderful photo – it’s intimate, and candid. My eyes immediately look at that bright blue dome, and then shift left. Hard picture to take well when the sun is so high like that, but you’ve captured “exotic” feel of being somewhere else. Did you notice the two other photographers (top left) in the picture? I laughed when I saw them, as at first I though the guy on the left was chimping – but he isn’t. :) Maybe crop down a bit to get rid of them?



Again, this was a incredibly hard choice to make, but I’m going to have to award this one to:

Jason C!

In all respects it’s a perfect picture, and worth printing and framing. Has your loading dock friend seen it? I am particularly impressed that this was shot for a photography class, and if you keep at it, you’ll have a long and happy relationship with photography. Keep up the good work Jason.

[Jason C]

This is so unexpected, especially given all of the fantastic images that were posted in this competition I am a bit taken back. The skills that you photographers exhibit is inspiring.

It has been this Canon DSLR Speed Challenge and the excellent quality of images entered that has pushed me into improving my photographic skills.

Thank you all, and thank you POTN.

I will have "Challenge #94" posted in a few hours from now; I have to do some research...

...I still don't believe it...

Jason C

[John_B]

Jason C,
Congrats on the win!!! :)

[Jason C]

Has your loading dock friend seen it? I am particularly impressed that this was shot for a photography class, and if you keep at it, you’ll have a long and happy relationship with photography. Keep up the good work Jason.First off Chris, thank you for your critique on all images for it is very thoughtful and classy.

To answer your question, my friend has seen all of the images I took that day and he did not like the 'nostril' pics as he put it. Then again, he was a bit 'down' (jokingly) about how old he was looking in the photographs...he liked 'em. It was a great shoot.

Jason C

[airfrogusmc]

Congrats Jason and nice shot...

[lavanut]

Nicely done shot, Jason, and Congratulations!

Robuk, I bet those 3 were a riot at the charity showing. I can only imagine.

I second Jason's comments to you, Chris, on commenting on every photo. All were well written and well thought out. And yes, staging those egg shots does take sometime to do. This was one of the easier ones, too!

[MSJGD]

Congratulations Jason.

[monty28428]

Congrats Jason!!

Great photos everybody.

[Kendoway]

I second Jason's comments to you, Chris, on commenting on every photo.

People work hard for these competitions, and in my humble opinion the onus of burden sits on the judge's shoulders. Every competitor deserves some feedback.

[Jason C]

Thank you all for your kind comments, they are so much appreciated.

Challenge #94 has been posted (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=673478), so have fun with it and I look forward to your submissions.

Jason C

[monty28428]

Thank you all for your kind comments, they are so much appreciated.

Challenge #94 has been posted (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=673478), so have fun with it and I look forward to your submissions.

Jason C

Oh great .. I never could do a self portait very well :-)

[dilorenzo1954]

Congratulations Jason! Excellent choice Chris!

[Flo]

Jason, when I saw that photo.I thought.WOW! ... Congratz!!!!

To everyone else.wohoo!;)

Ken, your by step on ours was above and beyond.thank you!

[Robuk]

Robuk, I bet those 3 were a riot at the charity showing. I can only imagine.


It was hard going as Michael was not really up for having photographs taken :cry: and I think I have about two photos of him looking at the camera after nearly two hours work......... but the other two were superb :D

Congrats Jason really like your picture, and seeing I don't get in "here" as much as I would like to nowadays the quality of entries is still superb.....

And also a thanks to Chris for spending the time to make your comments on all the pictures................

Cheers

Rob

[DAMphyne]

Good shot Jason.
Thanks to you too Chris.