Lucky scooter trials and errors - 56k warning

[Carzee]

1. Last year I took some photos of the latest model scooter I distribute, OM-1 (film & MF man focus). Results were not thrilling, but considering the only expense was the film & dev.... it was okay. I used park & pathway locations with lots of green and using some 'mature' aquaintances as the riders/models. I used 3 colors of scooters, variety of 'poses'. I learnt a bit, made a DTP brochure. Nothing was impressive enough for A3 size showroom 'poster', but the images made it onto web stuff etc.

2.This year, I happened to be on a delivery trip of our new model - so there I am with a van and the scooter and a good looking location -retiree location that is- and the even the time - so "shazzam" - it was a rushed now or never sort of opportunity that came at the right price - nil.

3. I had my EOS 10D with only a 50mm f1.8 mk2 and I am learning still. I was rushed, had no prep, no riders, no tripod (my bad). But - for only the 2nd time - I shot raw and varied EC, ISO, Av. Sharpness was pretty b. good!

4. I used the new Rawshooter as far as a new user can. The day was super contrasty. In the first session I used ISO200. I then rushed off to find a shop and splurge some savings (USM savings) to treat the 50mm NF to a Hoya HMC Polariser worth more than the lens itself. So in the after lunch session I got better results. And I was more awake. Well, I re-learnt lessons from years ago when I last had a polariser. The shutter speed was too slow on ISO200, and even 400. So I used 800. I paid for it in all the extra noise. If I had only remembered my cheap n nasty tripod... anyway...

http://i.pbase.com/v3/07/441107/3/44996799.w_ctm_pic_050cr.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/v3/07/441107/3/44996802.w_ctm_pic_080.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/v3/07/441107/3/44996803.w_ctm_pic_090.jpg

5. In the last shoot, I got real artsey and tried using reflections off wet concrete. The tide was rising and from behind me I could hear crashing and bashing waves on the breakwater. The low sun was behind me too. I thought I could use a bit of splash.... but I did not expect the actual action and then evacuation... "Nobody expects the spanish inquisition!"

Did I mention there was a stiff off-shore breeze... luckily!:cool:

http://i.pbase.com/v3/07/441107/2/44997150.w_ctm_pic_225.jpg

[Carzee]

http://i.pbase.com/v3/07/441107/2/45006268.w_ctm_pic_085.jpg

[PhotosGuy]

Not sure what critique you're looking for here, but the last shot doesn't look sharp.
One thing I notice in all of them is the lack of buyers, & if you're going to put them into a "DTP brochure", I'd think you'd want people to "see" themselves in the pic with the product. For instance, I'd have a couple of people at the fence of the last one looking out over the water.
The next to last shot is spectacular & might make a good cover shot. Lots of room for type at the top, but don't overdo it. Does that help?

[Carzee]

The last one is soft - it is compressed rather nastily by Pbase to 70+kb. The orig at Pbase is fine.

I like what you suggested re DTP. As far as 'models' go, it takes time to do it properly - to check for appearances etc. We're talking grannys of friends... for the price of a restaurant lunch. I didn't have time. OTOH, next time...

I was looking for PP check. I used RS flat effect, did I choose correctly? I set wb temps to 4900. The reds were pinky so I bumped fill light +10, hue +8, noise supp 30. That was about it.

[Carzee]

I forgot the pbase album link
http://www.pbase.com/pulp_depiction/ctm_poster_hunt

[PhotosGuy]

I used RS flat effect, did I choose correctly? They look good to me, but only your printer will know for sure!