Using a single strobe - creative examples - post yours

rohicks wrote in post #10872513
srlsy????

Thanks for all the comments everyone. I have one more of her then I am done with the series.

phamster wrote in post #10872580
on behalf of ryan, the salon gave us this space to use.. so ryan had no control over this..

the couch was the logical shot to shoot.. plus we only had about 50 mins in there to shoot 8 different shots.. so we were totally flying..

maybe he can clean it up in photoshop and invert it but i dont see it as distracting

Yes, srsly.

Really... the clock is something my eye was drawn to, right away. So I mentioned it.
Y'know, someone else recently pointed out to Ryan that the bride's hand placement could have been better, for compositional reasons; show off the ring, etc. That person did not get backlash. My opening gambit contained a little self-doubt, opened up the possibility it was "just me". And here we are. I doubt it's a control issue, either; A shift of a couple of degrees one way or the other would have changed the relationship of the clock to her head. Whether the salon offered it or not.

Ryan and Pham, your work is excellent, even if some of it is not my cup of tea. That doesn't exclude people from seeing things differently than you guys. Pham, I wasn't slamming on Ryan in the least, y'know? I just pointed out something I saw, no criticism other than that; and it really wasn't aimed at being critical, simply observational.
I asked if it was just me. A couple of people said "Yeah, probably just you." And I say "Huh. Okay." and move on. But others are bristling.
No work is safe from inspecting eyes. Not mine, not anyone's. I just don't bristle when someone picks my stuff apart. Just not worth the energy loss.
Given that someone else CC'd Ryan about the hand placement issue, I figured my observation about the clock was right in line.

I notice there's another forum member (no names) who, whenever he/she posts, almost never says anything purely complimentary; there's usually a little CC that's more often than not direct and kinda harsh. I take it to be a cultural thing, but I also notice this poster never gets called out on it. So I'm a little surprised at getting some backlash for making the same observation that damn near anyone here could make.

Apparently, I am mistaken in that these forums were to share ideas and observations; everyone can look and see something different, ask questions, get feedback, that sort of thing. It appears, rather, to have evolved into a mutual admiration society for a select few, where if you don't fall in line with standard praise and "ooh! ahh!" every time then you are seen as heretic.
Someone tell me which side to be on, and I'll see if I can morph my thinking and observations in lock-step, please?

Srsly.

Roona99 wrote in post #10872505
Some home made food photography:

Always interested to hear advice / tips / what to improve ?

That looks good.. and I don't even like clams/mussels.

The only thing I might've done would have been to brush a little olive oil on the pasta, shine it up a bit, make the color a tad richer.

dave63 wrote in post #10872763
Yes, srsly.

Really... the clock is something my eye was drawn to, right away. So I mentioned it.
Y'know, someone else recently pointed out to Ryan that the bride's hand placement could have been better, for compositional reasons; show off the ring, etc. That person did not get backlash. My opening gambit contained a little self-doubt, opened up the possibility it was "just me". And here we are. I doubt it's a control issue, either; A shift of a couple of degrees one way or the other would have changed the relationship of the clock to her head. Whether the salon offered it or not.

Ryan and Pham, your work is excellent, even if some of it is not my cup of tea. That doesn't exclude people from seeing things differently than you guys. Pham, I wasn't slamming on Ryan in the least, y'know? I just pointed out something I saw, no criticism other than that; and it really wasn't aimed at being critical, simply observational.
I asked if it was just me. A couple of people said "Yeah, probably just you." And I say "Huh. Okay." and move on. But others are bristling.
No work is safe from inspecting eyes. Not mine, not anyone's. I just don't bristle when someone picks my stuff apart. Just not worth the energy loss.
Given that someone else CC'd Ryan about the hand placement issue, I figured my observation about the clock was right in line.

I notice there's another forum member (no names) who, whenever he/she posts, almost never says anything purely complimentary; there's usually a little CC that's more often than not direct and kinda harsh. I take it to be a cultural thing, but I also notice this poster never gets called out on it. So I'm a little surprised at getting some backlash for making the same observation that damn near anyone here could make.

Apparently, I am mistaken in that these forums were to share ideas and observations; everyone can look and see something different, ask questions, get feedback, that sort of thing. It appears, rather, to have evolved into a mutual admiration society for a select few, where if you don't fall in line with standard praise and "ooh! ahh!" every time then you are seen as heretic.
Someone tell me which side to be on, and I'll see if I can morph my thinking and observations in lock-step, please?

Srsly.

lol kinda what i was feeling when i heard the replies from your comment. Though i do have to disagree with what you said about the shadows in the background as they just aren't for me

Roona99 wrote in post #10872505
Some home made food photography:

Always interested to hear advice / tips / what to improve ?

i wouldn't have used such a narrow DOF but that's just me. Good shot and i agree with david with his great idea of adding some oil.

For the record, Dave, I was not jumping down your throat or trying to be a jerk in any sort of way. Sorry if my post came off like that

I think dave's got a little too much gear / skill envy going on.

C&C is supposed to help the presenter, not be an opportunity to say "HA! look how you messed up one insignificant thing! I am awesome for pointing it out!"
Your comments have not been constructive at all which is why you just sound jealous.

If you don't like how they did it, show them how it should be done.

I personally appreciate the fact that they can consistently put out great photos AND share their recipe of HOW they did it (even though I can't afford a lot of the equipment they use :P) I don't like 100% of their work, but I can comprehend that they are continually stepping their game up and risking a lot to get to that next level.

anyways, just so this topic doesn't get de-railed any further, here's a photo that is currently my most popular on flickr. Ironically enough, this photo was taken to test the exposure before I took the 'real' photo. haha

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

1stGenRex wrote in post #10872820
For the record, Dave, I was not jumping down your throat or trying to be a jerk in any sort of way. Sorry if my post came off like that

Ditto. Your (Dave's) response is it makes me wonder if I am the guy you think is a jerk. I wonder how many of us are thinking the same thing?

dave63 wrote in post #10872763
Yes, srsly.

Really... the clock is something my eye was drawn to, right away. So I mentioned it.
Y'know, someone else recently pointed out to Ryan that the bride's hand placement could have been better, for compositional reasons; show off the ring, etc. That person did not get backlash. My opening gambit contained a little self-doubt, opened up the possibility it was "just me". And here we are. I doubt it's a control issue, either; A shift of a couple of degrees one way or the other would have changed the relationship of the clock to her head. Whether the salon offered it or not.

Ryan and Pham, your work is excellent, even if some of it is not my cup of tea. That doesn't exclude people from seeing things differently than you guys. Pham, I wasn't slamming on Ryan in the least, y'know? I just pointed out something I saw, no criticism other than that; and it really wasn't aimed at being critical, simply observational.
I asked if it was just me. A couple of people said "Yeah, probably just you." And I say "Huh. Okay." and move on. But others are bristling.
No work is safe from inspecting eyes. Not mine, not anyone's. I just don't bristle when someone picks my stuff apart. Just not worth the energy loss.
Given that someone else CC'd Ryan about the hand placement issue, I figured my observation about the clock was right in line.

I notice there's another forum member (no names) who, whenever he/she posts, almost never says anything purely complimentary; there's usually a little CC that's more often than not direct and kinda harsh. I take it to be a cultural thing, but I also notice this poster never gets called out on it. So I'm a little surprised at getting some backlash for making the same observation that damn near anyone here could make.

Apparently, I am mistaken in that these forums were to share ideas and observations; everyone can look and see something different, ask questions, get feedback, that sort of thing. It appears, rather, to have evolved into a mutual admiration society for a select few, where if you don't fall in line with standard praise and "ooh! ahh!" every time then you are seen as heretic.
Someone tell me which side to be on, and I'll see if I can morph my thinking and observations in lock-step, please?

Srsly.

I wasn't jumping down your throat.
I think it is laughable for someone to nit pick at something as small as that. I don't even think it's worth your time to post for something like that. Which, is why I often don't even call anyone out that does that. In that case i could rack up my post count on many images in here, but it's not worth my time. I just found it funny and I didn't have any response other then what was typed out.

I've said this once or twice in here or maybe it was another thread. So many individuals post wonderful images and the talent in here is incredible, but it seems the only thing people comment on is small items like that. I enjoy feedback and I'll be one of the first ones to ask what it looks like. I even email my photos out before i post them to random photographers for criticism and DM ppl on twitter for it.

I don't care if people don't like my image period. It's my work. I'm happy with. It's getting great feedback, the bride loves, it has possible featuring in print work down the road, and the bride wants to use it for the designer to show off her dress. I just found it funny that you had to point out a clock hand in the whole image.

hahahaha wtf? all he stated was that something caught his eye in a nice manner. now he is jealous/envious? wow.

PhilF wrote in post #10872692
how bout sharing the recipe.

Oh.. Absolutely !

Its actually very pretty easy to make !

For 2 persons:

Ingredients:

Mussels:

-Some olive oil
-1kg of live bluemussels
-Garlic
-Dry White wine (even non-alcoholic foodwine will do)
-a bit of Some old school butter
-2 handfulls of fresh parsley
-500grams of tagliatelle pasta
-salt + blackpepper

When buying the mussels, be sure to keep them alive untill you are home. (give them oxygen etc.) Wash the mussels with a brush and throw away any individuals that arent closed. (they are dead)

Poor the olive oil on a VERY hot thick bottomed high Casserole (cooking pot etc..) Add the mussels and garlic. Immediedly close the lid and shake the pot for 20 seconds. Add the White wine, close the lid and let the mussels steam for about 2 minutes. Add the parsley + butter and take off the casserole from the stove.

pesto sauce:
-one handfull of Pine nuts
-olive oil
-3 handfulls of Fresh basil
-one handfull of Parmiano reggiano cheese (Grana padano also ok)

First I make the pesto sauce in a mortar. Sligthly simmer the pine nuts, cut everything to slices and mash together on a mortar. (you can also use a machine if you have something suitable for this, but keep in mind most machines need rather large amounts of substance) Add some salt + pepper

The pesto is not necessary. Neither is the tagliatelle. If you wish you can also serve french fries for example.

IMO country style french bread is a very good idea with the white wine sauce of this dish !

Serve with tagliatelle and enjoy !

Roona99 wrote in post #10872993
Oh.. Absolutely !

Its actually very pretty easy to make !

For 2 persons:

Ingredients:

Mussels:

-Some olive oil
-1kg of live bluemussels
-Garlic
-Dry White wine (even non-alcoholic foodwine will do)
-a bit of Some old school butter
-2 handfulls of fresh parsley
-500grams of tagliatelle pasta
-salt + blackpepper

When buying the mussels, be sure to keep them alive untill you are home. (give them oxygen etc.) Wash the mussels with a brush and throw away any individuals that arent closed. (they are dead)

Poor the olive oil on a VERY hot thick bottomed high Casserole (cooking pot etc..) Add the mussels and garlic. Immediedly close the lid and shake the pot for 20 seconds. Add the White wine, close the lid and let the mussels steam for about 2 minutes. Add the parsley + butter and take off the casserole from the stove.

pesto sauce:
-one handfull of Pine nuts
-olive oil
-3 handfulls of Fresh basil
-one handfull of Parmiano reggiano cheese (Grana padano also ok)

First I make the pesto sauce in a mortar. Sligthly simmer the pine nuts, cut everything to slices and mash together on a mortar. (you can also use a machine if you have something suitable for this, but keep in mind most machines need rather large amounts of substance) Add some salt + pepper

The pesto is not necessary. Neither is the tagliatelle. If you wish you can also serve french fries for example.

IMO country style french bread is a very good idea with the white wine sauce of this dish !

Serve with tagliatelle and enjoy !

YES!!! thanks.!!!

Rivest wrote in post #10867455
Sure, 430ex bounced in umbrella a little to my left, over me. Big construction light on my left for fill and background.

Thanks white or reflective? Reason I ask is I am looking to get a umbrella to try.

Wow, you guys are jumping on Dave a little hard. Yes Pham and Ryan are some of the better photogs posting images of that nature in this thread and to this site, but is there work beyond reproach? No.
Dave's comment was his own personal opinion, an observation. Everyone has them and he is entitled to his, just as you are entitled to your own. If he can't post his opinion here, what's the point of this place?
To claim that Dave has gear or skill envy is simply being mean spirited and offers nothing of value to the discussion.
Ryan is obviously very proud of his work as he should be. That last image posted is stunning. But we all have to know that some people will not like all of our work. Again, their opinion.
Ryan and all of us should be gracious and accept other people's praise or knocks, take from them what he/we will and move on. Ryan is a proud person obviously and wants to defend his work as we all do, but to beat up on a guy that makes a simple comment, founded or not, (personally the clock hand didn't bother me as much as the backlash toward him does) diminishes the usefulness of this board and makes this a place for haters and elitest.

I have personally learned a huge amount from this board over the past year or so and feel my photography has improved hugely since becoming a member here. I would so hate for this site to become yet another bash board where no one learns anything except how to kiss ass and yell down any new ideas.

That's bizarre. Dave pointed out something that was reasonable to point out. Some agree. No doubt, some don't. It's not algebra, so that happens.

Where's the issue? This whole "C&C is supposed to be about" thing is stupid. It's about commenting. If you don't like it, move on. Getting defensive about it when it's a reasonable point is juvenile.

Exactly.

ChasWG wrote in post #10873071
Wow, you guys are jumping on Dave a little hard. Yes Pham and Ryan are some of the better photogs posting images of that nature in this thread and to this site, but is there work beyond reproach? No.
Dave's comment was his own personal opinion, an observation. Everyone has them and he is entitled to his, just as you are entitled to your own. If he can't post his opinion here, what's the point of this place?
To claim that Dave has gear or skill envy is simply being mean spirited and offers nothing of value to the discussion.
Ryan is obviously very proud of his work as he should be. That last image posted is stunning. But we all have to know that some people will not like all of our work. Again, their opinion.
Ryan and all of us should be gracious and accept other people's praise or knocks, take from them what he/we will and move on. Ryan is a proud person obviously and wants to defend his work as we all do, but to beat up on a guy that makes a simple comment, founded or not, (personally the clock hand didn't bother me as much as the backlash toward him does) diminishes the usefulness of this board and makes this a place for haters and elitest.

I have personally learned a huge amount from this board over the past year and a half or so and feel my photography has improved hugely since becoming a member here. I would so hate for this site to become yet another bash board where no one learns anything except how to kiss ass and yell down any new ideas.

mickeyjuice wrote in post #10873086
That's bizarre. Dave pointed out something that was reasonable to point out. Some agree. No doubt, some don't. It's not algebra, so that happens.

Where's the issue? This whole "C&C is supposed to be about" thing is stupid. It's about commenting. If you don't like it, move on. Getting defensive about it when it's a reasonable point is juvenile.