To keep the group engaged I'd like to start throwing out some fun challenges. These will hopefully encourage members to expand their horizons or to participate more in discussions.
This week I'd like you to;
1- view the portfolio of a fellow (active) group member
2- rate/comment on a favorite image of that member (as you see fit)
3- add a link to this discussion, along with a brief overview of key points you appreciate about the image.
I truly believe that by asking questions of work we appreciate leads to influences on our own work, and hence growth.
For members you can elect to choose any that have participated in past group discussions, or select from the members list (I would recommend hovering over the member and checking to see if they have a portfolio/have provided any comments).
I would encourage members who wish to be included but have yet to participate use this discussion as a starting point
Let's have fun with this, and hopefully uncover some hidden gems that we may have overlooked otherwise.
To kick of the challenge I have revisited the portfolio of Chris Jablonski. I have been a fan of Chris's work for some time, and it should come as no surprise to Chis that I selected his image below as a favorite ( link = https://fstoppers.com/photo/209006).
This image speaks to me on so many levels. I especially appreciate the exceptional composition - the balance & contrast between wispy cloud and solid rock outcrop, between sea & sky, as well as the adept use of color grading
As a perennial favorite I have already rated and commented on this image, and feel it worthy of group attention.
Sparks of "inspiration", "clarity", "freedom", "uplifting" to name but a few reactions to Chris' photo posted here. Knowing Chris is well versed in the arts I'd have to imagine he took this into account when taking and processing the photo.
There have been studies/theories where if you are lifting up and out of frame from a landmass, that sparks these feelings; with pulling into the landmass sparks the opposite.. There was a great breakdown and use of this in the opening scenes of the Star War films and how the camera is always panning into, or away from the Planets. Just as an example.
Thanks for your kind words, Joe. Actually I wasn't thinking much beyond quickly parking the car safely when I saw the cloud (I was on a winding clifftop road on an unpromisingly sunny afternoon), and then getting in some images before the cloud changed or moved too much. The picture-taking was totally intuitive. In processing I did keep the saturation down, but I prefer that generally.
I now picture you hanging out the car window taking the shot. :) heh
Very interesting Joe, I wasn't aware of that - thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Alan. I'm very touched and flattered.
Ok Alan, in support of your challenge I have posted two images as well in a similar vein.
I love Chris's image that you posted. It draws the viewers' eyes to the highlights of the clouds but the darker upper corners bring me back down the photo to the level surface of the water and finally to the lower right corner with the dark shoreline. Is it my imagination or is there a spot at the left one third line just above the water? If so, that should be removed in edit for a perfect minimalistic photo.
By the way, do you want us to post our photos here in your discussion or on a separate one?
Best,
Ken
Thanks Ken, the hope is that you will review the work of another member and post your favorite directly in this thread (use my entry as a template).
I used screen capture software to save Chris's image, but if lacking you can include a link.
Well spotted, Ken. How embarrassing! I didn't post the definitive version. Hope I don't bring down the whole post if I substitute the correct one.
Too funny! :) I'm relatively new to FS and still trying to figure out how to comply...
So much work in the group to appreciate. Love it! Found one that jumped out at me that uses ICM. Left the comments below for Chloe on her post as well...
"Hi Chloe, your images appear to me to be very "painterly" and artistic. I love them! I don't use this technique only because I have never had the time to learn and my work keeps me outside mostly but it is on my to-do list.
I see wonderful color mixing and the softness brings me closer for a deeper inspection of your work. How do you print and frame your work? I'd love to see these big, like 4'x5' and on up on a wall. They have romanticism and warmth. I didn't see these images on your website under ICM gallery so maybe I missed them.
If you added a signature in the lower right, these would mimic an impressionist paintings. I like the second better with the splash of blue but both are well done and very nice."
Best,
Ken
Thanks for contributing Ken. I have actually written a feature on the Pep Ventosa 'in the round' technique for the March edition of ICM Photography Magazine (ICMphotomag.com) if interested in my take on it.
This will also be live on my site once the magazine is published.
It's a fun process top play with and can produce wonderful results as you can see.
Very cool. Looking forward to reading your article.
Hi all. I am still looking for the group to 'discover' and share the work of a fellow member. If uncomfortable discussing simply add a link to the work you most enjoy.
Let's share the love.......
Thanks for the reminder. I had actually gone and found one of Chris's and talked to him about it the day or day after you posted this, but then forgot to link to it. I'll get on that right now.
https://fstoppers.com/photo/358740
I love the look of this image. It doesn't get a lot more complicated than that. I was scrolling through his portfolio, and it immediately caught my eye.
Thanks for posting Matthew.