Following Dean's lead, here are a few new shots I captured on my recent visit to NYC.
#1 - a technique I have been experimenting with, trying to capture a still subject amidst a flow of moving bodies. This is not that easy, this was the only decent shot I achieved (moved on after an amount of frustration.......)
#2 is a shot I took on the iPhone. Here I took 8 shots using the AvgCamPro app, allowing 5 seconds between each shot to move in an arc and align the image.
This is basically a cheap and dirty way of achieving a 'Ventosa-style' result.
(FYI - the image is of the 'Old Tree' sculpture on the High Line plinth)
#3 was taken at the Oculus hub. I waited in vain for an appropriate subject to pose in a shaft of light, this was the best I could get before the light changed.
#4 - another minimal shot, taken at an exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum.
Group discussion/critique is encouraged and appreciated.
Great stuff! I particularly like the first shot. I think it really captures a sense of being isolated while surrounded by a crowd in motion
Thanks Steven, it's great to hear your voice, and I appreciate your kind feedback.
Great stuff. My preference is 2, 3, 4 then 1.
Thanks for engaging Charles. I always enjoy seeing how the opinions and tastes vary between individuals.
Alan, that first one is absolutely perfect in every way! The story is fantastic. Look at the expression on her face and gesture of her hands! Wow, great job! The second one has another story to tell. The red branching are so alive and extra-ordinary on an uneventful, usual background. The third one in b&w is a perfect touch. It forces the eyes to get focused on the subject. The light streaming from the back through her hair is a great touch as well. The last one is wonderful too - I love how all the elements seem to wrap themselves around the subject's discussion! Nice work on all of these, Alan!
Thanks for your generous and in-depth response Jenny. I must admit that I am enjoying the first image the more I look at it.
I like the way you found a connection in the last image - people in deep discussion whilst being surrounded by words. I hadn't considered that, but it seems like a good hook.
There's a title in there somewhere......
In no particular order...
#1 - Reminds me of trying to capture a solitary bird in a flock. You just want to scream for an hour. I have no idea if this was shot in color or B&W, but the photo really tells a story with look on the face and pose.
#2 What attracts my eye is the texture. The subject actually forces my eye away from it; to examine the people and the building.
#3 The backlit hair and the reflection in the glass, the pillars in the back give the appearance of a bridal couple. Then you start thinking "What's up with the Groom?" then, "Oh, wait, what?"
#4 - My eye is attracted to the couple of course, but the quote on the wall and wonder how your story would change with a different crop.
Great job. I can't what to see what the October Challenge and results are. Great fun!
Thanks for engaging Dean;
#1 - I always shoot in color, allowing the option to convert to B&W should that produce a more compelling result.
#2 - I tend to agree. This was an experiment to see how well the (Ventosa) technique could be accomplished using an ME app on a phone.
Unlike taking multiple frames otherwise, the app allows for a 'one-shot' approach and little room for editing.
#3 - Too funny, I do see your point
#4 - I see your view on the story. I was trying to minimalize the subjects but do think your crop strengthens the connection.
As often happens, Jenny has stolen my thunder! In particular, I couldn't put it better than she about the first image, and the (to me) unsettling vibes radiated by the woman. I'm not usually drawn to this kind of image, but when you see a good one... well done, as ever, Alan.
Thanks Chris, your feedback is appreciated as always.
Are you getting out, shooting nowadays?
Hi Alan! I am currently enjoying some leave, when I usually do my photography. I've had a low hit- (or inspiration-?) rate lately.
I'm embarrassed to admit to a bit of gear-freaking - I have opted for a wholesale Nikon F to Nikon Z equipment swap, as much to rationalise my lens line-up from four primes and a long zoom to one prime and two zooms as my usual kit.
This means that along with discarding items for interests I no longer pursue, I've shed about 20 lenses, 3 bodies, 2 tripods and flash equipment, decluttering my life.
The fly in the ointment is that the Z stuff has been largely out of stock. I'm just finishing a month in Tasmania with my old kit. I just got an email from the mainland that all my Z equipment has finally arrived. On this holiday, lens-swapping irritated me no end, as I kept thinking "I could do all of this with one zoom"!
I've had a few decent images; I should post some soon.
Wow, I think you've discarded more gear than I have owned in a lifetime. It's no wonder your shooting was limited, having to lug all that gear around :-)
New equipment should provide new inspiration. I'm looking forward to seeing results once you figure out how to use the new technology.
Great photos as always, Alan. As I've tried the still subject against people in motion this draws my attention the most. I think I would like to see the subject more centered, but that's more of a preference. I hope you will explore this again despite the frustration from the first go. What was your frustration, by the way?