Theme two - Frozen Moments - once again showcased a great variety of ideas!
Now we're ready for lucky three:
Tanya has chosen Feathered - wild or domestic (No zoo shots)
Shooting runs 30 January - 13 February, 2013 inclusive
Images will be posted on 14 February, 2013
Can't wait!!
Wednesday 30 January 2013
Tuesday 29 January 2013
Frozen Moments - Kerri
I initially had big plans to do photos representing three dramatically different interpretations of what "frozen moments" could mean but, as circumstances meant I ended up having to shoot all three photos on the very last day, I decided to create three variations based on a literal interpretation of the theme using my macro lens.
My intention with this first photo was to recreate the type of stark winter photo I love, where there is a solitary tree stripped of its leaves standing in the middle of a field of snow. The challenge with this of course is that I live in Australia and it's currently the middle of summer. I decided to see if I could replicate this sort of image using crushed ice set up on a white styrofoam base and backboard, with a small stick for the tree. It didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped but for my first effort working with ice and using my macro lens to try and make small objects imitate very big ones, I'm pretty happy with the outcome.
My intention with this first photo was to recreate the type of stark winter photo I love, where there is a solitary tree stripped of its leaves standing in the middle of a field of snow. The challenge with this of course is that I live in Australia and it's currently the middle of summer. I decided to see if I could replicate this sort of image using crushed ice set up on a white styrofoam base and backboard, with a small stick for the tree. It didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped but for my first effort working with ice and using my macro lens to try and make small objects imitate very big ones, I'm pretty happy with the outcome.
For my second photo I attempted to create frost covering a single rose. I used a piece of styrofoam to help the flower stand up in my freezer and used a spray bottle pointed at the ceiling of the freezer to send a mist of water down over it. I then left the rose in the freezer to set and repeated this process several times to slowly build up layers of small icicles.
When I was on a scavenger hunt through the botanic gardens looking for the perfect stick I found some really spikey leaves on the ground that had fallen from a tree. I set this up on top of the ice I had used for the first photo and filled lots of the gaps between the spikes with tiny pieces of ice. I really liked the two different textures together and so this became my third photo.
Frozen Moments ~ by Taylah.
Even with a theme as broad as Frozen Moments, I didn't really have any big ideas or plans for my photos. Instead, I just let the photos come to me, capturing the moments as they happened. Literally every photo is a moment frozen in time, so I wasn't too picky.
But first, I decided to take 'frozen' literally. My friend and I attempted to make Deep Fried Ice Cream... and we failed epically. But here are the ice cream balls, before we made a mess of them with batter and hot oil.
This is a photo I took during one of my adventures in the city. I was being sneaky and taking photos from just above my waist, without looking through the view finder. Just freezing moments as I walked.
Lastly, an iPhone photo, so excuse the quality. Taken from the crowd at a music festival type event. I felt it fit the theme because just seeing this photo takes me straight back to the moment when I took it.
But first, I decided to take 'frozen' literally. My friend and I attempted to make Deep Fried Ice Cream... and we failed epically. But here are the ice cream balls, before we made a mess of them with batter and hot oil.
This is a photo I took during one of my adventures in the city. I was being sneaky and taking photos from just above my waist, without looking through the view finder. Just freezing moments as I walked.
Lastly, an iPhone photo, so excuse the quality. Taken from the crowd at a music festival type event. I felt it fit the theme because just seeing this photo takes me straight back to the moment when I took it.
See you all in two weeks!
I did hope to get a photo like this - the shaking water, flappy ears and jowls, oh and some flying slobber! This dog is awesome, I love him to bits (not mine though).
I really wanted to do an icicle shot, but they're not easy to come by in an Australian summer. Luckily I came across this and thought it was a similar look to what I'd have liked! Prizes for guessing what it is.......
Meagan's Frozen Moment (Theme 2)
Well! This was another difficult theme, so many options... where to focus my attention?!
After being really sick for the last two weeks, I was thinking I wouldn't make it.... but after a last minute burst of energy I was able to get something shot and edited!
After being really sick for the last two weeks, I was thinking I wouldn't make it.... but after a last minute burst of energy I was able to get something shot and edited!
Photo 1: I went for the literal 'frozen moment'... I went for a piece of party ice in the sunshine!
Photo 2: Monet stole said piece of party ice and was busy crunching away... I love this shot as she is not one to look into the camera, and this is a photo of her I will cherish! She's such an old soul.
A frozen moment!
Photo 3: We started some 'lure training' with the whippets warming up for race days in March and when we bring out the lunge whip with the stuffed teddy bear on the end, they go mental! I tried to capture the high leaps of these athletic hounds! This is Juddy, our 13mth old pup getting some air! Frozen Moment!
I hope you like these and I look forward to the next challenge!
Meagan (MnDM) :)
Frozen Moments
Originally I was thinking simply "freeze the action" and that was something I have a lot of practise with, particularly with taking photos of the dogs, so figured it would be easy. Coincidentally on the first day of the theme I was to go to the Australian Open Tennis, something I've never seen live before, I do love watching tennis, it was a great day out and provided my first image for this theme, a flying Jo Wilfried Tsonga.
The 2nd image also came from the day out at the tennis but not what I would necessarily think of as a "frozen moment" but the more I looked at it, and really looked at each individual, I loved the idea of a moment in time, people just being people in a crowd.
I would have liked to have carried that thought a little further, I had some more ideas along that line that didn't come until too late, I've been out with a severe cold since Saturday, so didn't get a chance to act on any of those ideas.
So I return to a back-up "freezing the action". I was hoping this fortnights' theme was going to be of the feathered kind, as the colourful birds in my yard have been very active. But once I realised I could still incorporate them into the theme, I focussed my camera on them and waited, after almost 2 weeks, I caught this on the last day before I got sick.
Hope you enjoy.
Kristen's Frozen Moments
A nice broad theme - to me every photo is a frozen moment. A fraction of a second captured in time.
This was my first photo for the theme, an opportunistic photo. I noticed the leaky tap and thought I could freeze a drop of water. My intention was to then capture 2 other fast moving objects and freeze them in time. As things happen, my plans changed.
If I could freeze a place in time, it would be this 1. A little patch of heaven that I just love going to. Development is getting closer but I hope this lovely little valley never changes.
Piper is coming up 12 - I wish she could be frozen in time and not get any older.
This was my first photo for the theme, an opportunistic photo. I noticed the leaky tap and thought I could freeze a drop of water. My intention was to then capture 2 other fast moving objects and freeze them in time. As things happen, my plans changed.
If I could freeze a place in time, it would be this 1. A little patch of heaven that I just love going to. Development is getting closer but I hope this lovely little valley never changes.
Piper is coming up 12 - I wish she could be frozen in time and not get any older.
Frozen Moments - Tanya
The 'Frozen Moments' I have chosen show snippets of life in an aphid colony.
If you stop and watch one of these for a few moments (instead of getting out
the bug spray) they are an absolute hive of activity! It's amazing to watch
the ever present ants as they 'groom' the aphids with their antennae and front
legs, gently encouraging the aphids to excrete a nectar droplet that the ants
consume. The ant's abdomens become translucent and golden as they fill with
the nectar. In return for a tasty treat, the ants help keep predators such as
Hoverfly and Ladybird larvae away - but the predators are ever present and I
captured one Hoverfly laying eggs all around the colony.
All stages of aphids can been seen from the teeny tiny ones, through to the
black ones with wings. On some of the smaller aphids you can see the wing buds
developing on their sides, they look like pale waxy blobs.
The enemy of the gardener, but a treat to a macro photographer!
Ants with Nectar Droplets.
Nectar Filled Abdomens.
Predator! Hoverfly Laying Eggs
Ants with Nectar Droplets.
Nectar Filled Abdomens.
Predator! Hoverfly Laying Eggs
Frozen moments
An encounter in the forest
For this theme I wanted to take three photos of the same moment, three photos that hopefully told a story.
Theme 2: Frozen Moments by Kristin
I had a lot of different ideas for this theme. I considered going the most obvious route with high shutter speeds and freezing drops of water falling and the like. Then I thought I'd head for some universally appealing images of forever moments like two kids hugging or a silhouette of a couple holding hands as they walked along a beach at sunset. I also contemplated getting the action moment: the ball just as the bat comes around to hit it or a kite boarder getting just the right air.
Ultimately, I decided that none of those things reflected who I am personally right now so I chose to capture images that did two things: 1) froze a specific moment in time, tied to a specific memory and 2) represented a broader sense of memory so when I look at each of them, other memories are brought forward.
I don't know if my take on this theme will appeal to others or not. Perhaps it's too specific to me. But that's OK. If it doesn't, I'm good with being selfish today.
Dora & Tilly making a splash.
Our daily beach walks provide a time for me to recharge, think, plan and just be. One of my favourite things about walking with my Girls is their unabashed joy. It's contagious. I wanted to capture a totally goofy, happy, frolicking romp because it's that one perfect moment in my day. The spray of water as they thunder through the shallows elevated this image above all the others I took.
Happy Boof
Adding a Frozen Moment photo of my beloved cat, Boof, was a late addition to my challenge. I had to put him to sleep on 24th January and I knew I wanted have some precious last memories. He wasn't feeling well at all so I didn't want to stress him with any big set-ups and, honestly, all I wanted to do was cuddle him and hope to ease some of his suffering. I wanted him to know he was loved beyond measure and that I was there for him. I was originally going to include a photo of him napping right after one of our last head scratch sessions, but I kept coming back to this image with him smiling as I get just the right spot. I always want to remember him loving attention and being peaceful & content.
Joy
My final image took me back to the ocean. Mother Nature was cooperative and I was able to capture almost the image I had in mind. I wanted that moment when I'm out on the sea and the sky and water blend together and everything merges into one beautiful, serene, empty but vibrating with possibility canvas.
Ultimately, I decided that none of those things reflected who I am personally right now so I chose to capture images that did two things: 1) froze a specific moment in time, tied to a specific memory and 2) represented a broader sense of memory so when I look at each of them, other memories are brought forward.
I don't know if my take on this theme will appeal to others or not. Perhaps it's too specific to me. But that's OK. If it doesn't, I'm good with being selfish today.
Dora & Tilly making a splash.
Our daily beach walks provide a time for me to recharge, think, plan and just be. One of my favourite things about walking with my Girls is their unabashed joy. It's contagious. I wanted to capture a totally goofy, happy, frolicking romp because it's that one perfect moment in my day. The spray of water as they thunder through the shallows elevated this image above all the others I took.
Happy BoofAdding a Frozen Moment photo of my beloved cat, Boof, was a late addition to my challenge. I had to put him to sleep on 24th January and I knew I wanted have some precious last memories. He wasn't feeling well at all so I didn't want to stress him with any big set-ups and, honestly, all I wanted to do was cuddle him and hope to ease some of his suffering. I wanted him to know he was loved beyond measure and that I was there for him. I was originally going to include a photo of him napping right after one of our last head scratch sessions, but I kept coming back to this image with him smiling as I get just the right spot. I always want to remember him loving attention and being peaceful & content.
Joy My final image took me back to the ocean. Mother Nature was cooperative and I was able to capture almost the image I had in mind. I wanted that moment when I'm out on the sea and the sky and water blend together and everything merges into one beautiful, serene, empty but vibrating with possibility canvas.
Theme 2, Hannah's Frozen Moments
I can't believe it's already time for theme two! This is 'my' theme, since it was my turn to choose. To me 'Frozen Moments' is so broad, I literally see it as the definition of a photograph, a moment frozen in time.
I decided to do a themed set this week, so I have chosen to do 'frozen' water.
I decided to do a themed set this week, so I have chosen to do 'frozen' water.
Tuesday 15 January 2013
Announcing Theme 2: Frozen Moments
What a successful, varied & challenging first theme! Please leave comments for our shooters as we love feedback.
We're all excited to get started on the next one!
Hannah has chosen Frozen Moments
Shooting runs inclusive 15 Jan - 28 Jan, 2013
Images will be posted on 29 Jan, 2013
See you in two weeks!
We're all excited to get started on the next one!
Hannah has chosen Frozen Moments
Shooting runs inclusive 15 Jan - 28 Jan, 2013
Images will be posted on 29 Jan, 2013
See you in two weeks!
Monday 14 January 2013
Theme 1: A Bit of Magic by Kristin
Great to start the new project with a big challenge! I had a few ideas, but several of them involved being outside and Tropical Cyclone Narelle caused a bit of havoc with my plans. Not to worry, I modified the initial grander visions and worked inside the house.
My Magic 8 Ball always sits on my desk and helps me with life's big & little questions. Sometimes it's not as helpful as I'd like.
I wanted to explore a little of the magic of motion and I thought Three Card Monty would be a good subject
I had several images in my head for showing my favourite magic - the sky. The sky awes and awakens me in some way every day. Watching it change at sunrise and sunset, seeing ominous storm clouds evolve, giving thanks for endless miles of cloudless blue - no matter what is happening in my life, getting out and looking up brings me joy. And when Mother Nature gives me a rainbow leading to my wonderful Ridgebacks? Well, what could be more magical?
My Magic 8 Ball always sits on my desk and helps me with life's big & little questions. Sometimes it's not as helpful as I'd like.
I wanted to explore a little of the magic of motion and I thought Three Card Monty would be a good subject
I had several images in my head for showing my favourite magic - the sky. The sky awes and awakens me in some way every day. Watching it change at sunrise and sunset, seeing ominous storm clouds evolve, giving thanks for endless miles of cloudless blue - no matter what is happening in my life, getting out and looking up brings me joy. And when Mother Nature gives me a rainbow leading to my wonderful Ridgebacks? Well, what could be more magical?
Magic Light - theme #1 (a bit of magic)
Magic Light
My
thoughts for this theme drew on the connected dual ideas of the magic of light
and photography.
Having
heard about the camera obscura technique in the BBC documentary “The Genius of
Photography” I decided to see what I could do. After multiple trial and error
attempts, I was happy with this result, still not the most interesting of
images, but wow, it was surprisingly fun to experiment with.
My
2nd image continues with the technique of “painting with light.” I’ve
experimented with this before and enjoyed the varied light play that results,
and I couldn’t help but use the still standing Christmas tree and decorations
to double-up the magical theme.
Obviously, light plays a primary role in the magic of photography, so finally, I went back to the original source of light. The Sun! Admittedly, I was hoping for a bit more sun, but I sat waiting for it to come out from behind the clouds way after sunrise.
Theme 1: A Little Bit of Magic
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| Settings: 1/1250 f/8 ISO 800 50mm |
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| Settings: 13" f/5 ISO 1600 17mm |
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| Settings: 1/640 f/4 ISO 800 50mm |
I'm someone who does not really believe in 'magic' in a traditional sense, so I have captured moments of beauty in nature that to me are 'magical'.
Sammie's A Little Bit of Magic
Hello! I definitely think we started with a challenging theme!
I realised last week that 'Golden Hour' is also called 'Magic Hour' so I took my camera up to the lookout near our house and sat (with the dogs) to watch the sunset. It was a little cloudy but I think it added to the photos more than if it was a clear day.
So my shots are just before sunset, the sweet spot of Magic Hour and just before the sun went behind the mountains.
I realised last week that 'Golden Hour' is also called 'Magic Hour' so I took my camera up to the lookout near our house and sat (with the dogs) to watch the sunset. It was a little cloudy but I think it added to the photos more than if it was a clear day.
So my shots are just before sunset, the sweet spot of Magic Hour and just before the sun went behind the mountains.
Meagan's 'A little bit of magic'
WOW! What a tough theme challenge to start with!
I must say I found this a real challenge and it forced me to think outside the box... I had many creative ideas that just didn't look right when I set them up to take photos or I wasn't happy with the final product!
I took MAGIC to be literal as well as things that make me go wow, or just amazing things in general.
I hope you enjoy these.
Photo 1 - January 1st, 12:10am
My first ever attempt at long exposure shots and I thought I'd take 'magic' in it's most literal sense and write the word and see how it came out! :) after a few takes, I was pretty happy with the end result!
Photo 2 - Magic reminded me of the joining of rings! This is my engagement ring, it is a Russian wedding ring, or rolling ring, three rings that are completely separate of eachother but joined.... magically! Not to mention that the way it was received was quite a magical moment in my life!
Photo 3 - The most magical thing of all for me was seeing my best friends first born son. I captured this moment and loved everything about it, the lighting, the feet and the magical quality it holds for me.
I must say I found this a real challenge and it forced me to think outside the box... I had many creative ideas that just didn't look right when I set them up to take photos or I wasn't happy with the final product!
I took MAGIC to be literal as well as things that make me go wow, or just amazing things in general.
I hope you enjoy these.
Photo 1 - January 1st, 12:10am
My first ever attempt at long exposure shots and I thought I'd take 'magic' in it's most literal sense and write the word and see how it came out! :) after a few takes, I was pretty happy with the end result!
Photo 2 - Magic reminded me of the joining of rings! This is my engagement ring, it is a Russian wedding ring, or rolling ring, three rings that are completely separate of eachother but joined.... magically! Not to mention that the way it was received was quite a magical moment in my life!
Photo 3 - The most magical thing of all for me was seeing my best friends first born son. I captured this moment and loved everything about it, the lighting, the feet and the magical quality it holds for me.
Meagan :)
A Little Bit of Magic ~ by Taylah.
When I first think of magic my mind wanders to rather commercial things. Witches. Unicorns. Harry Potter. Illusions. Magicians. That sort of stuff. So my images sort of incorporate that, beginning with my dog/torture subject, Jess sporting something that could either be a unicorn horn or a witches hat, I'll let you decide. I was somewhat inspired by this much more superior photo, here.
I also wanted to create a photo somehow depicting levitation or some sort of magic trick. Then came the dream catcher, which also fits because of all weird yet natural things, dreams are pretty magical. Excuse the extremely dodgy editing on this one, photoshop isn't my forte.
Lastly, we have a cup of magic. Again, with some less than perfect photoshop skills displayed. I suppose I wanted to show that magic (well, in this case actually a nebula) can be enclosed in common objects everywhere.
A Little Bit of Magic - Tanya
'A Little Bit of Magic' stumped me to start with as I'm not the worlds most creative person!
However, inspiration soon came via the magic of solar powered fairy lights, and our swimming pool duck, which magically come to life each night once it gets dark......
I was going to do three photos on the solar theme, but then happened to capture this shot last week by chance. I thought it also fitted the theme quite well as the natural world is always full of wonder and magic to me.
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