Richard Forward – Blog

#313 ~ Red Chilli [EXPLORED #215], originally uploaded by Richard Forward.

FInally, I’ve made Explore as part of my 365. I made it once before, but that felt less pure as I’d put my photo in one of those groups which requires lots of reciprocated commenting and awards. Funnily enough, this is a photo that I hardly had any tags for – maybe this helps? I came across a couple of posts about gaming the system, but I’d much rather get a measure of recognition without doing anything beyond the usual community stuff that happens on Flickr.

While I like this photo, it certainly isn’t my most favoured image… Onwards and upwards – next goal… the front page!

I managed to catch the last five minutes of a TV series on Channel 5 called ‘How to take stunning pictures’. From what I saw, they set up two amateurs with a professional mentor and give them various assignments to help them improve. Looking forward to catching up with the whole series on the website. Tuesdays at 19:30. http://www3.five.tv/stunning_pictures/

#145 ~ Halfords Tour Series Canary Wharf, originally uploaded by Richard Forward.

Note to self, trying to get a panning shots with Image Stabilization switched on is a bad idea! This image proves it is possible, but it would explain why so many of my shots didn’t work at all!

http://www.fototo.co.uk/

I would like to try one of these some time: Harinezumi 2

#206 ~ Gone to seed, originally uploaded by Richard Forward.

I have just been reviewing the 365 set. Overall I am happy with the quality of the photos. Sure there are some that were a bit of a cop out but that was to be expected. Interestingly, my perception of how it has been going fluctuates based on the quality of the photos that I choose from, but actually, all that matters is that one photo a day works. I think there may have only been one day where I only took one shot!

My perception also is that I take a lot of a certain type of shot, but again the set doesn’t prove this. I thought I had a bit of a thing for vanishing points and reflections, but if I do it is not reflected (pun intended!) in the stream.

While it has been tempting to upload more than one image on good days, I have kept it pure. Maybe there will be a set of near misses in the new year.

I’ve done a couple of things that have made the whole process easier. First was the construction of a light tent – this means that on a day when you are stuck indoors that shooting random objects is easier. Second is the purchase of some different equipment, experimentation is key to variety. Some cheap macro extension tubes have filled a void a few times.

Beyond this I have recently ditched multiple lenses – carrying just a 50mm around is good for the back and forces you to concentrate on what is practical. Swapping lenses takes time and can draw attention to yourself – thank you section 43!

I found this interesting blog about how to ‘do’ a 365.

http://content.photojojo.com/tutorials/project-365-take-a-photo-a-day/

#71 ~ Canary Wharf, originally uploaded by Richard Forward.

I really wanted to take this shot, despite the conditions not being great. With hindsight, the time of evening is a little lacking in contrast due to the overcast conditions. The scene is without doubt impressive and I feel privileged to have access to such a viewpoint.

I am interested in how photos on flickr need to capture the eye not only at full size, but also at the thumbnail size. This photo, for example, is difficult to make out in the thumbnail. Also a factor in getting noticed on flickr is the competition on a group page. This can be a matter of luck, but the bottom line is that small details won’t pull in the viewers.

I reckon there are far better times of day to attempt this shot: properly at night, sunsets are behind the camera and produce vivid reds on occasion, and it is just possible that a sun rise might come up in that gap between the buildings Let’s hope the window cleaners are due to call before the next decent sunset!.

#48 ~ Wharf reflections, originally uploaded by Richard Forward.

It dawned on me recently that a good photo might not be great in a thumbnail on flickr, and for the most part it is the thumbnail that draws in the viewers. So, it occurred to me that a square crop might be the best way to show a picture in a group view.

I’m not necessarily going to stick with the square crop every time, but this has attracted the fastest rate of comments of any of my 365 set. Maybe it is just a better photo

Needed a bit of post-processing to remove some nasty vignetting (hence the crop) and some enhancement of the colour/contrast. The reflection was really bright at the time, but the picture was a little flat when I downloaded it.

#32 ~ Self Portrait, originally uploaded by Richard Forward.

My first effort at a self portrait. A lot more to consider than I thought – obviously the lighting, but the framing, the background and worst of all the pose! Note to self – look less angry… Most of the shots were over exposed. On its own, the room lighting was too yellow. Then there is all the jumping up and down to review the results. Maybe there is a way to hook this up to the computer to preview at distance?

This is also my first attempt with an off camera flash. I mounted a 430EX Speedlite on my old tripod and propped up a screen in front of it. This was all on automatic so there is much to learn and tinker with. Also the first proper use of a new RC1 remote control – my reward for completing January.

Overall, quite pleased with this one considering most people hate photos of themselves.

It is day 24, and after initial fears that I wouldn’t be able to take a photo every day, I seem to be making good progress. There are obviously days when you don’t leave the house, or the weather is terrible, but it just makes you think harder. I definitely have ideas that I want to explore later in the year and there is lots to learn. I’m looking forward to more portrait work and getting to understand lighting better.

To keep the variety going I think there will need to be some smaller projects with different themes. I am particularly interested in colour so that will feature sooner or later in a mini project. I guess a self portrait will have to happen too.

I’ve promised myself some new equipment if I complete January successfully – a remote control for sure…