Project 52 by Mike Ver Velde

[Harpo]

Ive felt hindered by not having the right tools to complete part 2 of taking pictures up to now, so this is a good way to let loose and get the camera out there to improve my technical skills plus make the recommended PP changes suggested by this fine forum. Ill be showing both images taken that week or pp images Ive simply stored away until I got a decent pp program. Im hoping 2012 will be the year my photography makes a bigger jump in improvement over the last.

[ScoutR]

Hi Mike glad to see another person who will be working on Post processing. I think this project is a great opportunity for all of us to learn from each other. I'll be following along for sure. Have fun out there. Looking forward to your projects

Wendy

[Harpo]

Heres week #1 image:

[IMG][/IMG]

Handheld 1/4 sec @ f/11, 100 iso @ 160mm

[Geoff F]

Good shot all round, Mike, particularly being hand held at such a slow speed.

But which tractor is that? My first thoughts were an 'Alis' but the logo and general ruggedness make me think more about an 'International'.

[Goldcoastgolfer]

That's an excellent capture - particularly being hand held at a reasonably long focal length! I like the way you've managed to divide the photo up using the shed. I wondered whether it was a bit too busy but I think because it's divided up so cleanly the photo works well.

[Nicola]

good picture!
next time try to cut that branch in front of the farm... just kidding!
never seen a tractor like this, ... such a couple of strange front wheels!

[Geoff F]

never seen a tractor like this, ... such a couple of strange front wheels!

They are sometimes known as Row Crop Tractors, Nicola. the widely spaced rear wheels and centre pair are designed for work between crops which are planted in straight rows. The wheels go over the ground between the plants; which prevents them from destroying the crop.

The were once popular but modern versions tend to have the front and rear wheels exactly the same width which achieves the same thing but with greater stability.

[Harpo]

Thanks… Its the International Harvester. Living in Amish country, we have lots of OLD tractors around if you can find them. When I noticed the shutter speed was that low due to low light, I figured a tripod would be better… but it was freezing and my fingers were getting numb! As this farm is close to me, Im going to try again with a tripod later to try for a sharper image especially closer.

[ScoutR]

Hi Mike, cool shot, I'm thinking I see two photographs here though. One of the tractor and the other of the decoration. To my eye they don't really go together. I also wonder if more room on the left and right of the tractor might work better.

Wendy

[Harpo]

Hi Mike, cool shot, I'm thinking I see two photographs here though. One of the tractor and the other of the decoration. To my eye they don't really go together. I also wonder if more room on the left and right of the tractor might work better.

I was thinking more towards the holiday season decorations on a farm… some snow probably would have completed the image. The reason I didnt get more in on both sides of the tractor was due to "stuff" there was an old metal sled hanging on the wall, but the runners were painted florescent red. On the other side was a white box from a new grill the owners must have received over Christmas. If those were cleaned away, I would like to go back for another shot.

[Harpo]

Cowtails overlooking an Amish farm

From the cornfield next door… Kept passing these cowtails as I walked the dog and thought I need to do something with these… Wanted to get enough DOF so the farm beyond was vaguely visible. There was fog between the farm and the hill further back, giving a sense of layers. There is another bunch of cowtails nearby that I think I will try later. Wasnt sure if just two stalks made an interesting photo or not.

f/8 @ 1/200 sec, iso 100, 113mm

[IMG][/IMG]

[Tobman]

Very nice, I particularly like the texture in the cow tails, and I do like the vague image of the farm in the back. You might try it again in different light to get more color contrast; as it is now, the background is almost the same color as the cow tails. A different color to the background would help the cow tails stand out more. You also might give it a little more space at the top, so as to not crop the cow tail or give it more negative space above.

[Geoff F]

Yes, ideally a tiny bit more space at the top; but it rather looks as though you may have been forced into this in order to leave out something unwanted.

If so, possibly cropping a little tighter on the bottom might 'even up the balance' a little.

Also, I think I would try to clone over that brighter spot on the middle of the background. I find it is distracting my eyes from the plants.

However, you have sharp focus where it counts and I like the pastel colours.

[Harpo]

Girders from a railroad bridge built in 1905 (retired)

Just finished going through learning the techniques for my new Aperture program. Still learning, but these adjustments are far better than those available on iPhoto!

The focus point is on the first bolt… not sure if the second bolt would have been better? Tried a B&W version, does not seem to be as strong as the color version. maybe I need further adjustments to make it pop?

ISO 100, f/7.1, 1/30 sec handheld, 24mm

[Goldcoastgolfer]

Nice lines although I think a greater depth of field would add a bit more to this photo.

There isn't much colour variation in this photo that would create contrast in B&W nor is there a lot of texture which is probably why it makes a better colour shot. Truthfully though - it's still a monochrome type of shot anyway.

[Kathy O]

Love this picture!! (your second photo) It is very unique and something a little different. I do agree a little more on top would be good, but I would love to be able to shoot a photo like this -- great job!!

[Rob Douglas]

I would love to see a deep DOF on this shot. I like the warm colors.

[Harpo]

Thanks Guys… fortunately, this bridge is close to home, so I plan to go back and try again for a deeper DOF… Had a brain fart while taking the pics… coulda upped the ISO allowing me to up the aperture.

[Goldcoastgolfer]

Thanks Guys… fortunately, this bridge is close to home, so I plan to go back and try again for a deeper DOF… Had a brain fart while taking the pics… coulda upped the ISO allowing me to up the aperture.

Hindsight is 20/20 as they say. At least you can go back!

[Geoff F]

For me, Mike, focusing on the first bolt is correct. Start sharp then fade towards infinity.

I would like to see this scene with a narrower aperture though, even as much as F14 or 16 to give a more gradual fade which I suspect would 'increase' the overall length of the structure. Even if does mean increasing the ISO slightly.