Sommertag - Festumzug C&C Welcome

[TheBigE]

All,

Most local towns in Germany hold a Festival (Sommertag-Festumzug) on or about the first day of spring. Basically it is to celebrate the beginning of spring and better weather. The fest culminates in the burning of a snowman (after kids throw rocks at him), symbolizing the burning of winter. I was able to visit one in the local town last weekend with my trusty D5300 at my side. Below is a collection of the photos that I find to be the best from the Full Gallery

I welcome any C&C, my focus continues to be on Composition and Post Processing.

1. The fest starts with a parade through town, flags, marching bands and farm tractors. At the end is the snowman. This is the start of the parade and the first marching band. (ISO 200, f/7.1 1/800s)


2. Close up of uniforms of band member. I like the detail but I think this is a bit crowded. (ISO 200, F/7.1, 1/800s)


3. As this is the celebration of spring, there were several vintage tractors in the parade. This was one of my first attempts at editing a photo in PS. There used to be a distracting window behind the tractor...not there now. (ISO 400, f/8.0. 1/400s)


4. Here comes the band..better get out of the way. (ISO 400, f/8.0, 1/800s)


5. One of my favorites from the parade. I wish I had zoomed out just a touch to get his feet in the photo. (ISO 400, f/8, 1/320s)


6. The crowd gathers in the park near by after the parade, balloons on hand for release and ready to burn the snowman. My first attempt at a pano. (ISO 400, f/10, 1/640s)


7. The snowman burns. This was just luck..as I was in the back of the crowd and holding up my camera in the air firing away. (ISO 400, f/8, 1/800s)


8. The children watch winter burn away....looks of happiness and concern across their face(ISO 400, f/8, 1/800s)


9. And release their ballons (ISO 400, f/8, 1/800s)


Thanks for looking and welcome any feedback on the series.

[Shadowman]

Nice captures.

[deetheturk]

Nice series Erik, great to see all the kids enjoying themselves

[Rebel]

Nice set of photos Erik, but bloody hell... burning of a snowman after kids through rocks at him? Seems a bit harsh?!

[Geoff F]

Looks good to me. With #2, I wonder about cropping a little closer on the right to lessen any distractions. Maybe go square?

[Barbara Ponder]

Love this series on so many levels, the colors, the faces, the enjoyment of learning about other cultures! #5 has to be my fav! Thanks for sharing!

[IzzieK]

Very nice series and informative...I truly enjoyed these ones...

[TheBigE]

Nice captures.

Thanks John.

[TheBigE]

Nice series Erik, great to see all the kids enjoying themselves

I am glad that you enjoyed it David and the kids seemed to be having a great time. They all also march in the parade as well It is a fun event to watch.

[TheBigE]

Nice set of photos Erik, but bloody hell... burning of a snowman after kids through rocks at him? Seems a bit harsh?!

Thanks Matt - What can I see, the Germans do not like winter...not that I can blame them at all. If you are going to say goodbye to winer, might as well do it in style!!

Glad you enjoyed the series.

[TheBigE]

Looks good to me. With #2, I wonder about cropping a little closer on the right to lessen any distractions. Maybe go square?

Geoff - Thanks for the feedback. I played around with cropping a bit on this one (this one has been cropped a bit already) and still not convinced I have it correct yet. Will give the square crop a go as well. Thanks

[TheBigE]

Love this series on so many levels, the colors, the faces, the enjoyment of learning about other cultures! #5 has to be my fav! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Barbara - it was an enjoyable day and learning and experiencing other cultures is truly a great opportunity to have in life!!

I do agree, #5 is my favorite. It was the one photo when I started looking at the results of my shot that day that caused me to stop in my tracks. It put a smile on my face to see it. I did a little PP work on the boys face to bring it out from the shadows but otherwise just minor adjustments.

Thanks for the feedback.

[bnnrcn]

Nice and colorful shots