What is Lawrence up to - 2015?

Lawrence

Senior Member
This year I have not taken on any challenges such as a 365 or a one in 52 as I want to concentrate on a few things.

During the course of the year I hope to discover what I enjoy photographing and then concentrate and perfect whatever that may be. So far I enjoy landscape photography and portrait work.

I do want to contribute to the forum in many ways and intend to enter as many weekly and monthly competitions as I can.

Photos may not be numerous but I will be lurking, making sarcastic comments and ripping you all to shreds - just remember the more I insult you the more I like you. :devilish:

To kick off here is a portrait of a friend of mine's daughter. The intent was to create a sharp photo with 50% of it blurred.

Comments and criticism welcome and remember ... the nastier you are the more I assume you like my work. :)

Jean Michelle.jpg
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
Crap http://


That was just to prove i like you and your work,if ime honest though not sure what this one is saying,but thats probaly due to me only looking at feathered birds through my camera
 

SteveH

Senior Member
I love it Lawrence, portraits are something I have never done but I would like to try! Her eyes are lovely, but given the framing / close crop on her face, I would maybe make it more central? Either way, it's a great shot :)
 

Lawrence

Senior Member
Crap http://


That was just to prove i like you and your work,if ime honest though not sure what this one is saying,but thats probaly due to me only looking at feathered birds through my camera

Its not really saying much at all Mike.
I saw the technique in a magazine and thought I would give it a go.
I will be doing as much PP stuff as possible and that includes taking photos where I know I might be able to enhance in PP.
its a year of learning for me.

In this one I now think I should have had more of her head in the frame and a mored definite line of blur down the one side.
But for a first effort I am ok with it.

Thanks for the insult! :)
 

Lawrence

Senior Member
I love it Lawrence, portraits are something I have never done but I would like to try! Her eyes are lovely, but given the framing / close crop on her face, I would maybe make it more central? Either way, it's a great shot :)

Pretty good idea to make it more central - I should have allowed for a crop at time of shooting but I didn't.

Thanks for your kind words Steve.
 

Scott Murray

Senior Member
I am not sure about the first one as it looks odd and I don't think the blurriness is done smoothly enough and may be overdone.

The second black and white is nice.

You getting things planned for August yet? ;)
 

Vixen

Senior Member
I like the B&W one best, but only coz I'm with Scott in not particularly liking the blurring on the colour shot. Otherwise her eyes are amazing, and I don't think her face being slightly off centre is a big problem :D
 

wud

Senior Member
This year I have not taken on any challenges such as a 365 or a one in 52 as I want to concentrate on a few things.

During the course of the year I hope to discover what I enjoy photographing and then concentrate and perfect whatever that may be. So far I enjoy landscape photography and portrait work.

I do want to contribute to the forum in many ways and intend to enter as many weekly and monthly competitions as I can.

Photos may not be numerous but I will be lurking, making sarcastic comments and ripping you all to shreds - just remember the more I insult you the more I like you. :devilish:

To kick off here is a portrait of a friend of mine's daughter. The intent was to create a sharp photo with 50% of it blurred.

Comments and criticism welcome and remember ... the nastier you are the more I assume you like my work. :)

View attachment 132343


Its a very nice shot, you really caugth her expression well. I agree on the blur though, just above her lips it's very clear. Either skin retouch all (softly, not to much) or don't, imo. Also looks like a little to much sharpening around her eyes - not the eye itself, but skin/eye shadow, maybe the eyelashes a bit.

This is tiny suggestions, but think it could improve your shot.
 
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Lawrence

Senior Member
LOL - thanks for all the comments which are spot on. Most appreciated.

I woke up and the first thing I thought of this morning was that the first one is not right.

I was trying something specific which included uneven blurring and a whole bunch of other stuff but for this image it doesn't quite work.

I think a softer approach is needed so came up with this tightly cropped version ...

Jean Michelle closer and softer.jpg
 

Eyelight

Senior Member
Bring the right side in a little tighter and you will be a smidgen closer to your magazine cover shot. I think you are on the right course with the softness, but still some room to improve.

If you're not careful, you're gonna find that niche. :)

Need to add: It seems off balance almost seeing the left ear (right frame), is why I imagine it tighter cropped.
 

Lawrence

Senior Member
Bring the right side in a little tighter and you will be a smidgen closer to your magazine cover shot. I think you are on the right course with the softness, but still some room to improve.

If you're not careful, you're gonna find that niche. :)

Need to add: It seems off balance almost seeing the left ear (right frame), is why I imagine it tighter cropped.

Bugger - I thought I had it just right and was about to give up photography on a high! :)

But (sigh) you are right.
 

Lawrence

Senior Member
Hey you never answered my question regarding August lol

I was going to send you an e-mail but seen as you want everything public ...

Yes I am preparing.

I have bought the hiking boots.
I have bought a new camera bag.
Just today ordered my new strap (courtesy @jdeg for me completing my 365/2014)
Am practising to speak through my nose so that I blend in
Walking every day with full pack to get reasonable fit
Practising my photography

But still lots to do.
Any advice??? :D
 

Scott Murray

Senior Member
Wear in your hiking boots ;)
Talking through your nose will not help you.

Only other thing I can say is don't panic too much regarding gear, what you don't have you probably don't need. And seeing as you are getting fit I may aswell include some lengthy extreme hikes in the agenda :p
 
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