Chit Chat for the October Photography Contest

[fred]

Chit Chat for the October Photography Contest

If you have any comments in regards to any of the October competition photos please use this thread

thank you

[Izzie]

So...by you posting this, am I to assume that the Oct. competition is up and running?

[fred]

yes it is please see link October photography contest

[Izzie]

Will a photo be judged as special effects if all I've done is black out unwanted objects in the background?
For example, I'd take some of the pictures from my thread here (say, the cat ones)- http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/orc...art-shade.html
And black out the carpet, floor, etc. To give the illusion that a proper background was used.

[Izzie]

And while I'm on the subject of extras in the background......would it be kosher to enter a photo that has a pet in it, as long as the plant is the main focus?


And another thing- I see that the beginners is for people with only a couple years of having a camera, but the next level is "more than just point and shoot."
What about us that have been photographing for several years, but still use a point and shoot? (A canon powershot counts as a point and shoot, correct?)

[fred]

Izzie what ever is in the background, one can remove the background as long as the image of the orchid is in focus
having said that a good background is always better because it shows the orchid only many of us use a back drop when taking a photo if you wish to enter a photo with a pet in the photo that is up to you
the idea of the photo comp is to have fun and share with other geeks

if you are unsure of what category you wish to post into just upload a photo and we can suggest a category for you

[frostychic]

Ysanbria... I love your Bellina. Cannot wait till mine gets that big. It's just a weee baby compared to the size of yours in the photo.

I'm also green with envy of all the different types of orchids you have... wish I could have that many but no greenhouse here in Indiana and it takes me quite a while as it is to take them in and out of the house as the night temps start to dip.

Someday though... someday!

[Izzie]

I would appreciate a suggestion for photography skill level- my pictures are posted.
Also, about the last picture: I don't have the original (high res) file of this one at the moment, but will upload it asap. Might be a couple weeks though, I hope that isn't a problem. (my laptop is in the shop)


ETA: To clarify, I ask for a level suggestion because although I still use a point and shoot (Canon Powershot SD1100 IS), I have been dabbling in photography for several years.

[psyc1210]

Hope this helps...

Quoting Fred:
"3) Indicate your level of photographic experience/expertise. Choose one of the three levels as described below:
3a) Novice: point-and-shoot experience only, has had camera less than 3 years, no photography classes
3b) Intermediate: beyond basic point-n-shoot, has possibly had camera for 3-5 years, considers lighting, composition, has possibly had 1 or 2 classes on photography basics
3c) Open: For experienced armature's, photography hobbyists, and professional photographers - way beyond basic point-n-shoot, photography may be a hobby, carefully considers lighting and composition, probably more than 5 years experience, has possibly had classes beyond basic photography, includes one who has been paid for their photographic expertise"

[Izzie]

I've read that, I'm just unsure about whether to choose novice or intermediate, because I'd fit the intermediate level- only if you removed the "beyond basic point-n-shoot" caveat.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by psyc1210

3b) Intermediate: beyond basic point-n-shoot, has possibly had camera for 3-5 years, considers lighting, composition, has possibly had 1 or 2 classes on photography basics

When we say:

Originally Posted by psyc1210

...beyond basic point-n-shoot...

We mean:

Originally Posted by psyc1210

...has possibly had camera for 3-5 years, considers lighting, composition, has possibly had 1 or 2 classes on photography basics

Hope that helps.

[Izzie]

Got it! I suppose I'm intermediate then. I'll edit my entry.

[psyc1210]

Hey Fred, did the October photos get judged yet?

[lmartiny]

I still need to learn how to black out the background, other than shooting in the dark with a flash. I'm slowly working on it but just having fun. It is all for fun really. And maybe gives us some incentive to work on our photography skills some.

[-k-]

Originally Posted by lmartiny

I still need to learn how to black out the background, other than shooting in the dark with a flash. I'm slowly working on it but just having fun. It is all for fun really. And maybe gives us some incentive to work on our photography skills some.

You can use a black dish towel and some push pins! If you are using a digital camera with automatic settings it will pick up the contrast and result in a clear shot of the subject.

[jim blanford]

This is what I use sometimes, you can buy them at craft stores like Hobby Lobby they come in black or white and different colors they're easy to use and fold up for storage, hope this helps..... Jim.

[Izzie]

I use one of my black velvet skirts, or shoot in a ray of sun- which magically darkens the background to near black. Or fiddle on photoshop.

[koshki]

Jim, that is a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

[lmartiny]

I'm still fiddling with with the photo program. I know there is stuff there. I just can't work it for some reason and am frustrated. I need a teacher!

[syndywindy]

Originally Posted by lmartiny

I'm still fiddling with with the photo program. I know there is stuff there. I just can't work it for some reason and am frustrated. I need a teacher!

You and me both!

[koshki]

I was just about to say the exact thing!

[jim blanford]

What's the name of the program you have, I use Digital Image by Microsoft, It's real easy, I use to use Picture It that was easy also, if I had the name maybe I could help.... Jim.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by syndywindy

You and me both!

I might create a basic layman's tutorial when I get my laptop back, I don't have PS on this computer.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by jim blanford

What's the name of the program you have, I use Digital Image by Microsoft.

I have the Anniversary Edition! I love DI. I use PS for the more nitpicky stuff, like carefully adding black around fine petals. I love DI as an all-around photo editor though.

[lmartiny]

It is a windows program I think. I'm remote right now on laptop which is bare bones. With the Canon download there is Picture Town. I have not tried that yet. Even with the current one I can scroll in and get nice clear closeups but can't seem to save them.
With the camera itself, it is still just an education process.

[zaeem]

i have nikon digital with software ---picture project which helps downloads from camera datewise and saves them in my documents,I selct compressed photos for the forum.

Micro soft and photoshops also enable the same process with cannon etc.