Photos you have taken in the last month of which you are proud?

Greg, last night I got into a heated discussion with a portrait tog who insisted I shot at f/4 or f/8 for sharp portraits. His argument being that I'd never get a sharp result through the head at f/1.4. I said that this wasn't the style I wanted (like your photos, sharp eyes, immediate fall off) and he just couldn't get his head around it! Nice discussion of your style on your Flickr page; I'll never realise that level of insight into portraits or people 🙂

Not really anything special, just like it, Coire Lair Torridon last week, excellent weather all week
[url= https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7220/27525272121_ee0dea76ae_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7220/27525272121_ee0dea76ae_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/HWjdrg ]coirie laire[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/49017178@N04/ ]Doubledunter[/url], on Flickr

Greg, last night I got into a heated discussion with a portrait tog

Well I think you ended the 'debate' the moment you said this wasn't the style you wanted. Really that's all there is to it; we make the pictures WE want to make not what the rules tell us to make or what other people expect.

Ironically though, I have, mostly, defaulted to the principle that the 'portrait tog' espoused though perhaps not quite as severely as to stop down to f/8.

It does of course all depend on a number of variables (how shallow the depth of field ends up being). The longer the focal length and the closer you are to the subject, the less DoF there will be at a given aperture. And of course you can achieve the same sense of very shallow DoF by being relatively close to your subject and having a large distance between them and the background.

If you’re shooting at f/1.4 on an 85mm lens and you are about 1m away from the subject then you are going to struggle to get anything other than about 1cm of focus depth, which would mean the eyes and only the eyes in focus. That image of Bradley above is a good example but it also shows what is all too easy to have happen; the camera has actually focused on the rim of his glasses so actually the eyes are not even in focus. Fortunately that helps make that picture more interesting; it gives a sense of slight detachments between the subject and the viewer; it encourages them to try and refocus and connect, and when they do the subject still seems a little remote. While I will be honest and say that the idea of deliberately defocusing to achieve that effect was not what I had in mind at that moment; the result that I just described is. I’m learning that while you can have a very clear image of the final picture in mind when shooting, actually getting that is at least 50% luck (well it is in my case).

A lot of the other portraits I’ve shot I have stopped down to anywhere between f/2-2.8 up to f/5.6. But I rarely go to f/8 and I only tend to stop down beyond f/2.8 when either I’m trying to make an environmental portrait (which is much more fashionable in the art world these days – have a look at anything in the Taylor Wessing or National Portrait awards and portraits shot at f/8 or f/16 on MF film, in bedrooms or sparse living areas or even outside are everywhere) or where I have control over the background and I know that it is uniform and bland and I don’t need to knock it out to get the subject to stand out.

The images below were all shot at f/5.6 or f/8 but then they had a black screen behind the subject so I could do this and I specifically wanted to have the whole person in focus because that was the story I wanted to tell.

I love the fact that the debate exists and I love the fact that the debate causes you to explore your creativity and think more about what you’re trying to achieve and why. But I cannot abide it if the debate is based on what someone else thinks you should be doing. Good for you on resisting that with the ‘portrait tog’.

As for the debate on my Flickr feed and the thought that I put in, probably I think too much (I always have about almost everything anyway) and I’m probably trying a little too hard, but I am getting a lot out of doing that and it’s helping me personally in so many ways. For me at least, it is all about the person, both in front of the lens and behind the camera.

Lastly, Andy I so so love that shot. It’s quite a different one from you. Not something I haven’t seen you do before but not something you’ve really done recently and I honestly love it. I love the composition, the colour, lighting and the story it tells.

[url= https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7316/27210065700_ab78edab7b_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7316/27210065700_ab78edab7b_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/HssGxN ]Mother & Daughter[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/geetee1972/ ]Greg Turner[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7307/27527247541_a446191966_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7307/27527247541_a446191966_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/HWukEe ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/polarisandy/ ]Polarisandy[/url], on Flickr

Very good Polarisandy, I love that top-down one. I'm going through a tough time with my colour dev, I have lost three rolls entirely (developer died) and the last two came out very blue mid-roll. Time to buy some Tri-X I think...

Greg, your latest portraits remind me in a way of Doug Dubois. Not sure how, as they don't have backgrounds! I bought his book "My Last Day at Seventeen" and it's lovely, check it out.

Can't post from Google Photos anymore, so these are from my Insta and I'm not sure they'll work either... just family snaps.
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Greg, your latest portraits remind me in a way of Doug Dubois. Not sure how, as they don't have backgrounds! I bought his book "My Last Day at Seventeen" and it's lovely, check it out.

This is exciting for two reasons. First because I just discovered another photographer whose work I know I'm going to love exploring and second because on first inspection of his work, this is exactly the kind of story I'm trying to tell. Yes he uses more context in his composition than I am doing but the narative is very similar to what I'm aiming for.

Thankyou Bob you've honestly made my day!

Regarding your post above, the second image is great; love the documentary feel it has. The third image is just sublime. Honestly tugging at heart strings and I've got a full on lump in my throat looking at that one.

Got these snaps with my temperamental compact Ricoh CX2 which I grabbed second hand off here for cheap

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[url= https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7287/26747797523_0299c49df4_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7287/26747797523_0299c49df4_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/GKBsjP ]DSC06655[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/46070670@N08/ ]Graeme Matheson[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7385/26746493824_87401ebbed_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7385/26746493824_87401ebbed_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/GKuLMf ]DSC06647[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/46070670@N08/ ]Graeme Matheson[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7466/26913410502_7a330526ba_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7466/26913410502_7a330526ba_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/H1fgi1 ]DSC04552[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/46070670@N08/ ]Graeme Matheson[/url], on Flickr

cheers Bob.
I send colour to peak imaging, just do b+w at home.
Can you b+w the ones that came out blue?

[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7370/27519066272_231e66697b_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7370/27519066272_231e66697b_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/HVLpDS ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/polarisandy/ ]Polarisandy[/url], on Flickr

Andy just in case you missed this earlier:

Lastly, Andy I so so love that shot. It’s quite a different one from you. Not something I haven’t seen you do before but not something you’ve really done recently and I honestly love it. I love the composition, the colour, lighting and the story it tells.

Refers to the image of the picnic.

There are quite a few things wrong with this photo, but the lighting wasn't all that, and my little Lumix was struggling to really get focus lock on the people, but this one was a complete accident and I'm rather chuffed with it...

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Tom Verlaine of Television, Anson Rooms, Bristol.

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Sorry, nothing special photography wise, just my phone, but I just like it. He's asleep with his favourite ball.

But I cannot abide it if the debate is based on what someone else thinks you should be doing.

Neither can I. I think he thought he was trying to be helpful, and when I pushed back I think he lost objectivity. Having now seen his bread and butter work, I can see where he's coming from. But, IMO, his photos are ****ing dull 😉

Anyway, quite happy with this.

[url= https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7126/27646913755_c835c201e6_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7126/27646913755_c835c201e6_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/J84EfP ]Carl[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/gingerfox/ ]Kit Carruthers[/url], on Flickr

Cheers GT i did miss that.
Think i must have been in a bit of a look up look down mood.

There were lots of people at this spot and i prefer uncluttered images, only way to get this was to shoot vertically!

[url= https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7080/27042214043_dc2d0e4427_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7080/27042214043_dc2d0e4427_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/HcCq6H ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/polarisandy/ ]Polarisandy[/url], on Flickr

All these Liverpool images were one morning nipping out and leaving the family in bed.
Weather was good, couldn't sleep, haven't shot any pics for a while and had a bag of expired eBay film to play with 😉

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Archie

My niece is bloody ace:

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[b]bob_summers[/b], love your photos 🙂

Proud of this one because I got myself out the of flat whilst feeling pretty sorry for myself, trekked into town, then promptly got absolutely soaked by biblical rain while trying to protect the gear under a tiny brolly. All good fun, and bagged the shot I was after (kinda).

[url= https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7465/27597246122_8ce3c8b2a9_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7465/27597246122_8ce3c8b2a9_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/J3F6Nj ]St. Giles' Cathedral in the rain[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/gingerfox/ ]Kit Carruthers[/url], on Flickr

I know I piss around with the contrast and colour enhancement, which puts the purists into a froth, but I like what I do, I like where I ride, I love my bike and I'm very lucky to be able to get out and ride and take in my surroundings..

Today, CXer on the SDW.

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So good you posted it twice 😉

[url= https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7073/27625443582_340f071c86_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7073/27625443582_340f071c86_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/J6aBVq ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/polarisandy/ ]Polarisandy[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7097/27466430710_29fdc1f4ed_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7097/27466430710_29fdc1f4ed_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/HR7CWb ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/polarisandy/ ]Polarisandy[/url], on Flickr

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Stream Packet heading out of Liverpool

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Marble Carving

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The Marble Church, North Wales

Something a little different from me today.

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I think I prefer this one on reflection

[url= https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7458/27773322585_3a244db4a6_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7458/27773322585_3a244db4a6_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/Jjexcp ]On the Beach[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/geetee1972/ ]Greg Turner[/url], on Flickr

Little local music & beer fest yesterday

[url= https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7591/27500699980_9d8198e0d0_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7591/27500699980_9d8198e0d0_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/HU9gZE ]Church Inn.13[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/85252658@N05/ ]davetheblade[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7421/27630206975_b03a4d0164_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7421/27630206975_b03a4d0164_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/J6A2UT ]12th June 2016[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/cheesyfeet/ ]-Cheesyfeet-[/url], on Flickr

Taken, I kid you not, at Brands Hatch!

Baby robin?

Messing about on the beach:
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DARK MOFO

[URL= http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g341/kiwijohn42/DSCF5858_zps1qatauab.jp g" target="_blank">http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g341/kiwijohn42/DSCF5858_zps1qatauab.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g341/kiwijohn42/DSCF5919_zpsdre39xii.jp g" target="_blank">http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g341/kiwijohn42/DSCF5919_zpsdre39xii.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g341/kiwijohn42/DSCF5910_zpsccwtdpgv.jp g" target="_blank">http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g341/kiwijohn42/DSCF5910_zpsccwtdpgv.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g341/kiwijohn42/DSCF6056_zpsmfhamh3l.jp g" target="_blank">http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g341/kiwijohn42/DSCF6056_zpsmfhamh3l.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g341/kiwijohn42/DSCF6013_zpszjuzsvfy.jp g" target="_blank">http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g341/kiwijohn42/DSCF6013_zpszjuzsvfy.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[url= https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7506/27536724610_fe41fb9df1_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7506/27536724610_fe41fb9df1_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/HXjURY ]Agata[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/gingerfox/ ]Kit Carruthers[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7605/27224977243_35b6c650ca_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7605/27224977243_35b6c650ca_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/HtM8en ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/polarisandy/ ]Polarisandy[/url], on Flickr

a couple from Le Mans...

[url= https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7626/27856664815_15f1e6b99a_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7626/27856664815_15f1e6b99a_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/JrAFWp ]Le Mans startline mono[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/128865843@N07/ ]jon bawden[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7366/27810722776_1864016dcf_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7366/27810722776_1864016dcf_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/JnxdYh ]Esses in the early morning[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/128865843@N07/ ]jon bawden[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7386/27810746016_40b8097318_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7386/27810746016_40b8097318_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/JnxkSY ]Ford GT[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/128865843@N07/ ]jon bawden[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7303/27810756266_ebd1fd5a28_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7303/27810756266_ebd1fd5a28_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/JnxoVG ]Porsche pit stop at night[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/128865843@N07/ ]jon bawden[/url], on Flickr

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Mr Semenuk with my son at Crankworx Les Gets.

PolarisAndy, where can I see more of your work online?

First time contributor to this thread, totally fluked this shot with my phone whilst hiking on the Amalfi coast, really happy with the yin/yang showing up on the surface of the water as the second twister picks up speed, and the fleeing boat!

[img] http://d3teiib5p3f439.cloudfront.net/attachments/242963 [/img]

Not 'proud' per se, just happy I was there to see it and grab a photo 8)

13thfloormonk, wow, end of the world shot..

hebdencyclist

general stuff is here, organised on basis of film types, cameras and subjects

https://www.flickr.com/photos/polarisandy/albums

a bit more focussed on themes is here

www.polarisandy.com

[url= https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7697/27271120884_ef56af1c95_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7697/27271120884_ef56af1c95_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/HxRC8o ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/polarisandy/ ]Polarisandy[/url], on Flickr

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Menia Bridge (today)

Here's a couple from the TT the other week
I'm proud of this one because they came flying down Bray Hill & it was so hard to get the shot,I had to prefocus then glimpse them with my left eye & fire the shutter as they shot into the frame,then to make it more difficult one part of the road was bathed in sunlight,the next part shaded so I had to make sure I got the image in the sunny part of the frame
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I like this one,on the gas out of Quarter Bridge

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[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7084/27613876080_09317c0475_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7084/27613876080_09317c0475_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/J59kiJ ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/polarisandy/ ]Polarisandy[/url], on Flickr

Working at a gig last night and popped out for a breather and saw this.

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Love those two photos, Andy, the rocking chair looks very evocative just sitting there. I think I'd have taken that home with me, it's lovely!
I've had three of my photos published in the Western Daily Press this week, they have a regular readers pictures thing where photos are sent in and some are chosen for publishing.
I've worked out that taking portrait format photos with plenty of space either side is the answer to getting them as big as possible...

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Pretty chuffed, really. 😀

Here are the originals, I think I've only posted one here before, I've just gone back a few pages to see, but it may have been another one from the same sequence.

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