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Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

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Old 12-12-2008, 2:48 PM   #1
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Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Guys
We have a forums issue with large threads over 1000 posts such as the original Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) that is slowing the forums down, that being the case I've closed the original in favour of this one
 
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Old 12-12-2008, 3:06 PM   #2
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Would it not be good to put a link to it in this one so the other one doest disappear to page 100??

PS Beat me to it, you have put a link!

Last edited by senu; 12-12-2008 at 3:13 PM.
 
Old 12-12-2008, 3:06 PM   #3
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

I'll start - more test shots but what the hell

New Nikkor 50mm f1.4 AF-S: CA is far better controlled, it's sharper wide-open, the AF is whisper-quiet and appears to be more accurate than the older lens, particularly with a moving subject. AF feels subjectively a little slower but it's not - it's a full half-turn whereas the AF-D is a 1/4 turn and a D3 screw-drive really snaps the older lens in. The newer one is whisper-quiet and I think it'll be far more accurate for micro-adjustments.

As for the bokeh - it seems good to me, but I want to get it outside in daylight and try it with some busy foliage and see.

Some quick shots taken in grim indoor light - looking forward to using this outside this weekend.

f1.4



f2



f1.4

 
Old 12-12-2008, 3:07 PM   #4
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

I did
 
Old 12-12-2008, 3:14 PM   #5
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zone View Post
I did
So I see
 
Old 12-12-2008, 4:12 PM   #6
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Quote:
Originally Posted by Radiohead View Post
I'll start - more test shots but what the hell

New Nikkor 50mm f1.4 AF-S: CA is far better controlled, it's sharper wide-open, the AF is whisper-quiet and appears to be more accurate than the older lens, particularly with a moving subject. AF feels subjectively a little slower but it's not - it's a full half-turn whereas the AF-D is a 1/4 turn and a D3 screw-drive really snaps the older lens in. The newer one is whisper-quiet and I think it'll be far more accurate for micro-adjustments.

As for the bokeh - it seems good to me, but I want to get it outside in daylight and try it with some busy foliage and see.

Some quick shots taken in grim indoor light - looking forward to using this outside this weekend.

f1.4

Nice to see the new 50mm f1.4 in action.

Although only test shots the last one with the tree in the background gives a nice idea of the bokeh.
 
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Old 12-12-2008, 4:43 PM   #7
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Lovely shots Radiohead...saw these on Flickr and wasn't sure what your wife would think of the titles you've chosen for them!
 
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Old 12-12-2008, 5:25 PM   #8
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Hello there

Well been a while since I have been in here. Will give you a rest from the birds for a mo.

A street portrait from me, there is story behind this one but I may save it for another thread as there another picture to go with it.


A total stranger from me.









| 1/200 | f/4 | 100 mm | ISO | 400 |







Looking back now wish I had used a smaller aperture the focus seems to be on the hat and not on the face. Oh well its been a while with people.


Cheers Holo
 
Old 12-12-2008, 5:42 PM   #9
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Its perfectly fine, Holo, I can see his stubble on my monitor
 
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Old 12-12-2008, 5:52 PM   #10
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Merry Christmas from Alice






Hollo..... super shot mate. I think it's the glasses not the hat. I find it a problem shooting people with glasses (so I tend to use a stick instead ).

Last edited by Paulie-W; 12-12-2008 at 5:54 PM.
 
Old 12-12-2008, 6:53 PM   #11
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Thanks for posting those shots with the 50mm f1.4 AF-S Radiohead. It's nice to see what it can do, and dream for a bit...
 
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Old 12-12-2008, 10:20 PM   #12
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Quote:
Originally Posted by julian_fraser View Post
Lovely shots Radiohead...saw these on Flickr and wasn't sure what your wife would think of the titles you've chosen for them!


A grab shot this morning on the way out, again at f1.4


 
Old 12-12-2008, 10:47 PM   #13
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

lovely bokeh!
 
Old 12-12-2008, 11:09 PM   #14
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

 
Old 13-12-2008, 1:26 PM   #15
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Loving the 50mm f/1.4 shots guy, how does it compare to your old 50mm f1.4 on the 5d? I love my canon 50mm f1.4 but have been stopping it down to f/2 lately to keep things sharp. Did you ever try the 50mm f/1.2?
 
Old 13-12-2008, 6:35 PM   #16
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

That pretty much mirrors my experiences with the EF 50/1.4. It suffers from a lot of halation wide open and the build isn't great, but it's a fine lens.

That said, with the amount I shoot at 50mm now I'd have the L if I were still using Canon. It is a beautiful lens.
 
Old 13-12-2008, 9:44 PM   #17
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

That's a nice shot gpa. Love the shallow depth of field.
 
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Old 13-12-2008, 9:56 PM   #18
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Thanks Guy. The 50mm 1.2 is next on the list. Need to recover from buyig a 5d mk2 and 135L first! Hoping to hare some shots soon. Been loving this thread for a long time, keep up the great efforts folks.
 
Old 14-12-2008, 12:01 AM   #19
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

So I went to cover this and I kid you not when I say that this is the worst light I have 'tried' to take action images in. The simple fact is that I could not, so I used the old photographic brain, went wide and shot some portrait in context with a quick flash shot at the end. In all seriousness, due to the state of Bristol Ice Rink, this will be the first and last time I shoot here. Better things to do, like watch the X Factor. 2 is my fav due to the reflection.....











 
Old 14-12-2008, 3:45 PM   #20
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Well I've owned the A900 for a week now and haven't posted anything yet!

So here goes, first couple...

#1

LARGE@ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3181/...4a6f8742_b.jpg

#2

LARGE@ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/...8fbd0def_b.jpg

Taken with the A900 + CZ85 @ f1.7. Images were resized to 50% to upload to Flickr as they are too big otherwise!

Not sure the White Balance is right. I guess thats the problem with mixing flash!
 
Old 14-12-2008, 3:53 PM   #21
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Lovely photographs Springtide
i have been drooling over buying that lens all day

The first shot derves to be in the Shallow Dof comp on Dyxum
 
Old 14-12-2008, 4:08 PM   #22
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Well I guess I ought to get invovled seeing as I started the original...

A loon in the park.


Another photography friend who I persuaded to pose for me in a fashion stylee
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Old 14-12-2008, 4:57 PM   #23
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Quote:
Originally Posted by bodoman View Post
Lovely photographs Springtide
i have been drooling over buying that lens all day

The first shot derves to be in the Shallow Dof comp on Dyxum
Thanks! It's an amazing lens in evey way and built like a tank.

Can't believe the detail with the A900 + CZ85. See the 100% crop:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/...86aa8fbe_o.jpg

Cooking Sunday lunch while looking after the children, so will comment on other people's photos later!

edit...

@Pete: Considering you say the lighting was poor, you've pulled off some nice shots. Great reflection in #2, and thanks for pointing it out!

@Gordon: That 'loon' looks very scary, he must be a Canon user and would put even more money on him using one of those large 1Dmark3's with some very large lenses. A Lightroom treatment?

Last edited by springtide; 14-12-2008 at 8:37 PM.
 
Old 17-12-2008, 4:52 PM   #24
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Great shots guys. The 50mm brigade are certainly on the march

Gordon - I now know how someone feels when they say they've looked into the eyes of a killer!!! That's just plain scary.

As part of my new approach (see here) to my photography I've made a concerted effort this week to use my 50mm more.

And seeing as I hadn't attempted any portraits for absolutey ages...here's an offering.

All comments welcome.



 
Old 17-12-2008, 7:15 PM   #25
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Julian those are beautiful, I think I prefer the black/white shot best.
I am way out of my depth here, can I even post here since I don't have a digital SLR?
I would like to learn and get some advice so I can take better shots.
 
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Old 17-12-2008, 7:38 PM   #26
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

Of course you can post - it doesn't matter what you use
 
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Old 17-12-2008, 7:43 PM   #27
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

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Originally Posted by tracymae View Post
Julian those are beautiful, I think I prefer the black/white shot best.
I am way out of my depth here, can I even post here since I don't have a digital SLR?
I would like to learn and get some advice so I can take better shots.
tracymae....just had a flick through your Flickr.....some class shots there !!
Get them up here and showcase them !!

Cheers

Terry
 
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Old 17-12-2008, 7:58 PM   #28
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

A few more of without doubt my favourite bride of 2008, Heather











 
Old 17-12-2008, 8:14 PM   #29
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

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Originally Posted by tracymae View Post
Julian those are beautiful, I think I prefer the black/white shot best.
I am way out of my depth here, can I even post here since I don't have a digital SLR?
I would like to learn and get some advice so I can take better shots.
A couple of crackers on your flickr, including one which would be great for this month's comp.
 
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Old 17-12-2008, 8:59 PM   #30
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Re: Inspiration and learning (aka The Portrait Thread) pt2

@ Radiohead - Thank you, you all seem to be proffesionals here, I wasn't sure if there was an unmentioned criteria. The shots of Heather are fantastic, she looks so serene, I was a rack of nerves on my wedding day, no sign of that in Heather's pics, like her they are simply beautiful.

@ Terry - Thank you, I think there is only one that qualifies as a portrait on there, once I figure out how to post it I will put my lil lad up here he is a cutie!

@Strobe- I disagree not happy with the shots you are thinking of, one has really bad composition and the other the bokeh background isn't as good. I did take more and think I have a better shot now That said I looked at the competition, saw the quality of the entries and thought 'wow'. Maybe when I get better I will have an entry, look out for me this time next year
Thank you very much for the encouragement- it's made my day.
 
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