P52 Week 1: Low Light (Jan 1 - Jan 7)

[mollyc]

Molly, maybe you should change the name of this project to "2023 MR Project 52 Photo Workshop" rather than "2023 MR Project 52 Photo Challenge," as it is looking more and more like a formal workshop or photography class. Those who are or will be participating in this are getting a real bargain, as often people pay a lot of money for workshops and courses.

yes, i've sold classes before but i didn't like it because i spent more time marketing and less time teaching. i prefer chatting with people about photography rather than pushing sales, so i'd rather just do it for free. and then no hassle about taxes, either, for the small amount of money made. win win!

 

[Clix Pix]

I guess you changed your mind from your statement a few weeks ago that "I'm not here to teach people about photography....."

 

[mollyc]

I guess you changed your mind from your statement a few weeks ago that "I'm not here to teach people about photography....."

if people ask a question i’m not going to not answer 🤷🏼‍♀️

is there a problem of some sort?

 

[r.harris1]

I guess you changed your mind from your statement a few weeks ago that "I'm not here to teach people about photography....."

It would be awesome if we could stop the sniping. A lot of folks here have a vast wealth of knowledge and experience to share, yourself included. I want to learn from it. I can't think of a single reason not to share it. Can you? Let things evolve. mollyc is actually taking positive action to move the digital photography forum forward. I appreciate that. Again, if you want to see change, make it happen (and in a positive way). No darts from the sidelines please as it adds no value. You're smart and a good photographer with a lot of experience and a wealth of knowledge to share. Embrace it and bring that to the table.

 

[_timo_redux_]

diamond
Prospect Park
RX-1R mk ii (35mm,) 1/125 @ f/2, ISO5000

 

[Clix Pix]

I guess I came across more sharply than intended....sorry about that! I tend to be too blunt at times. It's just that this is such a different way of approaching a 52-weeks project than what I have been accustomed to, since usually ones in which I have participated have been far more focused on participants having fun, free to explore their creativity without being handed a list of "themes" (although certainly anyone who wanted to develop his or her own theme within the framework of his or her own project was free to do so) and there was no leader or teacher -- it was never meant to be anything like a formal educational experience or a workshop -- the person who initially set up the project posted a few basic guidelines mostly related to the particular needs of the forum itself, and after that everyone was free to do their own thing.

We all shot whatever we wanted during each week, posted a few images (usually on the last day of the week), others commented on them, sometimes offering gentle critiques, other times simply remarking on how much they enjoyed a particular image and why. It was just a different atmosphere. Doing a 52-week project is challenging and many people, regardless of how loosely or tightly a given project is structured, still drop out along the way for various reasons. I am proud to say that I actually managed to get all the way through two of these projects, week after week after week -- and one of them was during a Leap Year so we had an extra week!

Since I am not participating in this particular project here on MR, I guess I really have no right to offer my thoughts and opinions, so will refrain from doing that here in this and the other project-related threads from now on on. Anyhow, good luck to you all!

 

[PhilBoogie]

Finally pleased with the result. Used 'mirror up' which led to a 13s exposure. Raw exported to jpg, fine, p3. Cropped and straightened in Raw Power (< no affiliation here, it's just that this guy was on the Aperture team at Apple).

Model: NIKON D7000
Lens Model: AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
Exposure Time: 13
FNumber: 5,6
Focal Length: 14
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 21
ISO Speed Ratings: 400
Light Source: unknown
Saturation: Normal

 

[Ish]

It would be awesome if we could stop the sniping. A lot of folks here have a vast wealth of knowledge and experience to share, yourself included. I want to learn from it. I can't think of a single reason not to share it. Can you? Let things evolve. mollyc is actually taking positive action to move the digital photography forum forward. I appreciate that. Again, if you want to see change, make it happen (and in a positive way). No darts from the sidelines please as it adds no value. You're smart and a good photographer with a lot of experience and a wealth of knowledge to share. Embrace it and bring that to the table.

Was it sniping? I read it as tongue-in-cheek humour!

 

[r.harris1]

Was it sniping? I read it as tongue-in-cheek humour!

It is entirely possible . If so, then I apologize to Clix and everyone! I could have been letting a discussion in another thread “get to me”.

 

[mollyc]

I guess I came across more sharply than intended....sorry about that! I tend to be too blunt at times. It's just that this is such a different way of approaching a 52-weeks project than what I have been accustomed to, since usually ones in which I have participated have been far more focused on participants having fun, free to explore their creativity without being handed a list of "themes" (although certainly anyone who wanted to develop his or her own theme within the framework of his or her own project was free to do so) and there was no leader or teacher -- it was never meant to be anything like a formal educational experience or a workshop -- the person who initially set up the project posted a few basic guidelines mostly related to the particular needs of the forum itself, and after that everyone was free to do their own thing.

We all shot whatever we wanted during each week, posted a few images (usually on the last day of the week), others commented on them, sometimes offering gentle critiques, other times simply remarking on how much they enjoyed a particular image and why. It was just a different atmosphere. Doing a 52-week project is challenging and many people, regardless of how loosely or tightly a given project is structured, still drop out along the way for various reasons. I am proud to say that I actually managed to get all the way through two of these projects, week after week after week -- and one of them was during a Leap Year so we had an extra week!

Since I am not participating in this particular project here on MR, I guess I really have no right to offer my thoughts and opinions, so will refrain from doing that here in this and the other project-related threads from now on on. Anyhow, good luck to you all!

I frankly don't care how a P52 was run on Nikon Cafe. This is not that site, and I have seen P52s run multiple ways on multiple boards and classes over the years. You are under no obligation to participate in this, although reading between the lines, I feel like you are salty that this isn't the way you are used to and therefore too confining for you. That is your issue not mine.

You are correct though, that having opted out of this specific project, I'd prefer you keep your opinions to yourself. You have made your opinion of me quite clear over the years, both on this board, and others where I've found you discussing my work, and I'd really love to keep any negativity out of this project for the people who do want to participate, learn, and grow in their skills over the next year.

 

[mollyc]

.. my lady, captured doing her thing at her desktop 'workplace' .. 8 am PST this morning (iPad Mini 6 photo).

View attachment 2135485

Your iPad mini is surprisingly capabale in low light! I love how you composed this so we can see all her treasures around her.

Canon R with Adapted EF 50 1.2 L
Manual mode with auto ISO
1/80 - 2.0 - 125

View attachment 2135640

Is that a salt lamp? They've always intrigued me. Thanks for participating this week. 🙂

28mm 1/8s ISO400, handheld.
View attachment 2135819

I'm always amazed at how slow of a SS you manage to use while still handholding. That's a pretty impressive lion.

I'm not entirely happy with this-I still like the idea but am not sure of the execution. Still, though, here it is(unless a resubmit is permitted if I manage something better).

Before my desk gets cluttered for the semester, and maybe posed a bit for the photo.

34mm on a 24-70mm, f/5.6, ISO 200, 5 seconds
View attachment 2136297

I know you are a collector, but it's fun to see everything laid out so neatly to get to know you a bit better.

 

[mollyc]

View attachment 2136390
Very different for me. "Abstract". ISO 64, 6s, 35mm, ~f16 (probably f11 in reality). The back story here is that on January 1, we went to the Denver Botanic Gardens "Blossoms of Light" show that they run all through the festive season. They decorate the plants, trees and shrubs along with other structures with a variety of lights. It was going to be dark when we got there and I thought "Hey, low light!". A lot of it was fast-paced as they had one-way paths set up and you sort of had to keep moving. We were going through a long arbor of lights here.

View attachment 2136407

More "r.harris1 style".

These are both really intriguing in their own right. With the first one, did you attempt to hold still, or was it more of an ICM kind of approach? I follow a nature photographer who has been sharing some really interesting ICM photos of plants that I'd like to replicate, and also this guy who does these really impressionistic types of images from beach scenes. I've not done much ICM but it's something I am considering exploring over the next few months.

 

[mollyc]

View attachment 2136805

diamond
Prospect Park
RX-1R mk ii (35mm,) 1/125 @ f/2, ISO5000

This is really beautiful. I've always wanted to do a photo like this but I'm not out much at night. I did just drive by a parking lot last week that is both convenient to me and has good street lights, so I might drag my daughter out some night while it still gets dark early.

View attachment 2136883

Finally pleased with the result. Used 'mirror up' which led to a 13s exposure. Raw exported to jpg, fine, p3. Cropped and straightened in Raw Power (< no affiliation here, it's just that this guy was on the Aperture team at Apple).

Model: NIKON D7000
Lens Model: AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
Exposure Time: 13
FNumber: 5,6
Focal Length: 14
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 21
ISO Speed Ratings: 400
Light Source: unknown
Saturation: Normal

This image is a wild trip down memory lane for me. I used to collect these when I was a kid. Anytime something "good" happened, my mom would take me into a little store called The Stopping Place, and it was owned by a woman named Gretchen. I would be allowed to pick out one Smurf. It was a pretty big luxury for us at the time, and I don't think I ever had more than 10 or so. I really appreciate both the photo itself and the thought that went into it for you to create it. 🙂

 

[r.harris1]

These are both really intriguing in their own right. With the first one, did you attempt to hold still, or was it more of an ICM kind of approach? I follow a nature photographer who has been sharing some really interesting ICM photos of plants that I'd like to replicate, and also this guy who does these really impressionistic types of images from beach scenes. I've not done much ICM but it's something I am considering exploring over the next few months.

Thank you. Sadly, it was UCM (unintentional camera movement ), at least sort of. I'd walked into the exhibit intending to be fully manual and be slow and deliberate. The speed of the crowd moving through didn't really allow for stopping too much so a few shots ahead of this were totally unintentional as I was getting my settings adjusted, all while walking and not trying to run into my wife and others. The previous ones looked kind of cool so I thought I'd be semi-deliberate here.

I am also looking to experiment in a more formal and deliberate way. I like some ICM shots I see.

 

[_timo_redux_]

This is really beautiful. I've always wanted to do a photo like this but I'm not out much at night. I did just drive by a parking lot last week that is both convenient to me and has good street lights, so I might drag my daughter out some night while it still gets dark early.

Thanks, mollyc. I took the picture after getting off the train on my commute home: while it looks kinda desolate, this park entrance was swarming with joggers and the like, and while dark, not late. I took a bunch of frames (my little RX is pretty nondescript) and only stopped when I noticed my neighbor coming home from further in the park, walking his dogs. I liked the shot where he came into frame too, but I liked the "diamond"ness of this one a little better, along with the more-mysterious figure on the far right side, off the road.

I'm also aware of a category of night shots I feel safe enough to make, while by contrast my friends (many who are women) do not feel as safe, or not safe at all to make. Modern cameras with fast lenses can practically see in the dark (it's amazing to me); I hope you get a chance to make some!

 

[fauxtog]

Is that a salt lamp? They've always intrigued me. Thanks for participating this week. 🙂

Yes, I love the glow of salt lamps and have one in every room, lol, they are so calming. Thank you for putting this project together, I know it is a lot of work. I'm here for the challenge.

 

[mollyc]

Thank you for putting this project together, I know it is a lot of work. I'm here for the challenge.

Yes, I think it will be fun and I am personally always looking for new ways to grow, and hope that I can help others do so also. ❤️

 

[cogi0490]

I think I am still "allowed" to post some pictures of christmas lightings since the three kings day is upcoming.

Took this picture today while on the hunt for some low light photos.

Sony Alpha 6400, 50mm, f1.8, 1/50, ISO1000

 

[mollyc]

View attachment 2137210

I think I am still "allowed" to post some pictures of christmas lightings since the three kings day is upcoming.

Took this picture today while on the hunt for some low light photos.

Sony Alpha 6400, 50mm, f1.8, 1/50, ISO1000

You're allowed to post any photo you want as long as you took it and it's SFW. 🙂 Thanks for participating!

 

[mollyc]

super overcast here today, but i love the soft shadows i get on cloudy days.

iso 3200 | 1/160 | f stop unknown but probably f/2

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

I think this can qualify as low light? ISO is pretty low at 400, but shutter speed is down to 1/25 (f1.8). Here's that situation I mentioned earlier with M43, where you can keep your ISO low and allow IBIS to make 1/25 no problem at all, as long as the subject is stationary. And our 20 year old cat is often quite stationary these days.

 

[mollyc]

I think this can qualify as low light? ISO is pretty low at 400, but shutter speed is down to 1/25 (f1.8). Here's that situation I mentioned earlier with M43, where you can keep your ISO low and allow IBIS to make 1/25 no problem at all, as long as the subject is stationary. And our 20 year old cat is often quite stationary these days.
View attachment 2137297

yes! lovely example. that’s some great ibis!

 

[PhilBoogie]

This image is a wild trip down memory lane for me. I used to collect these when I was a kid. Anytime something "good" happened, my mom would take me into a little store called The Stopping Place, and it was owned by a woman named Gretchen. I would be allowed to pick out one Smurf. It was a pretty big luxury for us at the time, and I don't think I ever had more than 10 or so. I really appreciate both the photo itself and the thought that went into it for you to create it. 🙂

I used to collect them as a kid as well. We got them for free by filling up the tank at BP in the late 70's. Decades later my sister made me a Sinterklaas Surprise. It's an old shoebox, decorated with Sinterklaas paper on the outside, Smurfs glued inside, with a sunshine backdrop, a see-through 'roof' made from plastic. Trusting you'll like this one as well:

Model: NIKON D7000
Lens Model: AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
Exposure Time: 1/50
ISO 1600
Flash: Off, did not fire
FNumber: 4,5
White Balance: Auto white balance

 

[kenoh]

This is really beautiful. I've always wanted to do a photo like this but I'm not out much at night. I did just drive by a parking lot last week that is both convenient to me and has good street lights, so I might drag my daughter out some night while it still gets dark early.



This image is a wild trip down memory lane for me. I used to collect these when I was a kid. Anytime something "good" happened, my mom would take me into a little store called The Stopping Place, and it was owned by a woman named Gretchen. I would be allowed to pick out one Smurf. It was a pretty big luxury for us at the time, and I don't think I ever had more than 10 or so. I really appreciate both the photo itself and the thought that went into it for you to create it. 🙂

We used to get them at the petrol station when I was little. I think it was ELF or maybe Esso but every £20 of petrol got a token to exchange for a Smurf. Happy times. If they were giving them out now at £20 of petrol, they would be bankrupt!

 

[kenoh]

Yes, I love the glow of salt lamps and have one in every room, lol, they are so calming. Thank you for putting this project together, I know it is a lot of work. I'm here for the challenge.

Lol. Our bunnies love them too..... to eat.....