Weekly Photo Contest: August 10-17, 2017 -- OLD SCHOOL

[deep diver]

Last year for my birthday my wife got me a daguerreotype lens. It made me have to rethink a lot of the ways that I tend to shoot, and it made me relearn a lot of things that I had forgotten. (You can see some of the images from my first outing with the lens at https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/new-daguerreotype-lens.1991792/ ). In that spirit, the theme for this week is OLD SCHOOL. Interpret that how you want. Please include a sentence or two about what makes your image old school. I do not want to see something made to look old school in post processing. The usual rules apply. As always the most important rule is to have fun.

The rules are as per normal:

· The photographs must be your own work.

· Be creative and have fun.

· You may only submit one photo per contest.

· Please do not comment on photos until after the judging has taken place.

· The contest runs for one week, starting NOW!

· At the end of the week, The Judge (last week's Winner) will choose a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place photo, providing as much feedback as possible.

· If the Judge is unable to complete the selection within 48 hours of the deadline for close, then a vote will be carried out to select a winner. This will be based on the number of "likes" each image has. In the event of a draw, the second place winner from the previous week will choose the tiebreaker.

· The 1st place Winner will start a new thread with the topic/theme of their choice, and act as the Judge for that contest. (Winner has 48 hours to create new theme, after that it defers to 2nd place).

· Winners please update the Weekly Photo Contest Master thread
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/weekly-photo-contest-master-list-2015-tbd.1945331/

 

[malofx]

This photo is so colorful, it doesn't even look old at all.

 

[Alexander.Of.Oz]

I don't have quite as generous a wife as yours, mine got me a Pinhole Helga lens for my DSLR one Christmas. This image of the original school-house in my suburb was taken today with it.

 

[kenoh]

May have overdone the vintage wash on this one... classic old school car - Hillman Imp. Known for the bonnet (hood) coming up over the windscreen (windshield) at speed on the motorway (highway)...

 

[Foogoofish]

Taken on the opening weekend of Apple photo walks from the Regent Street store. It was the first roll of Ilford XP2 Super 400 through a Yashica Electro I picked up on eBay. Had to jam a battery / spring / cardboard / electrician tape contraption in it to get the meter to work! I like the idea that the guy in the background is a cast out Android user missing the party...

 

[USAntigoon]

Boarded the train a century too late.....
Amish Country Tour by US Antigoon, on Flickr

 

[rx7dude]

My kids call albums "Playlists"

Turntable

 

[deep diver]

I really like what I see. It is already going to be hard. There are two days left. I want to see more. Keep them coming.

 

[tcphoto1]

Tucked in a garden behind a chapel.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I'm sure a few on here might have used one of these!

20140530-_DSC2842_DxO by apple fanboy1, on Flickr

 

[VIPmediastar]

A photo of an Old School classic car

 

[Laird Knox]

You guys with your fancy Deguerreotypes and Helgas.

Shot with a box... err, pinhole camera and Ilford RC paper. 15 - 20 minute exposure around sunset.

 

[Indydenny]

Old Boat Dock by indydenny71, on Flickr

 

[deep diver]

About 12 hours to go. Outstanding entries.

 

[Foogoofish]

You guys with your fancy Deguerreotypes and Helgas.

Shot with a box... err, pinhole camera and Ilford RC paper. 15 - 20 minute exposure around sunset.

Reckon you could of got the exposure time down with the previous contents of the box?

 

[Hughmac]

An old barn in the mist...



Barn In The Mist by Hugh Russell, on Flickr

Cheers

Hugh

 

[deep diver]

The contest is closed. Check back in an hour or two.

 

[kenoh]

You guys with your fancy Deguerreotypes and Helgas.

Shot with a box... err, pinhole camera and Ilford RC paper. 15 - 20 minute exposure around sunset.

NO WAY!?!!? you totally McGyver'ed it!!!! superb!

 

[georgeinnj]

did I miss the cut off? I dug up this old slide of my brother with his first car back in the early 70s. Taken on agfa slide with a nikkormat.

 

[deep diver]

The usual disclaimer. I am not a professional. I am just one part of this group.

This contest is really hard to judge. Every one of these images could take first place. They are all artistically and technically terrific. Judging in this contest is entirely about what resonates most for me. I respect any and all alternative views.


malofx: I can easily see this as a remnant of the Dust Bowl (an extreme draught in the Plains States through most of the 1930s. It was also the setting for some of the most iconic images. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Owens_Thompson). A lot of people overdo HDR. I think you nailed it in this case. The fact that this was a water truck adds a sense of irony. I struggled with the power lines. On the one hand, they a good leading line that brings the eye to the truck. On the other hand, they feel like a modern intrusion. I would like to see what it looks like without them.


Alexander.Of.Oz: Your wife is differently generous, and she made a great choice if this is the kind of image you are producing. I love it when someone finds a way to double dip the theme. Old school equipment to shoot an old school. Nice. I love the feel of this. The tonality, framing, and vignetting create the feel that this was shot when the school was new. In this image, the lines on the parking lot are an intrusion, and I would have preferred they not be there.


kenoh: I am not a car guy and generally do not appreciate car portraits, so it is a little hard for me to respond to this. The bokeh is perfect. It keeps some context without the background being a distraction. The shine on the car makes this old car look showroom new, and I like that tension. The fact that the framing brings attention to the hood is fitting given the story behind the car. I think the vintage wash might be a little too much, but I am not sure.

On another note, I do appreciate that you translated the Queen’s English into Proper English.


Foogoofish: Full disclosure: While I prefer Mac to Windows computers, I do prefer Android mobile. I did my best not to make this personal. Having said that, I love this image, and you hit the theme in several ways. It is old school equipment that you fixed in an old school/jury rigged way. The noir-ish feel is what makes the image, and the light flair from a bad light seal (which is common for this camera) adds a nice touch. The line through the shoulders creates a line that goes straight to the poor, misunderstood, and bullied Android guy. Nicely done.


USAntigoon: I grew up in Philadelphia, so Lancaster County is almost my back yard. I like the gentile feel of a time when the pace of life was so much slower. The leading lines of the train give a sense of going back into the past. I would have added some vignetting to highlight the passengers.


rx7dude: Playlist? What do kids know. Right? The very tight DOF is what makes this image for me. I have to force my eye back and forth to see the entire tone arm. That felt a lot like the various movements in the tone arm as it moves through the record’s grooves. This image also illustrates how something new can still be old school.


tcphoto1: Repurposing rather than disposing is an old school attitude. This is a great illustration of how something can be repurposed as it ages – from vehicle to produce stand to trellis. I am sure the truck brings back memories for we Baby Boomers. I would like to see this with slightly more saturated colors.


Apple fanboy: Most photos of old cameras make them look like nothing more than photos of old cameras. This camera is sitting on its back on a table as though it is going to be picked up and used. I like that theme a lot. The dark camera on the dark background gives a bit of a flat feel to the image. I would like to see this with a more grey toned background to create some contrast.


VIPmediastar: I am still not a car guy, so……… I love seeing these old Fords running down the road. Old school things should be used. The HDR and tonal adjustments in this image are too much for my taste.


Laird Knox: Love it. It has a strong noir-ish feel that makes it look like the plane is emerging from a dense mist. This almost looks like a frame from an old newsreel. I would not change a thing.


Indydenny: I think I get what you are going for here. While it is a well-executed image, it does not work for me. There is a lot going on here, but my eye is stuck on the lift rather than moving through the image. I wonder if this would have worked better in color.


Hughmac: This image has a strong feel of being isolated on a farm in the central USA plains states. There is a flatness that is common in many photos of that era. The barn being horizontally centered helps with that sense of isolation. Using the trees as the vignette is very effective. I wonder how many stories are tied to that barn.


georgeinnj: It’s all good. I already closed the contest, but I had not post the results. Everything about this image is nostalgically familiar. The Pinto is one of those iconic first cars. Mine was a Datsun 210. I really miss that car. And that parka – We all had one of those. I am glad someone posted an old image. I imagine this was taken the day your brother drove it off to his freshman year of college. Thanks for the memories.



1st goes to Laird Knox. Extra points for making your own camera.

2nd is Foogoofish because of the drama in this image.

3rd is a tie between malofx and Alexander.Of.Oz


Laird Knox – It is up to you.

.

 

[kenoh]

Great feedback there. As soon as Laird Knox posted I knew we had the winner. That is sheer genius. Superb entry from a superb bit of craft.

I knew on mine I had over done the wash once I posted it but it had to be like that or you could see a reflection of a kid in the body work.

These little cars were death traps but very popular. As for the proper English comment.... just.... yeah... just.... right... listen! IT joke... You guys might be running the latest version of the language (the simplified version) but we own the source code! jeez! you'll be telling me you colonials drive on the right side of the road next!

 

[deep diver]

Great feedback there. As soon as Laird Knox posted I knew we had the winner. That is sheer genius. Superb entry from a superb bit of craft.

I knew on mine I had over done the wash once I posted it but it had to be like that or you could see a reflection of a kid in the body work.

These little cars were death traps but very popular. As for the proper English comment.... just.... yeah... just.... right... listen! IT joke... You guys might be running the latest version of the language (the simplified version) but we own the source code! jeez! you'll be telling me you colonials drive on the right side of the road next!

What can I say? Right is right, and wrong is wrong. (Or is it left is wrong?)

 

[Hughmac]

Thanks for the kind words - I threw this image in to make up the numbers and give you more to work on

Congratulations to the winners - I too had Laird Knox marked down as eventual champion.

Cheers

Hugh

 

[Apple fanboy]

You guys with your fancy Deguerreotypes and Helgas.

Shot with a box... err, pinhole camera and Ilford RC paper. 15 - 20 minute exposure around sunset.

Congrats on the well deserved and widely anticipated win!
[doublepost=1503003556][/doublepost]

The usual disclaimer. I am not a professional. I am just one part of this group.

This contest is really hard to judge. Every one of these images could take first place. They are all artistically and technically terrific. Judging in this contest is entirely about what resonates most for me. I respect any and all alternative views.


malofx: I can easily see this as a remnant of the Dust Bowl (an extreme draught in the Plains States through most of the 1930s. It was also the setting for some of the most iconic images. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Owens_Thompson). A lot of people overdo HDR. I think you nailed it in this case. The fact that this was a water truck adds a sense of irony. I struggled with the power lines. On the one hand, they a good leading line that brings the eye to the truck. On the other hand, they feel like a modern intrusion. I would like to see what it looks like without them.


Alexander.Of.Oz: Your wife is differently generous, and she made a great choice if this is the kind of image you are producing. I love it when someone finds a way to double dip the theme. Old school equipment to shoot an old school. Nice. I love the feel of this. The tonality, framing, and vignetting create the feel that this was shot when the school was new. In this image, the lines on the parking lot are an intrusion, and I would have preferred they not be there.


kenoh: I am not a car guy and generally do not appreciate car portraits, so it is a little hard for me to respond to this. The bokeh is perfect. It keeps some context without the background being a distraction. The shine on the car makes this old car look showroom new, and I like that tension. The fact that the framing brings attention to the hood is fitting given the story behind the car. I think the vintage wash might be a little too much, but I am not sure.

On another note, I do appreciate that you translated the Queen’s English into Proper English.


Foogoofish: Full disclosure: While I prefer Mac to Windows computers, I do prefer Android mobile. I did my best not to make this personal. Having said that, I love this image, and you hit the theme in several ways. It is old school equipment that you fixed in an old school/jury rigged way. The noir-ish feel is what makes the image, and the light flair from a bad light seal (which is common for this camera) adds a nice touch. The line through the shoulders creates a line that goes straight to the poor, misunderstood, and bullied Android guy. Nicely done.


USAntigoon: I grew up in Philadelphia, so Lancaster County is almost my back yard. I like the gentile feel of a time when the pace of life was so much slower. The leading lines of the train give a sense of going back into the past. I would have added some vignetting to highlight the passengers.


rx7dude: Playlist? What do kids know. Right? The very tight DOF is what makes this image for me. I have to force my eye back and forth to see the entire tone arm. That felt a lot like the various movements in the tone arm as it moves through the record’s grooves. This image also illustrates how something new can still be old school.


tcphoto1: Repurposing rather than disposing is an old school attitude. This is a great illustration of how something can be repurposed as it ages – from vehicle to produce stand to trellis. I am sure the truck brings back memories for we Baby Boomers. I would like to see this with slightly more saturated colors.


Apple fanboy: Most photos of old cameras make them look like nothing more than photos of old cameras. This camera is sitting on its back on a table as though it is going to be picked up and used. I like that theme a lot. The dark camera on the dark background gives a bit of a flat feel to the image. I would like to see this with a more grey toned background to create some contrast.


VIPmediastar: I am still not a car guy, so……… I love seeing these old Fords running down the road. Old school things should be used. The HDR and tonal adjustments in this image are too much for my taste.


Laird Knox: Love it. It has a strong noir-ish feel that makes it look like the plane is emerging from a dense mist. This almost looks like a frame from an old news real. I would not change a thing.


Indydenny: I think I get what you are going for here. While it is a well-executed image, it does not work for me. There is a lot going on here, but my eye is stuck on the lift rather than moving through the image. I wonder if this would have worked better in color.


Hughmac: This image has a strong feel of being isolated on a farm in the central USA plains states. There is a flatness that is common in many photos of that era. The barn being horizontally centered helps with that sense of isolation. Using the trees as the vignette is very effective. I wonder how many stories are tied to that barn.


georgeinnj: It’s all good. I already closed the contest, but I had not post the results. Everything about this image is nostalgically familiar. The Pinto is one of those iconic first cars. Mine was a Datsun 210. I really miss that car. And that parka – We all had one of those. I am glad someone posted an old image. I imagine this was taken the day your brother drove it off to his freshman year of college. Thanks for the memories.



1st goes to Laird Knox. Extra points for making your own camera.

2nd is Foogoofish because of the drama in this image.

3rd is a tie between malofx and Alexander.Of.Oz


Laird Knox – It is up to you.

.

Thanks for the comments. This was in a National Trust property and I liked the way it was just lying there ready for use to!
Great feedback for everyone. Well done guys. On to the next.

 

[Alexander.Of.Oz]

Congrat's to @Laird Knox for the well deserved win. I knew you had it in the bag the moment I set eyes on it.

Alexander.Of.Oz: Your wife is differently generous, and she made a great choice if this is the kind of image you are producing. I love it when someone finds a way to double dip the theme. Old school equipment to shoot an old school. Nice. I love the feel of this. The tonality, framing, and vignetting create the feel that this was shot when the school was new. In this image, the lines on the parking lot are an intrusion, and I would have preferred they not be there.

Thanks @deep diver for the feedback and the nod of the head my way. I did consider cloning out the powerlines and the asphalt markings, but then didn't for some reason. Laziness perhaps?

Looking forward to seeing what dastardly theme Laird Knox comes up with for the next round.