NEW Advanced Assignment #1, Getting Closer

This is the NEW Advanced Assignment No 1 – Getting Closer

Now, here is your task!

You will get closer to one of your frequent subjects. But the reason you didn't get closer before must be that either you are scared or embarrassed in some way, or you haven't thought of going closer to that subject before. You will challenge yourself to get closer to it! I suggest you use wider lenses than usual to get fine compositions. Note that its forbidden to do cropping in more than one direction. You have to compose only in the viewfinder!

Assignment: Take a shot where you're getting closer (closer than normal) where the impact is based on the close proximity to the subject. One of things to consider is using a wide angle and explore the creative opportunities of getting closer and effectively using the strong perspective created to your advantage in the composition.

Remember, this is an advanced assignment, so we're expecting technically and compositionally good photographs. The AE's, mods and admins judging here will put the bar pretty high, so posting a regular macro will not get you a pass.

Have fun !

General Assignment Rules The general rules for the assignments are as follows : - clean slate, all “old” assignments will be locked (over time as the new ones are created) - no mining, shots must be specifically taken for the assignment (we trust you ) - only one assignment at the time. Once started you can only take the next assignment after having passed. - one dimension crop and minor straightening allowed (to allow different aspect ratios, but don’t crop in both directions) - max 2 pics per post/try - you can do the assignments in any order, and repeated as many times as you want - at least one moderators or admin will comment on every post and determine fail/pass. This might include general C&C as well. - all members of Dyxum can also leave comments on the shots posted - id of members that passed will be kept in a "pass post" - specifically good pictures or good examples of assignment passes will be kept in a new "assignment gallery" - instructions for specific assignments will generally stay as is (and we'll have to write new ones for new assignments). - shots posted for the assignments are eligible for selection in the weekly exhibitions

Edited by pegelli - 13 September 2010 at 12:45

Vincent, as I said in the other thread where these were posted I think they're competent macro shots, but there's really nothing seriously challenging to take macro shots with a macro lens (as outlined in the intro to this assignment):

The AE's, mods and admins judging here will put the bar pretty high, so posting a regular macro will not get you a pass.

What we would like is to get close to something you normally do not get close to, even better would be to use a wide angle so you can see this special subject in it's environment.
You ccan look at the "OLD" assigment thread for this where you'll find some good examples of what we're looking for.

pegelli wrote: or you haven't thought of going closer to that subject before. You will challenge yourself to get closer to it!

i was sort of going for this part of the rules... and it is sort of a challenge to me to take those shots, hand held, with a 30mm macro, IMO, especially when the front of the lens at 1:1 touches the subject. that causes shadows that must be composed around. Obviously i misunderstood the rules of this assignment. But like i said, i can understand yours and pegelli's points of view.

So, no sweat, i'll work on it this weekend! guess it's time to break out the zooms again.
Really i was more proud of myself for being a newbie and at least trying an advanced assignment.

thanks for the input guys
-Vincent

Edited by brettania - 12 May 2010 at 20:50

Okay my submission for getting closer. Taken within 100cm of the subject, which made me feel uncomfortable as I was close enough to touch the rump, and similarly within range of being pushed, or even stamped upon. A300, manual (1/80, f/5.6, flash 1/32, ISO 200), Sigma 17-70mm @18mm, and hand-held. Converted to BW, and dodged and burned.

My second image. Within 60cm of the nose, making me fearful of the animal becoming frightened and butting me. A300, manual (1/60, f/6.3, ISO 400, flash 1/32) Sigma 17-70mm @17mm, and hand held. Converted to BW and dodged and burned.


Edited by Berean - 17 February 2010 at 19:38

@bms44974: and thanks!

As im still very new to photography i dont yet have a frequent subject ? - but most days driving my car i pass this bloke in a wheelchair sat at the side of a busy road junction watching the world go by and waving his arms around and apparently singing to himself ? - I figured if i plucked up the courage to stop and ask for a shot with a very short lens, well that definately takes a little bottle
So here he is - Great beard but completely inintelligible language - he seemed to say it was ok and seemed to be smiling - but im still not absolutely sure ?
NB - at 18mm you are very very close - that alone is scary


As an afterthought - the following is more like the shot i thought i was going to take - but i bottled it


Edited by Dudger - 12 May 2010 at 17:20