NEW Intermediate Assignment #3 : Softness

bms44974 wrote: Sorry for keeping you hanging, Christophe. Cheers... Brian

No problem
Thanks for the time you dedicate to people like me

Atom Ant: Excellent example, Tony. That's a pass.

Cheers... Brian

P.S. If you complete the last two, you will be only the second person to complete all the assignments!

A recent ice hockey game provided the opportunity to try some photos with "softness".

I set a slow (for this length lens and the speed of the subject) shutter speed of 1/60s and panned the camera following the player with possession of the puck.


A390, 135mm f2.8, 1/60s, f2.8, ISO100

Edited by clk230 - 04 November 2014 at 00:18

I was inspired by a background image on my Chromecast for this assignment so, as much as it is not a studio set up, the image was most definitely staged! Not sure if that's allowed but I was pleased with the results either way


SONY SLT-A65V with Minolta 85mm, 1/4s @ f/1.4 ISO100 without filters or flash.

Also,I know it's not a requirement but I've included a thumbnail of the original image - hopefully to highlight that it was improved by the softness!!

Shot the same as above but in focus

Many thanks once again

For my second attempt a picture I took a few days earlier. I was trying to see what effect I could get from camera shake - not a deliberate shake, but a failure to hold the camera steady when trying to. So I took a walk in the late evening. Note to others trying this - switching off Steadyshot would have made it a lot easier!

This shot was my favourite, reminding me of more youthful walks home from the pub after a few too many beers. I particularly like the almost sharp spot - really reminiscent of those bygone nights.


A58, Tamron 16-300 @ 16mm, 1.3s, f3.5, ISO 100

Thanks Brian - I think ;)

I'm delighted to hear you have help in this judging lark - I was a bit worried you were carrying all the weight on your shoulders (albeit very capable shoulders).

I did, of course take numerous photographs in my attempt to demonstrate the indifference of the Poitevins to the masterpiece in their midst. For some reason I liked the one I submitted, which may be in part because I watched the chap stride past whilst most moved at something closer to an amble.

May I submit another from the set - which required a bit of PP to sort out the exposure (I really have been trying to do thsse assignments straight from the camera). It does, however, show the msgnificence of the stonework!


A58, Tamron 16-300 @ 35mm, 1/6, f25, ISO 100

And another, with more of the blur I hoped for, but the background needed a lot more exposure correction and sharpening!


A58, Tamron 16-300 @ 35mm, 1/2.5s, f25, ISO 100