This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums (16-22 May ’10)

Weekly Assignment

Things slowed down a little this week with our Still Life Assignment. We wanted you to create a scene and photograph it. The goal was to think of every little detail that you wanted in or out of the shot and focus more on making the shot before taking it. Our winners this week were people who really understood the goal of the assignment and created some wonderful still life shots that would rival those you see in paintings. Our winner this week was one that had a very classic feel to it, Adriana_G‘s Pears. The mixture of the cut and uncut fruit along with the slight browning of the cut fruit gives it a really interesting texture, and the grouping of 3 pears is also mimicked by the 3 seeds within the cut fruit. Not to mention the deep rich colours. It all comes together to create a wonderful still life shot. Our first runner up created an image that is almost the total opposite of what you expect in a classic still life, but is a much more modern still life that really stands out. Our first runner up was pascalbovet.com‘s Fork ‘n Spoon. It has a very hard, edgy, and high energy look that really just caught our eyes. The way the colours and textures are reflected in the flatware helps take away the idea that it’s flatware at first, and then you can’t help but realize that these are very familiar shapes creating a new, interesting image. And finally, last, but not least was gomommygo‘s White on White. This shot is simple and clean, and technically, very well done. Sometimes photographing white objects on a white background is difficult. But this shot goes to show that when it’s done right, it looks great! Well done everyone!

If you’re debating about whether or not to participate in an assignment, you may be thinking you’re on the fence. But Fences are just what we want you to be photographing for this week’s challenge. They may be white picket, they may be imposing metal, but we want you to show us your new take on this common subject and make it stand out. As usual, a quick reminder of the rules. First, your photo must have been taken between 12-26 May 2010. Second, your photo must include the words “Assignment: Fences” and the date that the photo was taken. Finally, your EXIF should be intact, and it’s useful if you can include some of the main points, such as camera, lens, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc. Next week’s assignment will be Spice. Whether you take this word as a noun or in a more descriptive way it’s up to you. But just remember that this is a family friendly forum. And remember, just taking a shot without thought rarely results in an interesting image. Every assignment is about composition and lighting in addition to the subject we’re asking you to photograph. Best of luck!

Hot Threads

• Quick Tips for Macro Photography: Macro photography is easy to get addicted to, but can take a long time to perfect. Come share your hints, tips, and tricks for shooting macro shots over in the tutorial section of the forums.
• Consisten Product Photography: As we learn, one of the difficult things is to get good results constantly. In this thread, a forum member is seeking advice about how to get consistent results on product photography using a set of lights. But help is still needed in getting the shots consistent. Come share your advice on both product photography and lighting over in this thread.
• Entry Fees for Photography Contests: Some contests have them, others are free, but which are better to enter? Do all good contests require an entry fee? Are there good free contests out there that still have good prizes? Is it a scam to charge for photography contests? Join in the discussion over on the forum about your views on contests that charge.
• Why Are My Photos So Soft?: We all dream of getting shots that are sharp in all the right places and the background is just right. But what happens when your shots always seem soft? It may be technique, or it may be that post-processing is required. But fear not, with a little work, your photos can be just as sharp with a combination of good technique and post-processing. Come read some tips in this thread about how to get sharp looking photos.
• What Would You Do: Summer may be on it’s way in the Northern Hemisphere, but down in the Southern Hemisphere, we’re just heading into colder weather. But either way, if you’re choosing to stay indoors this weekend, you might be interested in our weekly post-processing thread where you get the chance to edit another forum member’s photo. See the thread for all the details and information about how you can have your photo put up for editing.