Took part in my first every Canon photomarathon on Saturday. Went there with flipside 200 packed with Body with 35mm f/2 attached, 18~55mm, 55~250mm, 580 EX II with other accessories like remotes/batteries/cleaning kit. Had my tripod attached to my bag as well. Ended up using almost everything I packed, so at least I can't say that I have been lugging all that heavy stuff around for nothing.

Theme 1 "Eat"




Personal Thoughts: Background is distracting, tried to blurred it by using a large aperture of f/2. Composition had to be tight since no post processing were allowed including cropping. Challenge for this shot was to move in close since I was using a fixed focal length lens while not scaring the subject to stop what she was doing. Happy with the way the shot turned out.

Theme 2 "Circle"




Personal Thoughts: I wanted to use props for this shot, so I checked out an art supplies shop. I found the designs of the clocks very interesting so I decided to bring my circles around the concept of time. I used a few other accessories to create the composition for this piece. Shot against the background of the grass because I felt it gave a nice contrast to the subjects. My only issue is that I should have used a smaller aperture so that the month of September could be seen as well. But I needed to have some blur on that part of the image since it wasn't a real circle and I have to achieved that by keeping it blurred. Lastly, applied in-camera processing of "Toy Camera" effect before submission.

Theme 3 "Imagine"




Personal Thoughts: Although this was the composition I wanted for the shot, my idea was to have a subject looking from the outside of the store at the manikins. The idea is to blur everyone else that is walking past, but keeping only the subject and the storefront in focus. Because I did not dare to approach random strangers to ask them to pose for me. This was the best I could do when I lady conveniently stopped by the side of the store. I personally enjoy taking shots with long exposure and this is one field which I am sure to try out more in future.

Final Thoughts: With consideration that this is my first photomarathon. I think my submissions were decent. In comparison which the winners, I could see that I still have a long way to go. The winners shots were creative, had excellent composition and their lightning was perfect. It is very interesting to see how people can interpret the same theme so differently. I have learned a lot from this event, and after seeing the work of others, it only pushed me on to work even harder than before.

Hopefully, in a few years time, my shots will be good enough to bag at least one of the prizes. I shall be working towards that... =)

Labels: thoughts