New D70s: Yokohama (08.13.06)

[Sonic]

Hello CA photo folks. I joined this place a while ago and put some stuff up in the sketch forum I think... Then I disappeared back to my usual hang out for like... a year? Anyhoo I'm back... with photos this time! I've got way too many to dump at one time, so I'll just pick up with the more recent ones...

Japan (I live there):
1
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/dusksky.jpg

2
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/downwardspiral.jpg

3
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/cobra.jpg

4
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/cobradeux.jpg

5
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/downthewalk.jpg

6
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/speechless.jpg

7
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/stride.jpg

8
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/untitled1.jpg

9
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/3men.jpg

10
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/lonelyfisherman.jpg

11
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/lunchbreak.jpg

12
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/odawaracastle.jpg

13
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/creeps.jpg

14
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/Outinside.jpg

15
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/Theylikethecircle.jpg


From Puerto Rico:
16
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/wavesmirrorsunset.jpg

17
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/bestchristmastreeever.jpg

18
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/standalone.jpg

19
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/jillsunset.jpg

From snowshoe in west virginia:
20
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/minimal.jpg

and from the Silent Hill ski resort (:P)
21
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/skisilenthill.jpg

I hope thats not too much at once... cheers. :teeth:

[alucard]

good god man...these are fantastic, every single one. good job

[alucard]

oh... welcome back

[alexchang1985]

Oh man..damn cool....all the photos are so nice...gd job~

[Rhynome]

The only one that I'm not that taken with is 13, I'm not just a fan of the angle. That could be personal preference however.

15 just really scares me, make them go away.

17. Well, what can I say, you little cliché monkey?

Fantastic photographs. I do like 15, I just had to make a comment on 'them'.

[gazamc]

hey Sonci. Always loved your stuff. Long time PA lurker, occasional poster.

Love the confused power rangers.

[claudeEGYPT]

Some sweet stuff here.. there are several that need cropping to make things optimum. I like The snow one, and that long street with a single car. Very nice composition, Japan is the best place to take photographs.. everyone has a camera there! So its not rude to stick it out in public.

Lucky you!

[samsite999]

9, 15, 21 I love these pictures. I have always wanted to go to Japan, but it would just cost to much. I have actually put some though in to moving there a wile ago. I have herd that the living cost are very high though and that the Weston culture (im English) isn’t to welcome over there? im not sure if this is the case....

[Le Gab]

7 has to be my fav. Nice compositions but, as Claude was saying some suffer because of the cropping.

Cheers!

[mollyduker]

Awesome stuff. Welcome back!

[DrugstoreCowgirl]

lol "confused power rangers" I was more thinking along the lines of "what rave did these x'd out tards come from?" But yeah babe those are wonderfull shots especially the ones with the cars...almost looks like you set those up before hand. Cant wait to see more of your work.

[andres_pad]

dude!!! they are AWESOME!

haha, i cant think of power ranges the same way anymore :( i leart the other day that the guy who plays the red one is also a gay pornstar :S

but ANYWAY really really awesome photos dude!

[Sonic]

Thanks to everyone for the positive feedback. :teeth:

Claude, you said some needed cropping and Gab you said some were suffering because of the cropping. Could you guys tell me which ones? I'm not trying to challenge your crits, I would just like to know.

Also I should note that those are indeed the actual Power Rangers. I was walking around Yokohama when I rounded a corner and found myself face to face with a fully decked out Green Ranger. It appears I stumbled upon one of their shooting locations while they were filming an episode. I've got a few more snapshots from it right here (http://cappslock.com/Images/powerrangersincident/) if anyone would like to take a look 8)

I'll have some more pictures to drop in shortly. Cheers.

[Norwin]

2,7 and 20 are AWESOME! Very good job.
21 is very good too.

critics:
13 is too much tilted.
9: I miss the left (body-)side of the left man (--> cropping?)

Question for picture nr. 9:
How did you take this photo? (Hiding the camera?)
And what did they say, when they heard the *click* ? ;)


All in all very good compositions!

[Sonic]

Thanks, and noted about the tilt and cropping. Personally I liked the tilt on the picture, but it seems the more people I show it to the more I hear "not so good" so... perhaps I'll straighten it out.

Question for picture nr. 9:
How did you take this photo? (Hiding the camera?)
And what did they say, when they heard the *click* ? ;)
Haha, yeah I usually try to be pretty discrete when I take pictures of strangers because I don't want to have to explain myself... especially not in a foreign language :P I just pretended I was messing with settings on my camera. And it doesn't make a *click* so they didn't even notice. :bashful:

[Norwin]

I guess you don't have a SLR? Because when I try this with my reflex camera, there comes a monster *click* and everyone looks at me... haha...
Well most of the people are too shy to say anything at all.

But it is always funny to see peoples reactions :D

[Sonic]

Nope no SLR unfortunately. All the pictures here were taken with my 3 year old Fuji Finepix A210 (http://images.andale.com/f2/119/127/17077715/1090999053363_30_122_017_03.jpg). I've been contemplating upgrading to a Nikon D70 for a looong time now. I just kinda figured I wasn't quite good enough to justify such an expensive camera. Plus, as kind of a personal rule, I don't set up any of my shots. I just take them as I see them and I need something that I can bust out quickly.

I dunno, thats a good question: Do you guys think I should go ahead to pick up a D70(/Canon equivalent) or just a higher grade digital snapper?

[Sonic]

I went for a stroll again today. My ultimate destination was China Town, but my trek was cut short due to some torrential downpours that cropped up out of nowhere. Good thing I forgot to take the umbrella out of my backpack before I left. :confident

Today's Take:

22
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/runofthemill.jpg

23
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/thegreen.jpg

24
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/remnants.jpg

25
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/aroundthebend.jpg

26
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/umbrellaii.jpg

27
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/irony.jpg

28
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/sundial.jpg

29
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/sunrock.jpg

30
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/windowii.jpg

31
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/benchsquared.jpg

32
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/whatevillurksintheheartsofmen.jpg

33
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/thehood.jpg

34
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/trainpt2.jpg

35
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/trainrain.jpg

cheers :teeth:

PS, that question still stands... or should I take that to the "what digital camera should I get" thread?

[ivy'sgrandkid]

Japan is a kewl place wana visit there someday, I love 1,2,3 12,22,24,25 , hell I love em all

[claudeEGYPT]

Good lord! 35!!!!!

[Rhynome]

Good lord 35, to the batmobile!

Actually, same sentiments as Claude.
I do like the pictures, 33, 35, some other ones, most other ones, etc. Thanks.

[stine]

wow. that's what i call some great photography! :) a pleasure to watch! love no. 3 and 7. but i have to second that the tilt of no. 13 is a bit too much...

no. 30 is great, too. but like everyone else: 35 is my absolute favourite. :)
thanks for sharing, hope to see more! cheers,

stine

[Sonic]

Well that was sizable little break from updates. I've got a massive one for you today though as I have finally upgraded cameras from this (http://e-katalog.com.ua/jpg_zoom1/31471.jpg) to this (http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/062706canonpowershots3.jpg)

So... on with the pics:

36
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/063006arch.jpg

37
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/063006chinatownalex.jpg

38
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/063006chinatownspat.jpg

39
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/063006chinatownstemple.jpg

40
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/063006chinatownstempleb.jpg

41
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/063006cosmoclock.jpg

42
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/063006pigeon.jpg

43
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/063006vw.jpg

44
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/070106yokoboat.jpg

45
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/070106cosmoclocknight.jpg

46
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/070106cosmoclocknightb.jpg

47
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/070106cosmoclocknightc.jpg

48
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/070106cosmoclocknightd.jpg

49
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/070106crane.jpg

50
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/070106cranebw.jpg

51
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/070106progress.jpg

52
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/070106olddrydockb.jpg

cheers... and critiques are encouraged. :rendered:

[vinc]

thanks, to remind me, this thread exists. Very very nice photography you are doing. I like the pictures of your first post most, but the one with the 3 guys in the train made my day!
41 is the best of your new ones. Have fun with your new can and keep shooting and sharing to us!

[claudeEGYPT]

That one of the pigeon, i have had the same composition in my head forever, i never seem to find a pigeon that is still :D
Not only that, but in my mind's eye, it has those greenish blue shining feathers near its eyes, which you managed to get.
Nice overall, but i agree with vinc, the batch before this one was a shocker in a good way.

[jonton]

hey, wow these are stunning, i love them all, no crits here from me, my favourites are 3, 15 (made my day) and 21. All your photos are crisp and sharp and colors come out so beautifully, nice work!

please post more :)

[eazym]

Wow, I won't be the first one to tell you some of these pics are amazing. Aside from agreeing with Rhynome about #13, I like the rest very very much. Good work.

[MonkeYoakum]

Wow, amazing photos, your city is so clean and beautiful. Great geometry. Im using the man reading on the train for sketch reference right now. great stuff.

[cyberphobia]

ooh, the #21 is absolutely badass!! I like most of the other too - very nice work, just what I don't like much is a so thick border ^^

[Sonic]

thanks everyone!

Here's the latest batch from the Bon Odori Festival

53
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071506thesetup.jpg

54
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071506roundthering.jpg

55
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071506ghostdancev.jpg

56
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071506ghostdancevi.jpg

57
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071506strikeapose.jpg

58
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071506ghostdanceiii.jpg

59
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071506ghostdance.jpg

60
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071506dramatic.jpg

61
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071506yaaaa.jpg

62
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071506firespin.jpg

63
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071506firebreath.jpg

[samsite999]

as always a great set of photos, there is a lot of feeling in these. But i told you this would happen if you continued to take photos with out asking there permision first!!

http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071506yaaaa.jpg

he is coming streat for you, you realy have upset him :) :) he is a mad man i tell you, mad!!!

[eazym]

Fantastic.

[Le Gab]

Well, what can i say, i did like the first set very very much.

This secon set, the one Bon Odori Festival is not so great.

Photos that I really like are 6, 7, 8. The others... well, their greatest problems is lack of composition. And this is quite stunnig to me since the first set showed an amaizing sense of composition.

Also, some are defocused: 3 and 5. My greatest problem is with color and focal interest. The colors, altho the pics seem to be shot in a very colorfull env, are really dull and not at their true value. My second prob is, as stated before is composition and focal interest. Take no 1 and 2 for ex. I reallt dont get it. What are they trying to say to me? What is the main point?

Hope I dont sound harsh, it' s not my inttention. It' s just my crits. :) I always think that we are here to learn.

Cheers!

[Sonic]

Thank you Le Gab. I always appreciate honest critiques like that. In fact I encourage it becaues I'd really like to improve the quality of the photos I take and thats not going to happen unless people step up and tell me what's wrong. I think I can explain why these latest batches haven't been as good as the first. The first batch was a collection of some of my favorites that I had taken over the past year or so. The dumps after that were all taken at the same time on their own separate day trips. Also the first couple batches were taken with my old point and shoot digital. It didn't really have any adjustable settings, so the only thing I had to worry about was composition and photoshop clean-up. My new camera has actual settings that I have to take into account as well and I haven't had to do that in a long time, so I'm still getting used to it. Not trying to make excuses, I know I'm not that good and I need a lot of work, but there are some other things at work besides my mediocrity. :\

Speaking of mediocrity, here's a few more. Getting some practice in at night time (I need a tripod :( ):

64
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071106middlestreet.jpg

65
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071106itselectirc.jpg

66
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071406newviewb.jpg

67
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/071106park.jpg

68
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/072006car.jpg

[igorstshirts]

Colorful and interesting, I like your use of backlighting. Japan looks wonderfuly inspirational.

[eazym]

65, 67 - thumbs way up

[Le Gab]

Gonna go with Eazy on this one, 65 and 67 are very cool.

67 is so very cool given the 2 lights, the natural and the sinthetic, and the slight conceptual contrast.

65 - the mood and the sheer chaos in there makes it really good.

64 - also kinda like given the fake symetry created by the road and the poles. Lines are always good in compositions.

66 - Not so very sure, seems to be lacking that certain something. The mood is good, tho, its clean and grain-less which is something to respect is a night shot.

68- I kinda see what you were going for but it lacks focus. The angle is very nice but there is no center of interest in the photo.

Bottom line: allow me to argue with you. :D this is not mediocre stuff. This is very good stuff. Congrats dude. Hope you'll post some more soon.

Cheers!

[Sonic]

Gonna go with Eazy on this one
Don't do that.

Anyway I recently found a pretty good deal on a Nikon D70s, a camera I had been eyeing for months, so I sprung for it. Its my first DSLR and I broke it in today around my favorite place.

69
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306nautical.jpg

70
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306construct.jpg

71
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306picturesque.jpg

72
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306thethree.jpg

73
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306mouth.jpg

74
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306buswait.jpg

75
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306arthalldark.jpg

76
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306memories.jpg

77
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306memoriesii.jpg

78
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306cyclefire.jpg

79
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306sculptureredux.jpg

80
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306theyresleepy.jpg

81
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306wheel.jpg

82
(I know the quality is horrible on this one, but I like it anyway)
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306wheelinthesky.jpg

And how would a day out walking be complete without some ducks?

83
http://cappslock.com/Images/Art/photography/081306ducks.jpg

As I said this is my very first time out with a DSLR camera and I suppose now that I do have a proper camera and control over all the aspects of the shots, the real stuff can begin. Critique away!

[Norwin]

wow, your are stunning me.
can you please number the pics? I can't comment on single photos.

edit// thank you.

[Norwin]

69)
great contrast and very nice colors here.

70)
Good architecture shot!
I llike the perspective.

75)
Again a good contrast between the left and the right side (shadow versus light).
nice one :)

76)
One of your best shots.

77)
Would be better than 76) if the boy was only in the absolute center of the image. (His gesture fits perfectly to a symmetric composition.)

79)
Awesome photo!
no crits here.

82)
I like that photo too!
The clouds in the background are just amazing :)

the ducks)
good composition (as the diagonals go here).
nice picture.

[Le Gab]

Don't do that.



Why ? :P

Anywayz, congratz on your new cam. I see you are puting it to good use

[Cypher]

Very impressive pictures ^^
I like the whole overall setting, gives people a nice view of the daily Yokohama live ; 3

Some are really anti-tourism, I like that alot : D

The pic with the 2 cosplayers is realllyyy funny but also sad in a way, very very nice ^^

[claudeEGYPT]

82 --- WOW !!
I dont like your action photos up there with the indians and flame throwers... they are too warm in color, i would have put more blue to cool the colors down a bit, also some photos would have come out a lot better with a higher shutter speed.
However, your new stuff is a lot more impressive.