The Woods

[Bearface]

Re: The Woods

Hi Bearface.
I made no reference whatsoever to your opinion on the image but, in my final paragraph I did refer to, and quoted, your final tactless comment. The "sitting on the loo phrase" did not refer to Stephens efforts with the image but to the quoted part of your posting which I would not even consider dissecting.

Why was my personal opinion tactless, exactly? Do you have a problem with people expressing a personal and entirely non-offensive point of view? I explained my wording (not that I needed to justify myself to you...) in my last post and still you sit there and accuse me of tactlessness. Get off your high horse Tom...

Let's just look at your post, just to make sure I wasn't imagining things:

I think there are some strange vibes emanating from the discussion on this image

Really? Who was this aimed at then?

I don't see real life here (maybe after a session of mind altering substances perhaps). I don't see it as a chalenging image; they are few and far between but when they do appear I'll have questions to which I don't want answers to and I will luxuriate in the knowledge that it is there for me to return to over and over again.

What a load of condescending bilge. I referred to the image as visually challenging. I talked about how to me it could represent all types of metaphors for life and your response directly dismissed those perfectly valid points of view, and in a pompous and smug manner, too. You are welcome to "luxuriate" in any perceived "knowledge" you wish to, but my opinion was not yours to dismiss or criticize.

Bearface says "People need to increase their photographic horizons and broaden their tastes, and to achieve that we all need to think beyond the mundane and predictable" . This is just not thinking outside the box.
Because someone does not like an image does not mean they sit on the loo admiring their own holiday snaps

And you decided (clearly in your position as judge and jury of other people's intentions...) that this was "tactless"? Get over yourself Tom, and in future stick to your own opinions, instead of misinterpreting and sniping at other people's. Oh and when it comes to my own views, I'll decide what thinking out of the box is, not you.

While we're on the subject of tactlessness, perhaps you ought to consider the reasons why Stephen and I - almost simultaneously - found the need to question the tone of your post.

[Tom]

Re: The Woods

I presented this image as a serious point of discussion, I intended and certainly expected it to be controversial. I wouldn't expect everyone to like it. The picture was simply work in progress. I sense though, rightly or wrongly, that Tom thinks I'm being patronising and pretentious in what I have done and presented. I can assure I was not. I admit that the blur in this is too heavy I've overdone it, and the technique of getting the graduation more subtle is something I need to work on.

I really do appreciate peoples comments though, so long as they are considered and constructive, which it has to be said I feel Toms are. If people can see something that they like in it thats gratifying I feel, but other comments are taken on board and help me decide how I need to modify things.

When I get some more time I will post a Mk2 version As for the type of pic for the technique, the tree trunks are ideal and are exactly what I wanted to work with

I assure you Stephen that I do not consider your work on, and your decision to post this image to be patronising and prententious in any way and I apologise now if that is what has come accross to you.
Interestingly, knowing your landscape style and your opinions on over manipulation etc, I must be honest and say that the first thing that came to mind was "now how could Stepehen like that" or "what is he at" even. You obviously see it in your minds eye what you want here and I for one would have preferred to have waited to see what you considered to be the final result so to speak. Sort of like, though not entirely, Patricks posting when you said that seeing the original ruined the final image for you. You spoke for me also when you made that comment.
I thrust and hope that you eventually get exactly the image that is trying to break out here.

[Tom]

Re: The Woods

Tom, I said what I thought about the image and I respect your right to say what you think, but in future I'd prefer it if you offered your opinion without attempting to dissect or discredit my own.

Obviously I either inadvertently hit a raw nerve, or you just decided you didn't like what I was saying, but frankly my feedback was for Stephen and not for you to approve or disapprove of. It matters not one iota whether you agree with my thoughts, but dismissing each point as though you're some kind of authority figure on these things is not on.

If someone struggles with a style such as this, it certainly does not mean that they er...."sit on the loo admiring holiday snaps...", but at the same time they could possibly benefit from opening their minds and broadening their horizons, because not all photography is about predictability and convention. I mean, if Stephen had intended to post a simple woodland shot, he'd have done so, would he not..?

If you'd read my post carefully, you'd have noticed that I didn't claim to like the image....I just expressed my interest in the idea and the way it provoked the imagination...

Hi Bearface.
I made no reference whatsoever to your opinion on the image but, in my final paragraph I did refer to, and quoted, your final tactless comment. The "sitting on the loo phrase" did not refer to Stephens efforts with the image but to the quoted part of your posting which I would not even consider dissecting.

[cowcrzy06]

Re: The Woods

Steven ,
Here is my say on the whole thing. First I like the way the trees reach for the heavens.I like the picture as a whole. As for what everyone else thinks, well we all have opinions and if they were all the same there would be no need for the forums or a section called critique! I am sure you yourself already know this I just felt the need to say it!!

[Stephen]

Re: The Woods

I presented this image as a serious point of discussion, I intended and certainly expected it to be controversial. I wouldn't expect everyone to like it. The picture was simply work in progress. I sense though, rightly or wrongly, that Tom thinks I'm being patronising and pretentious in what I have done and presented. I can assure I was not. I admit that the blur in this is too heavy I've overdone it, and the technique of getting the graduation more subtle is something I need to work on.

I really do appreciate peoples comments though, so long as they are considered and constructive, which it has to be said I feel Toms are. If people can see something that they like in it thats gratifying I feel, but other comments are taken on board and help me decide how I need to modify things.

When I get some more time I will post a Mk2 version As for the type of pic for the technique, the tree trunks are ideal and are exactly what I wanted to work with

[bigbob]

Re: The Woods

It disturbs me , there's something about the blur which makes me feel uneasy .
When i scroll up and look at just the bottom half it's just a fairly mundane woodland scene , when i scroll down and look at the blur ,it's an abstact which i like but combined i feel uneasy .
Nothing wrong with experimenting with different effects ,i just feel this is'nt the right topic maybe this effect could be put to better use on another scene .
Saying all this i feel it's only right that experiments take place , especially with digital , but this one is'nt for me .

B..

[Bearface]

Re: The Woods

I think there are some strange vibes emanating from the discussion on this image
Stephen you can also rely on me and others on this forum to offer honest opinions and see past what you describe as a woodland scene spoilt by some blur. That is a good description. The transition or graduation of the blur I feel lacks subtlety after starting out nicely and I feel the whole process would have benefited more from a gradual misty/soft focus rather than the "light rugby tackle" (for the want of a better expression) applied here. I just feel you are treating the wrong image.
I don't see real life here (maybe after a session of mind altering substances perhaps). I don't see it as a chalenging image; they are few and far between but when they do appear I'll have questions to which I don't want answers to and I will luxuriate in the knowledge that it is there for me to return to over and over again.
Bearface says "People need to increase their photographic horizons and broaden their tastes, and to achieve that we all need to think beyond the mundane and predictable" . This is just not thinking outside the box.
Because someone does not like an image does not mean they sit on the loo admiring their own holiday snaps .

Tom, I said what I thought about the image and I respect your right to say what you think, but in future I'd prefer it if you offered your opinion without attempting to dissect or discredit my own.

Obviously I either inadvertently hit a raw nerve, or you just decided you didn't like what I was saying, but frankly my feedback was for Stephen and not for you to approve or disapprove of. It matters not one iota whether you agree with my thoughts, but dismissing each point as though you're some kind of authority figure on these things is not on.

If someone struggles with a style such as this, it certainly does not mean that they er...."sit on the loo admiring holiday snaps...", but at the same time they could possibly benefit from opening their minds and broadening their horizons, because not all photography is about predictability and convention. I mean, if Stephen had intended to post a simple woodland shot, he'd have done so, would he not..?

If you'd read my post carefully, you'd have noticed that I didn't claim to like the image....I just expressed my interest in the idea and the way it provoked the imagination...

[Tom]

Re: The Woods

I think there are some strange vibes emanating from the discussion on this image
Stephen you can also rely on me and others on this forum to offer honest opinions and see past what you describe as a woodland scene spoilt by some blur. That is a good description. The transition or graduation of the blur I feel lacks subtlety after starting out nicely and I feel the whole process would have benefited more from a gradual misty/soft focus rather than the "light rugby tackle" (for the want of a better expression) applied here. I just feel you are treating the wrong image.
I don't see real life here (maybe after a session of mind altering substances perhaps). I don't see it as a chalenging image; they are few and far between but when they do appear I'll have questions to which I don't want answers to and I will luxuriate in the knowledge that it is there for me to return to over and over again.
Bearface says "People need to increase their photographic horizons and broaden their tastes, and to achieve that we all need to think beyond the mundane and predictable" . This is just not thinking outside the box.
Because someone does not like an image does not mean they sit on the loo admiring their own holiday snaps .

[paul.r.w]

Re: The Woods

I think you've been eating the mushrooms you found there!

Re: The Woods

your not wrong.......I am sure it is just me, I know I am definately lacking in the 'imagination' department Stephen!

As for the scrolling...Ron....have you tried hitting f11? this can sometimes help on images that fall outside the limitations of the browser. I think on an image like this, it is important to see it as a whole.

Ben I'm Fn11 most of the time on this site. Still have to scroll and I hate that as much as you hate thumbnails. I know Stephen only wants to show his image off to its best and for those that have a big screen that's fine. I down loaded his picture, rotated it then lay down on my bed to view it.

[coupekid]

Re: The Woods

Pol I knew I could rely on you to see past a woodland scene spoilt by some blur. I really do appreciate your thoughts on this. I'll admit its a sort of work in progress and that at the moment I think the blur is a little heavy and can be improved on.

When I walk through these woods which are fairly local to me, I always am amazed by these beech trees and they way they seem to reach up like pillars to the sky, but when I photograph them, I've done it many times before, I'm always left disappointed. Now this treatment seems to help in creating the feeling and emotion of the woods. I certainly don't see it in the same way as Ben does, though we often don't agree when it comes to artistic interpretation

Sorry about the size thing Ron, I know what you mean but I don't feel disposed to sacrifice the impact that size brings, even though some may have to scroll a little

your not wrong.......I am sure it is just me, I know I am definately lacking in the 'imagination' department Stephen!

As for the scrolling...Ron....have you tried hitting f11? this can sometimes help on images that fall outside the limitations of the browser. I think on an image like this, it is important to see it as a whole.

[Bearface]

Re: The Woods

Ehyup...

As an image it's visually challenging and unconventional, but it's also something of a photographic paradox, because you have what is normally perceived as a serene and calming landscape morphing itself into this blur of madness, disarray and confusion. For this reason I think it's a picture to study and consider, rather than one which will appeal to those looking for a "quick-fix", predictable photograph.

Do I like it? Well it forces me outside my comfort zone and encourages me to reflect on possible interpretations (which themselves may cancel out any peaceful or positive messages the lower section of the image might convey), so for that reason alone it's an interesting image. Aesthetically it's hard work, but I nevertheless feel that with some development this theme could produce something very strong indeed.

Good on you for pushing the envelope a bit. People need to increase their photographic horizons and broaden their tastes, and to achieve that we all need to think beyond the mundane and predictable. Just my thoughts

[Stephen]

Re: The Woods

What it represents to me is what what is actually happening as I walk through those woods.

There's sunlight and shadows, crunching leaves beneath my feet as I walk along. I'm either looking down or straight ahead - looking at the parts of the scene that are in sharper focus, glancing from one area to the other just as we do when we're walking.

The canopy of the trees is reaching up higher above me and I'm aware of it but not focusing on it becuse me eyes are elsewhere - so it isn't in focus visually, same as it wouldn't be in RL unless I was looking at it specifically (then I might trip over because the ground wouldn't be in focus so I wouldn't be looking where I was going).

The trees are perpetually growing, stretching up and reaching for the sky, reaching for the light. That's a continuous thing, continuous growth and stretching at the top whilst the roots are firm and strong in the ground.

So I see real life in the picture. Ongoing growth and movement with most of that movement happening in the tops of the trees - exactly as it really is.

Pol

Pol I knew I could rely on you to see past a woodland scene spoilt by some blur. I really do appreciate your thoughts on this. I'll admit its a sort of work in progress and that at the moment I think the blur is a little heavy and can be improved on.

When I walk through these woods which are fairly local to me, I always am amazed by these beech trees and they way they seem to reach up like pillars to the sky, but when I photograph them, I've done it many times before, I'm always left disappointed. Now this treatment seems to help in creating the feeling and emotion of the woods. I certainly don't see it in the same way as Ben does, though we often don't agree when it comes to artistic interpretation

Sorry about the size thing Ron, I know what you mean but I don't feel disposed to sacrifice the impact that size brings, even though some may have to scroll a little

[norn iron]

Re: The Woods

Stephen,
this is my kind of photo, i think it's brilliant.

Ken

[coupekid]

Re: The Woods

Hi Stephen,

Thought I would my 2p.

For me the image doesnt work, It looks like you had a super Autumnal image, but the treatment it has been given spoils it a little.

I can understand what some of the others have said about the trees growing and reaching for the sunlight. But to me, a place like this is a place of serenty and peace, a place to relax from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Your blurred image relays just what I dont want, its almost portraying violent growth.

Whats your thoughts on how it has turned out?