Inspiration needed

[miketoll]

Originally Posted by Lello

See the Thermometer below

Super shot, makes me think of an amber spirit which is very useful on long dark nights when the mind is blank - makes the blankness pleasently diffuse!

[yelvertoft]

Originally Posted by Saphire

What do people take photos of, when the weather is miserable. I want to do something but can't get that inspiration.

I've been looking at my (ever dwindling) collection of Belgian bottled beers and thinking "I should do a still life arrangement of all the different bottles and their labels whilst I still have them".

Have a look around at everyday objects, they are all around you, prostie1200's watch is an excellent example. It doesn't have to be something quite so ornate to be attractive, my corkscrew briefly became well known on this forum for a while. I was also thinking of taking a picture of a candle flame reflected in a mirror, another idea I've thought of but not quite got around to yet.

I saw the light reflecting off the long edge of the dining room table the other day and thought it would make a good abstract picture. I tried framing up the shot but struggled getting in all the bits I wanted, but excluding the bits I didn't. I'll keep trying with this one.

Take a look at what is all around you in your house. Look at textures and surfaces, look at the way the light plays on different surfaces. I saw the light shining through some mottled glass and lighting a wall in my stairwell and took a picture of it. The result wasn't quite what I was after (too much dynamic range in the original), but I had a play and it cost me nothing.

Just a few ideas.

Duncan

[Saphire]

Thanks yelvertoft, some great ideas there, I have found in the past that somethings might catch my eye but I have never done anything about it. I find when I start deliberatly looking for things my mind goes blank.
I use to do oil painting but had to copy or be told what was wanted, I could never come up with my own idea's.

[Christine]

Christine,after printing off the cross stitch image of the KF,it looks amazing,here is an idea,either "borrow" peoples photos from this Forum,or from BF,and either transform into an oil painting(starting with one of my KF's!!!)or into a cross stitch design,then take a photo.Honestly,Christine ,I printed of the KF,a 25 size,it came out on the white background ,and it looks fantastic,one could actually frame the image,no need for the actual cross stitch as such.It would have to be hung from a distance,but it really is very effective.Also,anyone else looking for advice for Winter shots,in this months copy of Outdoor Photography(Nov issue) there is an article on what to look for in the great outdoors,and lots of tips and advice.Very interesting reading.

[Saphire]

Thanks for that info Christine, I will have a go at doing some cross stitch photos, I don't paint anymore. It was something I used to do including air brush work on motor bikes. I will look through people galleries on BF and email the owners first to ask there permission. The cross stitch sizes change with whatever count of fabric is used so they can turn out any size. The kingfisher I sent you only took about half an hour to clean up the background and convert. If someone wants one for doing actual cross stitch, I would have to sort the colours out better and finish the edges so they are not jagged, I am still cleaning up yours adding half stitches which smooths it all out. I will send it when its finished.

[Christine]

Christine,air brushing on motor bikes!!!,you lucky person.I have some amazing photos of custom bikes from the Kent rally,years ago.I just love Custom bikes.So much work goes into making each bike unique,and of course the guys ride them,not just for posing!!!.

[sassan]

Originally Posted by Saphire

What do people take photos of, when the weather is miserable. I want to do something but can't get that inspiration.

This is a moment to make me think. So what turns that light bulb flashing???? Of course the Flash itself. 2 or 3 in combination with slave and macro lens / reverse lens ring / extension tube or bellow is all needed to fill hours of fun delicate macro. As for subject, well the first and then every other object that come in contact.
Just a thought.