koi experiment: the cover-up

koi experiment: the cover-up · 10:57 PM

So went to the Japanese Gardens in Portland, OR the other day and saw the Koi fish were pretty active... grabbed a couple shots while using a polarizer for the first time. Most were very dark, way out of focus or were just missing that "something". Anyways, this shot that I'm posting was pretty fuzzy, but felt the composition was somewhat promising. So I tweaked it a bit here and there and I'm not sure if I'm just forcing it... so please tell me what you think of the different versions of the same shot.

First, the original (sort of... plenty of PP here, but this is basically where I started before doing the more radical stuff in pic 2 and 3)

timbo13 · 11-04-2008, 04:10 AM

I like #3, it looks like an illustration out of a children's book

stevebrot · 11-04-2008, 09:57 AM

Were you using AF? #1 looks like the focus was on the reflections on the water's surface. Usually, this kind of stuff requires manual focus.

I really like the affect for #3

Steve

Damn Brit · 11-04-2008, 03:41 PM

I agree with Timbo, #3 does look like a painting, quite a good save.

**mike.hiran** · 11-04-2008, 07:36 PM

Originally posted by timbo13

I like #3, it looks like an illustration out of a children's book

after seeing how soft the fish focus was, that's basically what I was going after... either a water color or some type of color blur effect while still trying to keep things recognizeable. thanks much for commenting.

Originally posted by stevebrot

Were you using AF? #1 looks like the focus was on the reflections on the water's surface. Usually, this kind of stuff requires manual focus.

I really like the affect for #3

Steve

I think you nailed it... I think I was using auto focus. Either that or I was looking for the focus confirmation and pressed the trigger. Regardless though, I thought it could have been much better had I focused properly. Taking this as a lesson for sure! By this time of day it was getting very busy, particularly at this part of the Gardens, so maybe I remember feeling a bit hurried at the time. Next time...

Originally posted by Damn Brit

I agree with Timbo, #3 does look like a painting, quite a good save.

Thanks! #3 was my fave also, but I feared that it may look like I pushed it a bit too far. Your comment is appreciated.

Damn Brit · 11-04-2008, 07:39 PM

BTW, was that a cheap polariser? That could have caused poor IQ.

**mike.hiran** · 11-04-2008, 10:29 PM

Originally posted by Damn Brit

BTW, was that a cheap polariser? That could have caused poor IQ.

nah, it's a hoya hmc super... gotta be more of what I lack(ed - - I hope it's past tense

)

Chocolar · 11-04-2008, 10:39 PM

I really like the pastel look of #3,

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11-04-2008, 04:10 AM	#2
timbo13 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northboro MA, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,007	I like #3, it looks like an illustration out of a children's book

11-04-2008, 09:57 AM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Were you using AF? #1 looks like the focus was on the reflections on the water's surface. Usually, this kind of stuff requires manual focus. I really like the affect for #3 Steve

11-04-2008, 03:41 PM	#4
Damn Brit Guest	I agree with Timbo, #3 does look like a painting, quite a good save.

11-04-2008, 07:36 PM	#5
mike.hiran Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: portland Photos: Albums Posts: 1,491 Original Poster	Originally posted by timbo13 I like #3, it looks like an illustration out of a children's book after seeing how soft the fish focus was, that's basically what I was going after... either a water color or some type of color blur effect while still trying to keep things recognizeable. thanks much for commenting. Originally posted by stevebrot Were you using AF? #1 looks like the focus was on the reflections on the water's surface. Usually, this kind of stuff requires manual focus. I really like the affect for #3 Steve I think you nailed it... I think I was using auto focus. Either that or I was looking for the focus confirmation and pressed the trigger. Regardless though, I thought it could have been much better had I focused properly. Taking this as a lesson for sure! By this time of day it was getting very busy, particularly at this part of the Gardens, so maybe I remember feeling a bit hurried at the time. Next time... Originally posted by Damn Brit I agree with Timbo, #3 does look like a painting, quite a good save. Thanks! #3 was my fave also, but I feared that it may look like I pushed it a bit too far. Your comment is appreciated.

11-04-2008, 07:39 PM	#6
Damn Brit Guest	BTW, was that a cheap polariser? That could have caused poor IQ.

11-04-2008, 10:29 PM	#7
mike.hiran Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: portland Photos: Albums Posts: 1,491 Original Poster	Originally posted by Damn Brit BTW, was that a cheap polariser? That could have caused poor IQ. nah, it's a hoya hmc super... gotta be more of what I lack(ed - - I hope it's past tense )

11-04-2008, 10:39 PM	#8
Chocolar Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: OC, California Posts: 147	I really like the pastel look of #3,