Comments on: Assignment No. 1 Results http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2010/01/24/assignment-no-1-results/ Leslie Burns writes on the photo business and marketing Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:43:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: RESOURCEFUL RESOURCES: Burns Auto Parts – Kathryn Wagner Photography http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2010/01/24/assignment-no-1-results/comment-page-1/#comment-110137 RESOURCEFUL RESOURCES: Burns Auto Parts – Kathryn Wagner Photography Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:33:25 +0000 http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/?p=1432#comment-110137 [...] twist that BAP has recently developed is the advent of monthly assignments. I participated in the first assignment and am excited and challenged by the second. This is a great resource for those looking for [...] [...] twist that BAP has recently developed is the advent of monthly assignments. I participated in the first assignment and am excited and challenged by the second. This is a great resource for those looking for [...]

]]> By: Rodney Yardley http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2010/01/24/assignment-no-1-results/comment-page-1/#comment-47642 Rodney Yardley Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:21:55 +0000 http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/?p=1432#comment-47642 Leslie, I have taken a long time to reply, but I am still so amazed that one of my pics was included. When the post came up with the entries, I was amazed at the images as soon as I started to scroll thru. Keith's shot made my jaw hit the floor as soon as I saw it, the thought that went into it amazed me. Kathryn's image was gorgeous, and although it didn't scream peace to me, it somehow made me feel very peaceful. I totally got Ryan's shot from the get-go, and I think the angelic theme was a great idea. Kelly's shot of the "peace peas" was very well executed and quite literal, and I really think it works. RyanG's image just captivated me, from the subject, to the lighting, to the connection to the overall theme. David's shot with the tank, well, what can I say (head-desk, wish I could've come up with something like that). Thank you so much for including me with these incredible images (even if it was because there just weren't enough really great ones to fill the space, I'll take it). Sorry there's no link to a website, but I don't got one. I'm not a full time pro like the rest of these guys, I do lifestyle family and pet portraits on a very small scale, and I still work from a book (a real, live, physical book with pictures in it). I am working very hard towards a better marketing strategy, with a website, etc., but it'll take some time. That's one of the reasons I am an avid reader of your blog. I promise you I will be a little riskier with my next entry. Thanks again, (and yes, the beast is darn adorable, and he is peaceful, which is a nice way of saying "couch potato") Rodney Leslie,
I have taken a long time to reply, but I am still so amazed that one of my pics was included. When the post came up with the entries, I was amazed at the images as soon as I started to scroll thru. Keith’s shot made my jaw hit the floor as soon as I saw it, the thought that went into it amazed me. Kathryn’s image was gorgeous, and although it didn’t scream peace to me, it somehow made me feel very peaceful. I totally got Ryan’s shot from the get-go, and I think the angelic theme was a great idea. Kelly’s shot of the “peace peas” was very well executed and quite literal, and I really think it works. RyanG’s image just captivated me, from the subject, to the lighting, to the connection to the overall theme. David’s shot with the tank, well, what can I say (head-desk, wish I could’ve come up with something like that).
Thank you so much for including me with these incredible images (even if it was because there just weren’t enough really great ones to fill the space, I’ll take it). Sorry there’s no link to a website, but I don’t got one. I’m not a full time pro like the rest of these guys, I do lifestyle family and pet portraits on a very small scale, and I still work from a book (a real, live, physical book with pictures in it). I am working very hard towards a better marketing strategy, with a website, etc., but it’ll take some time. That’s one of the reasons I am an avid reader of your blog.
I promise you I will be a little riskier with my next entry.
Thanks again,
(and yes, the beast is darn adorable, and he is peaceful, which is a nice way of saying “couch potato”)
Rodney

]]> By: Ryan McGehee http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2010/01/24/assignment-no-1-results/comment-page-1/#comment-47552 Ryan McGehee Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:14:41 +0000 http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/?p=1432#comment-47552 I can tell these assignments are going to be an awesome learning experience for me. I have looked at the submitted images numerous times, read the comments of everybody and it has really made me rethink a few things. One of the things Leslie said next to my image -"when creating an image for others: what you have in your brain and what the viewer has in theirs may not result in the same reading of the image." I see is soooo true. I am pleasantly amazed at the different images that the different "brains" produced for the same theme. I am looking forward to more assignments to learn from. (oh, and thanks Kevin & Keith. I really do appreciate your comments :-) I can tell these assignments are going to be an awesome learning experience for me.

I have looked at the submitted images numerous times, read the comments of everybody and it has really made me rethink a few things. One of the things Leslie said next to my image -”when creating an image for others: what you have in your brain and what the viewer has in theirs may not result in the same reading of the image.” I see is soooo true. I am pleasantly amazed at the different images that the different “brains” produced for the same theme.
I am looking forward to more assignments to learn from.

(oh, and thanks Kevin & Keith. I really do appreciate your comments :-)

]]> By: Kevin Halliburton http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2010/01/24/assignment-no-1-results/comment-page-1/#comment-47490 Kevin Halliburton Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:18:58 +0000 http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/?p=1432#comment-47490 I like so many things about Keith's image. The vibrant orange of the two monks, walking in the shadows against the flow, juxtaposed against the drab green of the military, walking lock step, with the crowd, in the opposite direction, makes me think of the energy and peace that comes from acting against the grain on your convictions. If you view the greenery as a metaphor for life, the monks are walking toward it and the soldiers away from it. I'm ok with the blown highlights but I would like to see that contrast enhanced with a little more vibrancy in the warm colors. I'm a warm color vibrancy fan so take that into consideration. Kathryn's image is a beautiful photo but I have to stretch to make the connection to the theme. It does peak my curiosity though. Why is the car parked on a bridge? Where is the driver? Rapture? Suicide? Broke down and walking? That bit of mystery draws me in. Ken's image certainly touched a chord with me, given recent events. Maybe a little obvious but obvious is good sometimes. Ryan's angel is just cool. I like it! I would darken and saturate the eyes a couple of stops to help them drill into the depths of the viewer's soul a bit. I'm also a fan of visual puns so Kelly's peas are right up my alley. I fully expected someone to shoot this pun though so it seems sort of cliche. Cliches do communicate well because the message is instantly recognized but I think it's always important to put a spin on them if you use them. The shocked expression of someone with pureed peas splattered across their glasses says, "visualize whirrled peas" in a memorable way. Peas spelling out the word peace on the other hand, well, I've seen that one so many times that it's probably not going to stick with me. I think it would also help to straighten the horizontal lines. Rodney's pup is adorable but again, not that memorable. Technically good shot though. In my opinion, Ryan and David both knocked it out of the park over opposite fences. Good job to everyone, but to you two in particular. I like so many things about Keith’s image. The vibrant orange of the two monks, walking in the shadows against the flow, juxtaposed against the drab green of the military, walking lock step, with the crowd, in the opposite direction, makes me think of the energy and peace that comes from acting against the grain on your convictions. If you view the greenery as a metaphor for life, the monks are walking toward it and the soldiers away from it. I’m ok with the blown highlights but I would like to see that contrast enhanced with a little more vibrancy in the warm colors. I’m a warm color vibrancy fan so take that into consideration.

Kathryn’s image is a beautiful photo but I have to stretch to make the connection to the theme. It does peak my curiosity though. Why is the car parked on a bridge? Where is the driver? Rapture? Suicide? Broke down and walking? That bit of mystery draws me in.

Ken’s image certainly touched a chord with me, given recent events. Maybe a little obvious but obvious is good sometimes.

Ryan’s angel is just cool. I like it! I would darken and saturate the eyes a couple of stops to help them drill into the depths of the viewer’s soul a bit.

I’m also a fan of visual puns so Kelly’s peas are right up my alley. I fully expected someone to shoot this pun though so it seems sort of cliche. Cliches do communicate well because the message is instantly recognized but I think it’s always important to put a spin on them if you use them. The shocked expression of someone with pureed peas splattered across their glasses says, “visualize whirrled peas” in a memorable way. Peas spelling out the word peace on the other hand, well, I’ve seen that one so many times that it’s probably not going to stick with me. I think it would also help to straighten the horizontal lines.

Rodney’s pup is adorable but again, not that memorable. Technically good shot though.

In my opinion, Ryan and David both knocked it out of the park over opposite fences. Good job to everyone, but to you two in particular.

]]> By: Kelly Ng http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2010/01/24/assignment-no-1-results/comment-page-1/#comment-47471 Kelly Ng Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:28:21 +0000 http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/?p=1432#comment-47471 This is definitely a good assignment, something that gets creative juices flowing and I'm sure we'll all just keep getting better and better over time... My two favorites are Keiths and Ryan's images... Keith's image is the one that caught my eye in an instant, perhaps because it seemed like two images weaved together -- the threatening presence of armed military and the calm and peace of monks walking by. Ryan's image is quite comical and is something that looks like it's produced for a movie poster... so it is a silly interpretation of peace -- i like it... Looking forward to the next assignment! This is definitely a good assignment, something that gets creative juices flowing and I’m sure we’ll all just keep getting better and better over time… My two favorites are Keiths and Ryan’s images… Keith’s image is the one that caught my eye in an instant, perhaps because it seemed like two images weaved together — the threatening presence of armed military and the calm and peace of monks walking by. Ryan’s image is quite comical and is something that looks like it’s produced for a movie poster… so it is a silly interpretation of peace — i like it… Looking forward to the next assignment!

]]> By: Kathryn Wagner http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2010/01/24/assignment-no-1-results/comment-page-1/#comment-47463 Kathryn Wagner Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:40:13 +0000 http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/?p=1432#comment-47463 I have really enjoyed the variety to these images as well, it it great to see such creative interpretation across a single theme, and receive feedback to boot! @Kevin I will be looking forward to seeing your entry next month, what a healing story about how photography can help one through a rough time. @Ryan - I definitely got the gut reaction of a smile, love the t-shirt! I took a look at your blog and enjoyed a similar reaction to the Kids Rule! series... I will be looking forward to Friday when the next assignment is given out, and will be sure to spread the word via FB and Twitter, I would love to see this thrive Leslie. I have really enjoyed the variety to these images as well, it it great to see such creative interpretation across a single theme, and receive feedback to boot!

@Kevin I will be looking forward to seeing your entry next month, what a healing story about how photography can help one through a rough time.

@Ryan – I definitely got the gut reaction of a smile, love the t-shirt! I took a look at your blog and enjoyed a similar reaction to the Kids Rule! series…

I will be looking forward to Friday when the next assignment is given out, and will be sure to spread the word via FB and Twitter, I would love to see this thrive Leslie.

]]> By: Kevin Halliburton http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2010/01/24/assignment-no-1-results/comment-page-1/#comment-47424 Kevin Halliburton Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:58:16 +0000 http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/?p=1432#comment-47424 Leslie, I apologize for not submitting something. It has been on my radar since the first day you announced it but I let it get by without pulling the trigger. I do want to thank you for for this contest for a very personal reason though. My Grandfather passed away unexpectedly a few weeks ago. We made an emergency trip from Texas to Colorado for the painful process of saying goodbye. After a couple of days of being immersed in the whirlwind of the events I knew I needed a way to pull back and spend some quiet time reflecting on my years growing up with him in Colorado. For some reason, this assignment popped into my mind as the answer. I took my wife, our two boys and my camera and drove up to the little mountain town of Silverton where I spent the day telling them childhood stories about Grandpa and shooting all of the quaint little churches in town. We then drove back to Durango where I dropped the family off at the hotel and photographed the childhood church that was the center of Grandpa's life by myself. Those photos are some of the most meaningful images I've ever captured. I wasn't necessarily shooting for this assignment but I kept thinking about your challenge to photograph peace and that reminder helped me to do just that. It wasn't the end result but rather the process of taking those photos that helped me say goodbye to Grandpa in a very personal and meaningful way. I didn't collect an entry worthy photograph of peace but I did collect a measure of peace through photography. I promise to honor your investment in the next assignment with a submission, but for this one, in spite of my lack of showing, I dare say I got more out of it than even you intended. Thank you for the well timed challenge, and most of all for your ongoing dedication to the emerging professional photographer. I never miss a post! Leslie,

I apologize for not submitting something. It has been on my radar since the first day you announced it but I let it get by without pulling the trigger.

I do want to thank you for for this contest for a very personal reason though. My Grandfather passed away unexpectedly a few weeks ago. We made an emergency trip from Texas to Colorado for the painful process of saying goodbye. After a couple of days of being immersed in the whirlwind of the events I knew I needed a way to pull back and spend some quiet time reflecting on my years growing up with him in Colorado. For some reason, this assignment popped into my mind as the answer.

I took my wife, our two boys and my camera and drove up to the little mountain town of Silverton where I spent the day telling them childhood stories about Grandpa and shooting all of the quaint little churches in town. We then drove back to Durango where I dropped the family off at the hotel and photographed the childhood church that was the center of Grandpa’s life by myself. Those photos are some of the most meaningful images I’ve ever captured.

I wasn’t necessarily shooting for this assignment but I kept thinking about your challenge to photograph peace and that reminder helped me to do just that. It wasn’t the end result but rather the process of taking those photos that helped me say goodbye to Grandpa in a very personal and meaningful way. I didn’t collect an entry worthy photograph of peace but I did collect a measure of peace through photography.

I promise to honor your investment in the next assignment with a submission, but for this one, in spite of my lack of showing, I dare say I got more out of it than even you intended. Thank you for the well timed challenge, and most of all for your ongoing dedication to the emerging professional photographer. I never miss a post!

]]> By: Ryan G http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2010/01/24/assignment-no-1-results/comment-page-1/#comment-47422 Ryan G Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:11:22 +0000 http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/?p=1432#comment-47422 It's unfortunate that the response to this first assignment was not great. It is interesting to me though to see such a broad range of styles on the same theme. I think it's really cool. Some I really like and some are not particularly my style but all are unique in their interpretation. I really like David's image a lot. It didn't strike me immediately but I don't think it was because I didn't "get it". I got it right away but for some reason (I'm not sure why) I like it more the more I look at it. Same goes for Kelly's image. My initial reaction was that it was a bit boring but as it has had time to sink in I'm really liking it for the wordplay - although I do agree that if it had been titled "give peas a chance" it would really tie it all together. All of the images are solid images. I can't wait for next month's theme! It’s unfortunate that the response to this first assignment was not great. It is interesting to me though to see such a broad range of styles on the same theme. I think it’s really cool. Some I really like and some are not particularly my style but all are unique in their interpretation.

I really like David’s image a lot. It didn’t strike me immediately but I don’t think it was because I didn’t “get it”. I got it right away but for some reason (I’m not sure why) I like it more the more I look at it. Same goes for Kelly’s image. My initial reaction was that it was a bit boring but as it has had time to sink in I’m really liking it for the wordplay – although I do agree that if it had been titled “give peas a chance” it would really tie it all together.

All of the images are solid images. I can’t wait for next month’s theme!

]]> By: Keith Barraclough http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2010/01/24/assignment-no-1-results/comment-page-1/#comment-47403 Keith Barraclough Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:13:22 +0000 http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/?p=1432#comment-47403 I agree Ken, this was a great exercise. It's nice to have direction from someone else every once in a while. Thanks for the comments about the monk shot. It was one of those shots that was not planned. Just goes to show what can happen when we have our camera always at the ready... David and Ryan Gibson's images are fantastic! Would love to know where David got the tank. I do like Ryan's "angle" image. For me it has a sense of calm and wonderment. Kelly's image is too straight forward for me, don't really know why. It will grow on me though. I like the irony of Ken's image, but I wish I could see more of the fresh grave (if that is what it is). That would have really made the image for me (just my opinion...) Any image of a dog just hits me hard (my two died in a three month span) and Rodney's is a beautiful image. I've never owned (or know anyone who had) a Nash so Kathryn's image is just a pretty image to me and does provoke any feelings. Can't wait for the next assignment! I agree Ken, this was a great exercise. It’s nice to have direction from someone else every once in a while. Thanks for the comments about the monk shot. It was one of those shots that was not planned. Just goes to show what can happen when we have our camera always at the ready…
David and Ryan Gibson’s images are fantastic! Would love to know where David got the tank. I do like Ryan’s “angle” image. For me it has a sense of calm and wonderment. Kelly’s image is too straight forward for me, don’t really know why. It will grow on me though.
I like the irony of Ken’s image, but I wish I could see more of the fresh grave (if that is what it is). That would have really made the image for me (just my opinion…)
Any image of a dog just hits me hard (my two died in a three month span) and Rodney’s is a beautiful image. I’ve never owned (or know anyone who had) a Nash so Kathryn’s image is just a pretty image to me and does provoke any feelings.
Can’t wait for the next assignment!

]]> By: Ken Wilder http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2010/01/24/assignment-no-1-results/comment-page-1/#comment-47400 Ken Wilder Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:56:38 +0000 http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/?p=1432#comment-47400 Leslie, I'll jump out and break the "comments" silence and not in defense of my image, either. I really liked the variety across all the images. Yes, I expected a "peace" sign but not drawn in the sand by a tank and certainly not spelled out with peas in a dish. Ryan's was a hoot, but I guess after looking at his website, I would expect nothing better. Then there is the irony of the military and the monks, especially the monks in the shadow-very appropriate, given what is happening in the world now. The Nash made me stretch my imagination, but if it was for nostalgia, it worked. We had one, too, when I was a kid and only knew peace. I thought about putting my dog in but then we'd all have to vote on which one was cuter, and Rodney might get upset with me because ours would win. Ryan's angel stretched me too far, but then Leslie, I'm not into sci-fi. Overall, what a great exercise. It really forced me to think and create, then it surprised me as to how others responded visually to the same challenge. Now what's next? k Leslie,
I’ll jump out and break the “comments” silence and not in defense of my image, either. I really liked the variety across all the images. Yes, I expected a “peace” sign but not drawn in the sand by a tank and certainly not spelled out with peas in a dish. Ryan’s was a hoot, but I guess after looking at his website, I would expect nothing better. Then there is the irony of the military and the monks, especially the monks in the shadow-very appropriate, given what is happening in the world now. The Nash made me stretch my imagination, but if it was for nostalgia, it worked. We had one, too, when I was a kid and only knew peace. I thought about putting my dog in but then we’d all have to vote on which one was cuter, and Rodney might get upset with me because ours would win. Ryan’s angel stretched me too far, but then Leslie, I’m not into sci-fi.
Overall, what a great exercise. It really forced me to think and create, then it surprised me as to how others responded visually to the same challenge.
Now what’s next?
k

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