I heard somewhere that there was going to be a Macro theme starting today (16 April). Any truth to this rumor? ;-) If so can someone lead me in the right direction as I'm very new to this.
Didn't hear about one, but if you're using a DSLR you'll need a macro lens or at least a converter of some sort (point-and-shoots and bridges usually have macro modes, so no problem). Otherwise just shoot! You'd be surprised what looks good as macro. Don't be afraid to add a bit of background too, taking shots at an angle - with lower apertures you get a lovely close-up effect with a blurred-out background
If I were going to do something about a MARCO Challenge, I would start with some rules, no prizes.
Warning, I haven't the slightest idea what I'm doing.
I have limited hours in the day for being on here, so I'm going to give this a push and see how far it rolls down stream.
Personal Point of View Marco (POVMacro)
Need ground rules?
(from the Home Page and other challenges,
so if have seen these words before,
or have written them, they are great words and I couldn't say it better)
Objectives:
* Improve your photography skills
* Capture otherwise forgotten moments in your life
* Easier than writing a diary or blog
* Inspire someone else to take better photographs
* Have so fun, look at the world off center.
Rules (on the Honor System, you know what you are doing, and aren't doing)
1) This is for fun and learning, so NO WHINING. Unless you can prove canine ancestory in you DNA, leave it alone. Other people might ignore you for your efforts.
2) Look at world around you and take a close-up something that you take for granted, of everyday things. Tell a story? Like the star-burst crack in your windsheild from the rock that just bounce off of it. Maybe a fly on the wall. Spider webs. Dust bunnies.
** This is not a competition to see who has the best photo (but artistic creations, within reason are encouraged)....
** Technical display such as HDR, ultra contrasting, etc., while nice, don't get carried away. Okay, change the lighting colours.
3) ALL images MUST have taken during period (April 18-26, 2010). Post your entry in any order starting April 20th and going to April 25th, inclusive, six days. From another discussion thread, we are all over the world, don't fudge too much. [ Honor system, we're all big kids]
4) Tags so we can find each other? How about "povmacro-#" where # varies from 1 to 5. Use "1" on April 20 and onwards. POWERS THAT BE, or whom ever assigns/controls/regulates tags, advise accordingly.
5) Please caption with your inspiration for/story of the photo.
a) Help your fellow photographer with CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.
i) check your ego at the door, please.
ii) If you give it, remember, you'll receive some also.
iii) Ignore all abusive comments and the person who does it.
c) Reasons for post-processing will help the rest of use learn.
Did I mention, HAVE FUN.
I am not associated with this site or any sponsors of this site.
J A, it is a good idea if you want to run with this challenge. You might want to explain to the newbies exactly what a macro consists of... how close to the subject does it have to be, etc...
I think your idea is a great one and I'm going to give it a try. I will volunteer to help since you say your time is limited but you will have to let me know what you want done.
This appears to be a 'have fun' challenge and not one that will be voted on? So I'm assuming this is where everyone's a winner. Maybe the idea should be to get everyone to make more comments instead of voting. Comments on our pictures is way more helpful and fun, I think, that whether you "win" or not. Picking winners seems to bring out more negativity than helping each other with our individual pictures by commenting on them. Do remember that many of us are very new at this while others are professionals with lots of great equipment. Should we consider this in our comments?
Just some thoughts since this starts tomorrow.
Butterfly
A professional didn't win the Number's challenge.... it was just someone who had a good eye and great creativity that made the winning shot. Tiina shot the winning photo using a Canon PowerShot SX110 IS point and shoot...
That's wonderful, Alex! I'm glad you brought that up. I should have worded what I was trying to say more clearly. Hmmm, not sure how to say it but ..... I wonder if there are a fair number of people who are too shy or afraid to post their shots when they know there are professional posting too? That's not quite it either...sorry, the brain doesn't usually function til mid week or so. haaaahaaa I think the way this site is set up and run (from my short time following it) is wonderful and both ends of the talent spectrum are needed make it work. I'm certainly not saying the pro's shouldn't be here. That's where we get great constructive comments and awesome pictures and how we learn. In addition, those newer to photography bring fresh ideas and talent into the mix. It's wonderful.
But, instead of coming from the negative side I should have come at it from the positive. I think it would be helpful if some of the challenges were just for the sake of seeing how we personally meet the challenge criteria. And how would we know we succeeded? Instead of voting we could take the time we use tp voted and make more comments instead. Pick several photos we each would like to comment on and, following the rules of etiquette, share your thoughts good and bad on the picture. It would not only help the more inexperienced folks but I believe it gives the pro's something new to consider and it brings them different ideas too. Yes, it takes more time to comment but I think it would be worth it. Just my opinion FWIW...
For those of you that saw the post of the Macro Challenge, I had to with drawn the post as I have no time to run such a effort between now and the end of April. (That which pays the bills requires my attention)
I'm sorry you had to withdraw but do understand. Is there any way some of can help? Or should we drop it for now? I can offer some help but I have no idea what I'm doing since I've only posted 2 pictures.
Don't let it bother you if you have to let it go. Life does get in the way some times. ;) We still can admire the pictures you upload.
I'd love to participate in a macro challenge, too, but don't have time to moderate or whatever might be required to run a challenge. Hoping someone else will come forward ...
Is there some place in here where I can find out what needs to be done to run a challenge. I'd be happy to do it since so many people seem interested. If I'm too new then that's fine and I totally understand.
I don't really understand the numbering portion of the tagging... I've been learning to use the macro option on a "new-to-me" digital camera I've been working with.
I'm new to macro also so I'm just doing it and see what I get. Sometimes that's a great way to learn. So far I've found a ton of things NOT to do...lol But I have surprised myself by how good a few of them are. I'm averaging over 50 shots to get one I really like. Some days less and many days more. That's what I love about digital photography. I've learned not to be afraid of the shutter button. Just keep shooting and see what you have when you download. Works for me~
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Warning, I haven't the slightest idea what I'm doing.
I have limited hours in the day for being on here, so I'm going to give this a push and see how far it rolls down stream.
Personal Point of View Marco (POVMacro)
Need ground rules?
(from the Home Page and other challenges,
so if have seen these words before,
or have written them, they are great words and I couldn't say it better)
Objectives:
* Improve your photography skills
* Capture otherwise forgotten moments in your life
* Easier than writing a diary or blog
* Inspire someone else to take better photographs
* Have so fun, look at the world off center.
Rules (on the Honor System, you know what you are doing, and aren't doing)
1) This is for fun and learning, so NO WHINING. Unless you can prove canine ancestory in you DNA, leave it alone. Other people might ignore you for your efforts.
2) Look at world around you and take a close-up something that you take for granted, of everyday things. Tell a story? Like the star-burst crack in your windsheild from the rock that just bounce off of it. Maybe a fly on the wall. Spider webs. Dust bunnies.
** This is not a competition to see who has the best photo (but artistic creations, within reason are encouraged)....
** Technical display such as HDR, ultra contrasting, etc., while nice, don't get carried away. Okay, change the lighting colours.
3) ALL images MUST have taken during period (April 18-26, 2010). Post your entry in any order starting April 20th and going to April 25th, inclusive, six days. From another discussion thread, we are all over the world, don't fudge too much. [ Honor system, we're all big kids]
4) Tags so we can find each other? How about "povmacro-#" where # varies from 1 to 5. Use "1" on April 20 and onwards. POWERS THAT BE, or whom ever assigns/controls/regulates tags, advise accordingly.
5) Please caption with your inspiration for/story of the photo.
a) Help your fellow photographer with CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.
i) check your ego at the door, please.
ii) If you give it, remember, you'll receive some also.
iii) Ignore all abusive comments and the person who does it.
c) Reasons for post-processing will help the rest of use learn.
Did I mention, HAVE FUN.
I am not associated with this site or any sponsors of this site.
I think your idea is a great one and I'm going to give it a try. I will volunteer to help since you say your time is limited but you will have to let me know what you want done.
This appears to be a 'have fun' challenge and not one that will be voted on? So I'm assuming this is where everyone's a winner. Maybe the idea should be to get everyone to make more comments instead of voting. Comments on our pictures is way more helpful and fun, I think, that whether you "win" or not. Picking winners seems to bring out more negativity than helping each other with our individual pictures by commenting on them. Do remember that many of us are very new at this while others are professionals with lots of great equipment. Should we consider this in our comments?
Just some thoughts since this starts tomorrow.
Butterfly
Butterfly
But, instead of coming from the negative side I should have come at it from the positive. I think it would be helpful if some of the challenges were just for the sake of seeing how we personally meet the challenge criteria. And how would we know we succeeded? Instead of voting we could take the time we use tp voted and make more comments instead. Pick several photos we each would like to comment on and, following the rules of etiquette, share your thoughts good and bad on the picture. It would not only help the more inexperienced folks but I believe it gives the pro's something new to consider and it brings them different ideas too. Yes, it takes more time to comment but I think it would be worth it. Just my opinion FWIW...
Butterfly
Sorry if I caused any pain or anguish.
I just hope I have time to take photos each day.
Don't let it bother you if you have to let it go. Life does get in the way some times. ;) We still can admire the pictures you upload.