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Weekly #544 - Penny wise, Pound foolish! Competition

Competition Details
Closing Date: 17/12/2017
Judge: Noelcmn

Straight out of the memory banks, from the time SA was still a British colony, and we had lots of Pennies and Pounds, which I still incidentally have quite a few of in my coin collection. The adage is of course used of a person that lacks control over money and finances, or using it wisely. The challenge this week is "Show me the Money". From wherever you are in the world, or perhaps like me, you have a collection of coins and notes, either as a hobby or as in my case, collected from my travels, or given me by my family/friends from their travels. Be creative!
Usual rules apply:
Image must be shot with Pentax and acceptable clones.
Winner is expected to set, comment and judge the next challenge.
No time frame, you are free to submit from your archives, or take one specially for this challenge.
Closes on Sunday 17th December 2017 at Midnight. All things being equal, judging takes place Monday morning.
Winner
Competition Entries
JAK
Posted 11/12/2017 - 20:02 Link
John K
Noelcmn
Posted 11/12/2017 - 20:25 Link
WOW, rather strict! Thanks John. Perhaps one of the Moderators can advise if I should change the challenge.
johnriley
Posted 11/12/2017 - 23:11 Link
Perhaps steer clear of banknotes.
Best regards, John
JAK
Posted 11/12/2017 - 23:35 Link
The Euro rules aren't so strict if it helps anyone (thoughI've never had any in my hands!)
John K
Mag07
Posted 13/12/2017 - 05:54 Link
A photo in itself is not a reproduction. Nowhere on that page is photography referred to in any way
'Photography...it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten....' (Aaron Siskind)
davidwozhere
Posted 15/12/2017 - 23:52 Link
This is becoming a bit like the Telegoons (anyone remember them?) They went round buying things with photos of money and shooting spies with photos of guns and so on!
Both the *istDS and the K5 are incurably addicted to old glass

My page on Photocrowd
Noelcmn
Posted 18/12/2017 - 08:15 Link
Well, not as many entries as I had hoped, considering the ease of the availability of the subject matter, though I dare say the (appreciated) legal barring of images of notes that we were warned of, probably put a damper on the exercise. I am delighted though with the images presented, and besides that all are true to theme, high standard of skill, and for this challenge, an educational note to bump one's knowledge. I thought a very interesting bunch of entries. Thank you all for entering, these are my thoughts.

Perspicador-Currency - Straight to the encyclopaedia with this interesting and informative shot, wonderfully sharp and detailed, and ticks all the marks for composition, light, colour and certainly holds your interest for something that seems the furthest removed from pounds and pennies. I have a new respect for myself as a beachcomber.

JAK-Secret Money Tree - What a good eye you have there, and I’d be interested in the story behind this tree. A memory jarring one, reminding me (and I’m sure for many others) of those times when mom or dad exclaimed “do you think money grows on trees?” Lovely coppery tones to this, connecting it with the dominant common colour of most coins. And I like the fading OOF parts at the top section, creating a note of interest to explore that trunk some more. Texture is wonderful too, and no problem with composition and light is spot on. Add to that a note of “ancient” that would make a few “instant” archaeologists and you have a very interesting documentary image! Wait till I meet my late dad again, I’m sure to tell him he was wrong and him depriving me of pocket money has damaged my psyche .

GlynM-Loose change - Another wonderful image from one whom I term “the PP champion”. Composition, awesome rich colours, almost two toned, amazing details, DOF and light blend together for a top notch image. Composition and the angle is superb, and even for a (casual) coin collector as myself, just can’t avoid my exploring eye examining this image, if only to find some I recognise, or which I do not have! FAB SHOT!

Mag07- Penny for your thoughts – I had wondered if I would get an image of one of those “fortune fountains” and satisfied with this one. Beautifully crafted image, with a fine balance between some abstractions and solid architecture and the angled composition has kept contextual elements in the image, though I dare say some purists would demand straightening the lines. Personally I think that it enhances the interest of this image. B/W has wonderful impact, the light has been very well controlled here with those few sun flares, and details excellent with those coins in the foreground holding a strong interest. Make me tourist will you?

NigelK- On the toss of a coin – Oh excellent sir! Have tried several times to get shots of coins in mid-air, with median success, never mind getting one tossed complete with thumb and light trails. Fabulous timing and one does get the sense that this was a difficult exercise to pull off, and I wonder how many attempts were made. Light and composition is spot on, though the focus could be sharper, but under difficult conditions, perfectly acceptable. And very creative idea! And one I hope you will pursue- loads of potential there.

Davidwozhere-Roll a penny - Another beautifully executed image, with a fine balance between selective focus and bokeh, and creating a wonderful minimalist image. Wow, that a penny is wonderfully sharp, and rightly holds the attention to keep with the title. Colours are spot on, and as with GlynM’s image, very pleasing two tones, excellent light control here and adding the black background has enhanced this image. Great idea, well executed!

Johnriley- Balancing the Books – Top marks for creativity, who needs some archaic rules about taking pics of notes! Composition is beautiful, as are the details and light, sharp focus and colour. And though not as ancient as JAK’s image, enough here to hit a note of nostalgia with that (I think) an old postal scale, one of which we had in the company I worked for over the years, and which I loved very much. And I do have a few of those in my collection.


Paulb531-An Early Two Pound Coin – An excellent macro shot, reminding me that macro shots are not to be confined to plants and insects. Lovely details and DOF here, and colour is very appealing. The word regal comes to mind, suitable for the coin. Composition too suggests a creative photographer, and the temptation to shoot a coin full face has been firmly resisted for one much more interesting.

Dromfit – 9000 year cash! – What an interesting image, and even more interesting video, which I watched with fascination. Another knowledge enhancing image. An almost abstract feel to this, and the colour suitably enhancing something so ancient. Composition fine, and light acceptable, given it’s a museum piece. Some textural elements and strong lines all add to the interest pique. Lucky you, to be situated right on top of all that ancient artefacts. Is there some financial reward?

Onto the podium matters:

1. GlynM – just an all-round wonderful image, with all the elements of a fine photograph.
2. NigelK- Only just pipped by GlynM-challenging photographic technique, well executed.
3. Mag07- Beautifully crafted image.

And happy to confer HM’s on all other entries.
Edited by Noelcmn: 18/12/2017 - 08:16
GlynM
Posted 18/12/2017 - 09:22 Link
Oh gosh! Many thanks Noel for another of your well managed and grand challenges. While, as appears to be the norm at this time of year, there was not a huge number of entries I thought this competitions did really well to attract a wonderful range of well crafted interpretations.

Thanks also for awarding my loose change the top slot. Congratulations to fellow podium members Nigel and Magdalena (I am in awe of Nigel's fantastic image) and everyone else for rising to the challenge.

I will post a new subject up shortly.

Glyn
Nigelk
Posted 18/12/2017 - 16:30 Link
Well done all, as usual a lovely diverse selection of entries. Congratulations to GlynM, a lovely glistening pile of loose change. It has the look of treasure!
paulb531
Posted 19/12/2017 - 21:08 Link
Congratulations to Glyn a great high impact image. Many thanks to noel for the competition and excellent feedback.

paul
Mag07
Posted 20/12/2017 - 17:03 Link
Thank you so much for hosting and judging and your lovely comments. Congratulations to everyone!
'Photography...it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten....' (Aaron Siskind)

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