Better than PPG?

I have been spending some time going through the gallery pictures. One way to get a flavour of the riches within is to select a particular category, and look at pictures sorted by number of views.

This approach delivers some absolute gems. I suspect that many of us look at the competition pictures, and at those posted to the "Your photos" section, and seldom or never look at the main gallery, especially if we don't post to it ourselves.

There are some stunners lurking there. The architecture gallery is especially good in my view, but chaque a son gout.

The only disappointment is the glamour/nudes section, which contains some really cheesy stuff which should never have seen the light of day (IMHO). Sadly, the portraits section also contains a number of pictures of scantily clad girls which just aren't very good, and which should also have been placed in the cheese department.

Judging by the viewing statistics, this is a forum for mice. The cheese pictures get far more views than the other categories. No surprise there, I suppose, and I can't claim to be oblivious to pulchritudinous nubility myself. It's just that it's usually so badly done.

Anyway, have a look, if you are a gallery virgin. There's lots of good stuff there if you're not a rodent.

G

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Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.

Thanks for this post George, I agree with much of what you have said and I think the Gallery is often better than PPG.

It does seem that only a small proportion of the users on this site do actually post to the Gallery, which is a shame. I probably post far too many (which is also a shame) but it would be nice to see posts from more PU members.

Regards
David

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Flickr

Nicola's Apartments, Kassiopi, Corfu

Some cameras, some lenses, some bits 'n' bobs

I agree George. There are some terrific photos in the gallery. Lots of dross too of course, but the gems really stand out.
Sadly Timbo no longer has his stunning nudes there, which is a real loss. I can recommend his website though.

I don't post photos anywhere I'm afraid. Not that there has been much I would even consider showing in public lately.

[quote:3496ace15f="Gwyn"]Sadly Timbo no longer has his stunning nudes there, which is a real loss. I can recommend his website though.quote]

Has Tim stopped posting pics? He still has them showing in his portfolio page?

Regards
David

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Flickr

Nicola's Apartments, Kassiopi, Corfu

Some cameras, some lenses, some bits 'n' bobs

David - he no longer seems to have his beautiful nudes in the Gallery, though he still has other lovely photos in his Portfolio of course.

His nudes should be compulsory viewing for anyone thinking of getting into that type of photography. Just beautiful, sensual but not all tawdry as so many others seem to be.

I totally agree Gwyn, his nude shots are exemplary and among the very best pictures have seen on the Gallery.

Regards
David

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Flickr

Nicola's Apartments, Kassiopi, Corfu

Some cameras, some lenses, some bits 'n' bobs

I visit the gallery and also browse the portfolios of the members to get ideas of "how it should be done" and if I manage to get a decent shot from this I'm well pleased. I do try to take on board any comments and pointers when I post a photo because as a beginner its important to know where I'm going wrong.

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Regards
Stan

PPG

I've just uploaded some cheese to my gallery just for George

And yes I suppose I should upload more often than I do, but it takes me a long time to get a picture that's even half decent

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My Names Alan, and I'm a lensaholic.
My PPG link
My Flckr link

As one who frequently browses and posts in the gallery - I totally agree that there are some fantastic images in there and if any member does not at least have an occasional look - they are missing out.

It is also true that there are many images in there that are not very good or I do not like them - but I try not to think of these as 'dross'. Who am I to make such a judgement? I have often posted images that I have really liked and received little or no feedback.

I could choose to interpret this as the viewer believing my image to be dross or that the viewer is a philistine - I prefer to conclude the latter

Joking aside - there are some images that are posted that do make you wonder - why?

However, some images are from newbies or less experienced members in the gallery seeking advice - I don't think of these as dross, I think of them as being where we all were once and try to offer useful advice and encouragement. From my own experience - I think many members at this stage of their learning curve will shy away from posting an image thread or seeking c+c in the forum as they may not feel up to that sort of exposure yet

In the 2+ years I have been a member - I have witnessed several other members' work improve out of all recognition by their regular gallery posts and for me that is a joy. Having been a recipient of encouragement and advice from other gallery regulars over that same period - I can also say that my work has definitely benefited from being a gallery regular.

To members who never look at the gallery - I would say - give it a go - and contribute either by sharing your own images or your experience.

Carl

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No matter how many lenses I have owned - I have always needed just one more

By one of those bizarre coincidences, Timbo posted another superb nude two hours after your post, Gwyn.

And I agree with Carl. Many of the less accomplished pictures are posted by newbies,and it's good to encourage them when possible.

G

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Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.

Does that explain why you go for the indecent?

G

PS: That pic isn't indecent, but it does illustrate the main problem that besets people working in a studio - boring light.

Ring the changes, use natural light, bounce it, snoot it, whatever, but at all costs avoid the classic two softboxes/brollies pointed at the model at 90 degrees to each other.

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Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.

does that count for dead things and flowers etc in my "studio in a box" no brollies etc just reading lamps

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Regards
Stan

PPG

It depends what you are trying to do. Flat lighting will suit some subjects, especially if you are simply trying to produce a record shot.

But for the vast majority of photographs, interesting lighting is the sine qua non.

G

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Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.

I thought it was quite acceptable for my first proper studio shoot

But I do agree with you, I much prefer window light and reflectors to flash.

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My Names Alan, and I'm a lensaholic.
My PPG link
My Flckr link

Sorry, I would have been gentler had I known it was your first effort.

But look at similar pictures in the glamour section, and you will see you are not alone, indeed your pic is better than most. With a few glowing exceptions, they are almost all terrible.

G

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Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.