Hi Stan,

You should be able to get decent sharpness with the 55-300mm. But there have been discussions previously about the lack of sharpness with this lens, and certain possible reasons.

I found that i couldn't get a decnt focus, especialy at longer focal lengths, and the reason was because I had a UV filter on. Others have had problems using a CPL filter on it too. So, if you have got a filter on it, take it off and have a go like that and let us know how you get on.

If it's not that, maybe someone else can help you. But I've found that lens pretty sharp on the K-r.

Cheers,

ds

+1

Continue please, Shaun. I hardly use PS and yet I can use other editing programs easily. I know it's just a question of sitting down and learning it....or then it could be a question of watching these tutorials!

That's the category I was looking for nass!

None of the above.

And I won't have any children or grandchildren so I'm doubly not fussed!

I find these very interesting too, dr. It's a price I could probably run to, whereas the Lee's are possibly a step too far....financially speaking, of course.

I don't find it strange that people are worried about the judging aspect. I was when I first started, but you just have to give it your best shot.

If I were one of those that are terrified of the experience, I'd look back at the judging of each competition and see if the judge got any negative comments from entrants about their critiques. Then you'll see we are all just a bunch of pussycats!

I see there is an entry in the comp now, so this will be my last post here. This is my viewpoint on the comp, to clarify it as completely as I can, and to answer John Riley's point.

You can enter an image for this comp in 2 different ways.

1. The "simple" way is to produce a photo as usual which has a strong textural feel to it. It isn't necessary to use a textured layer at all.

2. The other way is to use a textured layer to give your photo a different feel. It doesn't have to be done to give a grunge effect as in Shaun's thread. You can give an old-fashioned look to a photo, for instance. But Shaun's thread was an inspiration for the theme, and there is a useful instructional video in that thread, already linked to here.

It is only necessary to provide the EXIF data for the main photo, not for the textural layer. The layer can be taken from other sources. There are many free ones on the net.

To answer John's point, the layer is not important to me, as long as it adds a contextual and relevant feel to the photo.

But the simple answer is, if you don't feel comfortable using a textural layer then don't. Find something you find more natural. That was the point of the choice, to make it available to all.

Anyway, I'm off now to look at the first entry. I do hope everyone understands it now. It should be an enjoyable experience whichever way you choose. in the meantime, I'm going to have a go and see if I can get something on Shaun's thread!

Cheers,

ds

Exactly! That was the point.

In my view, I like the idea of having an assignment for the fortnight. To be honest, I think that if it was 4 weeks then I'd probably forget about it for a while and then suddenly try to do something in the last week or so. I don't mind whether it;s in the gallery or on the forum.

The only reason I wouldn't enter is because I'm not interested in the subject.

I suspect people prefer the weekly because you can just sit at home and pick aa photo from the archives. It's no challenge to do that, but I understand that some people have little time. in fact, listening to what some people say, it's a wonder they get out to take any photographs at all.

Anyway, given what I've said, I'm easy whatever happens. I'd like the comp to continue, but will go along with a general concensus.

There's no problem with people shooting their own texture. In fact, I'd encourage it. But it's not necessary. I couldn't prove it anyway.

Now, before anyone else thinks of this, the texture image used does NOT have to have been taken in the 2 weeks of the comp, only the main photo.

Can of worms...........