There's something about this image, where my eyes just won't settle on anything. First I'm drawn to the red coat and the metal detail on the boots, but then I'm distracted by the tiny bit of shadow in the top right, maybe this could be cloned out? I think I would have taken more of the red coat and lost some of the wasted space in the foreground. A good idea though, there's just something lacking in the execution of it. Have you tried B&W with just the coat left red? I myself will be at a Remembrance Service in the morning with my camera so will be posting my results tomorrow night.

Fiona

Interesting shot. My first question is why is there no background? I would have thought a portrait like this would include some of the surrounding area to put it into context? At least then the photo would tell a fuller story I guess. Also, the popper is a little distracting for me too, and his eyes really don't look in focus compared to his stubble and some areas of skin (maybe this is an "optical illusion" caused by the detail in the stubble/skin?)

Altogether a good shot, definitely suits black and white, although I wonder what a wider view with more of the surroundings would look like?

Fiona

I can't say, it's a secret. Although it did involve a toasting fork and a undustrial vacuum cleaner...

Cheeky cheeky!

Here here (no political reference intended there). By the way, the chicken was lovely (first time I've cooked a boneless one - usually just shove a whole chicken, legs and all in the oven). It also got a two-thumbs up from Danny!

Going into town for the rememberance service tomorrow morning so should be posting some photos once I'm back. Had a great time last year, did some colour-popping of poppies etc. so looking forward to experimenting again (a bit like my cooking!)

Fiona

Ok, that's a promise! Next time I'm cooking chicken I'll let you know a few days in advance so you can all turn up on my doorstep!

Thanks everyone, it's strange how so silly it all feels now.

Right, I'm off to take the chicken out the oven and put the veg on...

Fiona

LOL. Thanks guys. I'm afraid it's a fairly small boneless rolled joint just big enough for me and Danny - sorry. If it helps I'll be thinking of you whilst eating it!

Fiona

Wow! You are so lucky, squirrels are so flighty round here! My favourite is no. 3 (although they are all good). It's just such a different angle to take and I think the blue sky in the background gives it an almost surreal feel.

Now to find a tame squirrel!

Here squirrel squirrel.... here squirrel squirrel...

Fiona

After a few hours away from the forum, getting a lovely stuffed chicken joint ready for dinner, and reading through the lovely PMs people have sent, I have had a change of thought and will remain as a member of this forum.

I clearly will not "butt in" to other people's conversations in this part of the forum, although I believe that if you want your conversation to be private you really should PM each other, afterall this is a public forum where surely anyone can join in.

I don't like debates getting heated, in real life or online and will try to lighten the mood with a joke or phrase. Clearly that was not welcomed and I will never do it again - although I wouldn't say I was witless or unhelpful (I thought it was funny and tried to help lighten the mood).

I personally feel that there is NO place in this public forum to discuss religion or politics, and even though the General Chat forum is not necessarily for photography only talk, I don't think these subjects should be posted here either. It just stirs up a hornets nest of emotion and, in some cases anger, that I don't come here to read.

I will stay and learn from this forum, but will definitely be thinking not twice, but three times before contributing to anything again.

Fiona

So that's where the handbag money ended up!

Sorry, I probably read your comment to my comment wrongly. It just felt like my opinion had been completely dismissed and made me wonder why I bother sometimes.

In reflection, I get annoyed sometimes with forums because it's so easy to read a "tone" in someone's reply that is not there or intended. I apologise.

Fiona