Raoul's China Saloon (V5.0) Beta
The Bar Room => The Saloon Photo Album => Topic started by: George on August 20, 2007, 02:39:19 AM
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Hokay! Fuelled by a large bowl of Spaghetti Georgeionaise, and a bottle of Great Wall red, and nagged by the fact that I haven't posted anything substantial for a hell of a long time, I have started this thread. While I admit I'm not the greatest photographer on the planet, I do have a certain approach to my photography, and try to utilise this style whenever posting shots. Not every shot is great, or even good, but with digital cameras, this doesn't matter. Simply delete the shithouse ones. I never edit until I have them on the computer.
Lets look at "Faces". Since I posted the original thread, there have been a couple of other threads started along the same lines. Lotus' recent post got me started on this!! For faces, you gotta get in close..."in your face", so to speak! Editing is acceptable, sometimes even necessary.
As an example, have a look at this one, and the rationale behind the editing.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/oldscroll-1.jpg)
I stalked this bloke for a few minutes until I had the shot. I waited until the snoopy bloke took his eyes off me, and onto the scroll. I used the zoom lens to cut tight, but still showing what had his attention. The background could have been more fuzzy, but I shoot on Auto, so I deal with what I get.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/y151/Deborann/T-XinjiangExpedition345copy.jpg)
This deserves better treatment. A great face, but why not get in close and grab that expression?? Or crop that dead area on the left! A second "head and shoulders" shot would have been wonderful!
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/Deborann/T-XinjiangExpedition1815copy-1.jpg)
What is behind his head?? A little lateral movement, left or right, would have removed that motorbike!
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/Deborann/T-XinjiangExpedition1796copy-1.jpg)
Another potentially great shot spoiled by not isolating the face.
Sometimes, you just gotta grab 'em when you can. Kids don't stand still for long. With this one I was lucky...and quick with the zoom. Technically, not brilliant, but it's a great shot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/younggirl3.jpg)
Eagle scores with these two....
(http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1103/4551358/16433929/252511262.jpg)
(http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1103/4551358/16433929/252511267.jpg)
I love the second one, as well as a couple of others in that set. Some others could handle a bit of judicious cropping.
This one from Martin is an example of where cropping is needed. The background is entirely superfluous, and tight cropping would improve the shot.
(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff261/martijndh/PICT0007b.jpg?t=1187498026)
Taking liberties........
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/Image1-2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/Image4-2.jpg)
To do this sort of stuff seriously, you need a paintshop, or a photoshop program. It's worth it!
OK, enough to start with. Next time, maybe landscapes. Tip of the day...Take the extra couple of seconds to look at the background!
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I have Photoshop, but I haven't played with it enough yet to do much, so tend not to use it. I use it to resize and not a lot more.
It's on my list of 'things to learn" - coming down a a bit from Chinese, Tan, what the hell an F-stop is etc. I will get there one day, I promise!! axaxaxaxax
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I just got photoshop cs2 two days ago and have yet to try it out (I'm visiting at my USAnian son-in-law's - he's an IT guy - and got it gifted along with a small HP460 printer for taking travelling. Thanks for the advice, George.
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I have, or had, CS2 on my computer. I can't use it. It does weird things to my prints. I've been using PaintshopPro for years, and prefer it to Photoshop. I'm not all that clever when it comes to tricks and stuff like that, but for the simple photo adjustments, it's great.
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For simple stuff I have bee using Photoshop Elements. Even the basic Windows editor that comes with Vista is okay for very simple editing.
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A little bit of playing around with the Contrast adjustments, makes a big difference.
This is only a copy of a copy of a copy, so results will be better when working with the original.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/T-XinjiangExpedition626copy.jpg)
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This is where personal taste comes in. Yours gives more definition of the dzong - I liked mine because of the moody feeling. Sunset behind the dzong, a touch of mystery - atmosphere.
And sometimes it is the same with faces - stuff behind them can anchor them in a time and place. Depends a lot of what you are looking for - portraiture or feeling.
But I do need to learn to play more with Photoshop.
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My photography skills are limited to point and press button. So I am in awe at this thread and discussion. I could only hope to have limited photography skills at some point in my lifetime.
Great shots George.
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Ta, Limubai. Remember, not all of them are mine. I'm simply illustrating what can be done to "improve"? ? some shots. The Dzong pic of Lotus' got twice the contrast treatment, to bring up the flags. It could have been just as good with less. Digital cameras hold a LOT of detail in the shadows.
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(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/Deborann/T-XinjiangExpedition324copy2.jpg)
That one definitely loses interest when taken away from his sheep and the crowd at the back. Still a great face - but no context, no story.
This one I straightened - and again figure I lost a fair bit of 'feeling'.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/Deborann/T-XinjiangExpedition994copy-1.jpg)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/Deborann/T-XinjiangExpedition994copy.jpg)
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True, Lotus, but the point of the original photo was the bloke with the sheep. Not a good choice to isolate the face, just for the sake of the face! Besides, he's a tad out of focus, close-up!!
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Don't do things to your photos just for the sake of doing them! By all means, try to improve the original, but if you don't feel good about it, discard it! Don't try to make a silk portrait out of a sow's ear! Decide what you are doing before you take the shot. Atmosphere and a story, or a portrait of an interesting face. Look at my originals, untouched except for re-sizing.......
This is the original shot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/marketman001.jpg)
This is the presented shot. Not a lot of difference.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/oldscroll-1.jpg)
This one....the original.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/marketgirl001.jpg)
And the finished product. I could have probably cropped a bit closer on the right side to cut the bit of bike wheel.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/younggirl.jpg)
This is the original.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/marketgirl002.jpg)
And the finished product.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/younggirl3.jpg)
It's your original intent that is important. Take that shot, then work to improve it, or not. As you can see, I didn't do much to number 1, and only minor cropping to 2 and 3. Don't be afraid to use the camera sideways!!
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Most of my photos are taken on the fly - walking through places, from car/train/bus windows etc. I rarely stalk people - just see them gesture to see if it's Ok to take it, then show them - so again I don't ask them to move or spend a lot of time setting up photos.
The ones that have the most set up time are about half the scenery ones.
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This is where a sneaky disposition and a good zoom lens come in handy. If I see something, or someone, worth shooting, I will do it. I don't take a lot of stuff from bus/car windows, because I know I will usually be disappointed with the results.
Stalking is fun! Sometimes it doesn't work. TIFC, so you always have someone walk through the shot at the wrong moment!!
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I lust after a DLSR. What is yours? Mine camera is a canon Powershot Pro 1 with a 1,5 extension =to double my zoom - but it is still not as close as I would like.
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Yes, I'm drooling for a DSLR too. I have a Finepix S9500 with x10 zoom, by Fuji. A great camera, but I have the nagging suspicion that the lens isn't as good as it could be. I will look at alternatives when I find the camera shop section of Jinan. It's there somewhere, but I haven't been too insistent on finding it yet.
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Heyya George, I've been doing some homework with PhotoFiltre. It's a hell of a lot of work though. Not just the cropping, but if you want to take a look at all your pictures, if you rarely use a program like that, if some need touching up on the colors or brightness... Argh.. well, tell me what you think:
This one was taken on a beautiful day in Hoi An, Vietnam with an absolute piece of shit of a camera.
(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff261/martijndh/PICT0012.jpg?t=1187896280)
The colors are untampered with, but I couldn't get the powerline in the clouds better than this.
(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff261/martijndh/PICT0012b.jpg?t=1187899817)
This one was taken with my just then newly aquired Fuji Finepix Z2. I loved that cam. In this picture (Angor Wat, Cambodia) I wanted to take the sculptures and the girl on the stairs.
(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff261/martijndh/DSCF0827.jpg?t=1187899881)
I cropped it, added more shadow and gave her a bit more color so that she stands out more in an otherwise colorless picture.
(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff261/martijndh/DSCF0827b.jpg?t=1187899918)
Still in Cambodia, at another temple this time. She just has a priceless look on her face I think. Not happy, but priceless none the less.
(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff261/martijndh/DSCF0852bgirlatBayon.jpg?t=1187900070)
Cropped a bit and a few clicks on color and contrast
(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff261/martijndh/DSCF0852bgirlatBayonb.jpg?t=1187899370)
I was stupid enough though to leave my Fuji in a taxi in Harbin, but I bought a new one a short while ago; Z5. I just love the point 'n shooters. The fits-in-pocket factor is very important to me and when the light is good (in the dark it's not that good) it takes nice pics. Shot some nice scenery in Yangshuo this summer holiday :)
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Good job, Martin!! The whole bike in the second pic may have been a better option, but the missing powerline is a nice touch. Love the last pic!!
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Thanks for making this a "sticky" Laoban.
This is a rework of ybiel's photo from his/her Beijing thread. Nothing drastic.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/Beijing.jpg)
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Thanks guys, keep up the good info flow. Maybe I will learn to take good pics, or at least how to doctor them to look as if I can.
About the only skill I have is cropping and/or framing, although I am pretty good at timing, too. But then, George just made me better by getting me to consider things I hadn't thought of.
Thanks again. Keep up the good work.
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I've taken precisely 3 photos since I got back from Oz!! Bloody disgusting! I've been busy going through all my stock, making Flashcards. Amazing what you can use.
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Ok, George and all the other experts. HELP asasasasas llllllllll
I took a bunch of pictures this weekend. When I look at them as they are in my computer they have a LARGE date imprinted on them and it isn't the date I took the pictures. asasasasas Why?
I checked my camera and the date is correct therefore it is the 'Windows picture and fax viewer'. How do I fix or correct this?? asasasasas llllllllll llllllllll
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Kill the date function on your camera. It isn't necessary and intrudes on the picture. Your uploader should display a date when you load them onto the computer. Check your computer date, as well.
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I checked and it was my camera that was imprinting the wrong date. The date when I checked in set-up was correct. I have turned it off. Thanks George agagagagag
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Not a problem, DS. agagagagag
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I'm good at photoshop. What do you guys need done?
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Dunno, Rajin. By the time most photos get posted, they've already had some treatment.
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Alright, well I saw some posts earlier that said Photoshop was off of people's computers temporarily. Thought I'd offer.
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I neither have Photoshop nor have any idea how to use it.
Could you do a very simple bit for me?
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I went to school for photography and have been using Photoshop since '96... but I recently had to sell my SLR, DSLR and all my lenses...(http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/sad010.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org)...hopefully there are some good deals on glass over there.... plus, if anyone wants a copy of CS3 let me know *wink wink*
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Really big hugs and lots of drinks for that loss dasein. agagagagag agagagagag jjjjjjjjjj jjjjjjjjjj jjjjjjjjjj
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Looooooooooong time since this thread has been used. I have recently bought a new computer...faster, stronger, higher. etc, so have installed Photoshop CS5. I've previously done all my work with Paintshop. Photoshop is a completely different animal, and I am having fun learning how to drive it! HDR..High Dynamic Range has been something I have wanted to do, so I found an online tutorial. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy, as they say!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/Buddha.jpg)
This is the original normal shot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/testHDR01.jpg)
This is the HDR result.
The first pic is a one-shot. The second pic is a bracket of 3 shots...one under-exposed, one exposed, and one over-exposed. If you have a digital SLR, this can be set. Then follow the directions at http://www.graphicmania.net/how-to-create-hdr-photos-in-photoshop-cs5 (http://www.graphicmania.net/how-to-create-hdr-photos-in-photoshop-cs5)
HDR is best used for static images, scenic, buildings, etc, but I will try shooting The Babe, providing she can pose long enough without moving, for 3 shots!! The results may, or may not, be posted here!
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That is really great George. bfbfbfbfbf I feel such a dill with modern technology; I can't even take a photo now. bibibibibi
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Granny, if an old bastard like me can learn new tricks, anyone can. Having said that,I must admit that modern poker machines have me bamfoozled!
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Try this one. A photo in Suzhou, that I took on the Inaugural Saloon Meeting.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/Suzhou01.jpg)
Playing with HDR is fun!
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An outer suburb of Jinan, obviously in winter.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/Jinan01.jpg)
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And one more for luck...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/Jinan02.jpg)
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agagagagag George. Just what is needed on a steamy day in summer ... a blast from the winter ahahahahah
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Can't be steamy on a little island cooled by balmy sea breezes, can it?
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75% to 95% is standard humidity in summer. kkkkkkkkkk Even in winter it stays around 65% and our breezes are just as likely to be barmy aoaoaoaoao as balmy ahahahahah
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ZOUNDS! I LOVE the HDR trick! That's a beaut! So ... but I need to shoot brackets, eh? Huh. That really makes me want to hit the bricks for a walk!
Thanks, George! iiiiiiiiii
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(http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o590/wooo_O/bronze-heart-16bit-web_zpsa8b9d44f.jpg)
mmmmmmmmmm? ... I dunno if I like it, and that may be the result of just fiddling with and looking at it for -- a long time / way tooo long.
On my walk I did what I refer to as the medium loop around my hood shooting brackets ... about 1 3/4 stops apart. This is actually just outside my front door - the first three shots I got in fact. (valentine's day, and all ...) ... but I think I should go back and dig around on the card for something with a broader palette.
GAH. amamamamam
I both love and hate the processing bebebebebe . It's the reason I ditched my plans for a photography major and took up ceramics (that and the 'buy film and paper and eat pasta with margarine' vs. 'get all the free clay you can carry and eat pasta with ... butter AND a vegetable' question: I always was partial to a bit of butter. ;)
I'll be back if I can do better before it's time to head out and buy a vegetable - TWO even!
:)
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I dunno what software you are using Maifeilan, but if it is Photoshop I would cut back on "Detail", add a touch of "vibrance" and a bit of "saturation".
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It's photo shop ... don't know what you'll make of these either ... I like them. I like their crunchy-ness too ... the detail really gives it that, eh? It may be tooo busy for some eyeballs. I should try with less and see what.
Here below may also present a case of " aoaoaoaoao WHOOOOOOOOOA, lead finger! Cut back on the saturation and vibrancy!"
I may need to curb my enthusiasm for particular sliders ... ahahahahah
It IS fun. Time-gobbling - but fun!
iiiiiiiiii
MAX-saturate ALL the things!!!!
(http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o590/wooo_O/pink-lady-hdr-16bit-web_zpsda837222.jpg)
(http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o590/wooo_O/walltree-hdr-16bit-web_zpsfdf7bfeb.jpg)
(http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o590/wooo_O/friends-for-a-walk-16bit-web_zps314be016.jpg)
edited to correct shameful and embarrassing grammatical error. :-[
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... :)
(http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o590/wooo_O/warm-hands-16bit-web-2_zps177df3cd.jpg)
edited to note: I have been staring for too long at my laptop screen. I came back after a quick nip out and thought both of the last two looked flat and awful. So I tried again and switched them out for my second attempt ... better I guess. This will take some practice.
xxxxxxxxxx
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go ahead.
take feast your eyes on off of theeeez or'ngez!
o_O
(http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o590/wooo_O/oranges-16-bit-web-2_zpsd2cb5706.jpg)
... sigh. I'm tired today.
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Now, yer getting there! Very nice.. agagagagag agagagagag
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go ahead. take feast your eyes on off of theeeez or'ngez!
o_O
(http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o590/wooo_O/oranges-16-bit-web-2_zpsd2cb5706.jpg)
... sigh. I'm tired today.
I like. You got some nice HDR going on there with this one.
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bjbjbjbjbj thanks fellas! agagagagag
Well, now that playtime is nearing an end (lesson planning week has arrived)... I'll finish my noob hdr experiments here ...
I think these are more or less on point and they represent the last 5 minutes of my walk home :)
(http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o590/wooo_O/streetvendors-16bit-web_zpsea6c9d21.jpg)
I especially looked for shots where I could grab just one moving element and let the ghosts hang around in the negative. I really like this one :)
(http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o590/wooo_O/yellow-boxes-16bit-web_zps5bc00eb2.jpg)
The ghosts don't do anything for this one, but I'm due for a shower and headed out to dinner, so I shall let its flaws stand for now.
(http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o590/wooo_O/chao-shi-16bit-2-web_zps9dcf9040.jpg)
Thanks again for the feedback, comrade shutterbugs!
agagagagag agagagagag agagagagag ...
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A few pix of Tulous in Fujian province. Stayed overnight in the oval Tulou.
(http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/aaronjmatteson/Xiamen/IMG_0383.jpg)
(http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/aaronjmatteson/Xiamen/IMG_0374.jpg)
(http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/aaronjmatteson/Xiamen/IMG_0362.jpg)
(http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/aaronjmatteson/Xiamen/IMG_0371.jpg)
(http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/aaronjmatteson/Xiamen/IMG_0343.jpg)
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They are great buildings aren't they. The restaurant pic is interesting. Not many customers in such a large space' Was it early or late?
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Pardon my ignorance A-Train, but what do you do there in what appears to be an isolated place?
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Pardon my ignorance A-Train, but what do you do there in what appears to be an isolated place?
...watch the Chinese perform their morning toiletries around you as you eat breakfast. Listen to your neighbors pee in a bucket in the middle of the night since there are no bathrooms. Smell the burnt tofu. Observe the men smoke and toss the butts into the beautiful, UNESCO-sanctioned, landscape.
Just kidding, it's a beautiful place up in the mountains with plenty to see and read about. The Tulou is one of the coolest places I've ever stayed in. I recommend the oval-shaped one in "Four Dishes...", it's the biggest, cleanest and feels like you're more inside than outside as compared to the others despite not having a roof. Our tour guide was a resident of this Tulou and gave us fantastic opportunities to walk the scenic and sprawling, ancient towns along the rivers. At night we drank local teas, chugged local alcohol and laughed at each others' attempts at karaoke.
Xiamen is a whole different story. Very crowded, but interesting in its own way. Especially, the island of Gulangyu.
(http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/aaronjmatteson/Xiamen/IMG_0175.jpg)
(http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/aaronjmatteson/Xiamen/IMG_0231.jpg)
Revenge of the Goose!
(http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/aaronjmatteson/Xiamen/IMG_0279.jpg)
(http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/aaronjmatteson/Xiamen/IMG_0342.jpg)
(http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/aaronjmatteson/Xiamen/IMG_0340.jpg)
(http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/aaronjmatteson/Xiamen/IMG_0382.jpg)
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... another place to add to our 'must go...' list! Thanks, A-train. bfbfbfbfbf
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Not to be picky, but these tourist photos should be in the Photo Album in their own threads.
This thread is more for experimental, techniques, and tips,etc.
HDR tomatoes
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/gingermeggs/Untitled_HDR3_zps8bd27ea6.jpg)
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hey A Train I have an identical Tulou pic. I love that place it's like being in a National Geographic movie. akakakakak
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George, I really don't know much about photography, but I really like the colour structure in your photo. The red tomatoes with the light reflecting and the green bowl and the dark background. Thanks and I think it is an interesting photo. bfbfbfbfbf
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Thanks, Granny. I kinda like it myself.
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hey A Train I have an identical Tulou pic. I love that place it's like being in a National Geographic movie. akakakakak
Thanks for the recommendations. It kept us away from the most commercialized areas.
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It's my pleasure! It's a great place and best to stay overnight as then they day tour people go home and it's nice and quiet
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It's my pleasure! It's a great place and best to stay overnight as then they day tour people go home and it's nice and quiet
Yes, very quiet. Until the guests next to you get up to pee in the toilet...I mean their buckets.
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Here's a link to more pics......
http://www.kuriositas.com/2013/03/the-tulous-of-fujian-province.html (http://www.kuriositas.com/2013/03/the-tulous-of-fujian-province.html)
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Thanks for the links George; I know they are not supposed to be posted here. I would never have had the opportunity to find out more about this unusual place. Makes me wonder about other special/unusual places. It also makes me wonder how you could hear someone, next door, pee in a bucket, given the structure of those walls. mmmmmmmmmm
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It also makes me wonder how you could hear someone, next door, pee in a bucket, given the structure of those walls. mmmmmmmmmm
Those walls surround the perimeter. Inside it's all wood; the rooms, stairs etc. If you're a light sleeper, you'll hear every footstep and so much more.
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Thanks A-Train! bfbfbfbfbf
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Campus
(http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/aaronjmatteson/DUFE/Winter.jpg)
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Looks blooody cooooold!
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Thank goodness that I only get to see the cold in the photos. I couldn't put up with it now at my age. Thanks for showing it A-Train! bfbfbfbfbf
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Really? Is this the Chinese version of a "Brazilian"? Or is the gap in his taste for clothing?
(http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/aaronjmatteson/China/IMG_0480.jpg)
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This place is literally two doors down from a sex shop. Wish I could have gotten them in the same frame.
(http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/aaronjmatteson/DUFE/IMG_0466.jpg)
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A-Train, I can't see your "Brazillian" photo, but thanks for the "oral" one. bfbfbfbfbf
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Yes. Who deleted the Brazillian pic??
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Yes. Who deleted the Brazillian pic??
Being technically declined, it was probably me. But...IT'SSSS BAAAACK!!!!
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Amazing.
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Thanks A-Train. That guy would have to be very brave or very naive. I noticed that the young lady in the photo seemed to be looking at something. One could only hope that something similar wasn't on the back of his pants. ahahahahah ahahahahah
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Thanks A-Train. That guy would have to be very brave or very naive. I noticed that the young lady in the photo seemed to be looking at something. One could only hope that something similar wasn't on the back of his pants. ahahahahah ahahahahah
I don't even want to think about what might be on the seat of his britches.
Is this a fashion he'll look back upon when older and be embarrassed? Or will he look even stupider at that age?