Koh Samui, Thailand

[Tim Pindar]

OK well I got back at the weekend from Koh Samui after a great two week holiday. My best attempts with the camera are here:

http://www.timpindar.com/kohsamui_2011

The Slideshow option works best.

I don't think I managed any real standout shots this year, but here's my favourite. I dragged myself out of bed one day at 5am to try for a sunrise shoot, as the beach pointed east not west so there wasn't a decent sunset to shoot. When I got down to the beach I attracted the attention of some local dogs, which in the pitch dark was a bit scary! I retreated a little and as luck would have it this pooch stuck his head in front of my mini-tripod and I had to capture him/her.

2.5 sec, f/22, ISO 100

I'd welcome any comments on my attempts.

Meanwhile if anyone is interested enough in seeing more of KS to wade through 200 photos including the usual grinning family shots, the full set is here.

 

[Pete Askew]

I really like 6, 9, 12 and 13 in your set at your Zenfolio site. And the dog really makes the sunrise shot. At first I thought it was a bit too soft but having looked at it longer I think that is the right quality for the shot and I'm pleased you didn't push the contrast up. I like it. It has a very calm atmosphere to it. The coconuts shot might work well as a toned B&W. What do you think?

 

[Tim Pindar]

Thanks Pete.

Softness is actually something I am finding in a lot of my photos. I've bought my 17-40 L but even with better quality glass it is there. Of course, I can't really winge about it when I don't own a tripod (apart from the mini one I used for the sunrise shots). Apart from those I couldn't really picture myself using it on this holiday, even if I could have managed the weight on the plane.

A while back Larry B gave me some very good tips for getting sharper photos, which I am now very aware of as things to try.

I'll have a go with the B&W coconuts.

 

[Tim Pindar]

I'm not sure what you had in mind for a toned B&W - something like this perhaps?

 

[Pete Askew]

Exactly like that Tim. Very nicely done and I think the tone works well with the husks. What do you think? In fact, even just the bottom half of the frame works well as a sort of abstract shot as well I think.

 

[Tim Pindar]

This?

EDIT: Now with border

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Love the blue in the sky in the first two - very vibrant

Also like the full frame toned B&W husk shot - very nice

 

[Pete Askew]

What can I say Tim. Square and monochrome! Perfect!! Just a border missing.

 

[Hamish Gill]

Number 12 is my favourite! Great shot, loads going on!
This coconut one is second, but I like the colour version! Really good compo that! Clever compo is actually more accurate - not something everyone would think to do...