I give mine a trial and for some reason the clouds moved in the first few seconds of my vid and then froze but the star trails kept going so I don't know what happened, I normally just capture still on my mirrorless camera but must get use to this gopro... Anyway you did a great capture on this video.

Fascinating to watch.

Sounds like you had fun getting this image, Simon. It is well composed and this image is much better than the one you took the night before. Those lights on the grass under the tree and the angle of the camera in the first image were distracting. This image centers attention on the star trails and everything else plays a supporting role. (It's a good thing you didn't wait until the last night to get the photo.)

The backlighting of the subject really works here. In this case, I think the aberration actually highlights the image with the color complimenting the green. The colors in the overall image compliment each other and draw us to the main subject. I also like the backlit spider thread in the image. I like to take photos that I react to. Some take time to get just the right composition, and others it can be a quick shot--both are things that caught my attention. Then there are always those happy accidents when things turn out much better than expected.

I like this. The white outline around all the green is majestic.

I really like hearing about the thought that went into making this photograph. I think it is a much stronger image than you might have produced taking a photo of just the red leaves. This makes the main leaf stand out, but also gives us an indication it isn't the only leaf in the forest, but one among many. Thanks for the reminder to look around before assuming the obvious is the answer.

I do like the color in the photo, Simon. I think the green background helps to set the seed heads apart and, like you said, does give it life. Though I don't do a blog about my photos, I do review them and come back to them several times. For the last several years I have put a video together of the photos I have taken throughout the year, some good and some mediocre, but all memories. When people ask me about the photos, I can remember details about the experience of taking the image. Rarely, do I not remember where the photo was taken (the year it was taken is a different matter, because it all seems like it was just yesterday or this year.) I, like you, remember similar photos that I have taken and attempt to improve upon them. I like your comparison to life in the photo to a new beginning in this year. Each year brings us closer to our end on earth, but provides us the opportunity to grow and develop while we are yet here.

I liked your message, Simon. We should all be in a state of transition every day, but especially at the turn of the year. I really like the framing of the image and use of the backlight to bring out the detail in the leaf. Hope you have a wonderful year ahead.

I like it. It is a very pleasant photo.

This is amazing, Simon. It looks like he is posing for you. I understand the "not wildlife photographer"comment. I have tried and will attempt shots of wildlife if they present themselves to me, but I like things that are not moving, myself. I have attempted squirrels in the past, but by the time I have the camera up and ready to take the photo, the squirrel has moved on.

I like it! He is looking right at you and that really makes the shot.

Very much enjoyed the year in review. As far as your top three pictures of the year. I loved them all. The first one, I remember well. You were so excited that it worked as well as it did. I never looked at it close enough to see the fireflies. I like that they are showing motion in the other direction from where the stars are going. The second photo is sci-fi inspiring. It reminds me of something that would be a plot point on a TNG episode. Knowing that it was all done "for real" makes it even better. I might be making this a wallpaper, it is perfect. The third and final photo is timeless. I love the warmth and stillness. I am glad that it is connected to memories, which adds value to everything. I also really like the solid line of the ocean through the picture. It is such a perfectly flat level line that it almost looks altered. Finally, I was unaware of the photography funk that you found yourself in during the fall of 2024. I have experienced similar down times during my own creation process. It is good to be reminded that it is something that we all have to deal with. Thank you for doing what you do. I enjoy that despite anything else that might be going on in the world, I can count on Weekly Fifty to keep doing what you do.

I like the way this emphasizes the depth of this image. That was dedication to get the image, Simon. I am glad that you were standing on a step stool and not on a rolling chair also. I think it would have been interesting to see what it would look like if you had swapped the purple duck with the yellow, but as it is, I think the contrast between the out of focus purple duck and the yellow one brings the yellow one forward and highlights it.

Those were memorable images from this year, Simon, though if I had to choose your top three, I think I would have had a harder time doing it (perhaps because I don't have the emotional attachments from being there). I don't have a problem with AI images, if people want to create that way, but I think they ought to label them as such. Most artists don't try to convince us that a painting is a photograph. I see AI as another art form, but it isn't photography. Currently, a lot of the AI landscape images I have seen are not realistic and are easy to detect, especially if you have ever been to those places. Hope you have a wonderful year ahead.

The simplicity makes the photo, Simon. The delicate detail of the feather needs the simplicity. In one sense, the feather is better than the bird because it leads us into the photo and, at least for me, makes me wonder what kind of a bird was there. The reddish tips to the plant adds just enough contrast to add interest without distractions. It may not be the bird, but it does tell a story.

Simon, you created a nice depth in this image. I like the subject of the single seed in the pod and the way it stands out, especially with the contrasting green leaves in the background (a nice Christmas color combination, don't you think?). The back light on the seed pod adds to the separation of the pod from the leaves. I find that returning to the same subject helps to hone my composition skills. Some subjects are destined to be subjects of learning. As the weather gets colder, I find that I work on photographing subjects inside more, and working on subjects with the extension tubes is a challenging task. But challenge is what keeps photography interesting. One day, I may justify myself in buying a macro lens.😄

I like how you created depth in the image, Simon and you used your lights well to create interest, mood, and contrast. I never saw the movie, so I am not aware of what the story is, but the image, I like.

You're welcome!

Wow, Simon, I think the water made the image work. Great lighting effects. You have inspired me to try more macro photos. I only have extension tubes, but it is fun to experiment with them. If I ever get involved enough in macro photography, I might be able to justify buying a macro lens.

The color on this image is amazing, Simon. The contrast between the butterfly and the background flowers enhances the subject. You certainly do a nice job of macro shots like this. Having the eye and the proboscis in sharp focus makes the image live. Thanks for sharing.

Simon, I like your evaluation of the photo and how you use it as an opportunity to learn. I do the same thing. Thinking I have a photo that is really nice, and then realize what it was I didn't see when I took it. No photo is really wasted as long as we gain something from it.

I really like the high key effect, Simon, which makes this image stand, out giving an light and airy feeling to the photo . Looking at your Flickr account, this image stands out among the other photos posted. The image is well balanced both with color and subject matter. I have tried high key a little, but have not been very successful at it. I suppose I just need to practice it more or get better subject material. It is often the little changes we make that make the photos really stand out.

Simon, I think that though this is similar to others you have done, it highlights how the simplicity of nature (and your skill) produced a wonderful photo. The colors of the seed pod contrast well with the background. I understand the sentiment about returning to things that are familiar. As we explore other genres or scenes that we are not used to doing, we learn skills that help us with those we are most familiar and comfortable with.

Simon, having grown up in Arizona, cactus isn't one of those things that really catch my attention unless the light is just right. A few years ago, we were visiting family in Arizona and went to a cactus garden. There, I saw some nice light on the cactus. I like to go to the mountains now, which is still something fresh to my eyes, and I see things that I like to photograph. This prickly pear cactus photo is captured well. You were able to get the needles sharp even though you had a difficult time to see what you were shooting. The rocks lead us to the cactus and present a nice image. You did well in spite of having to battle the mosquitoes.

That GoPro is an amazing little camera, Simon. You captured an amazing image getting it pointed just right so we could see the arcs around the North Star. Does this have a viewing screen? Star trails are intriguing to see. Thanks for sharing this image and your experience.

Simon, I enjoyed your explanation of the photo. I can tell from your explanation that you really enjoyed taking the time to set up this photo and compose it just the way you wanted. I find that when I take the time to compose a photo without being concerned about the time it takes, it becomes a form of meditation. My mind focuses just on what I am doing and nothing else at that moment. Product of still-life photography allows me the time to work on an image, arranging it so it is well balanced, and getting the lighting just the way I want it. It also allows for experimentation (and learning) that other genres of photography don't. (I also end up with many photos that don't work as I strive to get the one that does.) I like the way you used the wood in the photo, giving a subtle sense of something constructed. Your lighting worked well. (How many Nanlite Pavotubes do you have now? Your enthusiasm and successful use of them would make you a good sales rep for the company.😂) In all of your videos/blogs, it is the experience behind the image that makes it interesting and instructive. Thank you for sharing.

Simon, I think the video is even more impressive than the still shot. I am mesmerized by those fireflies.

A definite improvement, Simon. You used that tree on the right as the center of the rotation and it was most effective, and the fireflies add to it. Thank you for sharing your experience with this.

You're welcome! We should do a podcast!

Never used a GoPro; maybe I need to look into it sometime.

I am glad that you took the opportunity to experiment in making this photo, Simon. Sometimes, playing can be the best learning experiences. Do your kids get the opportunity to play with the GoPro?🤣

How very cool!🙂 Thanks for "making" my day!

Simon, I really like the light patterns of this photos.There should be a way to make this scene work. Maybe shooting straight up to the ceiling from the floor. Those patterns could make a great abstract photo. Thanks for sharing. We all have more learning photos than great ones.😂

Really appreciate you sharing things that didn't work as well as the ones that go great. Makes for a lot more interesting discussion and learning from a different (and usually more frequent!) perspective. Thanks for sharing!

Simon, I think this image captured the mood of the place and moment. I think the depth of field adds to, not distracts from, the effect of this image. The softer focus at the front helps lead us through to the light in the back, while providing the detail of the brick as we progress through the hall. The interplay between light and shadow, to me, adds to the feel of the empty space. I imaging hearing the echo of footsteps in these hallways. I don't think that a color image would evoke the same emotion. I almost expect to hear Gregorian Chant when seeing this photo 😁. I rarely try b&w, because I don't see that way. Occasionally, I will attempt it with varying success (usually not successful). That said, some images really do work better in monochrome, as it helps to portray the feeling better than color. Thank you for sharing this.

This series of photos is remarkable, Simon. You certainly timed your vacation at the best time to get the full moon. A few days on one side or the other of the full moon would not have been as spectacular. I like that the photo represents what you felt along with what you saw. To see a dot in the sky isn't always very moving (I have taken some of those shots 😂). I think the editing looks natural and portrays a great night photo and also a nice memory. Your wife is a great advisor.

Great use of the sea shells to add color and contrast, Simon. Everything works together to make the moonlight the significant part of the image. Some may say there isn't much action in the photo, but there is plenty of serenity. Every once in awhile, you get one of those photos that makes all the effort to learn how to compose photographs worth the effort.

That water and moonlight looks unreal, but so pretty! I adore the extended reflection of the moon on the water and shore.

The colors are amazing and the composition ethereal. Very well done, Simon. You have a right to be excited about this image. Looking forward to seeing the other two.

I like the life cycle idea, Simon. Maybe you should make a triptych of Magnolia blossoms from fresh blossom to aging one and then the seed pod. I think it would make an interesting comparison and show the cycle of life. All are beautiful in the own right, and necessary. It is nice to see beauty in the aging process, which at my stage in life is important.🤣

Simon, I think you created a magnificent magnolia image. The detail is remarkable. We have magnolia trees around here, but they are usually a pink color and because of our dry climate, they don't look very good for more than a day or two. I have never tried photographing them, but this image makes me want to make the attempt next spring. It would be interesting to compare a cloud cover image with the sun image. I think that you were able to use the contrast well to add depth and interest. I read the blog and looked at your previous magnolia images, and this is by far the best. Peering through the petals to the subject highlights the beauty of the details. When I see the image, I see a beautiful, graceful flower (not worms)😂. Thank you for sharing your development in your skills.

Very creative, Simon. I don't know that I would have thought of making a photo of this. I think the room reflections add to the results. "What if..., what if..." is what keeps my interest going.

Simon, this is another great photo. I understand your fixation on "I wish I had. . .," but perhaps you should center on "what if I . . .". For me, this shifts the emphasis from what I did wrong to what would it have look like if I had done such and such. This is a subtle shift of thought, but opens up future possibilities without negating the positive qualities of the current image. (I am preaching to myself here. I continually do this "I wish I had. . .", criticism all the time. My wife helps put things in perspective.) You got the focus on what impressed you at the time, and with insects you don't usually have a lot of time. Would f11 have really made that much of a difference being so close? The insect (I believe it is a fly--I see only one set of wings) draws my attention into the photo and the contrast of the yellow with the purple petals makes this a very harmonious photo. Thank you for your thoughts on your desire for perfection in your work. These are the things that keep photography alive for me--the endless possibilities of next time.

Very impressive, Simon! I like the colors, which add contrast to the mushroom and help to bring out the detail in the cap of the mushroom. The lighting in the background is amazing. I am glad you took the time to get this angle so that the light was perfect. As you stated, it does give the impression that it is in some deep forest. This is one to be proud of. If we had more photographic fungi growing here, your image would convince me to get a macro lens. Maybe I just need to look closer in the autumn to see what I can see. Thank you.

Now you're really barking up my tree...mushrooms are AWESOME to shoot! Especially when they are in the grass as you get ssssoooo many different plays with staging, focus, lighting, etc. I likey this pic!

Nothing wrong with taking a lot of photos of flowers, Simon. I liked your explanation of why you included the flower on the left that mimics the form of the subject. I probably would not have noticed it, if I had been taking the photo. I like raindrop photos, but it rains so rarely here in the summer that I don't get much chance. Hope you are having a wonderful summer.

I liked last weeks photo, Simon, but I like this one even better. I think the depth of field is just what it needed. If more was in focus, I think the leaves on the right would have been more prominent and distracting. I don't think the out of focus parts of the flower are distracting, but make it more artistic.

Simon, this photo caught my attention when I first saw it. The color of the Indian Paintbrush with all of the white flowers around it, makes the subject really stand out with the backlighting. Everything seems to glow. The bokeh in the background adds more interest. The dark corners further help to center attention on the subject. I really need to try backlighting more to see what effects I can get. So much to learn in photography. It is what keeps my interest. I also need to attempt more ground level photos. Gratefully, I can do this without prostrating myself on the ground by using the flip-up screen on my camera!😀

Simon, I like the use of color in the silhouette. It would have been interesting to see what this would be like it you had shot it as a Raw file, but I think the idea works well. I like the semitransparent appearance of the petals, just enough to see a little detail, but not enough to obstruct the nature of the silhouette. The good thing about orchids is that the blooms last a very long time, and when you are doing a silhouette, they don't even need to look perfect. My wife has three orchids, and they will bloom again in 6 to12 months (or when they are ready! 😂). Orchids are unique enough they provide an interesting opportunity to photograph them and enough time to do it the way you want. I find that every photo that I take is a learning opportunity and helps me to do better next time. Thanks for sharing what you would do differently as well as your successes. I look forward to seeing your next rendition of this.

Simon, this is a beautiful plant. I think you portrayed the fact that this is just one amongst many. To see that mass of white flowers, must be an overwhelming experience. I can see why you want to keep returning to this. I know there are certain images I attempt to make over and over again to see if I can improve on the previous photos, and occasionally, I do. I think it is the challenge of trying to capture in a photo what I are experiencing so I can relive the experience and share it with others. It is not just the pretty flower or scene, but the experience and emotion that I want to capture. Keep at it!