DSLR Photography Forum

My goal was to capture what it was like to be a child at play, spinning and swinging without a care in the world.





The merry-go-round was really spinning--it's not Photoshop blur, and the angled camera was done deliberately, too--it's not a rotation/crop.
I felt it helps the viewer get in touch with their dizzy inner child.
I was actually swinging during the second exposure, too.
Getting effects using camera techniques are preferable both for the challenge and for authenticity, in my opinion.

Having a playground to myself was the hardest part, and I have been trying since the idea came to me in February. Then last week I noticed that conditions were perfect, but once I got to work on these photos I quickly found out why--when it's in the upper 90s and sunny the metal on a merry-go-round or swing chain gets hot enough to burn your skin.

I really like these. Very dynamic.

These are both great, Keith!!

I agree , these are great .

...... Shawn

Brings back memories of long long ago.
I prefer the first one. I like colour.

KeithAlanK Wrote:My goal was to capture what it was like to be a child at play, spinning and swinging without a care in the world.

Hmm. I really like the second one, but the way I see it doesn't match what you were trying to capture. The picture is very dark, both figuratively and literally. The graphic monochrome with the perspective distortion on the chain is quite ominous.

I think the second photograph is the superior of the two -- I wish I had taken it -- but playful and carefree it ain't.

Matthew's correct.
The first photo is what I set out to do, the second is closer to the reality of my own childhood.

It sounds like we have similar experiences of playing on swings as a child. I blame my older brother...

So do I; three stitches over my left eye at age 5.

Maybe my ominous edit is a subconscious reaction to swing chains?

Love them both Keith - have to agree with Matt on the second one seeming to not fit the care free nature of play (great photo though).

#2 is awesome. Very striking. Well done.

/Paul L.