The TipSquirrel Challenge
Scot Baston's Moody not so Black and White
A couple of weeks ago I was complaining to my friend Tipsquirrel of TipSquirrel.com that I hadn’t been out on a personal photoshoot for quite some time. I used to head to the beach and shoot whatever caught my eye, but recently I admit I’ve become a little bit of a lighting snob… you know, ‘oh if only the light was right then this would make an excellent photo’. The light would never be right, or the subject didn’t appeal. I kept making excuses not to shoot for myself.
I have been shooting plenty for clients.. everything from weddings and christenings to martial arts photoshoots and commercial work. With all the editing and shooting, I found little time or inclination to get out and shoot for my own pleasure.
Like all good friends, when Tipsy heard this, he gave me a rather large virtual kick up the arse! He was visiting the lovely seaside town of Scarborough and thought a little challenge was in order.
TipSquirrel's Moody B&W
The choice of topic(s) was put to followers and friends on Twitter and Facebook.. We selected 3 titles out of the many
1) Moody Black & White
2) Cheap & Tacky
3) Collecting Thoughts
As you can see above, Tipsy took a cracking B&W image along the cliff face and created a rather moody feel. I, on the other hand failed dismally.. At least I couldn’t bear to convert my image (top) to B&W. Some images, such as Tipsy’s image, go nicely into the world of Black & White, while others lost something in the conversion. I am still quite fond of my image even if it missed the criteria.. quite simple and yet matching my mood at the time.
So on to subject no.2 Cheap & Tacky
I am pleased to say that we both thought a little outside the box when considering this title.
TipSquirrel's Cheap Tack
with both of us using boats to represent the Tack(y) side of the challenge
Scot Baston's Cheap & Tack
As you can see, two very different takes on the same subject title. for reference.. that little starling was after my chips!
Now onto the final challenge, as supplied by fellow Nut.. Glyn Dewis - Collecting Thoughts
TipSquirrel's Collecting Thoughts
As you can see, Tipsy had some fine sunny weather and a keen eye to spot this composition that captures the title so well.
Me, on the other hand had deserted beaches and almost autumnal weather. looking around for something that fit the bill, I came to the conclusion that I would have to be my own model! I know, the risk to the camera was great but I am always willing to risk all for the image 
Having found my perfect model, I decided to try something along the lines that Dominic & I tried on a photoshoot a while ago. a long exposure shot of the water with the model still for the duration of the shot. In this case, I sat perfectly still for 30 seconds while the image was taken.
Scot Baston's Collecting Thoughts
I matched my editing to both the conditions and my contemplative mood to produce the image above.
in answer to a few questions..
1) yes, I was cold
2) yes, my bum got wet
3) the slight halo on my back is in the original raw file and not introduced during editing
All in all, a great challenge by TipSquirrel and I am grateful for the good kick up the butt that he delivered via skype
As for winners and losers.. Well I think that both Tipsy & I came out as winners, as we both had a great time doing what we love.
As always, I’d love to hear your comments and thoughts below
Cheers Scot
I wish I’d heard of this challenge before. Seems like I’ve now had both of your boots up my arse to get me out to do the same. Great challenge, I like this, you both did great. Let the challenges begin!!
)
Maybe it is something we can arrange a little more widespread next time? Anyone else interested in doing a challenge?
My father and his brother (my uncle, of course) did this one year as a challenge in several different photographic genres. This was back in the film days and they were to put together slide shows of their work. I remember helping my dad with the project either as a “model” (quite reluctant at times) or providing the narration for his slide show.
I’m always interested in challenges!
Excellent Karen,
if people put their names down in this blog, I’ll contact everyone when we have something sorted
Good blog, as usual.
I think I need to set myself a challenge. I just cant get motivated to do anything photographic
I can add you to the list of people for the next challenge if you’d like Andy?
Just let me know
It was great fun Scot, thank you for coming out to play!
I often find that I’ll wander around taking a billion pictures but rarely with any structure, it was nice to have a goal and have to channel my thinking.
I’m up for another challenge, and it appears it could become a group game (awesome!). Thinking caps on…
Structure is the key to something like this for sure..
How about we have a chinwag this week about a rematch?
Love the way the same words provide such different interpretations.. tho my favourite are Collecting Thoughts.. both works that I could live with.
You seem to have lit a touch paper among other togs too .. look forward to future challenges though wont volunteer to take part as time too short for the moment unfortunately
Future challenges will be coming soon mel, and I’m sure you can find 1/200s somewhere
Great story Scott and a great idea Tipsquirrel!
Let see some more shots of the day!?
Well done,
Noel
Hi Noel, you want to see the outtakes?? ok I’ll post one up shortly
Sounds like fun, put me down for the challenge.
I really need a kick re my creativity so would love to take on a challenge next time.
definitely up for a challenge as well.. Need something to get me out in the wild (urban or nature) and shoot some more.
Loved the pics and the ideas. Being new to this I need as much practice as I can get. I think having a topic to focus on gives you a chance to think out of the box and challenge yourself. It is all very inspiring. Would love to join in next time. Colette