Boring (redux)

[cunim]

This thread started in the MF section, but it was pointed out that it would be more interesting to remove the format restriction. So, here it is. I will make some general suggestions to keep snapshots out and serious photos in. These should be pictures you like, photos made to the best of your ability, but that have failed to generate any interest amongst those who have seen them. Note, there is nothing stopping you yourself from liking these photos. The point is that no one else reacts to them - except to yawn. I'll start as far away as I can from MF digital. I guess you have to like owls to find this interesting..

Sinar P2, 8 x 10, Ilford FP4, can't remember the lens but about 220

 

[Knorp]

not to look at ...

| a7r5 | g70-200/4 |

 

[bensonga]

My wife said this monochrome version is indeed more boring than the color version I posted (and then deleted) on the original "Boring" thread in the Medium Format section.

So of course, I had to print it for the next B&W print exchange.

Gary

Pana G9

 

[buildbot]

I like this shot, but it's not actually interesting/good IMO (It's also pretty noisy ):

Emotion 22 on Mamiya AF, with an 80mm F2.8 (I think). Processed with an early version of my IAtoDNG code, then Lightroom.

 

[bensonga]

In the spirit of keeping continuity with cunim's original thread....

I think this "boring" image posted by Jorgen (click on the link to view) at the end of the original thread is a good one to carry over to this new thread.

Boring

??? The Sunset Bar "slow day here..." thread has been going on since July 2008 and is still active. Lots of good, boring photos there. Since this is so boring, I'll post a boring photo from August 2012, the first roll on my GX680 III, shot on Acros 100, don't know what lens, but probably the...

www.getdpi.com

I purposely put "boring" in quotes because as many of us know, what is "boring" (or not) can be quite different in the eyes of both the photographer and the viewers.

Gary

 

[Shashin]

 

[Paul Spinnler]

That’s minimalist architectural photography and not boring! It is not easy to hit boring right tbh

 

[MGrayson]

I'm glad the criteria are clearer. Pictures I like but no one else I show them to does. THAT'S easy.
I created my own star filter by shooting through a screen door.


Matt

 

[bensonga]

That’s minimalist architectural photography and not boring! It is not easy to hit boring right tbh

I was trying to find an image that Paul might think is sufficiently boring to include here.

Perhaps this test shot? I took it at my office on the day I received a pre-owned Leica MM246 I had purchased. It was the 3rd shot I took with the camera.

It is so boring even I haven't bothered to make a print of it and I'll print almost any image at least once, just to be sure.

Gary

 

[bensonga]

On a more serious note, here is image that I like, but when I've shown a print of it to friends and asked for their opinion I am often asked some version of this question: "Why did you take this photo?"

Perhaps this counts as some version of it's so "boring".

Gary

 

[cunim]

Finding out why photographers make tedious images is actually very interesting. Please keep the little stories coming with those shots.

Here's a real dozer I took with the IQ180. Just two helmets and a model on a table. As I recall, the old leather helmet tells the modern one that he's sorry, but cutbacks mean they've had to switch fighter training from jets to biplanes. New guy is depressed, though he should be happy. Biplanes rule. Even the joke was boring. I liked the owl but I don't think I like this one.

 

[pegelli]

Thanks for making this subject "format and gear agnostic"

A few weeks ago I participated in a one day landscape photo workshop.

But next to some nice landscapes I also shot these two, don't know if they're boring subjects or boring photos (or both) but somehow I didn't dicard them from my catalog and like them myself but I wonder what impression they make on anyone I show them. I haven't yet, and the audience here is the first time, so please tell me what you think.

Level gauge



Grating


Both M246M + Summicron 50/2 (v1, rigid)

 

[Duff photographer]

A small Scot's Pine attempting to flourish on the edge of a heathland bog. Dorset UK. Technically fine, but I was told this was boring, and I have to agree...



Contax 645. Zeiss Sonnar 250mm f5.6 Superachromat (with adapter).
Provia 100.
Cropped.

Cheers,
Duff.

 

[Paul Spinnler]

I think photos you like and which are not liked by others is a great re-framing of the discussion, Cunim!

 

[cunim]

I created my own star filter by shooting through a screen door

You lie. Those are reflections of the space lasers that some politicians have warned us about. We're doomed.

 

[bensonga]

I think photos you like and which are not liked by others is a great re-framing of the discussion, Cunim!

As a general guideline I think this is a very good one. That said, I like many of the boring photos that have been shared here, so I should not be included in the “others” reference group.

 

[bensonga]

Many of the images I like which others see as quite boring have been taken when I am testing a new camera or lens. That was the case for these photos taken in January 2021 with a Zeiss ZM 25mm (from Lens Rentals) on my Leica MP240. I didn't care for the results well enough to buy the lens at that time, but the photos grew on me and so I purchased one earlier this year.

When I showed them to my wife she rolled her eyes in exasperation again. At least I had the excuse of “I’m just testing a lens!”

Gary

 

[bensonga]

Finding out why photographers make tedious images is actually very interesting. Please keep the little stories coming with those shots.

Here's a real dozer I took with the IQ180. Just two helmets and a model on a table. As I recall, the old leather helmet tells the modern one that he's sorry, but cutbacks mean they've had to switch fighter training from jets to biplanes. New guy is depressed, though he should be happy. Biplanes rule. Even the joke was boring. I liked the owl but I don't think I like this one.

View attachment 209211

Of the many excellent “boring” photos that have been shared here, this is one of my favorites! I especially enjoyed your back story.

Gary

 

[bensonga]

A small Scot's Pine attempting to flourish on the edge of a heathland bog. Dorset UK. Technically fine, but I was told this was boring, and I have to agree...

View attachment 209221

Contax 645. Zeiss Sonnar 250mm f5.6 Superachromat (with adapter).
Provia 100.
Cropped.

Cheers,
Duff.

This photo is definitely NOT boring to me!

Gary

 

[bensonga]

Thanks for making this subject "format and gear agnostic"

A few weeks ago I participated in a one day landscape photo workshop.

But next to some nice landscapes I also shot these two, don't know if they're boring subjects or boring photos (or both) but somehow I didn't dicard them from my catalog and like them myself but I wonder what impression they make on anyone I show them. I haven't yet, and the audience here is the first time, so please tell me what you think.

Level gauge



Grating


Both M246M + Summicron 50/2 (v1, rigid)

My favorite of these two images is certainly the plants behind the grating. A very interesting image which makes me want to know more about it.

Gary