Jide Alakija

03 Jan 2007 • 2,179 views
 
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photoblog image Ken, we're back!
Ken, we're back!|

Ken, we're back!

Today was a good day. I was given the opportunity of photographing my first Civil Partnership between two very nice guys. At first I didn't know what to expect but in the end it turned out really well. After the shoot I decided to take a walk around Trafalgar Square (already becoming my favourite spot for photos) and catch some pigeons.

These have been one of the most challenging shoots I've done in a while, these birds don't keep still on the ground and are even worse in the air. This shot was actually taken underexposed by 2.5 stops so it's dark. I'm very impressed with it. Most of the inspiration has come from Mal who has lately been one of the most creative photographers I have been following. Mal this one if for you.

comments (23)

  • Mal
  • 3 Jan 2007, 00:25
You knew, that I would love this! And you were right! It has dynamic, It has composition, it has beautiful tone! But above all that, it has Etherial mystique! I absolutely love this shot! And want it sent to me in a high res format! You have interpreted who I am very well my friend! Mal
Jide Alakija: LOL....Looking at your work, I can see something similar, very abstract and also with the strong "Mal" impact that I really like.
  • johnnyg
  • Great Britain (UK)
  • 3 Jan 2007, 00:38
Guys you have got to teach me how to do this stuff, Jide I agree with you as Mal has taught me loads as well. I'll take a day off work to go for a shoot with you anywhere. It's the movement I have as yet to work out with the 5d. The 350d was easy by comparison, maybe that's why it's an entry level camera, now I have to learn but that's waht I want. Jide this is awsome, you managed you frame movement, action, drop dead freeze frame and mood at the same time. This is one of the best shots I've seen on the Chance and I'd buy and frame this.
Jide Alakija: You're so encouraging Johnny. Thank you. When you are in London next or want to do some shooting let me know.
WOW well done man, these shots are hard. very nice
Jide Alakija: Yup...but considering that it was more of luck than an intention I'm happy with it.
that is beautiful. full stop. stunning and grace and soul. thank you for sharing. ~S.
Jide Alakija: Thanks Sorcha. Glad you like this one.
  • Dammie
  • United Kingdom
  • 3 Jan 2007, 03:27
Niceeee!!!......I love flying bird shots like this {LoL}
Jide Alakija: So is Jide back then? This creative enough for you?
  • nev
  • 3 Jan 2007, 07:15
I love how the feet are outstretched waiting to land. great shot jide
Jide Alakija: Ta Nev.
  • Louis
  • South Africa
  • 3 Jan 2007, 07:50
Sorry for asking the stupid question, but what is a Civil Partnership? Is that like getting married without using the word?

As someone who like to take bird photo's i love this picture very much and can see why Mal is enamoured with it. The pigeon is bowing in reverence - almost a curtsy. Underexposure works very well here. Excellent.
Jide Alakija: A civil union is one of several terms for a civil status similar to marriage, typically created for the purposes of allowing homosexual couples access to the benefits enjoyed by married heterosexuals (see also same-sex marriage); it can also be used by couples of differing sexes who do not prefer to enter into the legal institution of marriage but who would rather be in a union more similar to a common-law marriage. - Wikipedia.

Thanks Louis.
  • Jamey
  • 3 Jan 2007, 10:59
Nicely composed. Have you tried printing this? Does it come out ok?
Jide Alakija: Thanks Jamey. I don't have a photo printer but I'll send it to photobox and check out the quality, in fact I could send you one too if you want.
  • Ovo
  • UK
  • 3 Jan 2007, 11:19
Poetry. I saw this shot on my first glance, I would say I love this shot. The focus is the bird, yet it not central. The dark colour really give it its great feel. Ironically, in my mind it is very similar in style to the picture from yesterday that I was not impressed with...different object, different background, same positioning with no view of the face. I know it might not have been intentional but lets say it is and call you an amazing photographer
Jide Alakija: Dude, you do know how to silence ones trumpet. What makes a good photographer? It's all about being at the right place at the right time so alot of it is luck. You have to put yourself in a position so that you are able to capture the shot you are after. In this case this one presented itself very well.

Thanks Ovo.
  • Ovo
  • UK
  • 3 Jan 2007, 12:08
But did you read what I wrote about the New Year's Picture? I was moved by that one.

About siliencing trumpets...well they say the best feedback is negative feedback as it is the only one that causes greater focus and movement towards a defined goal. I admire the pictures and think you are great at it...but art is subjective.
  • micki
  • United States
  • 3 Jan 2007, 13:35
This is outstanding photography! Nice work.
It's stuff like this and Mal's that inspires me. Terrific!
  • Laurie
  • United States
  • 3 Jan 2007, 14:28
You did well with this one. I like the dark here I think it suits it quite well.
  • shiv
  • India
  • 3 Jan 2007, 15:55
the dark tones work really well....
nice composition as well...! after all the comments above,need i say more..!
  • bruno
  • sweden
  • 3 Jan 2007, 16:38
deffenetly my favorite here. i love shots from affrica but this one is almost perfect.
  • Petra
  • 3 Jan 2007, 18:24
I am curious...did the male couple want the same kind of photo's as hetero couples? Just asking because 2 male friends of mine got married a few years ago ( in the netherlands gay or lesbian couples can get married )and their wedding was exactly the same as a mixed wedding.....i was a little surprised then...thought there would be more differences..
Btw....stunning photo!!!
i like the darkness alot but i what i like most is the way youve caught it in flight and ur framing....8.25/10
  • Exquisite Eminence
  • Atlanta, GA
  • 3 Jan 2007, 19:39
mysterious...the shot makes me want to know more of the surrounding area...you know how in the movies you see a bird like this flying and there's something either happening or about to happen...hehehe
  • Ellie
  • England
  • 3 Jan 2007, 22:19
Fabulous Jide, absolutely fabulous.

One day I'll have the camera that can take pictures like this, and then I'll be knocking on your door asking for some help.
  • Mal
  • 3 Jan 2007, 22:50
Just back for another look! It is stunning! Mal
  • Suby
  • Milton Keynes, UK
  • 3 Jan 2007, 23:54
Awesome capture bro, awesome smile

Suby
  • Ngozi
  • 6 Jan 2007, 06:12
Underexposed or not - it's hot.
Really, really, liking this one Jide.

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for this photo I'm in a constructive critical comments icon ShMood©
camera Canon EOS 5D
exposure mode aperture priority
shutterspeed 1/6400s
aperture f/2.8
sensitivity ISO500
focal length 100.0mm
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