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| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 24 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
...indeed a viable alternative, Tom. I agree the work is very experimental and its flavor surely not the most palpable .... but as Lynne states below ...it could be rain or snow ... overall the spots add a certain "tension" as the spectator does not really know how to place them within context. For a while, a lot of my compositions from this type of study will often include these type of artifacts that add to the works ambiguity. |
Sep 28th |
| 24 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Indeed, a different presentation from the featured work, Fred.
This is a prime example how the artist-photographer is privileged to, essentially, "rearrange" the original canvas through cropping: in this sense, we sometimes find alternatives views or compositions within the original, and all this without much more than manipulating via cropping. |
Sep 13th |
| 24 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Good morning Pinaki !
Gee, another engaging piece that makes us think: I enjoy the fact you are using ICM gently, where I often see the intentional shaking of the camera over used or applied.
It is refreshing in the few examples we have seen from you the subject is still well defined and thus provides points of interest and initiates narratives.
Well done! |
Sep 12th |
| 24 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Good morning, Lynne!
Soft and subtle is the hallmark of your presentation! Beautiful Flower! |
Sep 12th |
| 24 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Once again, it is amazing the level of detail and beauty extracted using a cll phone camera!
The composition well illustrates these bold and colorful Wild Roses!
Beautiful work, Tom! |
Sep 12th |
| 24 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Hi Fred!
Your graphic arts techniques, and finished product are awesome! Beautiful work! |
Sep 12th |
| 24 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Hi Carol!
A well executed photographic design! Clean, precise and crisp! Beautiful!
However, I am not a fan of the heavy "structure" within the details of the flower; they always seem artificial to me, at least when this digital function is used with strength. However, and in my opinion, within the context of illustration and even graphic arts, this aesthetic words quite well, indeed.
"Points to Ponder"
Alternatively, a more organic approach will imbue a realistic aesthetic. This is the focus within the realm of the Japanese aesthetics of Wabi Sabi and Mono No Aware, for two examples.
I explain this today because the look and feel (the aesthetic) in the featured work is very common (especially within the PSA and local clubs), and I want to introduce (or re-introduce) alternative techniques that are visualized and finished within the scope of "classic tradition" in photography.
Each technique is viable and each offer a different narrative or spectator engagement.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
|
Sep 12th |
| 24 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Gorgeous! Simply stunning, Bev! |
Sep 12th |
| 24 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Carol ... This is the original color version, which I really do enjoy much better. |
Sep 11th |
 |
| 24 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Hi Carol ... yes, I am not sure where this image stands: it is likely just an experiment at this close crop, where the original has more identifiable figures and would most likely offer more in the form of narrative. (I'll post the original shortly).
But I could not resist and see how it fared ... really appreciate your viewpoint. |
Sep 11th |
| 24 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Indeed, Lyrical. Thank you, Pinaki.
|
Sep 6th |
| 24 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Hi Bev ... yeah, I can see that. Maybe I'll play around a bit more. Appreciate the critique. |
Sep 5th |
| 24 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
...thanks for stopping by ... yes, this is a bit unusual lighting: I enhanced the already present back-lighting. Polarizing filter really came into play here to create this effect. Happy you like it. |
Sep 5th |
6 comments - 7 replies for Group 24
|
| 83 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
First, thank you for your kind words.
The subject (this object, this, "thing") is often overlooked, as a lot of common place items are ... in this case, for this subject-item, I knew most everyone would know what it is (so it not an abstract in the normal terms) but instead I am forcing the viewer to study this "common", but often over-looked object ...offering a close and intimate view of its texture and even promote some kind of uneasiness in virtue of the forced and focused view. |
Sep 28th |
| 83 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
...that's a cool observation, Mike! |
Sep 28th |
| 83 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Thanks for stopping by, and the uplifting comments, chuck! Can't wait to watch the video tonight! Thank you for that! |
Sep 13th |
| 83 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Margaret, so glad this image "connects" with you, LOL!
As it relates to film, the main reason I use it (and why others use it, or have gone back to it) is the grain ...which adds or actually defines the general aesthetic values for a particular subject/composition. I shoot up to 50 percent B&W film nowadays.
pre-production is not much different from shooting digital, post-production is another matter, indeed. However, currently, I have a lab develop my film and then scan them. From there I have the ability to manipulate if necessary, (e.g., Dodge & Burn). |
Sep 13th |
| 83 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Tom, I love trains, but seldom go out to photography them. My wife and me are trying to plan some type of extended trip on a train, perhaps across the Canadian border. |
Sep 13th |
| 83 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Once again, welcome to the group, Margaret!
This seemingly studio-like portrait of your husband is simply lovely! Got to love natural light, nothing else imbues so much character upon human subjects. Post production treatment is subtle, as such, does not distract viewers from fully enjoying the main subject. Love it!
"Points to Ponder"... for an alternative to the Studio look, think about a background more organic: in this sense, your husband will be surrounded by other artifacts that compliment his activity: for example, more of the puzzle, the box pieces came in, a cup of coffee and maybe even a half eaten muffin next to it ... and climb upon a chair (carefully, please!) to organize the shot .... this of course is just an alternative way of thinking in capturing portraits like this ... the studio version of course is still viable and beautifully presented in your featured work. |
Sep 12th |
| 83 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Hi Jon!
Lovely portrait of this amazing animal! I also like to give a nod to the calming background that appears to be the product of lens bokeh. The B&W tonal gamut feels and looks very engaging! Great work! |
Sep 12th |
| 83 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Hi Tom! My words echo Margarets!
The "compositional structure" is very balanced and pleasing. The heavy contrast/bold aesthetic is a bit much for me ... but the overall presentation is surely engaging, indeed. Well done! |
Sep 12th |
| 83 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Good morning, Mike!
While I like the "compositional structure" I am torn between the less than crystal clear background buildings and hillside, while the car is in perfect focus/clarity: Why?
1. either we decide the car is the prime subject and focus of the narrative, and in which case the background buildings and hillside would also be in perfect focus ....or alternatively "completely" obscured, through virtue of using a wide open aperture while focusing on the car ... or
2. the background is shrouded in light-bokeh to allow some identification of shapes, but tells the viewer (or guides the viewer) strictly to the car. This last approach is often used in many types of commercial photography, for example, but I often use it in a lot of my floral portrait designs.
|
Sep 12th |
| 83 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Good morning Debasish!
Though I appreciate the value in your forward-thinking as it relates to presenting something different to the viewer, (and because in this image the "subject" is completely obscured), I suggest, as I talk about often, more empty space surrounding this subject may have allow more in form of initiating imagination and perhaps narrative.
Alternatively, an even more Abstract approach (as the featured image seems to imbue) would also work; closing-in even more onto the subject; again, as a pure Abstract. In this sense the ambiguity of the work is its prime theme of engagement, if you will. |
Sep 12th |
5 comments - 5 replies for Group 83
|
| 87 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Happy Sunday, Dale! Oh, yes ... my 'go-to-lens' ... the 50mm is the glass I often suggest to people in my workshops or in PSA critique room settings. In addition, a "fast" 50mm lens will offer the most benefits in the way of creativity, indeed.
Thank you for your encouraging comments.
|
Sep 18th |
| 87 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
It is exciting to watch the grand children at play ...here you obviously enjoyed a beautiful day and surely something he can look back on with the images you are capturing. |
Sep 7th |
| 87 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
.... you can re-title the piece .. "The Fountain of Youth" |
Sep 5th |
| 87 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Chan, I really appreciate your enthusiasm for this type of experimental work!
I am also glad I keep you thouroghly engaged with the complex nature these types of photographic presentations can give. (See comments I gave to Steve).
|
Sep 5th |
| 87 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Hi Steve! I spent some time behind the viewfinder trying to create a 3-tier approach, but only because it looked good on the initial view from behind the viewfinder, it was not premeditated as I approached the subject and surrounding space.
I am designing all these (similar) compositions through a soft optic: that is, I am looking for an Impressionistic interpretation of the subject; I am glad you like this effect, of course, created mostly through focusing into the subjects reflection. |
Sep 5th |
| 87 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Gee! what a lovely composition, Jennifer!
A key attribute is the red vessel juxtaposed against the iceberg. Its sails complimenting the shapes within the iceberg structure.
Well accomplished, Jennifer! |
Sep 5th |
| 87 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
First, Kudos to you to see what is happening all around you ... thus capturing this cute image while supposedly engaged in other photographic activities.
However, past the lovely exposure and focus, along with the mans arm (as Jennifer mentioned), the overall composition does not hold my interest.
Now, about those Whales .... |
Sep 5th |
| 87 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Love the period-looking carriages and street lamps:( I missed visiting the Island last year, but hope to visit in the near future). I will suggest, this may be a perfect image to be rendered in B&W to enhance the turn of the century feel. Note I would have enjoyed seeing the entire steeple. |
Sep 5th |
| 87 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Brilliant!! Wonderful photographic composition utilizing what was offered to you at that very moment! The resulting fast shutter speed (regardless if planned or not) to impose the droplets into the composition is extremely creative!
It is also worth noting, once an artist-photography reviews his or her work, it often reveals new ways to induce certain photographic techniques (or camera dynamics) in the creative process. If no one thought about this particular effect onto a scene, well, this is a prime example.
Beautiful work! |
Sep 5th |
| 87 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
"Boxes on a Shelf" ... the quintessential illustration of personal space: here, recording the vernacular associated within most domestic dwellings that can assigned to most any civilized country in the World.
I suggest, this be part of a series of like-images for even more focus and impact. It is something I hope you continue to explore!
"Points to Ponder" though I like the featured piece, I do believe including the "shelf" provides an important aspect in defining the narrative I speak of. However, the featured image can also be effective as "Objects" associated with civilized with economic freedom, and less about the narrative that speaks of personal space.
Two viable directions for this type of photographic story telling. Well done, Chan! |
Sep 5th |
| 87 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Good day, Jennifer! Yes, the B&W example is one of my favorites from this photo shoot.
Indeed, it is a bit bizarre... and is part of what I am trying to offer viewers as opposed to the more ... 'what we expect' in illustrations of the world around us. (Please, go see a similar example in DD-24 captured during the same photo shoot). |
Sep 5th |
6 comments - 5 replies for Group 87
|
| 92 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Really happy you like this ... as I said to Jill in so many words: sometimes the stars line up just right. Thank you for your positive and detailed comments, Beth. |
Sep 28th |
| 92 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
...as we all know, sometimes a bit of luck ... along with a trained eye captures engaging narratives .. often hidden in nature or here, within an urban landscape.
Thank you, Jill!
|
Sep 28th |
| 92 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Appreciate your kind comments, Lou! |
Sep 28th |
| 92 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
.... indeed, the featured piece does reflect a Norman Rockwell narrative ... and wonder how this picture would fare within Rockwell painted or illustrated aesthetics. Interesting topic, Marianne. Thank you for your positive comments. |
Sep 28th |
| 92 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Hi Chuck! Gee, really appreciate your positive comments, very glad you like the scene as much as I do. |
Sep 13th |
| 92 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
As always, thank you everyone for your constructive comments. : ) |
Sep 13th |
| 92 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Good day, Ian!
Well, the work does not move me in any particular way outside of a it being mostly a documentary style image, in my opinion.
There is no functional interplay between the people, which otherwise, often draws in viewers to these types of "street photography" aesthetics (narratives).
Do you have another picture that includes even "more" and thus imbues possible narrative plays?
|
Sep 12th |
| 92 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Hi Marianne! Very consuming color and bright picture and very much, I feel, attains or supports the City Zoo adventure we often associate with. |
Sep 12th |
| 92 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Good day, Jill!
Wonderful use of space and color, the poster added the "spice" to this record of casual local vernacular in Melbourne. |
Sep 12th |
| 92 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Hi Beth!
I actually like the more open space and depth in the original.
The cropped version takes away too much space (especially in front of the two main subjects) and thus minimizes interaction between subject and viewer. The overall crop and B&W treatment is beautiful, but I suggest guides the viewer more to a (smaller) Fine Art picture than one of street photography spontaneousness.
Overall, a wonderful summer scene, finely composed and edited! |
Sep 12th |
| 92 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Good morning, Lou!
Another fine example from your other street photography work: here the scene defines a sense of place, and strong sense of mood; this in virtue of the seemingly late-night deserted street the subject is surrounded by.
We can almost hear the silence as her evening work perhaps, is coming to an end.
However ....I think the original "exposure" imbues this description much more than the featured edited work. I like the new crop that eliminates the bottom-right corner, but the exposure should have carried over: the subject is not the only main character ...the entire scene, "taken as whole", tells the story. The featured version mitigates (weakens) surrounding artifacts and thus, I suggest, mitigates narrative potential.
5x7 crop with original exposure I suggest will elicit more narrative options.
As usual, fine work, Lou! |
Sep 12th |
| 92 |
Sep 22 |
Comment |
Hi Chuck!
It is nice to see you finding and recording domestic activities or perhaps local vernacular, we often walk pass and not care about ... but my feelings (thoughts) echo the others as it relates to the two supporting actors behind the ladder ....
... but I am not so sure I dislike the tilted frame: in this sense, the image is less a documentary and more a spontaneous action of capturing a scene ....one we associate within the "street photography" genre. In fact, can we say, the tilted frame makes the ladder and the climber seem more precarious....
This can be a very important and engaging subject we can, perhaps, continue on the Bulletin Board. |
Sep 12th |
| 92 |
Sep 22 |
Reply |
Hi Ian! Appreciate your critique .... yes, each individual artifact have their place within the scene ... together forming the narrative. In fact, I purposely cropped out foreground sidewalk in favor of the sky ...I felt this view (less sidewalk) helped focus attention on our main subjects. |
Sep 4th |
7 comments - 6 replies for Group 92
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24 comments - 23 replies Total
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