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| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 74 |
May 25 |
Comment |
Hello and what a fantastic photo! Just back from Philadelphia, where we saw art by Cecily Brown. She makes art that reveals more each time you see it and makes you think deeper - just like your photograph. When I first saw it, I connected it to shadow self-portraits in the style of Lee Friedlander. Looking at it more closely, I started thinking of the fleeting existence of the shadow in an environmental way as its rock stable background contrast. Now I also see the rock face. What does this all tell me? Many levels are at play simultaneously, and the questions/thoughts and ambiguity strengthen your photo. One wonders and thinks a lot about it. The fractured, weathered surface of the rock now also reads differently from when I first saw it - is this natural erosion or is it evidence of human interference? And the way the fleeting shadow falls across the steadfast rock - is our presence like shadows that pass harmlessly over ancient landscapes, or do we leave permanent scars? What about that face in the rock? This is like meditation on impermanence, scale, and our complex relationship with the environment. I do not think I can suggest anything that would make it even better. I like Pete's suggestion to strengthen the rock face since it is easy to miss it at first glance. Perhaps some subtle dodging/burning to emphasize the ancient age of the rock and tonal separation. I like the titles you suggested - another idea could be "Stone witness". |
May 29th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 74
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| 99 |
May 25 |
Comment |
Thank you so much to all of you for your valuable comments, and for the book recommendation. I will modify my image to take into consideration all of your comments. Thank you again - I learn a lot from you. |
May 16th |
| 99 |
May 25 |
Comment |
Wow, this is certainly a masterful use of chiaroscuro to create a dramatic and unusual viewing experience. On the one hand, it is full of storytelling with fantastic human silhouettes doing all kinds of different activities. In addition to that, we get a beautiful architectural view with Gothic arches framing the square. And as if that was not enough, we also get to see a striking pattern that the geometric shadow casts on the tiled floor, creating a compelling portal effect that draws one into and through the composition. If you would like to work a little more with it in post-processing, I think that you could open the shadows somewhat to reveal more details in the darker areas and bring forward the three-dimensional quality of the arches. |
May 12th |
| 99 |
May 25 |
Comment |
This is a daring minimalist photo, unique in many ways. It is graphic with the right half consisting of horizontal lines of steps, abruptly broken by the vertical line of the concrete wall at the left half. Right in the center is the human subject which is a total break from the horizontal and vertical forms. The tonal range is great, and it is sharp with great textural details in both highlights and shadows. I love particularly to see the details of the concrete wall to the left with air bubbles, holes and imperfections - thus, they reveal something about how concrete is constructed. I also find it interesting to note the duality of the concrete wall - it both hides and reveals the person sitting on the stairs. And because I only see part of that person, it is even more interesting and poses many questions in my head. As much as I like the concrete wall to the left, I wonder if the balance would improve with a tighter crop of it. Moreover, that tighter crop may also increase the visual weight of the person. It is truly a great image. |
May 12th |
| 99 |
May 25 |
Comment |
I like your image a lot. It has many strengths, not least the storytelling and the composition. I see an interesting story that contrasts solitude against an urban backdrop. It evokes emotion, introspection and a familiar feeling. The composition is excellent: i) natural framing with the graffiti-covered walls that complements the theme with urban texture, ii) leading vertical lines with the swing chains that put focus on the subject, iii) dramatic clouds that add tension and visual interest, iv) a visual diagonal that is formed by the skyline of skyscrapers, the woman on the swing, and the graffiti-wall to the right. Any improvements to the picture, in my opinion, would be to strengthen what is already there. For example, since we see from left to right, would the visual diagonal be more pronounced if you turn the photo horizontally in post-processing? Could the midtones in the skyline be darkened somewhat to bring forward the Philly cityscape even more? Do you think it would make sense to add texture to the water by subtly increasing its clarity? |
May 11th |
| 99 |
May 25 |
Comment |
Robin, you must have an exceptional ability to reveal beauty in ordinary things. You have managed to transform an ordinary wooden garden chair into graphic art through thoughtful composition and dramatic lighting. Very creative. The square format perfectly contains the geometric elements, and I like the highlighted areas that effectively make my eye wander around the square format. The rich black background is an effective use of negative space, gives depth and contrast at the same time as it enhances the lighter wood grain structures of the chair. Looking forward to seeing your next image. |
May 11th |
| 99 |
May 25 |
Comment |
Barbara, this is such a soft, dreamy and beautiful artistic take on flower photography and I love every part of it. Less is certainly more here. I am drawn to the form and texture of the lily, especially the curve in its petal that creates such an elegant leading line drawing my eye to the textured spike of male and female flowers (this I just learned!). I also love that you used a soft sepia process to give it a timeless, artistic quality that reminds me about those beautiful botanical illustrations I used to see on the walls in my school, and in our books. As beautiful as it already is, do you think a subtle vignette and some selective dodging and burning would add to focus and to enhance the three-dimensional quality even more? |
May 11th |
| 99 |
May 25 |
Comment |
This is a great portrait Peter, and kudos to the model. It is good to be playful and keep one's imagination/fantasy as long as one lives. Your portrait successfully merges fantasy elements with skilled photographic technique. The choice of Black and White makes the mystical quality stand out, creating a timeless, otherworldly aesthetic that reminds me of classic storytelling archetypes. The model is great - his gaze is sinister and scary. Not one person I would like to meet in a dark street at nighttime... Here you have managed to get strong catchlights in his eyes, creating visual interest, depth and a sense of this hooded man being alive and threatening. The textual details of his beard also add character and interest. I like that you have made the globe glow - it adds to the mystery and creates dramatic illumination of his face. But you could perhaps refine the glow effect with more gradual luminosity falloff that would also bring forward more details in his hands. |
May 11th |
7 comments - 0 replies for Group 99
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8 comments - 0 replies Total
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