single photos Untitled

I don't care for the image. But by the posts it's apparent that for some it has spurred imagination rather and elicited thoughtful contemplation. Regardless if the impressions match the artists intent or not, that's always something to be valued. So I congratulate Birger on a successful image.

 

I would encourage those that don't like the image to visit Birger's photo.net Gallery Portfolio. In the context of his other images they may appreciate this image more as part of a set.

First of all, what is Birger attempting to say with this image? Anything? Maybe it was just an exercise in ps skills and wasn't meant to convey any meaning at all.

 

The real issue, to me, is whether it works as a picture, whether it captures my attention, or informs me more about its subject matter. Addressing the question of how the various elements of this picture work, or don't work, is what will make us better image makers.

 

There are, of course, basic technical aspects to consider that will help us become better photographers, such as what lens was used, f/stops, the nature of the light, etc, but the essential question is how did everything at Birger's disposal come together into this image, and is it rewarding to look at it.

I would prefer a beautiful sky, some footprints on the beach. But that's been done many times, which would make this image more original, yes? It may not capture the imagination, but at least it's original.

 

Birger has some nice stuff in his portfolio. I would encourage everyone to visit it, then visit everyone else's portfolio and see how everything stacks up.

Crisp, clear, lots of character, but steril.

I appresiate the composition and its weight.

 

Perhasp a third element in the foregound, or a sugesstion of a purpose.

 

Joe

While I understand the merit in postprocessing skills, this photo does absolutely nothing for me. The lighting isn't great and the composition is lacking. To my untrained eye, it looks a lot like a badly constructed composite.

 

Ry

This image is indeed controversial and I think it's all because of the color of the bathing suit. It should be stripped along with the rest of the picture. Actually, in my untrained view, I think the woman is the weakest element, yet should be the eye catcher. Possibly if she didn't have that suit on at all it might be better, of replace her with a bit of rock or driftwood.

 

I think the photo should be cropped on the right to put the subject a little farther from the center of the picture.

 

Actually, I like the horizontal lines, and only with study, did I notice that they cover the entire photograph from the bottom into the sky at the top. I find them intrigueing and make an interesting photograph out of what might have been a bland over produced beach scene.

 

Willie the Cropper

To me, the woman is not the weakest element of the picture because if she was not there I might not know this was a beach scene. I might be able to eventually guess it is a beach but not right away without the woman because of the PS work done. From the point of view of a serious not-so-technical hobbyist I like this picture. Kind of abstract, kind of different, kind of clean, and definitely interesting. The photographer most likely took an average scene and made it into something worthy of discussion. An experiment most people do not take on. It's harder to take the ordinary and make it interesting. Now many will say this image is not interesting but for my tastes it works. I'm also the 1% that liked the Sopranos final episode so take my opinion at face value.

I think this picture fails badly because it is underexposed and has had striking bright white lines added to it which do nothing but dazzle the viewer. If it had been a better photograph in the first place, and then the lines were more suggestive of the sea (i.e. water-blue), it might at least have been aesthetically pleasing.

 

It would be more pleasing again if the woman appeared bigger, and the expanse of space taken away. And if she had a more contrasting swimsuit on.

 

Let's face it, an image with so much room for improvement is a poor image.

Bill - did you mean the suit should be "striped", or, as you wrote (typo?) "stripped". Two very

different options. What you actually wrote would probably mean a lot more praise for the

photo. As it is, I kind of like the woman. As for the accusation that the picture is under

exposed, I find that quite hard to agree with. Also, it isn't a square. Bravo ! Very "pop art".

and again....

sorry for multiple posts - my altered version doesn't seem to be displaying properly. Let's try

that again....

"It would be more pleasing again if the woman appeared bigger, and the expanse of space taken away."

 

Dale, excellent point, this is something I didn't consider and another reason why POW is helpful for us beginners in learning how to critically evaluate images.

!

 

It's interesting the effect of Robert X's pop-art rendition. The whimsey is evident, and probably makes the initial manipulation more tolerable to those who didn't first care for it.

Without the horizontal line effect, I think the image would be compelling, sweet, and

entrancing, an older woman naturally walking toward the sea. There is beauty in that

simplicity. The effects take away most of the feeling for me and leave me thinking

"technique" with a capital "T."

Initial I was really surprised to see my photo us POW but after have seen what has been written I must say I am really confused. I decided to look at the photos of those ho have given my photo a critique. I will not say that I am right but reed Doug Burgess comments he has something to say. Vincent Van Gogh's and Picassos painting was it accepted initial big words from me - yes? I will not say that I should be compared with them long from that but?.. I cant fined any person from those who create modern works among those who has given critique. ?I am swearing in church I am aware of that?. Yes the suite has not the right pattern and colour, the white lines give the photo deep - otherwise flat ? the women bigger not to me ?underexposed no, sterile yes, women our not ? to me the person is the centre of this picture. If I am the person to have created a discussion of what photographing is to day I will bee really surprised. I can also after have read the critique understand why someone have chosen my photo ? the photo in it self is not unique. So come on with your critique. To me the photo is better after all critique. Best regards Birger

Birger - the photo of the Week is chosen not as "the best of photo.net" but as an image to be discussed for that week. Somewhere between 4 to 10 or so images are nominated and anonymous "elves" vote on which one we will have as the POW. The purpose is to have a week of substantial critiques. Constructive positive and negative points are discussed. Keep in mind that people do not have to have images posted or similar images in order to offer their opinions.

I simply love this composition. the fact that someone could see an opportunity in a somewhat dull image is great... i love the lines...its an abstracted version of the sea and the waves that come crashing down on the beach.

great job birger...i really like this image among the other works in your portfolio.

Its interesting but I find my eye wandering all over the page as if there will eventually be something there to hold my gaze. Makes me feel almost manic to look at.

very good shot, very good detail and light, maybe the principal sunbejct to much in the center...., congratulations grate shot

To those who cannot think of anything to say about this photo or find themselves unable to come up with symbols etc, perhaps it is not the photos failing, but rather a failing of the imagination? Even though manipulated, and what photo isn't in some fashion, the image is moving. The single figure, with it's stark singularity calls up many thoughts about individuality and the isolation of being. Then there's the contrast of the the landscape, with it's horizontal presence contrasting the verticality of the figure, then there's the geometric feel of the lines contrasting the curves of the human form. I like that the figure is walking away, yet casting a reflection behind. This is a good metaphor for life. We face forward on our walk, casting shadows and reflections on the ground where we have recently been, fleeting and transient remnants of our mobile existance. The horizontal lines seem to build in intensity in the distance, widening and whitening. What is this saying? That our focus and obsession with the future drives us, draws us into a landscape nearly devoid of variation? I also notice that the lines build like stairs, rising slowly and raising the horizon. Is this our destiny and destination? A land of nearly monochromatic uniformity? A place of isolation? There's much more that could be said about the elements in this photo, but there's isn't enough time. Ciao.

I simply love those straigt lines, because beauty lies in simplicity.

 

My heartiest congratulations to Birger, man you are a controvercial at PN, BRAVO!

I look at this every day as a thumbnail when I open up PN and find it catches my attention every time. It's not the usual beach scene and even if you do NOT like it, it make you look to try and figure out why not, requiring a little time and effort. That makes for a successful image, imo, one that makes you think. But I DO like it and it's because I like the clean lines and simple composition.

Very good abstract work indeed, -lines are little bit heavy-set, but first impression lasts!

I'll join the naysayers on this one. The parallel line treatment is indeed engaging but loses its appeal after about 10 seconds.

I'm sure that this is politically incorrect, but (honestly)... put a shapely young woman in the composition and it works for me much better.