THE BLACKSMITH

Nice image...I hope you didn't have any sparks hit your lens.

Extraordinary composition! Even the grinding disk hanging on the wall is a important part of it.
So jealous I did not take this one!
Crazy blacksmith not wearing safety goggles.
best regards

I have commented on this image earlier. For sheer technical excellence and aesthetic appeal, I feel the choice of this image as POW, is well deserverd. There are many things to learn from this image., viz, control of light and exposure, choice of colours and compostion. Heartiest congratulation to Karlos & photo.net Elves.

A really striking picture, I wonder which time value you used, it worked perfectly the flying sparks being stopped after leaving a trail. The grinding wheel balanced with the head of the blacksmith. the sparks drawing the attention to between the wheel and the blacksmith. Super light and tones. The picture is really a pleasure to view. Perfect composition. Great POW choice. I wonder what negative points people find about the compostion or other aspects. I love it the way it is. Well done.

beautiful timing, compositing plus the expression on the man face makes this a great photograph! Btw, did he wear any protection for his safety after you took this photograph?

A great bravo again! I am very happy! Original and difficult subject and light, you did great! Katapliktiki!

Dear friends and PN members.
I first thank the moderators (Elves) of the site for selecting one of my photos as POW.
I also feel very obliged for all the comment of the fellow photographers.
This specific photo is taken some years ago with my first digital camera SONY DSC-707 without flash and using tripod (F/2.4, 31.0 mm).
I find very reasonable all your comments about the lack of protection.
One of the reasons I went home to take my camera and return to capture some documentary images of this young man, was specifically this lack of protection.
Although he was aware of the danger, and despite my persistent suggestion to use at least goggles, he continued to work without any protection.
Many thanks again, Karolos Trivizas.

How did you protect your camera through this shot? Amazing and perfect shutterspeed. WOW

.......especially for an industrial shot, you show a strong streak of creativity here. My only concern is that this guy is not wearing safety glasses, YIKES!!

A stunning image in all respects: composition, DOF, subject matter, colour, light control, whatever. The ring of light caused by the sparks, which seem to leap out at the viewer, add a sense of drama and make this a dynamic image.

It’s really a wonderful photograph Karolos. I'm blown away with how you've managed to capture the sparks but I also appreciate how well balanced the colors are, especially the blue. Good work and God Bless. ;o)

It's an excellent environmental portrait. One that's not that easy to light either

A well considered photograph where attention to detail and taking the time to deduce the right angle, shutter speed , overall exposure and all the other details has paid off big time with what strikes me as a flawless execution of a tough shot.
The wide view with the inclusion of the tool board behind and the other details of the surroundings is an inspired choice as it gives us context and a genuine feel of what it must be like to sweat over hard work in the heat of this shop. The dynamic range looks stretched quite a bit to encompass  the rather wide dynamic range such a scene contains. I like very much that the end result flirts only slightly with the more gimmicky aspect of the HDR look. A  look which a less skilled and more trend oriented photographer could have easily gone over the top with and ruined the shot. Thankfully good taste and restraints won out. Surely a capture to be proud of, congratulations.

Karolos an image that keeps reminding me of what can be created for the world to see. Excellent capture. Warm regards my friend.

Karolos,

 

As I wrote you before it is a very interesting work and surrounding. I think that a mundane subject of a working human as an artistically result, is one of the best I saw in a long time. A trivially subject in the right hands , knowledge,angle choosing ,and light ,created an impressive composition.The man and his working surrounding behind the rays of his tools is the most significant success of this unusual photo.

Excellent work, beautiful composition, colours. A well deserved POW. Congratulations

MODERATOR NOTE: Please stay on the topic of an actual critique of the photograph itself as per the rules for posting in the POW forum. The link above in Patrick's post each week provides the purpose of this forum. Additionally any "congrats, nice photo" type comments without a critque are also routinely deleted. Again, please see the link above.

What strikes me particularly is the effective way the radiating lines of sparks "tell" the story of energy and vigour through hands-on, head- and mind-on activity. The theme is expressed in these "sun"rays which symbolises the power, joy and exhiliration of concentrated effort. Great to find an image where concept and visual realisation melts together like this. Toast to the creator for his expression of Creation.

I like the way the sparks almost make a pinwheel/star and the colors in this photo.

Unique and great photo! Thank you for sharing.

~ Amazing photo ~

Great Photo! This picture is fulfilled by the masculine YANG energy: brutal man, fire, light, motion, circle, red toning. You have insert a great meaning in this Photo from all point of view. This will be a great idea to take some picture with contrary feminine YING energy: water, woman, ice, calmness. I think it will become an outstanding couple.

Wonderful image my friend

Nice to see you got good credit for it!

Joe Bellantoni

Speaking on this particular shot of a blacksmith at his work, we need to perceive it in another view which describes the spark that smith has and his keen concentration on his work. But i cant describe it a very captive one. But it has its own glow. Its adorable.Great job!!!!!!

You have captured so many elements in this shot...Realistic,exciting,engaging,clarity,color and composition to name a few...Superb work...Top Rating...Marjorie

I like it,and I think this is a strong shot.
The sparks are very nice and details,and the colours are fantastic.
Very good catching with careful minded.
Powerful work.
Regards(Bobby).