The spectator (photo of original darkroom print)

a striking graphic and rhythmic composition. Though shadows seem a bit too dark - probably lost a bit on the transit from the print into bits & bytes. Nevertheless, changing reflections of the benches perfectly support the lines and have their brightest peak just where the eye finds "The spectator" who's bringing the whole photo to life. I like it :-)

Wolfgang, 

thank you for your critique which I appreciate, and sorry to take so long in reviewing my portfolio comments. In any case, it allowed me the pleasure of seeing your own portfolio. The particular monochromatic rendition is consequent upon three things. Firstly it was captured on a medium format film camera using the now discontinued Konica partially infrared film, which does tend to exhibit strong contrast and some discontinuity in the range of gray tones. In the second instsance, the print was made in the darkroom and I may have added a bit too much contrast, although I like the effect of the IR film (I use a German made Heiland computer on my enlarger light source that is useful for getting near the right tonality with lesser number of tests, but it is not calibrated for that film type - I have had interesting discussions with the amiable Mr. Heiland about that - but I usually override the computer's recommendations anyway). Thirdly, the image here is a point and shoot camera copy of the original print, which changes the tonality a bit, but not too much.

Apart from all that, I do like to play with the tonal range for effect, as done here, and of course we can do this with digital information as well.   

Excellent pattern.  Well done in B/W.  Congrats.  Best Regards,

Wanghan,

I appreciate your viewing of this. It is one of a few similar ones but with the same idea. Sometimes I placed the spectator closer (nice to have a patient partner) but this shows the Agora seats better and the mildly infrared film (former Konica 750) captured the highlights in its characteristic way. I am now trying to reproduce this effect with my digital camera and a deep IR filter.

Your sense of composition is very good and I encourage you to try some B&W visualisation - capture or conversion from colour files as you may find it as amusing as I do.