Violin 2

This is the product of an uncorrupted vision. Even if the subject seems a little old-fashioned and sentimental, this wonderful photograph is full of humanity. It is an enchanting record of a musician absorbed in his music. We should be grateful that Bridget wasnt going to be one of the many passers-by who ignored the musician. Her instinct as a born photographer recognized what a gift the situation was and she moved in for her photograph. I think this image has struck a chord with so many viewers here because it seems so incongruous in our troubled, dog-eat-dog age. Congratulations, Bridget, you have a rare talent.

The soft focus that some have referred to actually works beautifully in this case. I would not even touch it. It only enhances the spiritual presence that exists in this, in my opinion. This is a once in a lifetime capture being that it is not staged. I am not sure which impresses me more, the image itself, or your sincere humilty that is so very refreshing to witness as well. One little piece of advice though, as you publicly post your work (and continue to post excellent work at that) developing a thick hide will be a good protection for you. There will always be some that will knock you and your work. Try never to take it personally. It just comes with the territory you might say. Once again, Beautifully seen and captured.... A piece of art!

...compared to the other image you posted of this man, I think this one falls very

short.

 

You lined your camera up pretty much parallel to his playing posture, and it makes

me feel cut off. The photo really only has one focus point against a blurred

background, and there is no transition of focus within the musician's posture and

your

camera angle to help draw me in. Not that this is always necessary for a photo's

success-its just that images of this nature seem to benefit well from gradual

transitions.

 

Your other post has a more dynamic(but not to dynamic) angle. Its more 3-

dimensional, more transitional, and therefore more immersive for me. cheers

Awsome! I believe that I would like the shot a little better if you brought some shadow onto the 'camera side' of the face and brought the hands down a little in EV. Great subject and I'm glad you did b/w.

Rich

I really like this, but I like the other one even more, though this

is entirely a matter of personal taste I think. As suggested in previous comments this is perhaps more technically "perfect" but to me this one is about the man's face, the other is about his music (or a convincing simulacrum if the model isn't a musician). The first is,

I think, more characterful. That's not to say that I think there's

anything wrong with this one. I'd have been proud to have taken either.

Pure emotion flowing through that man's fingers. The referance to the Michelangelo's God is very intriging and spot-on. Beautiful work!

I think what makes this picture so strong is the photographer's use of parallels as a compositional device. The parallels are repeated on several levels, ranging from structural parallels that subdivide the picture space (the head and the bow), to the fingers, and even the strings on the bow and the musician's hair, all arranged in a sublime hierarchy. This scheme is what holds our interest in this very fine photograph. The 'softness' that some have noted actually contributes to the mood.

Bridget is away on holiday this week but she would be thrilled and overwhelmed at making picture of the week and at all the beautiful comments posted. I know she draws a huge amount of inspiration from many of the photographers on this site. So thank you on Bridgets behalf for all the feed back that you have given.

 

The Photograph was taken on the South Bank in London but, despite the busy location, Bridget managed to capture this picture, isolating the subject from his surrondings and taking us into his world.

 

One thing Bridget didn't mention was that this guy was not just playing but also dancing passionately at the same time, so very much a moving target. We have since found him playing concerts in the foyer of the National where we found him playing with the accordian player (one of Bridgets other picture "hear her play") Their music is fantastic, they are both real characters and play wonderfully.

 

Although just beginning at photography Bridget has a natural talent and a style. She sees beauty in everybody and I am sure she will make a fine portrait photographer.

 

Well done for "picture of the week" Bridget. More of the same please.

Bridget everybody knows better...

 

You were there, you captured it, it wasn't posed, it's difficult to capture such grace and serenity with that level of movement.

 

Two 'artists' combining to communicate their talent.

 

The technicians can comment (moan) all they like about 'stuff' but it is one of the most engaging pictures I have seen.

 

A worthy POTW....IMO - Drew

That is a beautiful photograph! The aspect ratio is great, the moment superb. As a musician, I am impressed with your ability to capture that spiritual moment of musicianship.

Dow

I think that we are confusing a great subject with a great photograph, there is nothing very special about how this subject is portrayed by the photographer, and the backgrounds are very distracting on both images.

Just an incredible piece. The musician lost in his music, the lighting, composition. This photo has it all. Congrats on a very deserving POW

some people complained about the soft focus (some people always complain...). i think the focus is perfect as it is and adds to the message of the photo. the violine seems to be sharper as the gentleman himself. so the violine (and the music) seems to be more important on the photo as the music is the most important thing for the gentleman. my thoughts at least...

Bridget, you have really captured something special in this photo.

 

As a dedicated musician who, over time, walked away from music to dedicate my life to technology, this photo reminds me of an epiphany I had as a young man ... the first time I became one with the instrument and how it changed me forever. Youve captured the intimacy that a musician has with their instrument every time they touch it, even to the extent of pushing expression through something as mundane and simple as playing the chromatic scale as beautifully as possible.

 

You should change the caption of this photo to They become one. I know what he is feeling craving perfection, reaching for perfection, but knowing that it can never truly be achieved. After all, it is the road to perfection that is the fun.

 

This photo is something really special. You have reminded me of what it feels like to make music. I have felt what he is feeling and it makes me crave to feel that way again.

Congratulations Bridget on a terrific photo. Really nice, especially considering how briefly you've been taking photos.

 

I guess I'm going to moan a little as Drew put it. Just making a suggestion. I agree with Kelly that the composition could be improved a bit. This is a really straightforward composition and looks like a lot of concert or performance pictures that one might see in the newspaper (that isn't a bad thing), shot at a fairly comfortable zoom distance. The space on the left and right, top and bottom is fairly tight and symmetric, maybe varying that would present a pleasing alternative. Maybe trying some compositions that cut across the top of his head and bow or the end of the violin. A classic square composition may be nice as well.

 

The important features of the picture to me are the character in his face, his hands and the center of the violin, focusing on those features with your composition to emphasize them may be beneficial.

 

The background is nicely out of focus but still distracts somewhat. The focus is fine and the tones and all, however the positioning on your second shot is more energetic and emotive, though the shadows are too harsh and the background is overly distracting in that one.

 

I know you had to take your opportunity, and considering the probable time of day lighting and potential for a really disruptive background, you did a terrific job.

 

Would try to avoid these harsh lighting situations and if you have bright lighting may look at a slower film. For learning purposes, I would recommend not using too much zoom and just enjoying scenes with a normal view lens. I think you will like your results more.

 

I don't mean to sound critical, just a hack making suggestions.

 

Congratulations

This photo is the first to compell me to comment. All I can say is all things were alined, the Sun, moon, stars, you and the subject. 7/7

I would love to hear the details of the printing.Very nice!!

An absolutely wonderful image. I'd love to have this on the wall of my studio. You can almost feel his love for his art. Lovely.

Hi Bridget,

 

Very nice photos indeed. In fact, I was there too. You took these photos of their duet at the National Theatre about a week ago, didn't you? They played absolutely wonderfully. It was mesmerising just watching them enjoying themselves on stage. I think your photos have captured the moments very honestly. Great!

 

Edmond,

London

Ignoring people that point out things that could be possible improvements as Frank suggest, would be doing a disservice to yourself. You don't have to agree, but take them into consideration. Nobody is "complaining", just trying to be helpful. Frank actually points out himself that the violin appears sharper than the player.

Very nice.. I think this photo shows us all the power of still photography. I hope to one day make a POW myself.

A wonderful image that gives emotion.Congratulations once more, Bridget! Anna

I could only think about how passionate this man is about his art when I saw this wonderful image. How long has he been passionate? Probably a long time.

 

Thank you for sharing this wonderful photo Bridget.

It is truly a beautiful picture. The violin appears to have been well-used and shows signs of wear, which is appropriate. The angle of the bow continues to puzzle me a bit, but I think that the lighting combined with laying the bow over toward the neck of the violin might account for the (apparent) illusion of being upside down. None of this detracts from the image, which doesn't need any comparisons with any paintings of Michelangelo in order to be appreciated.

Bridget, I am happy to see this capture as POW.

Many congratulations!!

I prefer this version, for what it's worth.

As regards the picture itself, I have nothing insightful to add, but I was touched by your thoughtfulness in planning to show a print to the violinist and let him see the discussion. This is not a purely sentimental observation. Ethics are an important part of photographing people, and you prove your good faith. There are innumerable photographs of homeless people on PhotoNet. Most of them make we wince. They're attempts to gain a moral weight or seriousness that the photographer has usually not earned, and this is obvious. I actually feel ashamed looking at them. (I do not say this as someone who dislikes 'hard' subject matter per se. And I actually try to photograph in the coldest way possible, the complete opposite of the style here, so it's not like I'm a sucker for emotion either.)

 

Of course, you weren't sure if this man was homeless, and I don't want to assume that he is. Maybe he's moonlighting from the London Philharmonic. But the point is that I feel you earned your right to photograph him, and that's clear because a portrait always shows the nature of the relation between taker and sitter.

 

Do let us know what he thought of the picture.