talksII

Wouter, if the photographer is attempting to trick us or is using a gimmick then this is certainly relevant to the vision of the photographer. It indicates that there is a relative lack of vision and a reliance on method or technique rather than substance. I could not imagine a more important observation for the readers of this thread than this. Fred did not side-track us...he pointed to something fundamental in how we go about making and assessing images. JJ

Jeremy, I don't believe I was saying anything that contradicts what you or Fred said, nor imply that Fred side-tracked us. If anything, I agree with Fred and your posts.
What I did say: "the choice of word between 'gimmick', 'trickery' etc. should not taint discussion too much", so I hope to avoid getting a discussion on whether one calls it a trick, gimmick, effect - because that's not what's interesting. The substance is: some of us, including you, me and Fred, find the photo lacking in substance and appearing superficial. How we exactly describe that, to me, is secondary.

Regardless of how it was created, this is an evocative and haunting photo. If art is supposed to provoke us, to make us think, consider and reconsider, then the image is very successful, as proven by the subsequent discussion it has caused. It is so open to interpretation. For me, it could be a contemporary take on Ophelia; or not.

Andris
This is a very fine photograph. As a photographer, there are three aspects that come to mind when I judge images ( my own included). Am I drawn to it? Yes. I would approach this image for a closer look. Once I get there, does it speak to me? Yes, this image would peak my curiosity with questions of sadness and isolation. And the final aspect. Will it stay with me when I walk away? No. It isn't an image (mentally) I would want to return to.

Thanks Wouter, you are right, semantics is not the point here. I just thought that to say there is gimmickry here was insightful but not really what I saw. When Stephen used the word dupe and John suggested that gimmick was too harsh, it occurred to me that it might be useful to explore Fred's original idea. I suggested an alternative interpretation....a skilled practitioner working to gain the viewers attention with a sort of "special effect" which I called trickery. I would very much appreciate some more discussion of this as I think it's really important to how some of us approach the making of images. Best, JJ

I don't think as well that semantic is important as at the end both words are ways to get attention.
We shall never really know if it was a concious act of the photographer,and /or a guts feeling without a possible explanation.
I think that the used cliche' that a photo is better than 1000 words works well when it is well done.,and each of us will comunicate to a given photo in his own way and personal knowledege and load.

The POTW will always( generalizing of course) get about 3 different impressions ,some will connect to it and explain why, some will not and explain the reasons, and some will give it a look and remain indifferent.
I think that it is the savor of critique with many nuances in between.

A photo that speaks to me ( and to a lot of viewers) will have aside from a good composition and aesthetic components, will ( need) have especially a substance, as well as a saying of some kind,( for ,writing my point of view). Many nuances of course but I see these as essentials when looking at a photo.

Hauntingly beautiful. love the look of the model, with the stillness of the water,magical. good pic of the week

I have started responses here several times, but had hoped we might here from Andris about this image. My sense is that there is nothing done here in PS to add this reflection as I think some are suggesting. Its structure seems to be as I would expect and it is very complex for someone without a body of work with such work prevalent within it--you don't learn this layering of detail in one sitting. I do, however, think the light within the reflection and the face has been tweaked in post--and enough to make things look just a bit fake. There is always a fine line between the two.

I suggested that the word "gimmickry' or "gimmick" was harsh not because I disagree with the definition given by Fred but because I think it involves a certain kind or level of intent. Essentially, it is a conscious effort to put something irrelevant in an image just to get attention and I don't think that is what we have here. I think this is an honest attempt at doing something of substance. I don't see anything that was done here as irrelevant just maybe not as successful as might have been hoped for. Trickery is something completely different, I think.

Each of us has a style and that should show in our work. It may change/evolve with time but generally there is a base style that seems to stay with us over time. Technique is different but can be part of a given style (Linda Connor always made print out paper prints, a technique that defined her for a long time--she can't do it any more, her large digital prints still reflect her style). That is also different than one falling back on tried and true or cliche image making. I think all these things need to be kept separate as they involve different aspects of image making.

This image is abrasive (in a good way) & compelling. I find nothing distracting about whatever editing of the photo occurred. Great picture.

One amazing image my friend. Very powerful presentation, Congratulations for Photo of the week honor!

An image with an strong attraction, FANTASTIC AURA!

I find this to be disturbingly dreamy. One might use the word haunting. The reflection adds a touch sadness to it that is accentuated by the stark blackness. I have to say that the composition is rather wonderful too.

Fantastic !!

caught my eye straight away this one.  The word timeless sprang to mind.  Anyway, wonderful pic. keep it up.

nice image u made
nice reflection of girl on water u made, nice clouds attached in the water
good handling on software u work on

powerful potent        perfectly still       poignant    

beautiful photo. I love it! Thanks for sharing it.