Friendship

Although the colors are dramatic, I find the photo very confusing; the subject of the image is not clear (i.e., too busy). The shot without the boat demonstrates what I mean, it's much less busy.

Dear Doug Burgess,

 

I absolutly agrees with your comments. Although the picture captures great moment , it's boring after a while, because it does not tell a "story" because it is too silhouette type , espedialy on Friendship which is hidden and needs more intensification. How? the photographer has to find. This is the greatness of photographer. Each one has it's won technique.

 

Yehuda Kantor

Photographer

The idea of broadly interpreted themes reminds me of a story (short version) about some airplane pilots from a small country who were landing at an unfamiliar airport. As the pilot made his approach he called for the co-pilot to lower the landing gear and extend the flaps to their halfway position. It soon became clear that he was in danger of overshooting the runway and at the last moment he called for full flaps as he struggled to pull up the nose of the aircraft. The plane dropped like a rock onto the runway, flattened the wheels and crushing the landing gear. Alive but thoroughly shaken up, he told the co-pilot that this was the shortest runway he had ever seen. The co-pilot shook his head in agreement and said, Yes, but it was very wide!

To me this abstract (still life?) sculpture of a Viking ship looks a bit like some sort of backyard grilling device for large fish. After doing a little digging I was able to find some other photos of the same subject that added a bit of perspective to the composition we see here. I like the photographers treatment in general because from what I have seen elsewhere he has taken an original approach that eliminates some of the distracting elements that exist at this location. The ship in this version becomes a silhouette and appears to be more of a shipwreck than a FriendShip. The two people in the frame really appear to be having a jolly time so I dont get any dark foreboding impression from the scene. The mood appears to be happy and light, a celebration of a pleasant day near the water.

For an alternate view of the sculpture click here.

In my mind this photograph would work better as part of a series rather than a stand alone photo. It would likely make me want to visit the area and is featured in several websites as a must-see attraction for tourists. Generally speaking I find the combination of silhouettes and sunsets to be super silly or at least better appreciated in passing. This is an interesting subject well seen and like all proper works of art spurs the imagination and creativity. I salute the spirit in which this photograph was presented by the photographer and I will continue to ponder the idea of broad interpretations until next time.

Strong statement.

I like it...

Orlin.

Thank you Ilona.

 

Ladys and Gentlemen:

 

First I want to thank for the selection of Photograph of the Week. It is a great honor.

 

About the title:

 

Friendship is a play on words, Friends & Ship but that is not all. We used to be a Viking nation sailing those Viking longboats, but not any more. We have left the boats, walked away from them like the two friendly persons are doing and become a peaceful and friendly nation. Some say that those Viking ships belong to a dark period of history. That might be true. However, my message by the image is friendship to PN and friendship to the world.

 

Thanks to all of you for your feedback to "Friendship"

Dark? That was about the only fun time us Scandinavians ever had....

Beautiful picture Baldur.

Looks well done, only thing to possibly change would be to go higher with more sky...ie cut out the dark bottom part of the image, say, just below the boat line, with the horizon being almost mid way make it's off for me, but when I scroll the image down so the bottom is covered, it's more pleasing and balanced, but, as always, that's just one persons opinion, art/photography is such a passionate thing and I feel we should honor others views as well and only offer what or how we feel and not claim it to be the best way.

Nice forum you have here, and I just found this section, amazing photographs!

G2

One of your best and right choice of photo of the week.

You should look at the paintings of Casper David Friedrich. Very romantic, small people big nature.

In a way a bid cliche but a pleasure for a lot of people. mike werkhoven

Linda, Kurt and mike: Thank you for your kind comments. I appreciate it.

Excellent

Tusund takk Birger.

I had missed this masterpiece... Fantastic image and the human elements just add beauty to the composition.

Thank you so much Armindo.

Congratulations with this beautiful capture! The composition with the silhouettes is great, but most of all I like the lightning here... it is really MAGIC! My best regards,

Diana.

Thank you very much Diana

Very nice capture, I can understand why it has gotten this much attention. Anway, nice mood of the whole picture, makes me long for the summer that is rapidly approaching.

Larus: Thanks for your kind comment. Perhaps this is what one great photographer captured in his images "The Decision Moment" ?

Wonderful, Baldur, you have a very romantic soul!

Thank you Mari for your kind compliment and rating. I´m glad you like the image.

Like this a lot ! See my pics