Juggle Juggle

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Hi Hani,

This is obviously a powerful image in terms of subject. This is something that gets immediately inlaid our hearts after looking at it as there is a dose of humanity in it that no one can be indifferent. As if that was not enough to be an outstanding image, you managed to captured, composed and b&w'ed it through a talented execution and you got a unique image with plenty of emotional and artistic content.

To my faves.

Regards,

ricardo

The most important picture in photo.net ever.

Strong shot!

Svetlana, Franz, and Ricardo. Thanks so much for your kind words. 

The ball (sharp, bright, perfectly round, on-center) seems to be assaulting the man.

The ball is making the man dance instead of the man making the ball dance.

Julie, I really love your second sentence. The man may have lost part of his leg, but he remains whole nonetheless.

I won't analyze too much and only say that I find this image inspirational for people who have struggled in this world to overcome their obstacles, not limited to physical handicap alone. The motion blur in the man's hand and leg is an essential element, so is the dark tone overall. I like the dark, sweaty atmosphere which furthermore highlights a man's focus and determination, at the same time signifying his struggle. The ball does look a bit over-highlighted. I would have preferred some motion blur in the ball as well. The best moment would be in my opinion just after the ball is kicked upwards by the man's knee. However that does not decrease my overall acclaim for this image. I understand that an action shot (with an inner meaning too) is not valued for its perfection, but the overall dynamics and rhythm, which are evident in this image.

A powerful shot, I agree. It would be interesting to see whether the shot would be improved by focusing on the man's face instead of the ball, but it might look worse. I suspect there is slight missed focus and/or motion blur here that detracts slightly from overall sharpness. I'm not sure it matters, though. My only suggested change would be to crop off some of the space from the left (just include the pipe), which to my mind would make for more compelling framing.

A very evocative and dynamic image. I think the intense concentration of the man directed to the ball is the most powerful and engaging component, and the object of focus in this image. It is almost secondary that the viewer notices his lower leg is missing, and he is balancing with the aid of a crutch. I agree that the image would not be damaged by a mild crop of the left side, which might also further focus on the man-ball relationship. The motion blur in the extremities also contributes to the focus of this image. I wonder what the impression would be if the image were constrained to only the man's eyes and the ball? Would it be as engaging? How would the message change? If we think about this from a macro perspective, a ball player with two good legs would, in this moment of action, face the same balance and coordination issues as this amputee, but do we remember this as we view the image? I also agree that this is certainly a poignant image, and touches a number of themes relating to life circumstances, opportunity, overcoming obstacles, etc. I consider the technical execution to be good, even without the suggested crop.

Here is an alternate crop, one which which brings the image down to its essence of man and ball. I tried a tighter crop than this, but it lost its power with removal of too much context. I think this option speaks to essential power of the image, and does away with some distractions. Still, it might be a bit too radical for some, or remove too much of the photographer's vision.

Well, PN is a diverse community. It is a privilege to be exposed to such differing aesthetics and sensibilities in the critiques provided. First, I want to express my appreciation for this photo. It is honest, poignant, and uses so many good photographic elements and qualities to be effective. The subject has a focus and strength echoed by the stillness of the ball. The surroundings provide a sense of space and place. The iron gate matches the mettle of the man playing with the ball. The light against the dark tones is evocative.

In a million years, I would not have expected to see a crop suggested that would chop off the guy's hand. Talk about adding insult to injury! Not to mention removing one of the more expressive gestural components of the photo. Having read many of David's posts, I'm sure he meant no harm by the suggested crop, but I do encourage him strongly to reconsider. To say it's bizarre would be the height of understatement. To say it ruins the photo would not be too strong a statement for me, at least, to make. No, there's nothing distracting about the room the guy's in (a little space could be taken off the left, sure, with no big loss, but I don't see why) and, no, this new crop doesn't distill the photo down to its essence. It lops off part of it.

Fred; Point taken. I was so focused on what I saw as an opportunity that I lost track of the hand. After I posted I realized what I had done, but it was to late to remove the post. Oops, pardon me, and a variety of other mea culpas.

David, ;-) !!!

Everything about this photo that works, and there is plenty that does work, is diminished by the treatment of the ball. It ends up looking like it is from another photo or another galaxy. What the photo does not need is a new crop.

The image definitely draws one into it, to see the man's expression, to sense his pleasure, to feel what he does. The only thing which counters that is my desire to see the same action and emotion wih more of the surroundings, seeing all of the subject (how he is balancing on one leg, while juggling the football) and seeing him isolated in the surrroundings yet absorbed in his pleasure. But that, while I think it might be interesting to see and possibly more powerful, is not to forget the impact of thre image as it is.

Excellent potw. Its wonderful to see a shot like this be selected. There's a natural humanity about it that needs no explanation. A great moment well caught.

amazing photo close to my heart as my daughter Michelle was born without her left harm. Congratulations. Warm regards.