Water-games

I agree with Vincent and Dave a lot. I think that there are some technical problems here and the subject was not interesting enough (at least to me - I can see that many found this picture outstanding). But that being said, I like to mention that Zoltan is a talented photographer as many other photos in his portfolio speak volume of that.

An enjoyable and well seen shot. Highlights look fine on my monitor. Good job.

I would think that quite a few people might find this image appealing due to its simplistic nature just as it is. I can also understand why some folks would actually like the softer, somewhat muted colors. Neither of these issues really offend me by themselves. The slightly bleached out area on the right side here does pose a little more of a problem however. It caught my attention at first glance, even before reading Dave's comment. I don't see that as a good thing at all, though I might add it does not ruin the image entirely either. However, when I combine all three of these points together: 1) the fact that the colors/lighting are nothing special to look at...(you can find these in any creek, stream, river anywhere in any country). 2) There is no real focal point at all in the image. and 3) That the right-side highlights are actually a distraction, not addding anything really positive to the scene. Well then, I cannot see what's left that really stands out in a positive way. Like I said above: "There are some interesting textures in the water itself due to a rather slow (four seconds) shutter speed." But that's really about it for me.

 

The reason many images similar this one have some type of stationary subject, is because they give the image a focal point. A grounded base which one can always return to regardless of whatever else the image contains. In my opinion it makes exploring around further to see what else is out there easier to do. It also adds contrasting elements, which when successful give the one viewing even more to appreciate. It often makes the image more artistic looking and gives that "painterly" effect. Again, these thoughts are from my perspective, as I look at this image. (I do respect other viewpoints)...

 

So does the fact that this photograph does not contain that stationary element actually make it better, just because of the fact that most do have that element? Well, does a sunset with the horizon in the center make it better than one observing the generally accepted rule of thirds, just because it's different? There are certain circumstances where it does work better, but not always and not usually. Perhaps if this one had more interesting textures, and or richer colors then maybe it might be one of the few acceptions to the rule. In this case, with this image, I just do not see anything that unique or that good worth writing home about.

 

Although when I read what you said Marc, I think we probably feel quite similar. You said this:

 

"Well, ok, this POW doesn't move me very much, and it doesn't teach me much about the world, nor I am greatly interested by what I see, as a matter of fact".

 

and

 

"...I'm not falling in love here..."

 

I think we agree more than you perhaps realize. Thanks for the discussion. Is always interesting. Aloha.

Nice pic; I like the simplistic nature and abstract feel. Thanks for sharing.

Nice image but somehow I just miss a broader image/

Perhaps i'm just a water addict but this image with its quiet whisper appeals to many of my senses. All is in focus but fluid, changing. Zigzag of blues on the diagonal from upper left to lower right meets the curve of the fountain-like current on the other diagonal in the focal point. There are also playful scribbles of sunbursts. It's an abstract that grows on you. Regards,

My impression of the responses to Photo of Week is that they rarely come from a graphic perspective. I do come at images that way and think Zoltan's doesn't fall short in any way, but is simply best as part of a series or part of a triptych.

 

That's the nature of photography, more than is individual image or print perfection IMO. Ansel missed that, Minor White emphasized it.

I find difficulty accepting this as a four-second exposure. The small squiggles/highlights in, for instance, the lower-right corner seem to be in the nature of very transitory elements such as disappear in a lot less than four seconds, because their lines are so cleanly drawn within a dynamic, fluid environment. Why then does their lightness/intensity seem to rival that of the large-area highlights that apparently were essentially-stable in shape over the length of the exposure? Why does the water seem to be so stable in its patterns over a four-second exposure? Could it be that this is this a 1/4-second exposure? At such close range, I think that this amount of blending of the water could happen in 1/4 second, as could the squiggles mentioned above.

Kenneth, the squiggles are essentially pictures of the sun. The changing surface of the water reflects it at a continuously changing angle. Try taking a long exposure at night of a fast-moving flashlight or car lights.

nice one) good textures

Congratulations, Zoltan, on having your photo selected as Photo of the Week. I happen to like some of your others much, much more, but this shot has a lot of strengths.

 

TO CARL: The "squiggles," Carl, look like little bits of slime, and it is this APPEARANCE that ruins this one for me. Reflections of the sun they may be, but I can't quite get past that sense of looking at scum floating on the water.

 

The overall composition is very good, although not as outstanding as others in this folder for me.

 

--Lannie

Smooth.. Nice...

With all due respect it doesn't do anything for me. Is it cropped? The composition is unengaging, even unsettling, and the tones stressed. .

Dave I love your work as you are aware. But your rendition of the photo somehow for me loses the smooth textures and the tonal balance that harmonizes the shot. Much more dreamy the orginal presentation. I agree with the exposures time as that caught my eye immediately. Again as mentioned above it isn't a wow photo but it surely is a very nice one. Nice catch! Randall

Dave I love your work as you are aware. But your rendition of the photo somehow for me loses the smooth textures and the tonal balance that harmonizes the shot and it intended effect. I am also a fan a blown contrasts and highlights bt this is much more dreamy, the orginal presentation. I agree with the exposures time as that caught my eye immediately. Again as mentioned above it isn't a wow photo but it surely is a very nice one. Nice catch! Randall

I feel nothing special about this picture. Some mentioned highlights, but I think that the far biggest highlight is that white line in the frame that distracts the most. I simply can't get past this to concentrate and enjoy the picture.