'If They Were Wings . . . . '

This man contorts himself and has a box strapped to his side into which

those who wish can donate. He just stands there,in the crowd, and

makes a living, but does not actually beg in a strict sense. I have pin-

sharp photos similar to this but chose this for critique and had no

hesitancy in choosing this over the 'sharper' versions though they look

very good to me. This is a nearly one second telephoto exposure at

ISO 100 -- fully saturated and basically untouched in post processing.

Your ratings, critiques and remarks are invited and most welcome. If

you rate or critique harshly or very critically, please submit a helpful and

constructive comment; please share your photographic knowledge to

help me improve my photography. Thanks! Enjoy! john

I think your choice of processing is excellent...really is 'artsy', gives the viewer the sense of distortion, a sense of his 'alone-ness'. This image really has great IMPACT as far as I think and truly think you have done a great job of isolating this poor fellow, and I don't know how it's effect couldn't TOUCH others. Fantastic work John. Tops for me on your wonderful efforts,

thankyou for sharing this wonderful art compostion with us, has made my day of worries seem a lot lighter, we often do not give thanks daily for our blessings, kindest regards, Gail

I was thinking of some of my own privation, as I worked on this.

But when  I read your critique, I glowed and am still glowing.

It's the same as I felt when I saw this and knew how I could minimally work it up (contrast, brightness, and a little selective sharpening, nothing more).

Sometimes you take a lot of mediocre photos to get the one that stands out, and frankly that's what I live for.  I'll even take a lot of privation for that; it's almost entirely my raison d'etre if you hadn't guessed. 

I have a passing acquaintance with this guy, although he had no idea I'd taken his photo this time.   

I met him two days after or the day after, far away, the first time I hadn't seen him in the Metro, and we spoke minimally and exchanged names (I admire him as one of the best in the business).

john

John (Crosley)

I have two monitors, a Lenovo laptop which apparently automatically white balances, and is cheap on reds and reddish colors and heavy on contrast and a 24-inch Samsung, pretty close to top of the line last year, which emphasizes the more yellow red of the floor whereas the Lenovo shows it more as white.

I like the Samsung version, but no one nearby has color calibration devices, even though I've tried for professional calibration, and the last two I bought broke in transit -- what a loss.

The things are delicate (and expensive). 

I would give anything to see what viewers are seeing, as the images are quite different --- one quite warm and inviting with very saturated colors -- the other a little or a lot whiter/bluer with less saturated colors however  they are stronger with more contrast where the colors do show.

Interesting so much variation in two monitors -- makes it difficult to work up a photo looking at them both.

;~))

john

John (Crosley)

Why its a masterpiece ? Always there is an instability in our life. Always we try to follow the main ... . Max. BR JV

I am a little uncertain because of translation/language uncertainties if you are saying 'it IS a masterpiece' or questioning why others may think it so.  I think the former, in view of the totality of your comment, but cannot be completely sure.  Maybe you can leave a followup comment explaining your thoughts further.

Although I use so many words much of the time, I seldom get scolded for not being clear.  Sometimes extra words help with clarity.

I thank you for taking the trouble at least to compare this to a 'masterpiece'.  That seldom happens in any artist's life, outside a select few.

I looked at this blurry/shaky photo taken at almost 1 second with a tele lens (only one shot too), at ISO 100 and said to myself, for my own personal taste 'this one has it, no matter what any one else says' and even though I had much more clear -- even pin sharp photos of nearly the same scene  taken at 1/15th of a second (I'm a steady holder/he's a slow mover/I had vibration reduction on my lens), I KNEW I had to work this one up.

I invite you to come back to explain and thank you for stopping by to leave a comment. (I understand English is not your native language and make allowance for that.)

john

John (Crosley)

This capture is entirely natural -- no special filters were used to create any 'effects'.

I know there's a 'filter' to create just about any 'effect' that a photographer may desire; I don't own or use any of them.

All 'effects' here were entirely the result of my use of my camera and the movement of my hands and the individuals involved.

I guess the lesson for me is 'don't delete' - I almost did -- but based on prior experience with other marginal captures, I restrained myself.

john

John (Crosley)

This is a very tragic situation for this man. Such photography with long exposure gives a great feeling of reality scene.

thank you for the picture. Who am I to analize your picture - I have no experience in photography at all, just a wish. So I'll follow my feelings. Your picture is very strong, it makes people think about life - their own and those who are less blessed. I love the blur - it shows the isolation, mental and phisical. The colours coulddn't be better. And the title is just so expressive - the less fortunate have dreams too. Thank you for seeing and feeling all this. You inspired me. My best regards, Tamara

 

Life situation.

A stunning image illustrating the less fortunate/handicapped in contrast to the people around him who seem not to mind and just walk pass him. I think the blur adds emphasis to the image.

As a physician, I notice that the crutches he's using is probably aluminum rather then a wooden contraption which is a good sign that this person has received some health care.

 

Yes, this man's situation in life is tragic, but he is a phoenix who rises above it.

I have met him before in the Metro, have a nodding acquaintance and only have respect for him.

There's a story to be told about him, but only at the end, possibly weeks from now.

He was unaware he was being photographed, though afterward I did go right in front of him, turn around, pat his shoulder (his hand was otherwise occupied)  and say 'hello', as we now do on occasion when our paths cross, now that he no longer is suspicious of me as he once was.

He does his thing underground; I do mine.  I am an admirer of him.  I may explain later either here or elsewhere; it makes an interesting story.

If you read this, come back in several weeks, and I may write it here.  However, he is severely afflicted; his left foot (I think it's the left), faces backward, and both legs are together on the right side, yet he is not crushed by life, as I've seen personally.

john

John (Crosley)

You ask me 'who am I to analyze your picture, then you proceed to do an outstanding, first class job.

I really can add nothing to what you have written except to acknowledge an excellent comment and to thank you for taking the time and trouble to pass to me and other readers your feelings in such a superb manner.

john

John (Crosley)

I appreciate and agree with your observation and analysis of the photo.

I understand your feelings as a physician about the crutches being aluminum, but I am sure there's more to it than just a tale of the adequacy of his medical care, and at some future time (as suggested above) I may write the story, and those huge crutches almost certainly will have a role.

Just look at their size -- measure them and measure how big you think they should be for an individual of his height and ask yourself 'are they of appropriate height?'

When you have answered that question, I think you'll understand the caption (title) above, and also understand why there's more to write about, and if I choose to write more, you'll also understand more about the man himself.

(I know physicians routinely take out their measuring sticks, tapes, calipers,  and other devices to x-rays or just plain appendages to measure the size of tumors, legs, feet, skulls, moles and so forth, so why not take out your measuring device, measure the size of these aluminum crutches, and then measure his height and ask yourself, 'why are those crutches so long?'

Therein lies the rub.

And the story, I think.

Stay tuned.

;~))

john

John (Crosley)

John,

I refrained a little bit from being scientific or medical but I must agree that those crutches are big for his size even if they are adjustable. I certainly agree what you mean and the title definitely emphasizes the story. 

This is what the photo is all about imho. A really great image!

Thanks. Lester

 

It's partly the amazing length of those crutches that leads me to admire this afflicted man.

He may be physically afflicted, but he's no fool.  I like him for that.

I won't write the whole story here, at least not yet.  Maybe sometime in the future.

;~))

john

John (Crosley)

just to start with - 7. everything is possible for the art - people might turn angels, crutches might turn wings, the photographer just follows the right turn!

I have a famous mentor whose name is not a household word,though it should be. 

Recently I've been sending him some of my work.

He wrote back a brief note the other day: 'not up to your usual standards, I know you, I know your work.' (paraphrased).

He is one of the most well acquainted and hard to please photo critics in the business, but amazingly astute.  We're also friends, through my work which he likes very much.

I sent him this last night - but haven't got a reply. 

I was going to suggest to him in response to his pithy criticism, it's just a matter of time and how many pairs of shoes are worn out, between the really good ones, but he doesn't like things that sound like excuses.

I'll stand on this one as my response to his criticism.

It's blurry, fuzzy, jerky, has hand/body movements from me the photographer but it's one of my best for a good long time.  There's not a sharp edge in the whole photo; nothing but wavy lines and colors.

But it's original, and it tells a story in a novel and strong way.

If he doesn't like this, we'll have a disagreement (we've had them before --  vigorous ones -- he usually wins in the end.)

But he's also my greatest backer.  He believes in me and my work and has been pushing me to go forward with a photo career for three years entering 'at the highest levels'.  

He only knows those levels, too.

I won't write a list of his acquaintances -- too much name dropping -- or even  the famous galleries/museums he's done work for. 

I'm amazed he even has an iota of time for me, and that we've become friends though my work, or that he's mentored me.

He has helped, as much or more than PN members have, let me believe in me and my abilities to be myself and follow my own path (something I would do anyway, but without hope of anything further without his mentoring).

But Vlad, comments like yours also are very significant to me too; and have kept me going these past six/seven years here on Photo.net, producing and posting every day or three.

I keep at it, as though I were being paid a fortune, yet it's my fortune that's been paid.

All for a few words from PN members like you, and to SHARE my various visions, like this one, for appreciation from people I care about even if I have never met them in person.

Thank you so much Vlad.  (and all the others who comment on my photos).

john

John (Crosley)

This tells a great story John! The motion, of the crowd, conveys the feeling of a person passed over by society, yet proud, and unwilling to accept his fate. Superb, creative, work!

All the best,
Neil

A little unwittingly, I think that's exactly the true story of this fellow's existence.

What a wonderful way you have boiled this photo into an easily understood story.

john

John (Crosley)

John, powerful image and presented in a way that bespeaks of class and attention and compassion.. You have done well in this one my friend... MJ high marks...

I'm not known for blushing, but please excuse me for a moment while I reflect on your comment sincerely.

Thank you so much.

It makes all those crappy or sometimes just 'easy' photos I post seem like the cartoon or the advertisement before the feature maybe?  I am capable, sometimes, but it's hard to produce outstanding stuff on the street daily, and you never know when a near-delete will be a hit.

john

John (Crosley)

extraordinary treatment of motion with color; a dignified tribute to the man who is your subject.. all emotion... extemely persuasive image! one of your best, John ;-} dp

Just think!  I almost deleted this image because it was so shaky.

I almost never delete images, no matter how bad unless the focus is just horrible, and something said, this one had some potential, although in JPEG format it didn't show so saturated.

But after a trip through post processing -- just contrast. brightness, and selective sharpening, this is what emerged -- and I am entitled to call it unmanipulated because those things don't count as manipulation under the rules.

It's a good lesson for those who shoot and delete, shoot and delete, shoot and delete.

Some day they may shoot and delete a prize and never know it!

Thank you for such heartening compliments.

john

John (Crosley)

I love how you put the blur into this shot.  It seems amazing to me how you caught the right angle and the right perspective and how all the folks around seem to be clearing a path for this person.  The blur enhances an effect of how many of us see people with special needs.  We see them indirectly, we tend to look away and I think the blur suggests that to me as well as the radius of open walkway that's clear.  Seems no one wants to get in the way they would rather squish together around the sides.

Thank you for the compliment on the photo and photography expressly and also impliedly by attempting (successfully, I add) to explain what it is I captured and interpret (successfully I again add) its significance.

Yes, the people avoid the disabled man; he's got these huge crutches spread out beside him like the wings of a bird, and they're in a hurry.

They don't have time or ability to communicate with him; maybe show sympathy/empathy economically by dropping money guiltily in the box strapped around his neck (like Russian Orthodox Priests, and not by accident I might add), to support him, since obviously he appears not (otherwise) employed and thus incapable of supporting himself (I am not sure of that, but it's a working premise).

In the USA, especially Germany and many Western European countries, he would have a sit down job, a motorized wheelchair, maybe  working for  government agency assisting other disabled people, and earn a decent salary and have an appropriate living and benefits plus if in California a HUGE pension.

Toulouse-Lautrec, the famous dwarf painter who hung around showgirls and painted them at the Moulin-Rouge and other Parisian nightclubs  drank, caroused and practiced his art (probably among other things pleasurable?), showed us the life of a person not within the norm need not be devoid of pleasure, and a person not within the norm need be neither stupid nor without talent.  Toulouse-Lautrec's paintings are collected and exhibited by museums and are almost priceless.  Toulouse-Lautrec's paintings define part of an epoch in one of the world's most famous cities.

I have seen this subject several times in the Metro, shaken his hand, know him well enough now to nod to him and even ask 'how's business' (it's his business after all) and even after taking this photo found him surprisingly a day or so later on a far-off street in a distant and very busy edge of Kyiv, probably headed home. 

We exchanged knowing greetings, shook hands, exchanged first names and respectfully so.  Then, after I walked away, I turned around and found him counting the day's collection, which I photographed, from a distance, when he was unaware, but it was not a good photo and will never be exhibited.

Some days he does extraordinarily well, and he is very practiced at what he does.  I won't describe precisely now his 'technique(s), but he has well earned my respect.

Mom always told me 'John, if you're going to do something, do it well'.  This guy follows my credo, and inventively, which has earned him a place in my gallery of extraordinary people I've met. 

He does present an obstruction, and I suggest it's not by accident . . . .

And more, I won't say, now.

Just thank you for helping me flesh out the story alluded to above.

;~))

The rest may follow, or maybe I've given enough hints. 

For those interested, read ALL the comments, including my colloquy with the doctor above  about the crutches, and maybe play a guessing game . . . . you may hit the target on the nose and save yourself from another of my stories . . . . . and earn a prize (a thank you from me and probably from other readers).

Bob, thank you again for the compliment of deconstructing what I feel is a recent 'important' image . . . . which I almost 'deleted' -- truly -- but stopped myself, because 'deletion' as I do it is 'forever' and I am constantly resurrecting old images I thought once were worthless, often to enthusiastic acclaim from viewers.

I'm learning (as I vowed at the start of resuming photography seven years ago) to keep a sacrosanct library of all my images, (except birds/wildlife) bad or not, except the worst out of focus images, and even then generally only when I'm running out of memory (seldom with the new 16 and 32 gig cards.)

That way, as I rethink what I do, or critics reveal or uncover new depth in what I once thought were 'ordinary' images, I can resurrect them and rework them.

john

John (Crosley)