Post Race Hose Down

An interesting subject, but for me the composition doesn't work as it is.  I don't think the left hand side of the image adds any particuar value and it might be worth considering a crop to make a square composition.

Thanks Stephen. You may have a point. I just did a quick crop on the screen with a piece of paper. I have a hard time coming in close on a subject (person) because I have a strong tendancy torwards environmental portraits and thus the background is just as important. That is not the case here. I'll take a closer look at it in PS. Thanks again.

Interesting scene!

Really like the shapes and textures in this shot. Well seen and executed. Don't understand the title and would love to know the context of the shot. Congrats and best wishes William

Hi WIlliam.  The Evergreen State College here in Washington is a pretty unique place and generates lots of very interesting graduates that are highly self motivated and community oriented. I am not a graduate, but I have lots of "Greener" friends. Since the school was founded in the 70's the Mud Bay Races have occurred during the last daylight low tide before graduation. The graduates as well as any previous graduates dash across the mud flats, usually stark naked, in order to retireve a flag at the other end. Everyone needs to be hosed off at the end. Always a happening.

Paul, you have a fine eye. As you say, you have graduated from the snapshot phase some time ago. The art of photography here is the way you have taken only that part of the young person's body that is really needed to express not only the event but also what effectively contributes to the visual form or shape that makes your shot intriguing. The curve of her back and the position of the right leg and the face create a sort of visual circular action, complemented by the water spraying down the back and that falling from the girl's hair.

Its a living shot: wasing is well shown.

Paul, this is a great shot.  Thanks for your explanation because I couldn't figure out why someone would want to get hosed!.  The composition is perfect.  For me, the water is the life: globs falling from the hair, and bullets racing across the back.  Regards, Jeff