Heroic Scale

Perfectly composed, beautiful blacks and contrast!

The cutted head gives dynamic. Perfectly toned.

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Vlad, Franz ---- Thanks for your comments on this picture. Franz, here is another view I considered but decided in the end that the picture I posted was better for the reason you stated.

Jack, I agree that this version works better. His legs and stance come across as classic and heroic and statuesque. Cropping him tightly and across his head makes him look more colossus-like, as if the frame is incapable of containing him. I like his slightly upward gaze.

It's an ordinary shot of two people, they have the faces of the east south Asia, The addition of the Japanese words to the image have signify their positions in eyes of the viewers, Hence giving them the order or rank of Japan, which is something not ordinary in many notions.

My only suggestion for the grey toned image is to remove the light blue tone from the written words area.

Mark

- Thanks for taking the time to comment on this picture. Mark, I'm glad you agreed with my decision. I think a lot of people would prefer the other version because they're averse to lopping off heads and limbs. I, on the other hand, take great delight in doing so. Let the limbs fall where they may if it furthers the effect or feeling I'm after.

Saad - Thanks for your comments on this picture. I agree with what you have written. I thought the tight cropping gave the man a heroic aspect which Mark also mentioned and which I think you touched on in your comment. You're right, these are just ordinary Japanese waiting in line to enter a restaurant. I think the graphic lettering (kanji) on the sign elevates their stature. I also agree with you on the slight blue-gray cast of the sign which should be pure white. I actually tried to correct that in PS but obviously I could have done a better job.

Excellent psychological study, thoughtful face in the dark and lighted feet ready for the road but the head is not ready yet .........

Hi dear Jack: Hmmmm.....By the kanji writing I guessed it was probably your image, but, hmmmm......what threw me off a bit was the Gunslinger pose from the Old West outside a Saloon, the only things missing were the gun and spurs.....hat might be inside on the Poker table next to a shot of whisky. Now, as to the title, I am at a loss.

 

It is good that the cropping issue was addressed here, because many people tend to comment (critically or just as an observation) that the "head" was "mistakenly" cropped. With all humility, the almost half a century of taking photos and being involved in photography gives me some authority that those are comments of less experienced (or probably know-it-alls) photographers. In many occasions here in PN, I have responded almost in the same way I'm doing now, that is, a seasoned photographer "instinctively knows" how a certain image will actually improve (!) with the crop. "The Crop", IMHO is a pure, unobstructed, impulsive choice of the photographer. As you so adroitly actually "show" the magic of this great, full of meaning photo of this Cowboy, disappears as soon as you present the full image. Kudos to you!! Ah, yes, sincere congratulations. Best regards. DG

 

P.S. PN is certainly enriched by your renewed participation, which, as you see, always steers comments. Thumbs up!

I have leap in on the side of the one you chose. Cropping it and the tonal adjustments make it a more striking image with an interesting contrast between the peeps and the sign/text. I saw the comment re "heroic" and that has sort shaded my view of the photo as I can see that perspective. He could be protecting her from Godzilla!