The Dreamer

Jack, this image is simply loaded with expressiveness. The man's posture clearly shows that he is deep in thought, but the viewer is left with a lot of interpretive freedom. Also, the playground location adds a bit of whimsy, especially the lone "hobby horse" and the two black cats that possibly are about to fight over a female. Finally, I like how the trees provide framing. Most certainly a favorite.

After an absence fron PN from both of us, I just returned after a while and just started browsing. Not to my surprise, my computer's mouse immediately wanted to enlarge the thumbnail. It was a magnetic and immediate, almost instinctive gesture, and not to my surprise, it had your seal of excellence. Is this man dreaming? Or sad. Reflective. Mad. Closed to the world looking for an answer from the dust, in his loneliness within the loneliness of its environment. As usual, you pose many profound questions to your viewers. And the black cats!? How in Heavens did this archetypal symbol managed to appear? Were you waiting for it? I don't know the answer, but it is just evidence of your mastery. I very much like the contrast, and you know, I have a special bias for BW, so this image is truly satisfying, the feeling of having had a good meal.....and still savoring it, as it has so many valuable elements, like a grown man in a childrens empty par....and do on. I rather savor it than make more comments. Warmest and my special regards. DG

DG, you are one helluva writer! Your review clearly is much more comprehensive, and Jack certainly deserves it.

Brilliant composition and fine grey tones. Is this a glimpse of the Japanese society today i.e. loneliness, fewer children? A favourite. BR, Arthur

... and life goes on! Nice shot, well seen, bravo ..

Hi Jack,

 

this photo confuses me; I see a man with his head down in an urban playground, with black cats in the background and a drink can next to him. There are literally dozens of possible interpretations; just to name a few, the man got fired and drinks a beer before going home and tell his family about it, or the man lost a child and is remembering him/her at the playground they used to visit. I quite like the composition and the tones and contrast. The best thing about your photos is that they make you think. Kind regards, Vincent

Thanks, Vincent. I think the most important thing about a good photograph is that it provokes thoughts and questions; the answers are generally unimportant. Our education system has yet to learn this where almost all the emphasis is in finding the right answer. Few teachers ask questions that they don't already know and expect the "right" answer. The same goes for politicians - all answers, no questions.

Nicely composed impressive life photo, I like it despite of the too many elements included! Cheers to that, Jack! PDE

Thanks, Pierre. I guess I could have shooed away the cats.

One might thanks heavens for happiness, joy and pleasure, and sometimes a wife.

I thank heavens for not missing the opportunity of viewing this magnificent photo.

It tells volumes about life, both for the happy and the miserable ones.

 

My best wishes and regards.