rachelfoster

I just saw this. And I can't look away.

Yes! I'd like to know about lighting too (but was reluctant to ask).

 

And Jack, I'm truly honored that you visited my portfolio. Thank you.

Pawel, please don't see my comment as criticism. I found your comment to be thought provoking and directed my own thinking to an interesting point.

One of the first things that struck my eye when I looked at this photo was the reflections. Now, as I said, I don't know if they detract or enhance the photo. I want to emphasize that. I suspect they drew my eye as if they had a big red bull's eye on them because ... well, that's how I got into photography. Trying to photograph my husband's "axes" on his request, I found it was very, very difficult. A major problem I had was glare and secondarily, unwanted light reflections. By the time I'd overcome that problem and got a few shots I liked, I was addicted and my camera had grafted itself onto me and became another limb. (I rather like that image!)

 

So, that's why I was careful to point out I'm not sure if it's a problem. It could simply be my own photographic history. I think our perception is determined by emotions, cognitive set, priming...oh, I've said this before, haven't I? (Laughing here.)

Kirk and Fred....one thing about me is that I know what I think and I believe in my own judgment when it comes to me. I never resent being pushed a touch nor do I feel unduly pressured to adopt another's viewpoints...when it comes to me (emphasis).

 

However, I do appreciate challenges that cause me to analyze my own responses, more deeply understand what it is that I do. That's one reason I engage in philosophical debate...it makes me think, helps me pinpoint flaws in my logic, and aids self-understanding. Again, I never take these questions or challenges amiss. If I choose not to engage or debate, I'll simply say so.

 

Fred, you know this very well, and that's why you feel free to gently push or challenge me. And it's one reason I value your input so highly.

 

Pnina, if you find my posts a distraction in the discussion of your image, please let me know. I don't want to derail this. In fact, Fred, this might be a good discussion under philosophy of photography or casual conversations. If you would like, feel free to c&p any/all of my comments (should you choose to start a thread).

I like the idea here, the story, and the mood. But...the photo is a bit blah. It needs more contrast, more something. For example, sunlight caught and reflected back from the snow....light reflection looking like diamonds scattered across the snow, that sort of thing.

I hope Pnina doesn't mind if I derail the discussion just a bit.

 

Fred,I disagree. I firmly believe that emotion/cognitive set/priming all direct perception. What we see is determined by those factors. Now, we can use a heuristic to go deeper and probe at different levels, but I'm not prepared to go to those levels just yet. I'm staying at a more basic (mixing metaphors but I hope the meaning gets through), more fundamental response level of critique.

 

When I look at this photo, I'm overwhelmed by the color, the lighting, the figure, the body language. The gender, to me, is insignificant when compared to the story being told. This speaks to humanity, not to "man" or "woman." This transcends gender, ethnicity, or any other group membership. I responded as human to human and gender was not salient enough to break through and usurp space in my consciousness; perhaps not even the unconscious.

 

That he is not the same gender was no more meaningful to me than that he has muscles I do not, is younger, etc.

 

Now, critiquing photos: I respond on that level right now. Later, I'll go beyond that level and get more reductionist, more detailed, more analytical. But not now.

 

Added: I think you may underestimate the degree of skill and knowledge you bring to a photographic critique. I'm not anywhere near the same level and I feel trying to go beyond where I'm prepared to go is a mistake. I'm not sure I'm articulating this well.

Ah, but Fred....isn't the meaning of a photograph what matters? When I am knowledgeable enough to critique style, technique, I suspect I will automatically be more reductionist in my approach. Until then, all I can give any meaningful comment on is my gestalt response to the image.

Ah, Fred, perhaps. But you see, for me, self-understanding is important and helpful, so the world is kind of a Rorschach for me. Perhaps I read too much into things, but it serves a purpose.

 

Perhaps, my friend, perhaps.

I love this one.

The lighting on this is perfect! The variant shades of gray set the stage. The gulls themselves have an almost halo effect around them..."pnumbra" is not the right word, but the light outline around the dark centers....wonderful.

Ian, I too noticed the OOF trunk but I'm not sure it's a problem. Rather than cause one to dismiss the image, I think it sucks one in more deeply. It's puzzling and arresting, much like a tree is. The older, gnarled, fuzzy tree trunk juxtaposed with the clear, sharp, "young" foliage is compelling.

 

Is this a commentary on age? Methinks it would go well with Fred's series. Commentary on aging...we all must deal with it or the prospect of it. And feelings about it are as multi-layered as...a tree.

What a shot!

 

I look forward to seeing your portfolio develop.

I tried to shoot something similar last night. This is FAR better than what I got!

Snort! Got no comeback for that one.

But I look old. Sigh.

You're right on, David. I really don't know if it adds or detracts (the reflection). On this one, I'm tending toward saying it works.

 

My husband has also been shooting his "axes." He's uploading some new ones soon...see what you think (http://photo.net/photos/stevenlifson). And I hope you've been by Charles Webster's portfolio (http://photo.net/photos/Charles%20Webster). They don't come any better than his mandolin shots.

Wow, what a disturbing image! It speaks on many, many levels. It has an unpleasant undertone (something "seedy" going on here) along with an innocence that is about to be shattered. It speaks to greed and simple human needs juxtaposed.

 

It makes me think of the child with a malicious impulse who is then shattered with grief when seeing the damage that is done, the harm s/he brought about. It's humanity.

 

This image is terribly disturbing. Well done!

The lighting and texture here are amazing. The reflectiveness of the tankers seems almost astonishing. And there is no glare! HOW????

 

The lines are stunning: Tubular, rounded lines bracketed by curved-angled boxes. Couldn't have been more perfect if you'd staged it.

 

Nice.

Charming expression and angle. The OOF spot on her knees distracts me, but that could be just me. I want to see more of the beach to put it in context, too. But the angle and feel of the girl are both lovely.

I join the ranks of admirers on this one, Joe. Man oh man.

Welcome to the ranks of the guitar (bass) shooters, David! Nicely done.

 

The richness of the wood is well done. I have pretty much tended to shoot from an angle (although not always) so this perspective (direct and straight) is very interesting. The light catches nicely on the tuning key things....(I know they have a name).

 

My only question (and I don't have the answer) is about the light reflections on the body of the instrument. I've always tried to avoid that. I'm wondering though if the reflection enhances or detracts? I really don't know. It adds interest, but also distracts.

I wonder how it would look in black and white?

This is very very nice. It's exactly what I try to capture: minimalist with black background and interesting lighting. I haven't achieved that effect yet..... Lovely.

Stunning! I love the colors, the clouds looking like they were painted by an Impressionist, the proportions, the.... everything.