tonmestrom

thanks all.

Wieslaw, I know what you mean but it's a backlit photo in the background so there was nothing I could do about her left shoulder. But frankly I don't really see that as a problem.

Trisha, Rajat, Thanks a lot. It's appreciated.

Thanks Trisha, I appreciate it.

 

Bulent, what can I say? I deeply appreciate it you sticking with me. I'll be back soon.

 

Drew, thanks a lot, really

thanks Jack. Appreciate it. Might be back a bit more shortly.

thanks all.

 

No, I'm not "back" as of yet. At the moment I'm still preoccupied with some other stuff (nothing serious) which leaves me little time to fool around on the internet.

Fred, I'll drop you a mail this weekend.

 

take care,

Ton

Tom,

first of all thank you for your response. Secondly, if you need help you can drop me a mail through the PN system anytime and I'll get back to you. Thirdly I'm not going to do any work on this RAW file because frankly I don't see the point. Let me try to explain:

you shot in light conditions with a dynamic range your camera couldn't handle. It's as simple as that. Sure one could do a few corrections all of which are destructive as you've noticed yourself. So is trying to salvage what is wrong to begin with from such a single file, be it HDR or ETR.

a lot of comments were made about your composition. Superlatives like beautifull, excellent, fantastic and what not were used. I have no reason to doubt a considered approach in shooting this but from where I'm sitting it doesn't give that impression. In other words had you just walked past and taken a fast and easy shot it most likely would have looked the same. If not perhaps anyone of the above would care to explain in detail what is in fact so excellent about the composition in this photo so we might all learn something.

Some people seem bewildered why this was chosen as POW. Once again it merely goes to show that people don't read what is actually stated. The basis for any POW is it's worth or value for discussion. Nothing more, nothing less and in my opinion the Elves did actually a very good job.

Lannie, I know you well enough to believe you probably didn't mean it that way but the way you formulated this sentence implies that you question both the motives and honesty of all those that are less than positive about this photo.

Luca stated that he is perpelexed by the many approving remarks. I can understand that but I'm not. I'm merely dissapointed because some of the above people should (and actually do) know better. It's a phenomenon not just on this photo but something one can find all over this site. People should realise that gratuitous comments are actually a disservice to any photographer, in this case Tom.

If on the other hand the argument should be that some of us might not be in the loop than any basis for any meaningfull and constructive discussion is gone. Let's keep in mind that this is a photography site and that by uploading them we expose them to critique.

Lastly, Tom. Someone once told me that having ones work chosen for POW can be a double edged sword and by now I think you know why. A long time ago a old, wise and very good photogrpaher told me that no photo ever became better or worse from any critique. Just keep that in mind.

 

thanks all. I'm taking a break.

I must be missing something here. I for one can only mirror what Gordon has said. With all due respect for Tom, it's a technically very weak and boring photo with badly controlled lighting. There's nothing that I can see that is even remotely interesting to me.

thanks for the compliment

thanks Apurva, appreciate it

sorry Tim, I think maybe I wasn't that clear. Of course the shadow makes that photo but what I meant was that Vezo's remark of cropping it at top might put a bit more emphasis on that.

Anf btw, it's never being stubborn merely knowing what you want.

it's been done so often it has become almost an cliche. But you've succeeded in creating a photo that has just that little bit more that lifts it way above the normal cliche. Those two stands in the foreground create just the right balance for this photo. Great Wieslaw.

well, it has all been said I think. Let me just add my kudos as well.

I think this is a wonderfull photo Tim and one that immediately reminded me of so many 17th century Dutch landscape paintings. Would I have made this I would be very proud to render such a beautiful b&w from it. Great stuff Tim. Really.

you certainly didn't fail in your job. I've long since have come to understand the fact that cultural differences are a fact and we should for the most part take them at face value. I think you've made a very good photo from a fantastic angle (literally). qand what great lighting you've turned into a wonderfull b&w.

a damned fine portrait Jeff where the context really enhances its overall impact. Classic in a way and all the better because of it. A photo that will last.

daydreaming can be fun sometimes but really, who wants to be a millionaire anyway? Too many worries ;-) The atmosphere here is great but then, with Fellini and a bit of Ballantines it would be.

yes, this is a fun shot but who would pass up on a opportunity like this?

thanks to all of you. This was a day that quite heavy snow fell so I went out. Despite the rather high chill factor some people went out as well. When I came here I said to my wife all that is needed now is someone to walk through that street and at that moment this lady stepped out of her front door and walked towards me. How's that for luck? (to answer your question Bulent I wouldn't have waited otherwise)

 

I'm not sure to which classic painting this would connect but I appreciate the comment. And yes Trudy, it's about spring arrived ;-)

thanks. This little guy had just arrived at Antwerp station coming from London with his two big sisters to visit some family in Antwerp. Yes, I took several shots, both of him and his sisters, pretty girls they were and yes all were very nice and charismatic. Optimism, yes I can see why you commented upon that, I agree. The background was actually a bit of luck as I didn't set this up (I never do out there). Marjolein, no this was not cropped.

thanks a lot. I shot this during a rainy day against a horrible background. It's part of the government buildings in Berlin. Took me a long time to clean all the clutter ;-)

this is a nice portrait with both expressive eyes and facial expression. His questioning and friendly gaze comes right across with that shadow as a great bonus. Vezo has got a point though, although I'm sure you considered it.

Marjolein is right, poetic fits the bill perfectly. Your sense of observation and composing is as good as ever.

it is a captivating photo Carlos and I sure can understand the reactions it provokes but I also think it's a matter of perspective. Yes, it is very sad that in so many cases there is a severe loss of decorum but on the other hand it's a price we have to pay for getting increasingly older due to ever improving health care. Also it's on wards like these that I got trained as a nurse and sad is it may be there is also another side to this. I'm really glad that you put Blake's quote next to it.

this is pure theater and with six stories going on at stage at once. It's all about seeing and you show us here that you ressly see what's in front of you. No doubt many people would have missed this delightfull scene. Luckily you didn't. The high contrast fits in nicely.