GerrySiegel

A vigorous display.

Simple and pleasing composition. And refreshing too.

A lot of interesting pieces which somehow do not meld together as I see it. Focus is what I am unsure. But technically good.

Simple and restrained in use of color. Full of dynamic repose and balance of the body. Very eastern , very zen. Strong comes through in this portrait Raoul.

It is powerful and definitely shows thought and a careful approach. As Julie notes the POTW cannot be perfect to all or be a vision that all will agree with. And lacking that if it provokes opinions ( less black, more connection between puppeteer and figure, or anything else) it is not to degrade its quality as a thoughtful expression of its subject. I see the Man looking at the audience instead of h is subject as a kind of pose. But it could mean he has mastery of the movements without watching his puppet. His smock and bald head convey a kind of menace in this lighting approach. Which is in itself a subject of like or don't like. Compared to some of the recent selections I agree it provokes a reaction. And if that aint good what else is? Thanks to Raoul for his workmanship and letting it out for comments profound and not so very profound. A large assembly of viewers see with their own taste and many without filmic history at all.

Conceptually very interesting. Somehow it all balances. And makes a strong point to fit the caption. A lot of work and it shows.

I like this profile. Classic. Delicate and good range of tonality for the subject. Some care in the cropping choice as well. The shapely upturned nose is irresistable.

Birds and people . Sharing gossip or disputing territory. A cute shot.

The multi colored hats show a good sens of color and how they work to complement a photo so simple as this one is. Pleasing and indeed restful and looks like they are at the end of the trail instead of looking a trail head..

I like the cone roof gable , the most interesting part I think.

Cheerful photo. Technically very nice.

Well, the crossed arms pose never worked for me, but I love the mask! Good idea.

A little flat in the lighting to do justice to you model who is very attractive.

I also like the use of backlight and what appears to be fill as expressed in eye highlights. To be ungallant, the model has large maxillary smile that could be tamed. She has good presence and vive. Nice face shot.

((Once again a picture which relies on strange lighting and/or colouring for its impact; just like the past 20 or so POTWs. Is the man leaning over a small wall, or is he kneeling? The solid blackness does nothing to help this image, other than to create the god-like presence of the puppeteer. Please POTW judges, give us something more relateable that we can read into next time.))

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I think the use of black and white has a place. I also think it has become a kind of fetish to be different and artsy. Not that I do not use monochrome or enjoy it as I once did with Tri X and Rodinal. Yet I see in color and look for spacial clues and impact in color choice to register a feeling. It adds a dimension. So I agree that a little more variety, such as RBG would not be inappropriate as well. This is an interesting subject. Which could be nice if the puppet were colorful. I could be wrong natch.

Enjoyable scenic. My only reaction in terms of photo experession is to decide what is the focus. So does the figure get more attention than the bright reflection on the right. My eye keeps pulling to the brightest part. Just a thought on the crop factor. Nice place and good light show.

A strong image that sells the subject and pulls the curtain on the act to present the real actor. Personally I think I would enjoy seeing the puppet in full color. I like the concept.

Tim, you have a great way with skin tone. And the restraint to make the contrasts of background compatible. Just sensuous enough and not too much. Well done, sir.

I like the sinuous line to sea. And yet the sea does not look watery. I guess a fallout of exposure time...I have to think on that a bit. Pleasing overall with strong elements.

A good idea. Tree does intervene a little too much, if I were to add any suggestion at all.

Has a nice feel for time and space and depth. We get to look into the refreshing eyes of the girl while the swirl of a street scene makes a stage backdrop. She performs well and with a glow of discovery. I agree that the knit cap is over bright. But her pose with hands looking at us is irresistable. Nose not quite against the glass.

An upbeat and joyful group shot. Shows care and skill. Very very nice job.

A pleasing nature study.

Flattering light makes this semi nude. Nice. I am glad you took time to work on the fold of her white drape..sculptural.

A dandelion image. As in she looks dandelion in bed. Just kidding. A nice casual homage to the model. Not brilliant but nice.