michael s.

A funny one, Peter. I like it.

"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." (Tom Waits)

 

And you've found another guy who, if he stops to think about it, would probably agree.

 

I like the photo.

Very good photo. Two thoughts:

 

1. If you know this lady, perhaps you could persuade her to stand where the other gent's backside isn't visible in the frame. Foreground/background separation is quite good, but still ...

 

2. If you don't know this lady, you should get to know her!

Captures the light very well. Walks a line between color and colorless. A shot in which the bridge in the middle of the frame works. Fine photo.

I don't agree that this picture suffers as a result of the photographer's failure or refusal to "invest in the right equipment."

 

It's a beautiful photo.

Gentle, hopeful -- I like it very much.

Excellent photo. When I first saw this in thumbnail (as one of your 10), I couldn't identify it. Somehow, I envisioned a telephone -- an old one -- irretrievably off the hook. (Really should have my prescription checked.) Now that I see what it really is, it's a great shot. (And maybe I wasn't all that far off?)

Looks to me as though this fella has whipped his audience and himself into a frenzy on the soprano sax. Sensational picture, Mark.

This discussion prompted me to recall the story of a 'Washington Post' reporter who, some 21 years ago, created quite a scandal when she submitted (and the paper published) an especially well-told story about a youthful addict that turned out to have been fabricated. The resulting controversy led, among other things, to a revision of guidelines for awarding the coveted Pulitzer prize.

 

This photo was not submitted as journalism, nor as part of a story, but perhaps it has been selected, at least in part, because it purports to tell a very gripping "story." And perhaps it's less compelling -- for some of us -- if it's not real.

 

Many are curious as to whether this photo depicts fact or fiction. It might well be worth discussing the implications of each, provided that discussion is not held at the expense of this immensely capable photographer who, so far as I can tell, cannot be accused of anything more serious than uploading a very good picture for the rest of us to see.

 

Michael

A wonderful picture. As a novice butterfly photo enthusiast myself, I'm guessing it took a little time to get the creatures to align themselves this way? The patience paid off -- beautiful image.

Strong yet peaceful and hopeful picture. Well done.