Luminous Landscape Forum
The Art of Photography => User Critiques => Topic started by: Todd Suttles on July 05, 2014, 12:09:07 pm
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C&C appreciated
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"Clinging to guns and religion"? ;)
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Sad. A sad commentary on how some people feel. Personally, I feel great discomfort with a photograph like this, which is not to say it' scan excellent photo. Great capture. Well seen.
I'm wondering, though, if the close cropping/framing of the top of the grandstand and the light standards were done on purpose. Typically, you would want the space above to give the photo "breathing" space. But by taking it away, the photo becomes slightly claustrophobic, adding to or accentuating the discomfort created by the fellow's t-shirt slogan. The same could be said about how closely cropped/framed it is to the slogan fellow himself - nicely done. Allowing the line to stretch away from him works really well, too.
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I am intrigued by the inclusion of the X sign on the left. It seems to bring Russ' beloved ambiguity into the picture. Is it a "yes" mark or "no" mark? Does it support or niX the t-shirt message?
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I am intrigued by the inclusion of the X sign on the left. It seems to bring Russ' beloved ambiguity into the picture. Is it a "yes" mark or "no" mark? Does it support or niX the t-shirt message?
To me the big "X" looked like a target, inviting the T-shirt guy to just "shoot here." It adds to the grimness of the scene, for me.
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I like the shot, but don't quite get what's going on.
It's an interesting line up in terms of fashion, but where are they going ?
The truckies shirt is interesting but why is he in line ?
Am I missing the point, or is it not obvious in the shot ?
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I'm wondering, though, if the close cropping/framing of the top of the grandstand and the light standards were done on purpose. Typically, you would want the space above to give the photo "breathing" space. But by taking it away, the photo becomes slightly claustrophobic, adding to or accentuating the discomfort created by the fellow's t-shirt slogan. The same could be said about how closely cropped/framed it is to the slogan fellow himself - nicely done. Allowing the line to stretch away from him works really well, too.
Here is the full frame with a little more "breathing room". I've been told to leave more breathing room before in other images so I am curious to hear feedback on whether cropping tight lessened the image; to me I thought it added impact. I also did some versions with varying amounts of the telephone lines removed but decided on leaving them all. Opinions on that?
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I prefer the 'breathing room' version - more of a sense of place about it - but all that empty grass is putting me off a bit. Probably nothing could have been done about it because the guy's jacket at the end of the line is crucial and the X adds a little something. Otherwise, a fine image.
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I like the shot, but don't quite get what's going on.
It's an interesting line up in terms of fashion, but where are they going ?
The truckies shirt is interesting but why is he in line ?
Am I missing the point, or is it not obvious in the shot ?
Your questions are exactly what makes this an outstanding photograph. Does anyone "quite get what' going on" these days? Not knowing is precisely what creates the "dialogue" between viewer and photograph(er).
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Your questions are exactly what makes this an outstanding photograph. Does anyone "quite get what' going on" these days? Not knowing is precisely what creates the "dialogue" between viewer and photograph(er).
Well put, Terry.
My own preference is for the original post, as the cramped cropping adds to the interpretation that I, personally, prefer to put on it. The "breathing room" version is more benign, and doesn't have the punch of the first, IMHO.
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... My own preference is for the original post, as the cramped cropping adds to the interpretation that I, personally, prefer to put on it. The "breathing room" version is more benign, and doesn't have the punch of the first, IMHO.
+1
Besides, the "breathing room" is polluted, so breathing becomes chocking. The pollution, though visual, comes from the contraption on the central post (sirens, bullhorns?) that immediately commands attention, distracting from the main point of interest.
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while cropping is often discussed as it well should be, less often is print size and the location where the print would be displayed raised.
In Australia guns and God seem to strike a slightly different chord.
I wonder how this image would look if the chap in the foreground was printed life size?
By the way my opinion is that this is a strong image and really well seen.
Mal
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Todd - I think previous poster voiced my thoughts in quotes following. I don't even know what is going on here...you have a line of queuing people with their backs to lens (I would suggest you think about this a good bit) on some grass?!? I don't think there is anything compelling here...and a "shirt logo" doesn't necessarily make a photo. You have a nominally interesting logo (from some points of view)but then.... there is everything else in your frame. I think you were much closer to some good things with your earlier dirt-track(?) photos. /Brandt
...but don't quite get what's going on....but where are they going ?
The truckies shirt is interesting but why is he in line ?
Am I missing the point, or is it not obvious in the shot ?
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Your questions are exactly what makes this an outstanding photograph. Does anyone "quite get what' going on" these days? Not knowing is precisely what creates the "dialogue" between viewer and photograph(er).
Fair point.
I'm just looking at the shot stand alone - I suppose if it was published in an article or with a few other shots all would be revealed.
The un-cropped version is better IMHO.
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My own preference is for the original post, as the cramped cropping adds to the interpretation that I, personally, prefer to put on it. The "breathing room" version is more benign, and doesn't have the punch of the first, IMHO.
+1
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Todd - I think previous poster voiced my thoughts in quotes following. I don't even know what is going on here...you have a line of queuing people with their backs to lens (I would suggest you think about this a good bit) on some grass?!? I don't think there is anything compelling here...and a "shirt logo" doesn't necessarily make a photo. You have a nominally interesting logo (from some points of view)but then.... there is everything else in your frame. I think you were much closer to some good things with your earlier dirt-track(?) photos. /Brandt
I agree. There's no relationship between the saying on the shirt and the rest of the picture. It looks like a lineup to go to an outdoor commode. If the guy was leaning on his pickup truck, then it would make sense.
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I agree with Alan, and I sure hope that outhouse they're heading for is at least a four holer.
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I agree with Alan, and I sure hope that outhouse they're heading for is at least a four holer.
If it is, it'll probably be a five- or six-holer by the time tee-shirt guy is finished. ;)