I've chosen to comment on six. Last time around I tried to say how I would improve some photographs and I didn't feel it went that well, so this time I limit those comments. There Might Be a New Star by Matjaz Osojnik This is my overall fav this month -- the aspirations of a child. In this case centering really works ;-), because the rails create a strong diagonal. In fact, the rails reaching upward seem to symbolize the kids wishes reaching upwards. The circle effect of the people below with the shallow depth of field just reemphasize the boy and the way he stands (sits) apart them with his aspirations. I find it hard to verbalize the entire effect I think this composition has, but it is a very emotionally pleasing photograph that seems to "say something" -- to convey a concept. Mid Day Break by Sridhar Gibikote This is my fav this month as regards content. I had to look at it twice to distinguish the rider of the biker on top of the bike. For that reason I really enjoyed it, as it is not immediately apparent what the subject matter is. And instead of showing a professional at work, it shows a professional snoozing --a different take on the theme -- and snoozing in position that one would think is uncomfortable. Also, the road at the bottom is necessary to make it clear that that is a biker. Interesting subject matter; good composition. Professional Hairdresser by Jos van der Hijden This ran a close second for me to Break -- the incongruity of the barber doing the kid's hair amid a bunch of outdoor junk makes the picture. Also the fact that he and the clients all seem very intent on the results regardless of the surroundings. This is the very picture of a dedicated professional. Herding Ducks by Amita Guha I found this amusing and, of course, a working dog *is* a professional! The originality in subject manner was refreshing. I feel it has a bit too much surrounding grass though -- maybe a crop or bigger glass in the first place or something like that. But this one is fun. We Were Professionals by John Coyle In contrast, this one "got to me" because of the subject matter -- photojournalists killed on the job. The composition works too, even with the statue centered ;-), because this is a solemn memorial and because of the people along the side. I gave this photograph a moment of silence. Professional Hogs by Frank Theriault Nice composition of some bikes, nothing wildly exciting subject matter-wise, but visually pleasing with strong colors and a diagonal leading the eye upward. Though, naturally, I like frank's people shots better. Overall reactions: I, too, felt that many of the photographs were dark. Either when they were taken originally underexposed or not scanned well or something. There was no photograph that I couldn't really *see*, but it was just a bit surprising that so many were dark. My other reactions were a bit more complex, so I will see if I can put them into words. Hmmm, in many cases people chose photographs they had sold to fit the professional theme. Now, I want to stop here and say some things in defense of my past photography teacher -- mainly that he WAS QUITE GOOD -- technically and compositionally, etc. And as for the emphasis on not centering, well, that is something not done very often in art work (drawing/painting) either. A novice artist is encouraged out of it. But, yes, I did have trouble with some of his standard, almost knee-jerk, criticisms, like the centering thing and that an animal must show one eye, etc. I am trying to deprogram myself somewhat from his standards, without throwing them out completely. But I do want to emphasize that his pictures were quite good. So, why did I bring him up? Because many of his pictures were also, *I felt*, somewhat static. Immediately identifiable as to subject matter, simple composition, inoffensive, technically good, but sort of static -- sort of safe. He was a stock photographer of many years -- about 25, I think. This is the same reaction I had to many of the SOLD shots in this month's gallery. That they were often less dynamic -- more safe, more static -- than some of the other shots I have seen from these very same people (or other people) in other galleries -- either open or themed. Food for thought.
Marnie aka Doe ;-)
