PART 2... "Nupsstadur " by � Thrainn Vigfusson, Iceland This is Thainn's first PUG entry, and as was the habit, I used to try and comment on first entries, so I'll wade in. I can't make my mind up whether or not I like this pic - I'm not sure what it's trying to be. In my mind, I blotted out the [assumed] Jeep [Willys?] and imagined it like that - and decided I did like it. Then I put the Jeep back in and tried again. And couldn't decide. It certainly adds colour to an otherwise pedestrian view - although I do like the light. Either way it has got me writing so it must have something to it - technically it is excellent. Great contrast, nice colour, a very good scan. Can't fault it, just can't decide what it means, but then again that doesn't matter. You must only make pictures for yourself, and if anyone else likes them, smile!
"Stonewall Jackson Cemetery " by � Steven Desjardins, USA Interesting approach to a well-trodden subject - the cemetery. Harsh lighting but it doesn't detract at all. Lovely composition, muted colours. Works well for me. Let's leave it buried for now ;-) "Stone Canon " by � Andrew Wong, Hong Kong Andrew, crop off the top of the pic and lose that bit of tree. Nice sky. "Parallel Spiral " by � BigButt, China With a name like that, I have to comment. What a nerve! Anyway, nice shot, well observed study of a pair of spiral staircases. A bit burnt out on the right, slap on wrist. Or should that be slap on big butt? "Refresher " by � Michael Gil Menz Where do these people come from? You never hear a peep on the list, and suddenly a shot drops into the PUG and turns out to be a masterpiece. Gil's sepia-toned view of children playing amongst water jets in what looks like a playground but in fact could be anything from an abattoir to an airport, is fascinating. The photographer is not letting on, but he doesn't have to - the photograph speaks for itself. There's some heavy contrast, but also some very subtle toning in there, look at the top left and right, above the blurry figure. Fully backlit, there's no flare, and no tell-tale water drops on the lens in what looks like a difficult shooting situation. I am truly in awe of this pic - it has all the elements that I need to see, and I can look at it for a long time. My Star Pic of the Month. Congrats! "My Chevy " by � Paul Stenquist, USA Paul is well known for his beautiful classic car shots - and this is no exception. All those amazing hard edges and colours that jump out at you, slap you in the face, then knee you in the groin. It's a feast for the eyes. Stunning. When's the next book out Paul? "Water And Air " by � Wessel Sijl, The Netherlands There's a joker in every pack - oddball shot of the month! Giant seagull sinks ferry - just caught it in time Wessel ;-) "Perspective " by � Boris Liberman, Israel Nice idea Boris, competently executed. What about trying it as a vertical orientation and getting the first tall plant as big in the shot as physically possible? Take some step ladders (and an assistant) to get you some height otherwise the plants disappear in the background. Well done, I like it. "Scale " by � Simon King, Australia Superb architectural study with plenty of parallels and angles. The silhouettes on the left are fine but I'd lose the party going on bottom right, personally. Impressive observation. Thanks. "Retine Opress�e " by � Hamiche Samir, France Can't tell what the Dickens is going on in there hamiche, but it works for me. "Scrabble Champ " by � Ann Sanfedele , USA Nice profile by Annsan of a Scrabble player, well executed by an observant lady. I think I'd go in on the face - you know he's playing Scrabble, but there's no way of knowing it by looking at the pic. Go close, or pull out and show us the board. Difficult to do as the face and board are so far apart. Are you allowed to walk about during these competitions? The lighting is superb. Well done Ann. "Ewelina and Pawel " by � Maciej Marchlewski, Poland Interesting config of a pair of newlyweds, Maciej. The groom has a very interesting face - do a session with just him some time. Ask him not to wear that tie though. Is he reaching in hos pocket for your fee? ;-) Nice one. "Concerned " by � Cotty, UK Looks like the contast pixies have been busy here. Bag of shite, move on. "Nicole in blue " by � Roman Sonnleitner, Austria Unusual crop for a portrait, and a blue hue won't do you any favours with prospective sitters. Roman's first PUG shot with his first Pentax SLR. Tip: shoot a full face and then crop later if you want. Cropping a face at shooting means you have no choice. I bet she has just as nice a chin as the rest of her face. Harsh side lighting can play havoc with contrast - you've only got to look at my disaster (previous) to see that. You've gone for high key, and lost everything in the highlights. Gives it a surreal ghost-like quality, which let's face it, some people pay for these days ;-) "Kim's Mercury " by � Dave Madsen, USA Yep, works for me. What the hell are you doing with the cuff? I think if you're going to feature it, do it big-time. Dozy plonkers like me might not even see it down there. Lovely shallow DOF, just like I like 'em. The tonal range is limited - her skin is on the verge of oblivion. Lovely model and the pic evokes....something. "DT 16 " by � Rolf Brenner, Germany The sort of pic Bob Walkden would be proud of. Fine observation of a social situation in a less than affluent society. "Through the Looking Glass? " by � Frank Theriault, Canada Cute grab, Frank. I like the unintentional ears placed above the mirror by the necklaces in the background. Crank up that LX ma boy! "Second Honeymoon " by � Amita Guha, USA What the heck's this all about? She'll be doing video diaries next. Take Amita's face out of the lower left and the pic takes on a different meaning: the camera is the second person in the room. Put Amita back in, and we become the third. A sort of benevolent relative, or a child. Or maybe room service. Voyeuristic or just fun? You decide. Nice work Amita. "Weird Portrait of Juan Pablo " by � Albano Garcia, Argentina Top class result from Albano. Vist his home page - he ahs some cracking stuff on there. Avant-garde and cutting edge. Another superb shot from a fine photographer. "The Thinker " by � Ryan Lee, Australia I like it. Fishing is a smelly business - rename it 'The Stinker' :-) Good capture in harsh light. "G" by � Chris Brogden, Canada Simple high key view of a pipe or something. Don't hand hold macro work you naughty boy. Good shot. "Punchinello Cups " by � Gianfranco Irlanda, Italy Competent pack shot of some fancy china (hey - I'm an ignorant git when pots come into it). Lovely colour, and I like the haze effect. Bella! Cioaoaiaoaiaou. "Sunday " by � Facit, Italy Well caught rooftops punctuated with balloons by Fabio. Nice pattern contrast that's easy on the eyes. Bravo. * * * * Well, that's it for this month. Truly awesome gallery, as the Yanks say. It took me several sittings to go through it all, and I looked at every pic. They were all good, as has been said many times already. Thanks for contributing, and until next time..... Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=====| www.macads.co.uk/snaps _____________________________ Free UK Mac Ads www.macads.co.uk
