There are several differences. My main objection to your photo is the composition, not so much that you've photographed her from behind, although I don't care much for that aspect in this case, or in most cases. That the woman's butt is dead center and so prominent is, imo, just poor composition. It takes away from an "tender moment" that might exist by calling way to much attention to itself. Not seeing the center woman's face, as you say, doesn't focus on the joy of the mother. It focuses on her butt.
Bringing my photo into the equation is a red herring. A photo should stand or fall on its own merits. As a point of consideration, the woman in my photo knew she was being photographed and gave tacit approval for same. Further, my photo was posted here more to discuss the appropriateness of making such photos. As for enjoying the scene and not taking - and displaying - the photo, well, that's a personal choice, and every photographer has to make his or her own decision to snap the shutter or let one go. You can enjoy the scene, but that personal enjoyment doesn't always equate to a good photograph. As a matter of personal philosophy, I like to pass on a photo every now and then. Don't ask why - it's just something I do which has a basis in some comments I read by a few Magnum photogs, Frank Hurley, Ken Kobre, and others. Just because there's an opportunity to take a photo, doesn't automatically mean a photo should be taken or displayed. Shel > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > It could not have been shot in any other way. If I had even hesitated, > the moment would have been lost. However, as a composition, I like the > fact that the woman in the center is framed by the other two. It's not a > particularly artful composition, but it's certainly a pleasing one in > general. Only the business of the background detracts as far as I'm > concerned. I also like the fact that not seeing the center woman's face > focuses us on the joy of the mother and the apparent embarrassment of > the other woman. An emotion which is obviously mirrored on the list. > People tap dance around what they find objectionable here? Pregnancy? > The flip side of a human being? Shel noted that this is a moment I > should have enjoyed without shooting. If it's a moment to be enjoyed, > why is it objectionable to share it. Certainly this photo is nowhere > near as invasive, or, in my opinion, objectionable, as Shel's famous > shot of the obese woman in the restaurant.
