• Members 1383 posts
    Sept. 14, 2023, 6:20 p.m.

    Without the title, I'd be asking you why you cut off the surfer's feet and why you didn't give him more room on the left side. This is a case where the title informs perception. Several folks on this thread are really good at that, and it is an art-enhancer. It doesn't solve the puzzle of interpretation but it gives a clue you we can explore. Here we are rewarded by finding the intersections and the angles they create, and the contrast involved in identifying them. Good use of tonalities to assist in the quest. Interesting, well-constructed image.

  • Members 523 posts
    Sept. 14, 2023, 6:24 p.m.

    Many thanks, Paula. I am always in awe of your ease with words. You are so descriptive and original! Of course I'm super-happy you like the composite 😀

    No problem, Rich. Since I know several folks who have zero tolerance for "playing" with processing, I wasn't sure. I'm trying to learn a little about each of our weekly participants, their interests and styles and so forth. So far, remembering has been a wee challenge 😁

    ​​

    Thanks very much. I would be grateful and highly interested in any conversation along those lines. I don't have any training in art, unless you count a high school elective 😏

    Thanks so much! Your paintings sound fascinating! Can you tell me the artist's name?

  • Members 523 posts
    Sept. 14, 2023, 6:45 p.m.

    WhyNot, in your comment to me, you mentioned using photography in "framing" an idea. Your flowers are a poignant story and the photo has a lot of impact for me. And even though this story seems straightfoward, I feel your title gives it even more impact. Maybe something to do with how people often avoid using the word "old." Senior citizen?! Or, it's her birthday and she's 80 years' young today. Ugh!

    I found Mike's observation fascinating: seeing a different story if the flowers' positions are reversed.

  • Members 523 posts
    Sept. 14, 2023, 6:55 p.m.

    At first glance I smiled large. What a crazy, original ultra-adorable work of art! It's an amazingly effective image that conveys sweetness, but WAIT! I'm just now reading the title...Now I feel very uneasy. Is there evil intent lurking beneath that charming exterior? I dare not approach any closer.

  • Members 861 posts
    Sept. 14, 2023, 8:18 p.m.

    Can't a man just get some tea from a random talking cat wearing human clothes sometimes? lol.

  • Members 1662 posts
    Sept. 14, 2023, 8:27 p.m.

    Wow - that's fantastic. I love the balance between the lines in the upper part and the ones in the lower part. The sun helps in keeping it steady, despite so much going on. Excellent composition skills and what marvellous tones and reflections. 👍

  • Members 1662 posts
    Sept. 14, 2023, 8:31 p.m.

    I've no idea what this shows (I'm thinking of a guillotine) but it's a wonderful image with great detail, tones and balance. Like it a lot!

  • Members 1662 posts
    Sept. 14, 2023, 8:38 p.m.

    Thank you! I've only ever read about onion-ring bokeh years ago... according to some articles it refers to something like this:

    www.imaging-resource.com/?ACT=44&fid=17&d=3663&f=onionring_vanwalree_onion_aspherical.jpg
    www.imaging-resource.com/news/2014/05/02/the-end-of-onion-ring-bokeh-panasonic-beats-the-curse-of-aspheric-lenses

    What you see in my shot is usually referred to as "bubble bokeh" and it has been the subject of some recent articles and tests because of the new TTArtisan lens, which is a copy of the Meyer Trioplan (the most popular lens ever for its bubble bokeh).

  • Members 1383 posts
    Sept. 14, 2023, 8:44 p.m.

    I think she is inviting Stella (Linda's cat) instead of us. She has ordered you to set up her chair in an outdoor setting that matches her outfit, fit to entertain another elite guest. My favorite part is the orange tail escaping beneath her booted feet.

  • Members 1383 posts
    Sept. 15, 2023, 2:10 a.m.

    Of course any kind of image constructed in any camera or in post from images you already made can be shown here for feedback.

    But there's plenty of room on this forum for us to start other discussions in addition to the ones we have here. There's a section for Photo Art in the genres section and there's not a thing in it. If someone doesn't use it Alan will eventually remove it. Those of us who are interested could do something there. I would participate in such a set of discussions. I would still post every week here because I like the variety of styles and feedback and the people here. But I can talk in more than one spot. I don't have a lot of formal art education, most of mine has been online study, books and education picked up by osmosis since every person in my mother's side of the family is formally trained in art and I only came to it lately through the side door of photography.

  • Members 517 posts
    Sept. 15, 2023, 6:10 p.m.

    A very symmetrical photo, with a nice contrast between the rough surface in focus and the soft out of focus areas.

    Pete

  • Members 517 posts
    Sept. 15, 2023, 6:19 p.m.

    Pristine and patina, age and youth, perfection and imperfection, and others too no doubt. In any case it is a great combination.
    The choice to have such a dark background was just right, ensuring full concentration on the blooms and their difference.

    Pete

  • Members 517 posts
    Sept. 15, 2023, 6:23 p.m.

    The landscape is lovely and adding the cat and its surroundings adds detail to study, but more importantly, it adds a strange contrast between the homely scene of the cat and the deserted landscape. We see the homely comforts, but no home.

    Pete

  • Members 517 posts
    Sept. 15, 2023, 6:48 p.m.

    The photos are good, especially the flowers against the black in 3, the pretty, but devastating burrows in 5 and the clever use of a magnifying glass to show the culprits in 6.
    The series itself is well conceived, showing the surroundings, then informing why not all is as beautiful as it seems. It ticks the boxes of beauty, story and information. Excellent.

    Pete

  • Members 517 posts
    Sept. 15, 2023, 6:50 p.m.

    Well said. I know it is boring not to add anything, but Minnie said it for me.

    Pete

  • Members 517 posts
    Sept. 15, 2023, 6:56 p.m.

    This is a lovely scene, and Sun and colours and silhouette used to good effect to create a longing to be there. I agree with Linda, that the only fly in the ointment is the overlap of posts and boats, but have no doubt it was difficult to avoid. Glad you took the shot anyway.

    Pete

  • Members 517 posts
    Sept. 15, 2023, 7:02 p.m.

    What a wonderful grasshopper. It is lovely and sharp and a really good uncluttered and soft background.
    Looking at the small image, I thought it could use a touch more exposure, but looking at the large version, that is no longer noticeable.

    Pete