* Wednesday C&C "No Theme" Thread #829 / Revived #049 on 2024 03 06 *

What I like here most, is two things.
1) The first is the pose of the insect: it hangs upside down and while we all know they can do that, it is still refreshing to actually see it.
2) The second is realizing how much these delicate wings resemble equally delicate spring leaves, by placing them right next to each other.
The exposure and colour etc are fine too, but these are the things that struck me most.

Making (and posting) images of homeless people is always a source of controversy. I will not get into that, apart from saying that I think the attitude of the photographer is an important factor. I am on Minnie's page.
The processing is what draws extra attention here.
This is not a purely documentary image (colour or B&W, both can be used as "objective" treatment).
The processing adds extra grit and texture.
One can wonder whether the subject needs such extra dramatic emphasis.
I've looked a the image a number of times now and I am still not convinced one way or the other.

I am so relieved that finally you post an image that I don't immediately fall in love with.
You had me worried that I was losing my objectivity, heaping praise week after week on your creative closeups.
This one, however, does not work for me, and I think there are multiple reasons : * the symmetry (but not quite) * the bulkiness of the OOF area in the center * the fact that the two sharp parts are on the same plane, resulting in a paradoxical loss of depth * most importantly, I think, the actual object is instantly recognizable, negating the suspension of disbelief that many of your other images create: I can't unsee the guitar neck and thus I can's imagine another fantasy subject.

That image almost scares me.
A bird image, usually, makes us long to be that bird, free and up in the air or perched somewhere, ready to take off at any minute.
Being strung up as a medieval petty criminal on a gallows, is not how I am used to seeing birds (and a pleasant view it is not).

An odd critique where you appear to be questioning my attitude and objectivity rather than relating how you read the story that might lead to that questioning .... while this is my usual processing for "street" images, how would you see this subject? ---- What in your opinion would be the appropriate representation .... or would you just walk away? ...

WhyNot

Maybe I have not expressed myself clearly.
I am NOT questioning YOUR objectivity and much less your attitude.
It is the processing that creates and "arty" impression, unlike what we would see in a newspaper image (be it colour or B&W).
And I am not sure whether I think that processing is a plus for this image.

I won't pull any punches here. I very much dislike post processing of this kind. It is both pretentious and crude. It's an attempt to add a false quality to the situation implying actual difficulty in obtaining the image by use of extremes of film capability and processing. I used to struggle with those photographic materials and chemicals on a daily basis. Decades ago we did everything we could to minimize the technical difficulties of the materials. Today's computer simulation of film grain, lack of resolution and developer fog to imply artistic qualities leaves me quite cold.

As for the subject matter, unless this is an image intended to somehow contribute funds to this fellow or others in his situation, or otherwise help him directly, it is disturbing, if not insulting. To use his misfortune only to bring attention to one's photographic efforts is unjustifiable.

I don't mean to be confrontational, but this kind of image treads on ethical boundaries that all photographers need to heed.

Rich

Well I don't really post pictures for your approval! but this is C&C and I do appreciate your comments and have read them all .... I think I have been doing photography at least as long as you have -- I started with a 4X5 Speed Graphic with plates and have processed my film as long as I used it ... I have read AA and others, I have sat in front of many exhibitions but I no longer believe that the photograph can only be a view through a clean window ... not sure that was ever a universal view ... but that said you are entitle to your view and I get the vibe that my street photographs are making others besides you uncomfortable and may correct that .. I suspect I will ....

Thank you for stopping by and commenting ..

WhyNot

This week I have been completely tied up and didn't have the time to post and critique. This morning I had a quick look to see what has happened.
Lou, I had to comment on that shot. It has all the elements I like in the art of Charles Mackintosh. The same elegant vertical forms with shapes within shapes. The juxtaposition of the control tower with bottles of similar form is quite inspired. I very much like the hinting at the shape of the control tower rather than it being clear. Beautiful use of control of dof to bring this off. I could get all poetic about the tones used here as well.
Simply outstanding.

Sorry, I missed this response earlier .. continued problems carrying on a conversation with a flat view ... I usually don't go into the story as I see it but I will here after other responses .... I don't generally take pictures of "street" people. They have many problem most more than just being homeless ... I took this picture because of the NOTE. I thought this was a universal cry for help and the image has some universal meaning, possibly for some .. others would rather not see these people ...

I don't do journalism!

The processing is my standard for "street" scenes. It removes the photo from the usual window view and moves it toward an illustrators view (IMHO and hopefully) With people as I have written before I hope that it gives them some anonymity and maybe some generality ( .. universality?) again IMHO. ...

This image appears to have caused some discomfort for some viewers and I'm not sure that my approach to street is wanted for C&C. if these mages make you who bring us this thread uncomfortable in any way I can remedy that .... I have been here too long to get entangled in some of the nonsense that goes on in these forums ...

WhyNot

Well I like your photo. And the processing, for me, adds to the message, not that I even considered it at first.

However, given that this is a C&C forum, I wouldn't take any C&C to heart (although I have been guilty of defending aspects of a pic that were pointed out but I couldn't see at first - like water that appeared to flow to one side 😳).