In a similar way as Roel, you are using the striking characteristics of the lens to create an image and not simply to show them off. Here you are showing the shallow depth of field and unusual characteristics of a vintage lens to illustrate a vintage lens with similar characteristics. The composition works and the barely discernable face adds welcome mystery.
You mention you sometimes doubt whether your efforts at documentation of such lenses are worthwhile, but you also use the word passion, and as long as you enjoy it then it is definitely worthwhile. Maybe the topic is niche, but that it is exactly why it is worth doing. An article about Canon lenses, for instance, would not be as important, since there is so much accessible knowledge already. I had a quick look myself and read an article with interest, which I picked pretty much at random. I also enjoy your images, as they illustrate by using the lens to create a piece of art, rather than a test chart or a straight forward "here-is-a-flower" illustration of its capabilities.
July 2, 2025
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Pete,
Thank you so much!
It's a scene of achingly beautiful color and nature with the ridiculous result of human kind's intrusion.
Thank you for seeing the absurdity of the stone veneer. And, as you say, the turquoise window (I assume the result of a coating on the glass reflecting/transmitting the actual blue sky) has a lot to do with the image's "attractiveness."
Why, indeed would there be a balcony there? Over the back alley entrance? It's a faux "design" not meant to be actually used. Like the styrofoam-covered-with-stucco facades of so many "McMansions" that have been built since the late '70s.
I hoped that someone would notice how mundane the telephone wires and satellite dish looked.
Only the light, the palm trees and the ocean are real.
Everything else is garish and an affront to the native beauty.
On the other hand, it is also amusingly naive that these owners, with all their wealth could compete with nature.
Rich
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A general response to the various comments on the shot. As Roel says, they come for the food, the newspapers and the company but it's a bit more. It's a family place with all the generations. It's also a business place. Deals are being done but it's a family thing. Toddlers and geriatrics at the same tables. Very Chinese. It's Hong Kong, not Thailand but they can be similar. Noisy, fast and steamy. The photo doesn't convey the atmosphere.
Re the blue. I can see how Roel and Pete have arrived at their interpretations based on the image. -
I just really love the combination of warm and cold tones in this one and even though there are many different elements and shapes in there (with the palm trees, cables etc.) I think the composition works very well. I like the hints of perspective lines, but don't care that they're not emphasized further. Gives it a more realistic vibe. Well done!
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Thank you!
Rich
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Yes. A demonstration of how extended horizontal lines work on the way our brains respond.
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I almost missed this discussion. It's the kind of developed point from various points of view that I'm missing badly in our forum. A casualty of flat view v threaded view.
Awareness of cliche is a complex question with implications across all the arts. Cliche and playing with cliche is a delicate balance where the artist and the viewer/hearer make assumptions about experience and intent of each other.
I find it more difficult with music to distance myself from responding negatively to something that has become cliche. Enjoying a piece of music becomes ruined for me when a section of the piece has been destroyed by advertising. The associated jingle or whatever intrudes into the performance. I can't go back to the state of innocence.
Cliche references in images don't annoy me in the same way. I think it is because the image stays with us while we delve into the associations. With music, the experience continues to change as the piece develops so there isn't the time for contemplation.
The role of experience in all art creation and perception is fascinating and critical. One person's "cliche" isn't the same as that of another. Awareness of cliche and playing with it is a subtle two edged process.