Forumeers, Here are my thoughts about the PhotoForum members' gallery/exhibit space now on display at http://www.rit.edu/~andpph/gallery.html Scott Thurmond - "Hell, Half Eaten" http://www.rit.edu/~andpph/gallery/thurmond.html I like this photograph a lot. I have no idea what I am looking at, but that is irrelevant. (Although if I had to guess, my conjecture would be some sort of fleshy fungoid plant life.) This photograph is not to be appreciated for the object, but rather for the abstracted feelings evoked by gazing at the image. And feelings abound from Thurmond's submission. The shapes are curvaceous and mysterious. The coloring from the light center to the dark edges enhance the mystery of the total. The shadows and partial illuminations of various portions of the object create interest. The black, or at least dark, spots scattered about the object punctuate points of interest and asymmetry. This is good; this is very good. It is not Bosch; it is better. D.L. Shipman - "Anhinga" http://www.rit.edu/~andpph/gallery/shipman.html In an attempt to out-Davis Davis, Shipman presents us with an outstanding photograph of a darter. Unlike Davis, who tries to present identifiable birds in their natural setting, this is a work of art. The stiletto-like beak protruding from the head where little is identifiable save a large eye, staring into the upper left corner, is amazing. The almost furry nature of the feathers is almost un-birdlike. The stark contrast of animal to almost vacant background is interesting; it is interesting in color difference, but also in the fact that the background is not totally bare. There are enough out-of-focus branches to say "nature." This is an extremely well-executed photograph. Bravo. Marilyn Dalrymple - "Fan Handle" http://www.rit.edu/~andpph/gallery/dalrymple.html Was this not presented about two years ago? I commented on it then. I liked it a lot at that time. I still do. Per Ofverbeck - "First Christmas" http://www.rit.edu/~andpph/gallery/ofverbeck.html This is a shot that Ofverbeck, his daughter-in-law (and his son) and his granddaughter will treasure forever. I like it. Now I suppose I will have to pull out the pictures I took of my little girl's new baby to show you how cute she is too. :-) This image is particularly good because it shows the D-I-L and the grandchild well, showing somewhat who they are. At the same time, the photo creates a mood. The candles shine, they also illuminate but not dominate. The baby dominates, with her mother subtly yet prominently present. Even the arm on the right of the image, which could, with more light, have been annoying, seems to enhance the mood. Very well done. Karen Habbestad - "grazing under late december sun" http://www.rit.edu/~andpph/gallery/habbestad.html Sun shining, yet darkness pervading. This is another remarkable photograph. I love the definition of animal shape, large masses of dark against a dark background, outlined by the bright reflections of sunlight. A wonderful picture. Bob Talbot - "Looking Bushed" http://www.rit.edu/~andpph/gallery/talbot.html Is that Her Majesty, the Queen? She is a very stately woman, impeccably dressed. She is lit apparently by fill-flash. How did you get close enough to get this photograph, Bob? I am impressed. Shawna Hanel - "Walk" http://www.rit.edu/~andpph/gallery/hanel.html Another study in blue, although this foreground is enhanced by the golden brown of the background. This all fits together nicely. The lines are interesting. They are smoothly curving, adding a bit of serenity to a scene that probably does not deserve it. The focal point was well-selected at the base of whatever object is jutting upward. This point catches the eye, and the other lines allow the eye to leisurely explore the remaining portions of the photograph. The loss of focus into the background where distinct shapes gradually give way to mere areas of color is wonderful. I like this image very much. Jim Davis - "Hide and Seek" http://www.rit.edu/~andpph/gallery/davis.html This is one of the rare Davis photographs that I do not care for. The bird is overwhelmed, almost consumed by the background and there is no place for my eye to settle. Had the Magpie been a bird noted for camouflage coloration, this would have been more interesting. As it is, it is just a bird in the tree with distractions. WRGill - "Trailside view from Point Lobos, CA" http://www.rit.edu/~andpph/gallery/gill.html I like the colors, I like the "C" shapes of the land masses jutting into the deep blue of the sea, and the subsequent deep blue intrusions of the sea surrounding the land masses. I like the trees, but I wish I could see them better. I really like the action in the picture that is depicted by the white of sea meeting land. I don't care for the foreground. I don't like the amount of sky. I want to like this, but it just misses a bit somewhere. I wish I could put my finger on it. Garry Flippo - Untitled http://www.rit.edu/~andpph/gallery/flippo.html Snow to brown to snowy mountain. There are no visible signs of human presence anywhere in this picture. Where was this taken? The most interesting part of this image for me is the definition of features of the mountain in the background. Shadows and rocks break the white of the snow. That captures the eye and lets us know that this is rugged terrain, not a smooth, old mountain range. It also complements the sagebrush in the foreground, giving a look of total ruggedness to the area, which the smooth middle ground tries to fight. This is a very good image. This was a very good week. My favorite is probably Shipman's contribution, but it would be a close call with about five others. Many thanks to all who contributed this week. You have all done well. Thanks also to Andy and his crew who continually work to make this Forum an ongoing success. pax rand
