Hi everyone! Skimming through the thumbnails it looks like we've got a solid group of images this week! Let's get to it! ----- ------- ----- "Colours of Fall" - Guy Glorieux Guy, this aptly named photo is remarkable on several different levels. First, and most obvious, is the splattering of color across the frame synonymous with the onward marching of autumn. A few pedestrians punctuate the image, which forces a relationship between themselves and the viewer, and the peek at urban life in the background gives a sense of harmony between Nature and Society. Eliminate the people, eliminate the city, and it is a very empty image. You have done well, sir! ----- ------- ----- "MV Samish" - Gregory david Stempel This is a beautifully executed photo! I'm unaware of how much post-exposure treatment it received, but it really doesn't matter. The sense of cold, and indeed the relentless persistence of the work vessel despite the cold, is overwhelming (I'm wearing a sweatshirt in Florida as I write this). Of particular note is the loss of detail in the background due to frosty atmospheric conditions. In defiance of the cold is a starkly contrasted ship with bold lines and a solid presence; in addition, the angle of the vessel in relation to the camera/viewer connotes strength. Exposure and composition are top-notch. ----- ------- ----- "Bedouin girl" - Herschel Mair Something about her eyes pulls me headlong into the image, making me forget about the overall motion blur (something that would have docked me quite a few points in one of my former lives). However, it is the blur that would likely nix this from editorial or commercial use. On the other hand, I can certainly visualize it being framed with other thematic images. Although it appears to be a bit overexposed, I have to dismiss this line of critique, because the image in its entirety seems to benefit from an intentional disregard of "The Rules". The empty white space behind her and to the viewer's right seemed distracting at first, but I think it ultimately underscores her environment; by adding (or failing to subtract) emptiness, you fill in the rest of the story. ----- ------- ----- "Durham Police Arrest The Angel Of Death on I-85" - Roy Miller Roy, I have to say that this is, albeit bizarre, a delightfully poignant image, yet rife with humor. The "angel" is a strikingly haunting entity, black-clad with wings (evoking images of buzzards/ravens), and being confronted by Durham's Finest. Then there's the point he was apparently trying to make being shot down by those who would be most likely to advocate it. And then, of course, the Angel of Death's sunglasses. Sweet. On a technical note, I think the shallowing of the bit depth (quasi-posterization) detracts just a bit from the overall image. Although the scene looks tilted slightly clockwise, it adds to the drama unfolding on the highway's edge. How ironic would it be if he were sentenced to community service, and made to walk along the Interstate as the Angel of Death for the "Slow Down and Live" campaign? It wouldn't surprise me in the least. ----- ------- ----- "McCart Lookout" - Serena Fenton The minimal sky, human element, wooded surroundings, and warm-toned sunlight give this shot much potential. My --only-- complaint is the post in the foreground breaking the continuity of the structure; its light color emphasizes its distracting nature. Otherwise, the composition is excellent; it's a great shot. Exposure is right on the money, and I can almost smell the distant campfires. I would like to see some images (perhaps even a 360-degree panoramic?) made from within the structure. It's more than 1-1/3 miles higher than where I am right now, and I can only imagine that the vista is breathtaking. ----- ------- ----- "pavement" - Don Draper Many years ago, I had a job as a pavement distress analysis supervisor, part of a team charged with rating pavement condition based on downward images photographed from a moving truck; on more than a few occasions I thought about doing one, in high resolution, just because it looks cool. This is a great image, for the texture throughout, and the breakdown of the frame into disparate and offset regions, using (for the most part) only three colors. I think this photo successfully bridges the gap between abstract and concrete (no pun intended, seriously!). ----- ------- ----- Again, I thank all those who submitted work this week, and those who have or will offer insight. Darin Heinz Melbourne, Florida USA
