Almost 8 seconds
by firefighter271

Comment by SaraR:
Hello from the Critique Club.

First of all I'll look at the photo in the context of the specific challenge, 'In the style of Jagar'. Jagar's photo tend to be monchrome, with strong contrast utilising the full range of greys between black and white. He makes optimal use of light, even when conditions are harsh. His subject matter is often a mixture of street portraiture combined with verbnacular architecture and tends to the intimate. His compositions, whilst appearing on initial viewing to be very simple are in fact quite complex, and he makes much use of angles and strong verticals. Generally every inch of his canvas has a purpose within the final image.

So, how does your photo fit in with these themes? You have opted for mono, and the conversion is reasonably strong in contrast. Subject matter is not typical of Jagar's style, but your treatment of it does accord with some of the themes I picked up on above. The treatment of the subject - the bull - is incredibly intimate and well observed, and every inch of the canvas plays a part in the story. Whilst the architecture may not be that of a medieval French market town, the use of it, frame filling and providing context, is used in a similar way in which Jagar uses his.

In terms of the photograph in its own right, and apart from what I have noted above, the image suffers a little from a lack of sharpness. I am unsure if this is a result of camera technique, or a lack of post-processing - it may be worth researching the Adamus sharpening method, which works really well for web display (although no good at all for print. You have managed to get a great deal of detail despite the clearly difficult backlight.

Happy to discuss any aspect of this critique - feel free to send me a PM.

The flying coaster
by firefighter271

Comment by Beetle:
There is something about the angle (perhaps because it isn't a proper diagonal, or a "proper" anything) and the way the front and back are cut off that add so much to this photo. It makes me feel edgy, a tension that is perfect for this shot.

The flying coaster
by firefighter271

Comment by neophyte:
A little sharper and this wins hands down. Perfect capture.

The flying coaster
by firefighter271

Comment by Sheryll:
Great example of how the bg/neg space creates the wow. Maybe a faster shutter speed would have gotten them more in focus though.

The flying coaster
by firefighter271

Comment by bergiekat:
Ok, how many of you have peed your pants, raise your hands!
This is such a fun capture. Great idea. Perhaps hit it w/USM just a touch and see what happens.