Home Sweet Holeby
scalvertComment: Scalvert's image " Home Sweet Hole "
Since photography is mainly a realm of light and shadow I am fascinated with images. Where others look at an image to digest subject matter and topic...I approach images in a different manner. I look first and foremost at the light-shadow relationship, or the visual impact or visual content of these qualities and then I study the subject. Most efforts fail because there is an over preoccupation with subject matter. No, I am not one that exclaims this picture subject matter stinks or is good. First I look at the light-shadow relationship. This is by far one of the main traits of a wonderful picture. It is with light and shadow that the photographer speaks. To prove it, consider those simple images in black and white that win you over immediately. They have magic and stated in very simple terms. Why the strong impact? Because you are observing the lowest denominator in all its glory. Everything is simplified. Reminds me of the computer industry that is based on the simple principle of off and on or one and two. From such simplicty we see a miracle end result.
Now look at Scalvert's image. Notice how the light draws you at a rapid speed to the subject. Look at the thumbnail. Very impressive. Blow it up and you are invited into a wonderland. This is a unique and inventive procedure to fool the eyes of the viewer. I looked at this picture and it took me 24 hours to figure how it was done. It is brilliant not only on account of its cleverness, but the dramatic lighting with the placing of the crayon at its very first footstep.
Some of you may say, yeah, it is nice, but it is so contrived. Look again, it is contrived. It is a mind teaser, but then on sheer photographic strenght is well above average. The lighting is simply superb and it shows someone who is interested in creating an illusion but has not lost the primary object of using light and shadow. if you want to improve on your craft, forget the novelty aspect of the photo and study the lighting.
Study the composition and tell me you can not benefit by learning from it. Why the angle of the crayon and the low angle if the camera view.
You are looking at the end result of a very creative genius. Someone that takes the time required to make the illusion complete, but also one that understands the principles of good photography. I am proud to have the pleasure of commenting out of the blue on this image. It is by far the most attractive in the miniture challenge. dan
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