Think for Yourselfby
RikkiComment: Courtesy critique:
Composition/perspective: The overall balance and composition is good in the image. The subject is well placed for the crop - eliminates thirds as a negative. The apparent weight of the statue (appears to be solid metal which indicates weight) with the stone wall behind it creates a presence that should install a sense of strength and permanence. The problem with that perspective, IMO, is the focus and light (see below). The DoF presented in the shot is a little confusing - perhaps the processing? The statue is crisp and sharp, the pillars appear soft with the detail sort of blurred, but the stone wall behind, although blurred as if DoF is the controlling factor, but the edges are a bit too sharp to support that m- as in the pillar seems to be more out of focus than the wall does.
Color: The preservation of such harsh...or cold colors is well done. The tonal range is well preserved. Some of the white appears a bit bright (see below), but the preservation of the rich metallic feel of the statue and the hard delineation of the stone wall is well done. The splash of blue I find refreshing in the shot - the calm or eye of the storm so to speak.
Light: I find this aspect to be not as strong as the others. The pillar appears a bit bright, as does the header beam above the words. The top of the statue's head is lost in the beam as well as the shoulder (his right, picture left). This spot seems to draw attention due to this. The highlights on the arms are not as distracting as there is more definition in shape whereas the head appears to be flat because of it..
Challenge requirements: this is where I feel it fell short. The words above the statue are from French Legion and actually mean "Honor and Fatherland.' This is a total disconnect from the mood and lyric of the song. The song is indicative of someone going it alone without the help/companionship of another after the break-up of a relationship and the photo indicates something of honor or patriotism in times of battle. It may have come across stronger without the words in the shot. Then it would be a solitary person with no outside reference to influence the voters. The one element of the lyric that is represented well here is individual strength. But I don't think most voters will go that far...they will take it on first impression from a very short look.
Overall/my opinion: I will admit I am not that familiar with the Beatles and their music. I did a lot of research for this challenge. This was one song I had to look up. I really like the intent of the shot and the strength of the presence of the statue in the composition. But feel that was offset by the text. It just changes the whole mood of the shot from a lyric to more of a remembrance or tribute/memorial. Without that I think it would be much stronger for the purpose.
Hope this helps, please feel free to PM to discuss any element above.
C/A
Photographer found comment helpful.
