Cool 'Do, Great Eyes.
by dsa157

Comment:
An excellent portrait with wonderful timing which speaks of more than the attributes awarded the subject via the title. The image is technically (exposure/lighting/dof/sharpness) immaculate while the manner (perspective/choice of b & w/of subject/composition) strikes a remarkable balance between boldness and delicacy.

The irrepressible freshness this photograph communicates is a rare treat indeed. I am transported. ;-)

Mountain Lion
by moodville

Comment:

Originally posted by theSaj: beautiful creature...alas...wish the lighting had been a notch brighter...but not much... :)

The lighting is magic, inviolate, examplary. Have mercy, theSaj!

Tattoos
by tyt2000

Comment:
Wonderful, exotic subject, a little too dark, perhaps, in the shadowed areas for all the intracate detail to be thoroughly enjoyed. The crop, especially, on top of the image is, unfortunately, intersecting part of the subject.

What counts is there, captured and delivered without much discernible technical attention to artistic potential. The subject's relaxed, cooperative pose contradicts the snapshot-like manner. A manner more considerately exposed and composed, IMO, would have matched the immense interest offered by the subject and, thus, would have made for a truly stunning capture, instead of a 'good' one.

CRW_2719
by Nusbaum

Comment:
You are, indeed, fortunate to have such a remarkable model. The model is fortunate to have a photographer who can express his appreciation and sense of her so sincerely and tastefully.

Message edited by author 2004-10-09 19:40:48.

Megalomania
by Remie

Comment:
I think I've used up all the superlatives I'm capable of for this remarkable photograph, but I need to argue for your original title.

It is this very title which charges the image with an amusing hyperbolic surreality measuring a considerable range given by the two aesthetic extremes present here: the dynamics of the spectacle at the bottom of the frame (both bold and fine) and the minute size of it, never mind the contrast between the expansive monochrome/-tone treatment, which is almost a 'gravity', and an appearance of incidental playfulness for what must have presented the actual human subjects depicted here with a dramatically 'real' challenge involving variable degrees of physical effort and attention on their part.

The detached, philosophical amusement so deliberately and deliciously invoked and applied here is not something I can, easily, sacrifice at the altar of a lesser deity. :-)

It is a wonderfully 'light' title, utterly appropiate for the universally small drama it points, in human history and under the sky.

Mountain Lion
by moodville

Comment:
An fine image in exquisite earth colours, texture and tones. The juxtaposition of the utterly relaxed posture of this wholesome cat with its confident gaze communicates, to me, an intimate moment. The soft illumination falling in from the left is either very fortunate or apt for the range of fine textures 'painted' by it. Delectable also is the filigrée of the whiskers, even the brow above the eye.

The photo is extremely tightly cropped, without which, I suppose, we would be left with a fraction of the detail that makes this image. The cat's left paw, however, is 'nicked' by it. Perhaps, a minimally thinner border would have left it intact while still providing sufficient 'lift' off the page it is presented on?

Red is the ribbon colour I chose for this remarkably satisfying capture.

Jambo
by ellamay

Comment:
Gorgeous, stunning capture of an impala in what appears to be a pristine environment!

Sharpness, chosen depth of field, contrast, brightness - all are perfectly synced. There are no distractions. Whatever grass, shrubs and branches are there, are there, convincingly and credibly. Colours and tones are marvelously subdued, suggestive of dawn. The framing/composition by thirds, too, is simple and ample, well suited for the subject.

The impala's poised posture, the clear eye-contact, the sweep of the ringed antlers sculpt an instant, preciously charged with a tangible heartbeat -wild! And there are neither fences nor oil wells cluttering our attention!

This, IMHO, is an inspiring photograph, which goes beyond mere show and tell. It speaks to me simply and naturally of the thrill and the fragility of life. > 10

Not Madonna's Bra !
by Tuckersmom

Comment:
Why not 'Madonna's Bra'?

Sahara
by Natasha

Comment:
Ah, hell, it's perfect. I'm elated and can't nitpick!

Message edited by author 2004-10-04 18:20:18.

Interlude
by Pedro

Comment:
A fine candid, IMO, and a shot, perhaps, some may have passed up for the less than ideal givens of the locale (the background is quite busy, the foreground quite partial, on the right, and poorly lit; there is fair evidence of harsh highlights as well).

Considerable editing skills appear to have been devoted to overcome these obstacles and render a final image worthy of study and pleasure. It is as if the manner and treatment of the photo reflected the manner and treatment the player afforded his music and instrument. The position of his left hand and fingers below the ornate vertical neck of the erhu is especially delicious.

The player's clear eyes, his clearly focused features, the attentive glance, the listening tilt of his head speak of consiousness to me, a being awake in the moment. This photograph, I believe, has captured this, quite purely and, appropiately, quietly. There is no embellishment, no dilution of its essence.

The shabby lining of the case, the player's dollar-store attire, the cardboard and tape aesthetics of the street only help to accentuate the exquisite humanity of a combination of sounds which may come from a tranquility of mind.

Oddly, the crop is as tight as could be. Personally, I would welcome a little 'aura', especially to accommodate the strong vertical of the erhu neck. Given his culture and heritage, the player too, I imagine would benefit from a little air or piece of heaven to send his music...