Roll Call
by sher

Comment:
I can't help but love this superbly solemn and dignified image. The inclusive perspective is suggestive of the composition, making apt and sensitive use of the natural lay of the land. I feel, however, that the horizontal space availble above stones could more than what it is to balance the flat plain and the slope beneath them.

I'd also wish for a crisper focus, even an outright soft one, at that. I suspect that the shot may have been taken hand-held, without tripod and subsequently sharpened (?).

Nevertheless, this photo contains so much more than what the topic asked for. It documents part of the human condition and places (or finds) in a landscape that could be called anywhere.

The irregular, yet care-ful placement of the stones encourages a count.

Passage
by jjbeguin

Comment:
The strength of this wonderful image, IMO, lies in the fact that its latent or emotive subject seems entirely open to personal interpretation. Despite the extremes of lighting and a consequential elimination of detail over large parts of the image (the dark facades on both sides of passage, the bright day-lit arched patio at the focus of perspective), the capture remains coherently clear and satisfying. The lone figure caught in mid-step on this sea of diamonds (tile floor) only emphasizes an apparent and almost emotinal emptiness, which aptly balances a potentially busy shot. The dynamic perspective maps the picture perfectly, cutting a distinct path for the eye.

Personally, this is an image which appeals to my tastes in no small way, either.

three
by ursula

Comment:
The crop, so critical for this minimal shot, is quite good.

I have toyed with the possibility to shift that crop (the entire final image) slightly to the left, mainly to slow the flow (eye movement), but remain unsure about a measurerable improvement on what is there.

The emphasis on texture is quite strong, considering that form is the dominant subject (?). The juxtaposition of the single-ringed columns (?) with the angular repeat of light and shadow makes for a satisfying contrast of opposites, while remaining true to a theme.

The slight flaw (top left, edge of centre and left column) is a little distracting, given the perfectionist manner and minimal subject. I see, however, no way of avoiding this within the contest rules.

One of the best entries, IMO, by one with a breath for detail and composition.

Canada - US Relations 1923
by zeuszen

Comment:
Since several comments were based on (false) assumptions regarding processing, I want to point out, that this image was inverted, as picked up on by hughletheren and, probably by a few others as well . It is lightly cropped, and conservative (very minimal) fine tuning was applied to the whole image via brightness, contrast and hue, mainly to bring out texture.

I wish some voters would not make assumptions without having the facts. A question mark in lieu of the period at the end of a sentence would reflect the same view, without creating a need for correction.

Regardless of this, I appreciated all comments.

Message edited by author 2003-09-07 13:15:06.

Potty Training Gone Bad
by smellyfish1002

Comment:
This charming Portrait Of A Young Man (?) With A Mona-Lisa-Smile is clearly engaging. The title does what it can to fit this capture under the head garment (pun intended) of this challenge. Unassuming, straightforward, wonderful in b & w. In lieu of words: I cannot think of a better way to achieve the same results.

Ooops... wrong victim!
by ultrafiction

Comment:
This truly f e t c h i n g image seems utterly misplaced among the sheer number of competing shots which do and cannot claim such metaphorical charge. The hidden face, the odd space, so crudely constructed, to which this transporting subject is confined are so convincingly r e a l , it is enough to wake anyone from his dream.

This credibility, so quintessential to this picture, is jeopardized by failing to exclude any distracting elements. I'm considering the idea to allow for the marked horizontal tilt, although perhaps to a lesser degree, for the purpose of emphasizing the subject over a t e c h n i q u e or dominant m a n n e r, given the artistic essence. The partial stall on the left, however, contributes nothing to this (IMO). I am convinced, cropping it would largely improve the photo.
I remain equally reserved about its soft focus.

The capture, really, gives no clues whether or not these imperfections are here intentionally or by lack of critical consideration on part of the photographer. This makes for ambiguity, an asset which would neither befit the essence of the picture not the wonderful poetic sense it communicates.

"We don't need no education"
by ellamay

Comment:
Zeus' Top Pic(k)s: 3. Place

Quiet Moment Between Classes.
by Sonifo

Comment:
Zeus' Top Pic(k)s: 2. Place

Back to School
by mgkarimi

Comment:
Zeus' Top Pic(k)s: 1. Place

Medical Insight
by johnmk

Comment:
Zeus' Top Pic(k)s: 2. Place