Sometimes the pen needs be backed by the sword
by mefnj

Comment by Bilberry:
A really moody atmosphere makes this image special although I would have preferred a slightly greater angle to the tilt of the page.

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by mefnj

Comment by PW321:
if anyone felt offended

not offended but my dislike of guns does affect my interaction with and interpretation of the picture. if photography is viewed as art and not just a technical process of capturing an image, then it isn't just about the technical aspects of the photo but how the viewer interacts with it as well.

I think that there are a few examples in the comments below of how the opinions of the viewer affect the interaction.

You wanted to convey the good guy "sheriff" holding his ground against the outlaws but more than a few comments below show a completely different interpretation despite your title. It is described as 'ominous', 'menacing', I used 'vigilante' and others referenced "Deliverance". This would indicate that on some level with some viewers your image failed to convey a 'good guy' impression. Perhaps the absence of a clear 'bad guy' in the image contributes as well as the fact that your character is wearing a black hat which image is well embedded in cowboy symbolism as belonging to the 'bad guy' and not the 'good guy'.

Something to think about anyway.

Message edited by author 2013-01-02 02:32:05.

Sometimes the pen needs be backed by the sword
by mefnj

Comment by Neat:
Yes quite right, bit late now!!

Pretty sure this will ribbon, well done, great light. Love the writing, just one nitpick, I would of slanted the paper a little! 8

Sometimes the pen needs be backed by the sword
by mefnj

Comment by beatabg:
I love the old look of the picture. Nice lighting and editing. The blurriness makes it look kind of mysterious.

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by mefnj

Comment by markwiley:
An ominous mood to this. Congrats on an excellent image and ribbon.

ETA: I just noticed participants score this image below 6. That seems completely crazy to me. I am not a huge fan of guns, but come on. This is a fantastic shot.

Message edited by author 2013-01-02 16:26:24.

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by mefnj

Comment by bspurgeon:
Bit too contrived.

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by mefnj

Comment by cutout:
nice one 9

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by mefnj

Comment by tvsometime:
Yes! Well done staging of the Clint Eastwood esthetic. Bump.

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by mefnj

Comment by jmritz:
Impressive tension.

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by mefnj

Comment by Lydia:
In my top ten. Love the ball of light. 8 (voted earlier)