America's Pastimeby
bdshortComment by emorgan49: Hello from the Critique Club-
I'm back - I always get back to my hostages. Sorry for the delay.
This is a wonderful photo, as you know. It is the epitome of All American. In this political climate where we crave symbols of the American national identity but are over saturated with the red, white, and blue flag, an image like this is both refreshing and powerfully familiar. More American than apple pie. So first of all this is a great choice of subject.
Second, your photo is a masterpiece of technical photography. The focus is perfect with a depth of field just slightly shorter than the baseball. The lighting is dramatic. The background is empty and well balanced with the foreground. And the border is just right to make it look polished and marketable.
Third, this is a textbook photo for composition. Let's count how many of the standard elements of cpmposition you have includes. 1. A lot of commenters mentioned leading lines. At first glance your leading line, the row of stitching, leads the viewer OUT of the frame. But look closely, each little V of red points back in, creating an in-out cyle that is very effective. 2. Texture in abundence, scuffed leather contrasting with woven lacings. 3. Rythm in the repeating laces almost makes the ball spin. I think it's going to be a curve ball. 4. Color red and white for contrast, and for USA symbolism. 5. want more? Balance, negative space, tone, perpective pattern, mass and weight. All in such a simple photograph.
Simplicity is the key to a good photograph. The simpler the image is, the stronger the statement it makes. This photo certainly makes a strong statement. It speaks to American pride. It speaks to youth and age. An old ball conjures memories of childhood, uncomplicated times, like the uncomplicated image. By leavng all the other elements of "baseball" out of the photo, you allow the viewer to bring his own mental images and add them to yours. Maybe he remembers playing short stop as a teen. Maybe his team is doing well right now. Maybe he saw a no hitter pitched once. All these extras of the viewers add dimension to your baseball because you have left that room for the viewer to fill. Art has to speak to it's audience in a personal way, as you have. This picture tells a story, but a different story to each....sigh, will the Red Sox ever win?
Absolutely stunning photo! (nope, nothing critical to add).
Disclaimer:- remember that this is just my opinion and I am far from an expert.
