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tyrkinnComment by jmsetzler: Greetings...
During the course of this week's voting on the black and white challenge, I have come back to this image several times. I always like to pick a 'best of show' photograph from each challenge, and this one is my choice of 'the best' in this massive group of black and white images.
Photos of children, or people in general, require some very special element to have universal appeal. This photo, IMO, has that special element. The photo is not a simple portrait, but it shows some emotion and possibly some amount of personality as well. Children are quite inquisitive and this is obvious in this photograph. The photo is 'cute' and very well executed.
The light you have provided in this image is perfect for creating just the right amount of contrast. There is no harsh light and no area that is too dark. The 'balance' is very nice.
I'm trying to find something to be critical about in this photo and I'm not coming up with much at all. The only possible room for 'change' that could have some effect on this photo would be with the chair in the foyer behind the child. That bit of darkness is eye catching and could possibly be competing with the child for attention. Removing the chair, however, would also remove the feeling of 'home' in this image. The photo doesn't appear to be completely candid because of the point of view taken, so maybe trying some additional opportunities with that chair could have been useful. I don't really think it should be removed. It appears ot have a coat or some other article of clothing draped on it. Maybe removing just that part would clean up the image to a state of complete perfection :) When you 'plan' a photograph and when you have almost complete control over the environment, there is no real reason not to evaluate the purpose of everything in the scene.
At any rate, this is a great image and it is my favorite of the week. I have added it to my favorites list and I really hope to see it in the top scoring photos in this challenge.... Congratulations and good luck :)
John Setzler
Photographer found comment helpful.
