meagan-with-b&w-borderby
MacDonaldComment by Louis: I guess my first reaction was, "I don't know what this is supposed to be." This means to me that there is no immediately obvious message conveyed. This is either good or bad -- good because there is no identifiable cliche, bad because ultimately I (and probably others) haven't been able to connect with this image at all. For me, my interaction with a photo is dependent on both technicals and story, with story generally trumping any issues of poor execution so long as they aren't amateur.
On further viewing, I notice elements that don't have anything to do with me interacting with the story conveyed. The fall of the garment is slightly titillating, lending an uncomfortable eroticism (uncomfortable because
she doesn't look so comfortable). There's foam in the water that reminds me of the stuff small creeks and streams get from rapids that are exposed to pollutants, making me fear for this woman even more. The rocks overpower the model, and make me want to know more about them (see below).
Technically, the black and white is pleasing and well done in relation to the strong contrasts. The rocks are too strong and highlighted an element for me, and I would have preferred them less exposed and certainly less in the field of focus. As they are, they seem more engaging an element, and I wonder if a more successful photo might not have made us potently aware of them, while leaving the model an unfocused afterthought somewhere in the frame. There's a tack-sharpness and a smoothness that makes us want to find no fault with the technicals, but if we want a gritty, or "unpretty" image, as I think you've suggested, those kinds of technicals fail a photograph.
In short, to answer the question, "Does this have impact" directly, for me, no, mostly because I don't have any idea what it's saying. Is there a story here? I can't tell. I believe one can usually tell that a photographer is attempting to relay a story, even if it's a poor one, or an obfuscated or allegorical or bad one. Even such a photo means something, somewhere. What does this mean? Why is this an example of a photo with impact for you? Is your technical ability sublimated to the need to address an important feeling you have? Answer those questions to gain some kind of insight into successful, meaningful photos with deep impact.
For a good example of story-telling that is less concerned with precision and technical details, consider these. They are successful photos with a soul.
Photographer found comment helpful.
