Hurt me... - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

10/12/2009 08:36:36 PM · #1

So this entry in the recent Fire challenge received zero comments during voting, but had a decent response from the voters with respect to the score. More importantly, I don't think I captured a single viewer. It lacked the power to evoke that pause that results in a useful comment, good or bad. Why?

pawdrix

Nikon D700

10/12/2009 08:40:24 PM · #2

It's a very nice image. It's only problem is, it's different.

Don't sweat it. Keep'em coming. Sometimes we won't get it but if we're lucky...in time, we'll catch up to you.

If you think the image has a problem...it doesn't. Most people just can't digest or comprehend blur...simple as that but who cares.

Like I said...keep on, keepin on.

Message edited by author 2009-10-12 20:48:53.

ericwoo

Nikon Z7II

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

10/12/2009 08:41:43 PM · #3

Its actually hard to look at. I like the crisp focus you achieved on the candle itself, but my eye is drawn to the larger, out of focus, and brighter face of the child. The composition is nicely framed, but my eye spends all its time trying to focus on the face. It is nicely creative, but its one of those nice images that isn't DPC friendly. It needs a droplet of water, a third world face, a glass refraction, or some bright colors to be successful.

10/12/2009 08:46:41 PM · #4

Thank you for the feedback, both of you. Interestingly, I spent added time ensuring that the candle was my brightest white, but I agree that the cheeks and chest are still bright, and definitely pull for attention.

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

10/12/2009 08:56:34 PM · #5

Originally posted by pawdrix:

If you think the image has a problem...it doesn't. Like I said...keep on, keepin on.

No, I don' think there is a problem. In fact, it speaks to me. Back in high school I was a pole vaulter. I would stand at the end of the runway preparing for my vault starting my routine to calm my mind, to use the nervousness to my advantage. This included visualizing the box and transforming it in to a flame. Definitely not unique but it worked for me. So for me, that's what I get out of this image, practicing peace. I didn't expect people to get that, naturally, but I was trying to guide them down that path. Many times, at least one person will connect with an entry in the way the photographer intended. So my question is why not, which you answered! Thank you!

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

10/12/2009 09:16:35 PM · #6

I gave it a 6, because technically it was well done. The image just didn't do anything for me. Perhaps it is the mom coming out in me. I didn't care for a child holding the candle, the angle also made it look like an angle that would drip hot wax. Now, before you get irritated at me for being an idiot, I completely and totally realized that it wasn't the case. So I gave it a 6 because technically it was well done, but it wasn't interesting, in fact, it was a tad irritating.

Sorry, that came out a little more strongly than I would have liked, but I thought you should know that I did think it was well done, and I thought the blur was a good choice, it just didn't connect on any emotional level.

ErikV

Nikon D7000

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

10/12/2009 09:18:37 PM · #7

Left you a comment

10/12/2009 09:25:48 PM · #8

Originally posted by vawendy:

Yeah, I know! I shot this when my wife was out with her friends! The setup was practiced with an unlit tea candle. Lit the candle, took two frames. No problems!

pixelpig

Sony Alpha a55

Sony DT 1.8/50mm SAM

10/12/2009 09:44:58 PM · #9

Well, I went to google Robert Jordan's Eye of the World series, which I've somehow never read, so I don't see a connection. I didn't vote the Fire challenge, your image is new to me. You have a child without clothing (at least on the part of the comp that shows) and an open candle flame which should create a lot of dramatic tension. The space between the child's face & the candle flame should be vibrant with emotion. For me, though, that space is flat & dull, & I find myself wishing, at least artistically, that the candle flame was closer to the child's face. I don't mean to upset you at all, this is just my honest reaction. You did a good job balancing out the different whites yet somehow still my eye settles on the child's face. Our eyes naturally move from left to right, so you might find the comp has more interest after a horizontal flip. Then the eye would have to work harder to get to the child's face. JMO!