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Alan Brown's picture

Basking in the sun

This was taken on the first real day of Spring - warm and with an almost clear warm sky. When hiking I came across this couple on a bench. Waiting for a good angle the man threw his arms and head back to catch a bit of sun.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, whether good or bad. All are appreciated, all I ask for is sincerity.

Edit 23 April
After listening to helpful feedback I have edited the image and present the new option below. Thanks to all for comments.

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15 Comments

I like it, especially its simplicity. I'm a bit torn about the people's poses; I like his arms & head as you point out. They're hard to "read" i.e. untangling bench, man and woman. However, conversely this simplifies the whole image into - more or less - a line (the hilltop), a triangle (the people and bench) and an ellipse (the cloud). There's a slight opaqueness about the whole effect that is mysterious and thought-provoking, rather than simply frustrating.

I'll bet David Huguet will like it!

Interesting one Alan. I like the simplicity of it. I agreed with Chris's feedback also.

It's even simpler now that I got rid of the wife (not literally...)

Hi Alan,
A very good mid-tone image like many of yours. would be interesting to know if the image could be slightly rotated to see both end of curved base meeting the respective frame edge at the same level.
thanks.

Thanks Vijay. I think the bench would be at an odd angle if I were to rotate.
I could raise the right side in Photoshop and perhaps make the grass level which might improve the image.

Thanks for your input and generating that thought.

Sure. thanks

Wow, love this one Alan!
I want this as a screen saver at my desk.

I like the even mid-tones of the sky and the ground here, they easily allow my eye to go right to the deepest tones (the people on the bench) and the brightest tone (the cloud). Great minimalism. I really like that space between the people and the cloud, it just strengthens the scene and right away I get this idea of 'relaxation', 'enjoying a mental break', or 'let the mind wander wherever the wind goes...'

I can see what Chris is saying about the peoples poses. I somewhat agree it would have been nice to have a touch more separation, people vs. bench. My thought is that there is so little going on that I don't mind taking a moment to see exactly what is happening on that bench, i can see it clearly, and that guys pose for this is SPOT ON. I only wish the woman was a tad more to her left (for that separation from him), or just photoshop her right the hell outta there. ha ha.

Definitely one of my favorites, there I go, jealous again...

Hmmm... I quite like the idea of Photoshopping the woman out.

I did actually spend a little time waiting for the perfect positioning (and wish the woman wasn't there....) but when the guy threw back his arms and head I had to seize that moment.

Absolutely agree, I would have done the same.

Hey, I added an updated version to the discussion following your recommendation. Improvement?

Well, I gotta say, I am liking this even more now that she is removed. Kinda gives me an idea of 'a man alone with his thoughts' vibe. The cloud could be representative of his wondering mind. Very strong piece Alan, great work.

Thanks Joe - I think I'll be using your idea for a title.....

Me too! Without the woman, this is a winner! LOVE it!

Hi All - I am leaving the spammer on this one post as I have reported this new tactic and want to leave the example. Ug.

Sounds good - I see I can't do so myself.