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Alan Brown's picture

Variations on a theme

I have just got back from a trip to NYC, where once again I used time whilst walking the streets to try and improve my followICM technique.

This is just to show a quick sequence, and my decision-making process.

I was first drawn to the mother and daughter as they walked through a scaffolding passageway under a building that was under construction. I feel the scaffolding acts as a frame, adds leading lines and provides a sense of depth.

The second image was a must for me as the mother threw her arm across her child. I think gestures provide a powerful connection in images, with the slight rotation of the mother's head inferring discussion.

The 3rd image expands on this theme, and I feel tells a slightly different story. The framing of the scaffolding is less evident, giving way to a broader view of the environment and including elements of detail.

I enjoy all these images for different reasons but do have my own favorite at this point.

If willing, I'd love to hear what others make of these (ALL feedback, good OR bad appreciated), and how members rank the images to suit their own personal tastes.

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2 Comments

I like #2 best, or is it #1...wait it's #3.

Why? The three photo shows a couple and I feel in intimacy of the arm around the shoulder makes the story. Given this, I must choose between #2 and #3.

I can dismiss #3 in just one word: Chipotle. My eye is immediate taken away from the couple (Mother - Daughter) and towards what is the most 'in-focused' of an 'out-of-focus' photo. Now, of it was Love's restaurant that would make #3 my favorite.
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Now for scaffolding, I like #3 the best.

Why? I am attracted to the scaffolding that is not sharp as to draw your attention away from the subject (the couple). So, that leaves #1 and #3

With #1 the perspective in #1 feels like the scaffolding is leaning to the left on the left side of the photo, as compared to the right feels more perpendicular to the horizon.
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In a scene with movement my eye is attracted to the destination.

So, I like #3 best.

Why? If a I am looking at a perched bird looking left, I like more photo real estate in the direction the bird is looking. Same as water as a leading line...it has to have an interesting destination.

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Composition: Hands down #3.

I like the repetition of lines with the scaffolding, the repeating colors of greens(?) left on the blouse and on the awning.. Also the repeating pattern of stripes in the crosswalk, blouse and awning.

As you can see...I cannot always agree with myself. They are all good.

I love the scaffolding in all the images, Alan. The perfect touch. I think #1 scaffolding is my favorite. Of course #2 is the overall winner for me. I love the story, the color, the surroundings, and that slight turn of the mother's head. #3 has a different sort of story - let's walk into the future. Great work as always.