Meant to be viewed as ~8x10 print. I have cut down export size for space.
Project: Conceptualizing curated natural spaces (parks, gardens, etc) as conflict areas. Shot with the intent to process into “war photography” style images. This image will be part of a set, as it works better when not isolated. I am concerned, however, that:
Any thoughts/ comments, be they positive or negative, are appreciated.
I like it. My only critique would be that the patrolman gets a bit lost when looking at the picture as a whole, but I’m sure it works much better printed especially in a larger size.
Even better if you can symbolize the battle between those who want parks to stay as natural as possible and those who would make them more manicured and urban.
I like the tonality in the trees and grass and I like that you have composed into thirds. I don’t think the person gets lost, rather I think its a nice find that isn’t immediately obvious. I like the processing and think it works well with your stated vision.
I don’t like that the fence slants upward at the bottom right, and I think the tree at the right is a little heavy.
My post-midnight impression is that the image is top heavy in terms of crunchiness. Creates tension and focus at the top and the right, which may not be your intention. Will it look right when printed and mounted among other frames…?
I like the image as a park scene with all the serenity and the one action of the person’s movement; that’s attractive.
As a conflict image, not so much. Conflict, IMO, needs to capture the tension of war and an ominous presence of inherent danger. With some combat experience, even the peaceful moments have an air of potential danger. Can you pull it off with parks and such, I think so. It’s capturing an emotional… I am trying to find the words from my experience but they escape me.
A couple of movies that got it right in my opinion are “Saving Private Ryan” and “Band of Brothers” to name a couple. I have trouble watching them but respect how close they got to the reality of war. I look forward to any work you care to share in this journey.
Hope this made some sense and taken in the honest nature offered.
Thanks to everyone who has commented so far!
@paperdigits @afre The observations regarding the imbalance, especially on the right side (tree area), are spot on and I will have a think about how I want to ameliorate that.
@elGordo I definately want to capture the “battle” that occurs when people with differing opinions on natural vs refined aesthetics, access vs safety vs ecological preservation and protection, and other ideological (in a strict sense) considerations weigh in on our increasingly shrinking public lands.
@fred_roller It totally made sense and I appreciate the criticism!
@hatsnp I tried to make the human on the ridge roughly the same size as the ducks and geese in the water to make the subject of the title a little more ambigious. You are right that it makes the person on the ridge a little less noticable and it may be worth finding a way to bring them out a little more. Thanks!
