Critiques

tyro (2664) 2009-11-21 15:12

Hello, Juliette.

I think this is what people used to call a "calliope" - called after the Greek Muse of poetry - they were often driven by steam and were automated so that the organ played music automatically from a roll of punched paper, a bit like the old player pianos or pianolas.

It would appear that Gavioli & Cie were one of the best-known makers of these organs, Gavioli having started the company in Modena in Italy, later moving his work to Paris in France, though the company later had branches in Barcelona, Manchester and New York City.

To your photograph: this is a wonderfully clear and sharp portrait of this wonderful instrument - the colours are amazing and the exposure is perfect considering the poor lighting. Did you use a tripod for this or do you just have a very steady hand?

Beautiful!

Best Wishes,

John.

tyro (2664) 2009-11-16 22:40

Hello, Winifred.

"'Is there anybody there?' said the Traveller,
Knocking on the moonlit door;"
- this immediately reminded me of that poem, "The Listeners", by Walter de la Mare which I learned in primary school nearly sixty years ago.

A very fine photograph taken only a few years after I learned that poem, it's perhaps a little oversaturated and a little too contrasty but the detail is all there and the expectant look of the man peering through the window is very well portrayed.

A very interesting and informative note to accompany it too.

Photographically, I think your first workshop (the one in colour) is the very best of the three versions which you have posted.

Excellent!

Kind Regards,

John.

tyro (2664) 2009-11-16 15:20

This photie is pure dead mental, man!

Actually, Bev, this is a fine photograph with lovely autumnal colours and great shadows cast by that rather spartan metal seat. The textures of the brickwork and the cobblestones add to the appeal, no doubt helped by the low oblique lighting from the late afternoon sun.

I'm not sure what the text says but the colourful letters emblazoned on the decaying wall add to the appeal of the picture.

Pure dead brill!

Best Wishes,

John.

tyro (2664) 2009-11-16 15:12

Hello, Gunnar.

A very fine candid shot of two people in close conversation. The simplicity of the scene and the lack of clutter around the two subjects lends impact to the picture. Peter (graffer) has, as always, in his workshop analysed the composition far better than I could ever do.

The receptive expression on the accordionist's face is wonderful!

Colours and exposure are lovely and the picture is sharp as a pin.

Best Regards,

John.

tyro (2664) 2009-11-14 16:05

Hello, Bev.

Yes, indeed, there do seem to have been some problems with these websites over the past few days. However, it's nice to see you posting again and, what a great picture!

Some golden autumnal trees might have been nice but this is a fine picture too: you have captured some very nice reflections here and the composition is spot-on. Very sharp and clear too.

Best Wishes,

John.

tyro (2664) 2009-11-13 14:17

Hello, Andrew.

What a wonderfully detailed and sharp picture and well in keeping with the name "Shambles".

Excellent lighting, superb clarity and colours and a wonderful sky to top it off. Fine composition too.

And a facinating and informative note to accompany it!

Excellent!

Kind Regards,

John.

tyro (2664) 2009-11-12 15:32

Hello, Bev.

Another of your wonderful candid street shots, this time of a poignant and sombre ceremony wonderfully brightened by the happy children and their bright umbrella in the foreground.

A fine picture depicting contrasts of ages and thoughts.

And a wonderfully interesting and informative note to accompany it too.

Excellent!

Kind Regards,

John.

tyro (2664) 2009-11-11 11:31

Hello, Mike.

Actually, I think that this is a great picture!

This has caught your eye and you've captured the scene perfectly.

The lighting is perfect, with the back part of the shop window in darkness, the mannequin brightly lit and some interesting though not intrusive reflections in the window.

Fabulous!

Best Wishes,

John.

tyro (2664) 2009-11-09 16:24

Hello, Bev.

This is another of your wonderful "street shots" and superbly well captured. All but a very few of the subjects are staring resolutely forward, presumably at the War Memorial.

The lighting here is wonderful, just a little on the dark side as befits the moment, and the colours are perfect as Gert comments. The clothes of the people are vibrant, the vestments of the minister stand out amongst the crowd and yet the skin tones in those sombre faces are perfect and not over-saturated. And the whole picture is as sharp as a pin.

Wonderful!

And not only have you added and interesting note, but you have added a fine workshop picture of the War Memorial in Annan. You make mention of lens flare but that is totally excusable: the picture is wonderful, with a great diagonal sweep of the cobblestones and another strong diagonal of the shadow of the soldier's statue.

An excellent presentation, Bev!

Kind Regards,

John.

tyro (2664) 2009-11-06 15:30

Hello, Mike.

I can't imagine that there would be many old mariners who wouldn't relish having their ship and their persons held captive by pirates if they were all like this one!

A very fine candid portrait with fabulous colours and sharpness. An interesting note to accompany it too.

Best Wishes,

John.