Chess, a photo from Languedoc-Roussillon, South

Photographer's Note

The Black King is standing on e8, watching the White Queen do a diagonal move from f5-g4. What can she be up to? And where are all the pawns?

The King unfortunately had a pet dog on a leash. To avoid violating the TE rules, I did an IKEA and simply erased this offensive object.

This picture was taken from the balcony of our hotel in Collioure. You can find the position here and grab the yellow man and put him at the cross. The street was not painted as a checkerboard when Google took their pictures, but you can still pan around and see our hotel, the Mediterranee, on the northern side of Avenue Aristide Maillol. Our balcony was number two from left on the top floor.

If you look at the workshop picture you can actually see that yellow man where you put him. However, he looks a bit lost and has to navigate with the help of an ordinary map. It was probably the woman who had asked for some Google help…

gildasjan, snunney, jlbrthnn, holmertz, Glint, tyro, janjan1897, macondo, Didi, annjackman, s_lush, bukitgolfb301, Graal, Vasa, bayno, mirosu, josepmarin, Silvio1953, CLODO, ourania, serp2000, kasianowak, elenimavrandoni has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

gildasjan (38208) 2012-10-12 7:17

Bonjour Gunnar
Très bon placement de cet homme et de cette femme sur ce damier cadré en diagonale.
Bonne soirée
Amicalement
gildas

snunney (67292) 2012-10-12 7:24

Hello Gunnar,
A great graphical composition caught at just the right moment. Benefits much from the splendid juxtaposition between the two protagonists. Very well seen.

jlbrthnn (79773) 2012-10-12 7:25

Hello Gunnar,
I love your personal description, the scene of daily life. This is an interesting photo, an aspect of Collioure that I did not know :) I love the ws also, colorful. Good quality. Bravo.
Have a nice day
Kind regards
Joël

holmertz (26906) 2012-10-12 7:35

Hej Gunnar,
Tyckte först det såg ut som Sergels torg, men du är ju aldrig i Stockholm. Hur kunde du förresten se på så långt håll att han hade en tik?
Väldigt snygg och stilren bild och en rolig note. Workshopen är nästan lika bra, men den här bilden har väl en bättre balans och djupare tolkningsmöjligheter.
Hälsningar,
Gert

Glint (5571) 2012-10-12 7:49

Hello Gunnar,
this makes an eye catching thumbnail and doesn't disappoint. Excellent graphical composition with the two figures well placed. Diagonal lines give a stgrong dynamical quality.
Bev

notrap (4680) 2012-10-12 7:58

Hallo Gunnar,
das ist ja ein Glücksfall: man kann vom Balkon des Hotels Fotos machen und braucht nicht vor die Tür gehen!
Aber gerade in Collioure wäre es wirklich schade, nicht das Hotel zu verlassen, es ist so ein hübscher Ort!
Das Foto ist prima, und auch das mit dem gelben Mann.
Grüße von Elvira

tyro (13065) 2012-10-12 8:30

Hello Gunnar,

Well, what can I say? This picture - and your workshop one - are both absolutely fabulous!

I'm not quite sure if the man in this picture really is a King: but if her were a Knight and the Queen does actually move to g4, he can take her in two moves - to f6 and then g4!

Again, it's lovely to see a map and tour this area (minus the squares on the ground, of course) and see the hotel where you stayed. And I really love your workshop picture of the "lost" yellow man!

Two wonderful photographs, perfectly seen and taken, both of excellent technical quality and with a vital spark of added humour too!

Brilliant!

Vänliga Hälsningar,

John.

eldancer1 (17008) 2012-10-12 9:19

Very cute capture, using humans as chess pieces. I like the composition, simple but effective. Good lighting and dof with nice details. Well done, tfs.

rbassin (11109) 2012-10-12 9:20

hello Gunnar
une superbe photo, bonne idée, bien cadrée.
Le jeux d'échec grandeur nature...
Bon W-E
Roland

mesutilgim (67940) 2012-10-12 9:31

Hello dear Gunnar,
Amazing idea !
Very good pov and perfect effect. This is that the phantasy of an artist (if photographer or painter, doesn't makes any difference) dost not have any limits !
TFS and have a nice weekend
Best regards
MESUT ILGIM

rychem (9181) 2012-10-12 10:28

It is really a chess board, great graphism of this photo, beautifully captured with two "chess pieces": king and queen :), compliments
Ryszard

mjw364 (3662) 2012-10-12 10:29

C'est ne pas une chess board! This is actually two people walking across the Sillitoe Tartan pattern of a giant Scotsman's kilt!

The pattern was originally associated with the police in Scotland but then spread for use on the uniforms of the police in the the UK and New Zealand. It is also a pattern used by the freemasons - closely associated with the British police - the effects of which are currently there for all to see in the current inquiry into the UK police and the Hillsborough cover up.

Sorry, I went of a tangent there! Well observed image!

Mike

Fis2 (73084) 2012-10-12 12:42

Witaj Gunnar!
"Checkmate"...
Curious scene.
Good frame and colors.
I like geometry.
Have a nice evening
Krzysztof

janjan1897 (835) 2012-10-12 12:43

Hello Gunnar,
What a stroke of luck you had catching these two characters at the right time on that chessboard, the one dressed in black, and the other one in white just like the pieces of a chess game. You had the eye and the skill to capture brilliantly this excellent scene.
Well done.
Jean

zoomer (3580) 2012-10-12 14:10

Greetings,you have many excellent pictures in your gallery.This one is so humorous and witty and well composed.Friendly regards,Wolf.

macjake (39227) 2012-10-12 18:25

Hi Gunnar
photo photo!
I really enjoy this one :)
there is a sweet funny side to it.
its playful.
well composed and spotted
the final result is excellent
cheers
craig

jjcordier (62280) 2012-10-12 23:00

Gunnar
Le cavalier noir devrait pouvoir prendre la reine blanche en deux coups!Bien vu et jolie exploitation de ce pavage-échiquier.
Amicalement
JJ

macondo (17949) 2012-10-12 23:09

Hi Gunnar.
A classic, really, with a great note. Of course, no chess set has ever featured a dog, anyway, so nothing lost by conforming to the TOS! It really is a priceless capture, with the king even having a rather thoughtful looking pose as he ponders the move of the white Queen. You must have done some cropping to get this to such a balanced state, and what a good job you have done.
Thanks for the yellow man, too!
Regards,
Andrew

TopGeo (37994) 2012-10-13 1:07

Hello Gunnar! Smart choice of a vertical frame to accentuate of diagonal perspective Good graphism with splendid sharpness. I like the composition and the attractive lights also details are splendid,
Very nice photo, with great contrast between these colors, and very good choice for POV
Very good result
Georgios

Didi (48896) 2012-10-13 1:16

Hi Gunnar
The king will eat the queen ?
Interesting subject with a nice diagonal.
The dog was not the main subject It was not necessary to remove it.
Best regards

jemaflor (68867) 2012-10-13 2:42

Hi Gunnar,
Good pov with this angle, well two personns, a b&w version would be interesting too with more contrast, tfs.

abmdsudi (26215) 2012-10-13 7:09

Hi Gunnar
You make laugh looking at this and I would like to change the title to Chase lol. What make this shot so strong and so hillarious are the posture and stride of this PI look-alike man as if that he is tailing and chasing the lady! A dynamic shot and credit to your keen and intelligent eye, it's timely shot and your patience is so well paid off. Outstanding shot and am enjoying your time there - Brilliant! - Congrats
Kind regards

annjackman (13183) 2012-10-13 7:18

Hello Gunnar,
Strong graphics with human interest - super work! This is almost a b/w image with its subtle colour tones. The two people are well caught moving across the 'chess board' and I do enjoy your imaginative and amusing note!
Kind Regards, Ann

s_lush (15580) 2012-10-13 9:37

Hello Gunnar,
A very aesthetic, romantic and funny scene! You have captured, edited and commented it perfectly well. A highly creative and artistic job!
Best regards,
Sergiy

bukitgolfb301 (30063) 2012-10-13 15:10

Hi dear Gunnar

Ya this is your work, I know, Gunnar!
This shot is quite esential for you and your inspirations. Very well considered and carculated framework as usual. Top quality shot as usual. Thanks for your sharing and have a good Sunady!

Takero from Tokyo

wolf38 (28166) 2012-10-13 22:44

Hi Gunnar. Chess pattern stimulate the imagination. With your skillful Photo You've shown a beautiful scene. The woman is clearly the lady. But who is the man? Let's do it then even our imagination. Rgds, Wolfgang.

finlay (1533) 2012-10-14 0:29

Gunnar

Well done for seeing the opportunity in this situation and making the capture. It really does look like a game of chess, and it helps that the two people are dressed in black and white clothing. Very strong diagonals too.

Finlay

Graal (88852) 2012-10-14 5:17

Hi Gunnar,
good title and photowork. View like live chess. Superb quality of photos. I like WS also.
Have a nice rest day.
Aleksander

boa (4313) 2012-10-14 12:44

Hej Gunnar,
ett mycket bra foto måste jag säga, speciellt i kombination med din beskrivning av pjäserna:) En fantastisk bra observation och timing, en svartklädd och en vitklädd person på samma schackbräde..öh gata menar jag! Skarp och klar bild med en utmärkt beskrivning. Perfekt!
Hälsningar.
Boa

Nard (6913) 2012-10-16 0:20

Hi Gunnar
A title well found, a slendid graphical effect with the checkerboard and a very nice framing. I like also the harmony of the white and black clothes.
Regards
Bernard

Vasa (15970) 2012-10-16 3:12

Hi Gunnar,

your serial from France is the event not only for you. This shot is on my taste completely. Moment and composition. Bravo friend, so glad to see you again. Friendly,

Branko

siudzi (23857) 2012-10-16 13:22

Hello Gunnar,
Superb composition! The scene has been taken based on fantastic concept with great timing and quality. Very well done. TFS.

Best,
Malgorzata

Haymotion (2579) 2012-10-17 2:05

Excellente composition!
Le titre est tout a fait adéquate avec la photo.
Le t-shirt noir et la jaquette blanche est le détail qui fini vraiment ta photo.
Splendide.
Vince

CanmoreKevin (2111) 2012-10-17 18:48

Gunnar,
A very unique take. I like the very limited colours and the placement of the figures. Nice composition.
Kevin

bayno (16175) 2012-10-19 5:00

Ciao Gunnar,
very nice graphics, of BG, and a perfectly balanced framing, excellent qualityI would opted for a B & W, beautiful image...funny titles...very nice also the WS...and that is better in color version...
regards,
Valter

mirosu (5509) 2012-10-19 6:28

Hi Gunnar,
Marvelous perspective from high angle viewpoint. A great use of diagonal lines. The deep depth of field is perfect. A well presented crop allows eyes to remain fixed on the "chess field" squares.This is a really excellent photo, and is a good example of abstract mode. The great light on the floor and the two walking persons also lends a lovely contrast to the scene. Well done. Have a nice weekend.

dkmurphys (36759) 2012-10-19 6:41

Hi Gunnar,
Very fine capture of the urban scene. I like the graphical effect created by the pavement, like a hige chess table. Well seen, have a fine weekend.

Daniel

Tigerlily (2343) 2012-10-19 13:44

Hi Gunnar,
I quite like this one..:-D I enjoy the great sense of humour... well spotted image, beautifuly taken, excellent clarity. BTW, have you ever thought of B&W? I actually had a look.. I just thought that you might like it as well...

josepmarin (55023) 2012-10-20 5:27

Hi Gunnar,
I like the power of your composition, its strong graphical effect, the interesting geometry of the checkerboard painted on the ground, and the vitality provided by the man and the woman, that you offer us because of an explicit and effective framing.
The reference to a chess movement related with this scene is a happy idea.
A good work.
Best regards,
Josep

Silvio1953 (98093) 2012-10-23 0:46

Ciao Gunnar, poor erased dog, fantastic chess composition with nice note, excellent clarity, splendid light and colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

CLODO (24726) 2012-10-23 2:45

Hi Gunnar

hats off for this almost chess like picture!
Cheers
CLODO

larsy (28) 2012-10-24 0:56

man skulle kunna tro att det var Sergels torg i stockholm.

anel (501) 2012-10-26 4:53

Hello Gunnar,
I like a lot this Special chess-picture. Love your note too and I'm very unhappy to read that you erased the poor "offensiv object", which might have been a pawn...
Original shot, indeed.
Kind regards
Anne

livermore (1462) 2012-10-28 2:44

Bonjour Gunnar,
Ce genre de photo est toujours très efficace.
Deux personnes qui marchent sur le damier de la vie.
Excellente composition avec un cadrage bien équilibré.
Bonne journée
Vincent

ourania (12343) 2012-11-03 12:31

Hello Gunnar,
this is a wonderful composition on a fascinating backdrop. I love the way you framed it and how you captured the movement. The king and queen must have played for a long time and now are quitting the chess board after a draw. Lighting, sharpness, rendering of colours and perspective are superb. You've supported your great idea very skillfully. I love your workshop picture as well. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a great evening,
Ourania

serp2000 (29172) 2012-11-04 4:36

Hi, Gunnar,
Funny title and note, amazing interpretation of this daily life scene. Outstanding cature? How long time did you wait this view there? You must add the Humorous cathegory too.
Best wishes,
Serghei

lpi (4424) 2012-11-07 6:39

Bonjour Gunnar,
une simple et belle scène de la vie très bien capturée avec un joli graphisme.
Bien vu...Bravo!
Amicalement,
LPi

divail (7217) 2012-11-12 19:37

Bonsoir Gunnar,
Blanc et noir, noir et blanc, j'aime la sobriété de cette composition qu'on croirait d'une autre époque. C'est surperbe.

Diane

scroller (3407) 2012-12-13 15:10

Hej Gunnar,

Rolig och passande titel. Det är så mycket som stämmer förutom att de har svart och vitt på sig har han en vit mössa och hon ett svart hår...mycket matchande! Desutom ser jag nu att han har svarta skor och hon vita ha ha!
Verkligen bra fotat!
Hälsningar
/stefan

pajaran (36190) 2012-12-13 22:43

Dobar dan.
Interesantan tekst, ja volim da igram sah ...
Lep pogled i trenutak ...
Dobra ostrina snimka, kontrast, lepe boje.
Dobra kompozicija, lep trenutak pokazan.
Imajte lep i uspesan dan, sve najbolje.
Paja.

Good day.
Interesting article, I like to play chess ...
Nice view and a moment ...
Good image sharpness, contrast, beautiful color.
Good composition, beautiful moment shown.
Have a nice and successful day, all the best.
Paja.

kasianowak (2235) 2012-12-14 23:55

Hi Gunnar
You noticed and captured the best image that could have been taken on this huge "chessboard"! Even the colours of the clothes are perfect to represent the white and black chess pieces.
Best wishes
Kasia

sevy (13273) 2012-12-24 8:25

Hello,

I find this shot very funny. It is like to see common life like a chess party. It also makes me think about some books about chess but with a less fun story.
Did the black king succeed to conquer the white Queen?

Yves.

jmdias (45780) 2013-01-12 0:17

gunnar

very nice use of the patterns of the sidewalk mixed with the personages. an image well done and with excellent light, framing and sharpness.

hugs

jorge

elenimavrandoni (5789) 2013-03-22 13:25

Hello Gunnar, great timing on this one to capture the black and the white so you can match the chekkers!
best regards,
Eleni

Kamilutka (3207) 2013-03-24 3:20

Hello Gunnar,
well spotted and very funny! I like this game of black and white colors including the outfits of the pedestrians. Very nicely placed on the chess like pavement!
Thanks for sharing
Kamila