These Streets Photo

Photographer’s Note

Taken from our final day in Amsterdam. I was attracted here to the dull and grey background with the bright signs originally, but the curiosity of the passing people turned this into one of my own personal favourites from this year.

Dpbours, jwmunro, ralph has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

bombilla (3402) 2007-11-03 9:22

I don't see them as curious, really. Especially the man in the foreground. I see a sense of weariness. Thoreau's famous "quiet desperation." These borgeouis characters, ensconced in their businesswear, marching through the tawdry commercial avenues. What's left but to keep trudging along? A mortal object among other objects mortal and material. Best, -Hugh

CaptainJack (0) 2007-11-03 11:41

Hi Brendan, loving this mix of elements you have here and the focus thats given to the businessman, made to appear larger than life with his dark overcoat flapped open. The background really draws my attention too, despite having no idea what it really looks like, I like how it takes up that quadrant of the scene. For some reason, it reminds me of the closely bunched rundown buildings in Old Delhi I saw this past summer, though am sure the ones here are in much better shape.

Dpbours (220) 2007-11-04 4:02

Hi Brendan,

I do like this one as well. It has been quite grey lately here in the Netherlands, but it is true that it creates different opportunities to photography now as well.
The lights at the walls like tourist-magnets, even in the greyest of days. And then a blend of people, like Amsterdam is. Bottom line; If you'd like to see anything about the Netherlands and the people originally living there, don't stay in Amsterdam ;-).

Greetings, Dennis

michiels (4170) 2007-11-04 6:29

hello Brendan,

Indeed a great photo ! the blurred background and the people "in layers", it is all good. i like the repetition of the yellow colour in your photo.
greetings, inn

brevbrev14 (372) 2007-11-05 4:59

Hi Brendan, the expression of the man is so serious and a bit sad for me...business man of our time?
the composition is very good...i like the position of the 3 persons here, in a lineand in perspective...
the blured background is really good

ciao!
Valeria

aralda (1240) 2007-11-05 10:16

I love this one, too. Great placement of the figures in the frame, and nice touches of color.
Raluca

jwmunro (6255) 2007-11-05 15:53

Hello Brendan -

I am not sure the guy is very curious - looks more furious to me. I like the concept of bright colors against the cool drab BG. The shallow DOF works but I wish the girl in yellow and black was in focus as is the gentleman. Otherwise, well done!

Thank you for sharing.

John

Merline (6578) 2007-11-07 4:40

Hi,
I like this, my feeling about the man in the foreground is he is a bit curious yes, looks at you, but also tired, f.. up, sad ? 8 to 5, suit, life in a box, I think Bombilla expresses is very nicely.I recognize the feeling, I do get it only in town actually from time to time...

Moody, well composed, nice spots of colour, life.

Regards

Furachan (0) 2007-11-07 4:51

Man I wish I'd shot this one, mate. You are not shooting banks these days. ovely detachment of both Mr-I-Hate-You-and-All-Like-You and Miss Congeniality against a bokehed background.
Ace!
Francis

Polonaise (5638) 2007-11-07 18:40

A classical 'street baby' Brendan...
Beautifully shot - wonderfullky presented...
That bokeh in there...?
Even the seriously advanced ones could learn from it...

Keep running, mate...

george

fkokol (1614) 2007-11-16 10:56

great shot and very well composed. Nice colours.
greetings,

figen

yanseiler (20) 2007-11-26 9:29

this bokeh is a delight, those warm colors are great, the man in the front is cool as well as the girl in the background who gives a nice touch in that background, maybe because of her clothes (the yellow thing works out well onto the grayish buildings)...

scalerman (25787) 2007-12-03 20:24

B: there is a strong Furachan element to this unravelling story-board picture. I like everything about it and your effective employment of DOF. best, c

archimatica (13344) 2007-12-14 8:02

Hi, Brendan.
Fantastic street shot, great compo.
Regards
Renzo