The Last Drag II Photo

Photographer’s Note

A couple more of the audience from last Saturday's event to mark the end of smoking in English pubs.

I took these two twice, with alternative focus. I found it tricky to choose, I think this one is the best pose, but the other has them both with a glowing cigarette. I'll post it as a WS, comments welcome.

kevinos, eleparc, sunilshukla, KevRyan has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

bantonbuju (48856) 2007-07-03 0:35

morning richard,
the main looks stronger...if only...(you know it well, what "if only...")
i find this photo one of your best in last couple of weeks...
impactful, strong, telling the story...
("i'll show you, you bast@#$% what i think about the whole thing...")
bw, j.

kevinos (6927) 2007-07-03 6:09

I think you like pubs, Richard. The control of DoF is really nice here, stressing the smaoker's face, with that amazing 'Clockwork Orange' eye. You have two strong portraits, rated by the DoF. The colour is raw and the feeling very smokey and pubby. Thanks heavens that the filthy things have been banished to the street. regards kevin

jinju (14265) 2007-07-03 18:51

cancer sticks...ewwww

I think I prfere the WS...I can see the hard choice but the 2 ciggies and the more experimental focus do it for me a bit more. But hell, if I didnt see the WS I wouldnt complain:) Nice and close.

Graal (59126) 2007-07-03 23:47

Hi Richard,
amazing portraits, fine composition and strong colours. Good reportage from the pub. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

eleparc (24059) 2007-07-04 16:32

excellent crop and focus!
Eric

sunilshukla (844) 2007-07-05 5:42

After the rail station series from bangkok I am enjoying ur recent pictures a lot. Strong colors n characters.
Sunil

Polonaise (5638) 2007-07-05 20:24

Very, very special (and rare) kind of photography, where the other face is actually a background for the main one...
A filler - so to speak.
They're there to help the main subject... To make it more believable, more expressive.
Great stuff, Richard.
You can't see that babe and let is pass...
If you have a tick for real photography - you have to leave a line or two...
Class...The high class...
Mr.G... Listen to me...
The very high class, brother !!!
.......................

WS versus main...?
But of course the main one..
The eye made a photography here...Not the fag, not the face(s)...
Everything here is just a addition to her eye !

KevRyan (22426) 2007-07-06 21:02

The one you chose has got the edge Richard - great semi-candid shot - it's a great example of close cropping and utlising the depth of field for impact in difficult conditions - the looks of both people are perfect........and the Boy George/Ziggy Stardust references just make it a real winner for me.

keribar (42760) 2007-08-02 11:03

Hello Richard,
It may not be very sharp, and it may not be very well composed, but you got an incredible result which tells me loudly that a photo does not always need sharpness, balance and perfect composition to become a prize-winner. The atmosphere which comes out of this one is worth a great deal.