statuesque Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

the university where i teach has a series of long outdoor steps. i feel like 'rocky' when i walk up those steps ... it's 6 stories straight up and a daunting hike on many mornings when i'm still suffering from lack of coffee.

at the top of the steps is a huge sculpture. the man's arms are cast wide open. most days he inspires me to make it through the pain barrier! ;)

on many occasions, i've been tempted to take my camera and shoot the statue. the other day, however, we had really great weather. better than usual. i slung my camera over my shoulder and headed off to school.

i got a few shots of the statue on my way to see students who were checking their final grades.

it's not a great composition. i've broken a few rules by placing his body in the centre of the composition. however i like the symetry and angles created by the shot ... also, i'm really drawn to the cloud above his head and the dazzling blue sky.

triptych2003 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

robertosalguero (110) 2006-07-13 0:55

Hi David,

There is definitely good symmetry in the picture. The clouds above the statue break the monotony of the blue sky.
Very nice picture with good light and sharpness.

Roberto

devimeuxbe (56532) 2006-07-13 2:44

Hi David
LIke a big bird.
The POV and the frame are perfect to give this statue an human aspect.
Well done
BErtrand

fabio_ts (13674) 2006-07-13 2:58

Hi David, I task that when you know the rules...you can break them.. :o) ..I like this shot.. it's really graphical and I like how the cloud is placed just between the two arms..

nice work my friend!!

have a good day,
Fabio.

PS: ...and when you arrives at top of the stairs.. as "Rocky"..you must scream: ..."ADRIANAAAA!!!!!" ... :o)

bantonbuju (48856) 2006-07-13 3:19

wow, dave - this is gorgeous: love it for the simplicity, and a precission in composition is just great;
i think that converting it into b/w would weaken the image, so im glad you posted it in full colour, as the dazzling sky is really an important element here;
best wishes, j.

jinju (14265) 2006-07-13 3:43

Hey David,

Im thinking about your framing. Tough one as I dont see how to approach it diffreently. All I can think of is a wider angle, much moe sky to get away from the central feel of this composition. Use a lot of negative space to fool the eye. But I dont think you could place the statue off to the side. It has to be in the middle because of the symmetry of the thing. Youve got a WA lens dont you?

mhdesbois (0) 2006-07-13 6:06

Hi David,
Nice shot of this swimmer ready to plunge. Beautiful angle from the swimming pool ;)
Seriously, i like the symetry, the body in the centre of the composition is not a problem for me in this shot. Nice one.
MH

andante (7092) 2006-07-13 7:11

Hey, David, love the symmetry of the image, yes, BUT, i love how you used the cloud on the background to break it and therefore make the image more interesting still. Two big thumbs up for you.

Cheers,
Enrique

t0mmm1 (5434) 2006-07-14 3:38

Hi David,
nice shot. I think that a beautiful statue like this works perfectly in centre, taking all the attention this way. Great.
Have a nice WE.
Tomi

triptych2003 (1428) 2006-07-14 6:56

i think this shot and your previous shot are 2 of your best you've ever posted. the colour and symetry make this shot so much better than you 100-odd previous shots..

roamermark (1588) 2006-07-20 1:50

Hi David,
This is really is wonderfully symmetrical and 'clean' looking....the space in the frame is used (or not used) so well that it is a really pleasing shot.
Cheers
Mark

iGirl (1223) 2006-08-24 15:48

Hi David, when I looked at the thumbnail I actually thought this was an underwater photo of a swimmer! Amazing blue sky, nice lighting, and I like the balanced composition. What are rules for if not for being intelligently broken?

Thanks for sharing!

Erin