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Canon DSLR Challenge | all galleries >> CSLR Challenge 81: Simplicity (Host: Jim Harrison) >> Eligible > Wires
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19-NOV-2006 bee1000

Wires

San Diego, CA, USA


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Canon DSLR Challenge22-Nov-2006 04:02
Hmm. I didn't expect this to generate so much discussion. Thank you all. I can tell you the gradient is an accident of polarization. I expected this to be two wires in a solid blue sky, but as I turned the polarizer I got this instead. That the gradient parallels the line is another accident (but don't tell anyone, it'll be our secret).

Grant, I don't agree that you need a subject in a photo. People got into this during the Minimalism challenge, too. I think a composition itself can be the subject. In the case of this image, I do agree it would be improved by something like one of those brightly colored plastic balls they put on wires near flightpaths ("powerlines have floaters so the airplanes won't get snagged," as REM sings). Something like that (but no birds, please!) would give the eye a place to anchor, but I like it this way, too.

bee1000
jnconradie20-Nov-2006 06:46
Please allow me to chip in with my first impressions: (a) I liked the minimalistic type style, (b) I was reminded a lot of Grant's style (except for the polaroid frame, of course!) (*) (c) I liked the colour gradient and thought (d) Mmm, I would not mind having something like that in my collection. Upon some reflection, though, I also felt: (d) perhaps not interesting enough... needs a bit of a focal point. Those were my thoughts... for what it might be worth... Regards ~jnconradie

(*) Intended as compliment to both you and Grant (whose work I follow with enormous interest!)
Canon DSLR Challenge20-Nov-2006 05:20
Traveller, I didn't even see your comment before I made my previous one. Obviously, I agree with you, heheh. -- Victor
Canon DSLR Challenge20-Nov-2006 05:14
Well, I can't say why, but my eyes do not zoom out of the frame with this picture. They are drawn to the wires. And when they wander away from the wires, I notice that the background mirrors the wires by the gradient being orthogonal to them. Perhaps this is what keeps drawing my eyes back to the wires.

-- Victor
Canon DSLR Challenge20-Nov-2006 04:39
Victor,

The subject doesn't always have to be a "thing." The HandiMarthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/granthamilton/83690841/ image is admittedly abstract (which is not always simple or minimal) but the contrast between the structure and the sky is the focal point. The seam on the left of the image helps to draw the eye to that transition. In this image, the blue that is divided by the wires is exactly the same on either side. Also, by shooting HandiMart horizontally, they viewer's eye doesn't zoom out of the frame as it is more apt to do when the composition is at an angle. Autostradahttp://www.flickr.com/photos/granthamilton/289385601 is a little different. Because the wires converge with the structure, the eye is drawn to that area. This creates a sticky spot where there isn't a "thing." I'm not trying to talk you into liking my photos, just explaining why I think those are quite different than this.

Grant
Canon DSLR Challenge20-Nov-2006 03:54
I'm good with this...it is the gradation of the blue at the same angles as the wires that make it work. This is not to say that I'll vote for this image...but I do understand and appreciate the thought that went into the creation.

Since Grant is posting links, I'll add my minimalist, Bird on a Mondrian Wire:

http://www.pbase.com/cslr_challenge/image/52690369

Best Wishes, Traveller
Canon DSLR Challenge20-Nov-2006 03:04
Grant,

I have to admit that I don't understand many of your pieces. This one seems to have about has much glue as your Handimart or Autostrada. If you disagree, please explain. I also like this one better than either of those, but I can't say why, except that I find it much more interesting. The only thing I don't like is the apparent moire pattern in the top wire.

-- Victor
Canon DSLR Challenge19-Nov-2006 21:07
Bee,

I am a huge fan of minimalism but you still need a subject. You have an excellent gradation and the wires are very dynamic but they just shoot my eye right out of the frame. A subject would be the glue to keep me looking at the image. This is kind of similarhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/granthamilton/289055462/ but the clothespins are the glue. Or the first image I have in Exhibition is abstract and has diagonals like this. But the yellow tubes are the glue. Just trying to help.

Grant