Funny b/c I don't even notice that guy - especially with his face in the dark. No matter how hard I try to look at him I keep flipping back to dejected surfer dude. The only reason you think the umbrella guy is the main focus is because he's on the intersection of thirds. However, that is irrelevent in this shot b/c the leading lines are all pointing to dejected-surfer-dude; the white wave on top and middle, the shoreline, the ubrella that brings the eye up from the lower left corner and carries you right to degected-surfer guy. Additionally, bikini-chick's head forms another leading line up to dejected-surfer-guy from the bottom of the frame. So all roads lead to dejected-surfer-guy. Besides, what story of interest does shadow-faced-ubrella-guy tell? Nothing? But dejected-surfer-guy? Don't you want to know why he's so dejected? Don't a dozen storied pop into your head about him? Dejected-surfer-guy IS the subject, IS the picture, IS the story!! :) ~ Lonnit
The focal point is definitely not the surfer. The surfer is barely noticeable, especially since he blends in with the water. Based on the unusual post-processing, I would assume that the photographer intended the focal point to be the water. To me, focal point is the guy in the red shorts. Everything is pointing at him. He also has an abrupt motion, prime location, contrasting background, and eye contact. --Garrett
It's the thing of most importance, despite its size. The thing that everything els is pointing to. That which is supported by all else. That which the eye is drawn to. The whole point of the picture. The element that shot can't do without. The thing that would make you not take the picture if it weren't there. That which makes the shot. The thing the photographer wants you to see as he did. How's that for starters? LOL! Ok, now everyone else chime in and tell me I'm wrong! LOL! ~ Lonnit
Rich
28-Dec-2004 22:03
Interesting shot! What actually determines the focal point?
LOL! I think all the yellow toned shots are skewing my perspective. Is this too blue or am I still in yellow mode? I like the shot. Oddly, I love the fakeness of the water. Hate coke but love that umbrella! ~ Lonnit
