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Sony Forums Challenges | all galleries >> Challenge 86: Life in Motion (hosted by MFC & David Parry) >> Challenge 86 Eligible > edit image
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07-FEB-2005


not waving
by

What if they don't like me?
What if I have no talent?
What if I can't pay the bills?
What if I've got it all wrong?
What if there is no divine plan?
What if my partner leaves me?
What if I can't take it anymore?


The pressures of life can build until
we find ourselves sinking in the void
afraid to scream for fear we'll drown.

( (( Comments requested )) )

Sony Cybershot
1/30s f/2.2 at 20.3mm iso100 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time07-Feb-2005 21:09:04
MakeSony
ModelCybershot
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length20.3 mm
Exposure Time1/30 sec
Aperturef/2.2
ISO Equivalent100
Exposure Bias
White Balance
Metering Modemulti spot (3)
JPEG Quality (6)
Exposure Programaperture priority (3)
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium original auto
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John Potter09-Feb-2005 03:10
Simon: This is the kind of stuff I love. Experimental, daring and feeling. Yes!
mlynn 09-Feb-2005 02:31
An intriguing image Simon. I must admit, when I first saw it, I thought it might be some kind of shaving cream/ mirror shot. The reality is more complex, and more interesting. Melanie
Carmen09-Feb-2005 02:10
I was much too far out all my life
And not waving but drowning...
Sony Forums Challenges08-Feb-2005 23:07
Simon, I'm not familiar with the expression you cited, but I do think you artistically portrayed what you set out to express. A lot of thought and work on your part. MFC
Canon DSLR Challenge08-Feb-2005 18:31
You have definitely 'pushed the envelope' in an intriguing and thought-provoking way. Its interesting that such a bright (high key) image could be used so effectively to convey such a dark message. John(ebones)
Guest 08-Feb-2005 04:00
yeeeesh - this is an interesting image Simon - To be honest, my first impression was an actor shaving before an audition, and filled with self doubt... of course your explanation makes perfect sense too! nicely done!
:)
~gk
Guest 08-Feb-2005 03:23

Thanks for commenting on a tough photo. Mike, you picked the reason for high-key use: To show the person fading in to the background. I filled a bathtub with water, secured a tripod over the top of it with tape and brought in some halo lights. Then I lay down in the water and released air through my nose and mouth to give the impression of drowning. The title is a play on the expression: 'Not drowning - waving'. My intent was to portray the moment where someone is overwhelmed by life pressures to the point where they feel totally insignificant and helpless. They want to say something but the thought of giving voice to their fears may just unravel the thin thread that's holding them together. Have I succeeded here?
Ted, it is a little disturbing - that was the intent: It's a glimpse in to the dark recesses of the soul. In order to progress artistically I need to explore all avenues - not just the ones that are pleasing. Giving it a high-key look initially softens the impact but combined with the text strengthens the overall affect? Not sure. This is an experiment so I'm thankful for your feedback.
Ted.Sz 08-Feb-2005 02:23
A drowning man, letting out the last breath? Very strong if not outright disturbing. The image draws the attention until you realise what it is. A curious submission.
Sony Forums Challenges08-Feb-2005 01:21
Simon, I like the high-key effect here...it makes me feel like your subject is fading into the stark reality of the background. The expression looks troubled, but I'm not completely sure what the swirling is around the mouth...is it the sense of drowning? Very interesting to ponder...please enlighten me further. MFC