Erotic Self Help... Scene from an airport bookstore.
by photographist

Comment by GeneralE:
Interesting reading fare for someone about to be cooped up with a couple hundred other people for several hours.

Erotic Self Help... Scene from an airport bookstore.
by photographist

Comment by umbris:
Nice irony.

Erotic Self Help... Scene from an airport bookstore.
by photographist

Comment by graphicfunk:
returning for comment:
Very funny and on the money for this challenge. bumping up.

Erotic Self Help... Scene from an airport bookstore.
by photographist

Comment by Art Roflmao:
Colors are washed out a little but very funny.

Erotic Self Help... Scene from an airport bookstore.
by photographist

Comment by joebok:
Funny - but I think more effective if more attention was drawn to the signs - different lighting or cropping out some of the books maybe.

Erotic Self Help... Scene from an airport bookstore.
by photographist

Comment by grandmarginal:
The "WET" book looks interesting... Oh! The picture? I find it a bit dark and the out of focus object on the left should have cropped out. Nice subject tough...

Witness to the Passing of Honor – Infantry Blue
by photographist

Comment by Imagineer:
:: Hello from the Critique Club ::
............................................................

You've chosen a popular subject for many here and your aim with this has been largely successful. The soldiers do look bonded by mutual respect and you have captured the moment well, the key to the specialness being the impressionable boy looking on.

For me the spot blue is not particularly useful here since, as someone who is unaware of its particular relevance, it appears gratuitous and not crucial to the success or impact of the photo. I think it may be too subtle as well.

Technically, the composition is quite busy and, since this was advanced editing, I would have cloned out the close foreground blur on the left which 'closes in' on the subject too much.

Also, the contrast seems a bit light with some whites appearing a little blown. Some attention via levels, curves or the gradient map (black/white) in 'overlay' blending mode may have improved this. The main effect of deepening the contrast would be to add gravitas to the image making it more appropriate to the subject matter.

All the best
Jon

November
by photographist

Comment by photographist:
Good morning, Allâ€Â¦

Thanks to each of you for commenting. I found each comment helpful and with good direction towards improving my future work. Take care and have a great holiday season!

jvdk

Witness to the Passing of Honor – Infantry Blue
by photographist

Comment by photographist:
Thank you all for your comments and encouragement. The chance of catching the young boy, standing at near attention, completely enthralled with the newly blue young soldier, the drill sergeant and the interaction of pride between the two of them told the perfect story for me. Bassed upon the feedback, the image has touched a good many of you too.

This photo was the culmination of several emotional days as my son (not in picture) graduated from the Infantry Training Brigade at Ft Benning. During that time, and the weeks running up to Turning Blue, I learned of the significance of the [blue] rope and the honor that it symbolizes on each of these young menâ€Â¦ volunteers all. It’s one thing to be drafted, but the volunteers that come into the army, be them National Guard, Reservists or regular Army are heroes all.

Witness to the Passing of Honor – Infantry Blue
by photographist

Comment by graphicfunk:
Congratulations on your 19th placing. This image is strong and greatly moving because it speaks of the continuation of the brave.