gutter ball
by fngood83

Comment by homerbob:

Originally posted by sidpixel: ... a shot a fraction later as he is releasing the ball would have had a lot more impact ... I've only just noticed his ball is next to the pins so he has already bowled, I should have looked at your title shouldn't I! So, the shot ought to have been sooner rather than later as stated above.

Took me a second to find the ball as well, but now that I see it I really like this composition. Maybe could have been taken a few seconds sooner with the ball still on it's way down the gutter, just so it pops more. However this is clearly a candid shot, and trying to recreate such moments again can be tough, especially with child subjects. Could use advanced editing to move the ball (and reflection) back 5-10 feet, but once you see it the effect is probably the same.

Either way, I love the leaning stance (assumed by all bowlers with a questionable throw) that still says with childlike hope "please ball, just move left a little more...", even though an adult can see it's clearly too late. A wonderful capture of childhood fun and innocence.

Message edited by author 2015-09-09 12:04:39.

Follow Me
by fngood83

Comment by Neat:
Sweet, just wish it was a bit of a tighter crop, or the child was closer!!

Follow Me
by fngood83

Comment by RKT:
Lovely...I love the glow of all that green.

gutter ball
by fngood83

Comment by sidpixel:
*Hello from Sid and the Critique Club*

An appealing image that contributes to the open challenge.

This is a cute image of the child in action at the bowling alley, I like his stance and the reflections and the way you have included the bowls station on the left edge of the frame. The low viewpoint works well, however, I think a shot a fraction later as he is releasing the ball would have had a lot more impact you may even have got a reflection of his facial expressions at the same time, that would have been good.

I do like the mono presentation, very appealing, the tones are good. I think maximum aperture would have softened the pins down a little thus concentrating the attention on the boy even more. Perhaps a portrait orientation would have emphasised the length aspect of the alleyway better than this landscape which has a lot of 'dead' space on the right, and you would have had plenty of room for his reflection too. I've only just noticed his ball is next to the pins so he has already bowled, I should have looked at your title shouldn't I! So, the shot ought to have been sooner rather than later as stated above.

Anyway, thanks for your submission, Sid

gutter ball
by fngood83

Comment by Kroburg:
I think the little boy in action could be a funnier shot. Now I really have to look twice to find that ball.

gutter ball
by fngood83

Comment by Denise:
I like how this was taken from a lower perspective and the reflection adds a nice touch as well.

gutter ball
by fngood83

Comment by quiche:
Works well in black & white and the curve in the child's posture and reflection is charming.

grazing
by fngood83

Comment by PennyStreet:
Funny, do they walk and talk at the same time too? Nice shot.

red and white in black and white
by fngood83

Comment by bvy:
Nicely done.

red and white in black and white
by fngood83

Comment by quiche:
Nice lighting. Glasses could benefit from quite a bit of spot removal.