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04/28/2003 10:22:26 AM |
| Ps - Your puddle stomper picture is one of my all time favorite - same story - simple image, lots of room for the viewer to add his own memories. |
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04/28/2003 10:18:58 AM |
Hello from the Critique Club-
I'm back - I always get back to my hostages. Sorry for the delay.
This is a wonderful photo, as you know. It is the epitome of All American. In this political climate where we crave symbols of the American national identity but are over saturated with the red, white, and blue flag, an image like this is both refreshing and powerfully familiar. More American than apple pie. So first of all this is a great choice of subject.
Second, your photo is a masterpiece of technical photography. The focus is perfect with a depth of field just slightly shorter than the baseball. The lighting is dramatic. The background is empty and well balanced with the foreground. And the border is just right to make it look polished and marketable.
Third, this is a textbook photo for composition. Let's count how many of the standard elements of cpmposition you have includes. 1. A lot of commenters mentioned leading lines. At first glance your leading line, the row of stitching, leads the viewer OUT of the frame. But look closely, each little V of red points back in, creating an in-out cyle that is very effective. 2. Texture in abundence, scuffed leather contrasting with woven lacings. 3. Rythm in the repeating laces almost makes the ball spin. I think it's going to be a curve ball. 4. Color red and white for contrast, and for USA symbolism. 5. want more? Balance, negative space, tone, perpective pattern, mass and weight. All in such a simple photograph.
Simplicity is the key to a good photograph. The simpler the image is, the stronger the statement it makes. This photo certainly makes a strong statement. It speaks to American pride. It speaks to youth and age. An old ball conjures memories of childhood, uncomplicated times, like the uncomplicated image. By leavng all the other elements of "baseball" out of the photo, you allow the viewer to bring his own mental images and add them to yours. Maybe he remembers playing short stop as a teen. Maybe his team is doing well right now. Maybe he saw a no hitter pitched once. All these extras of the viewers add dimension to your baseball because you have left that room for the viewer to fill. Art has to speak to it's audience in a personal way, as you have. This picture tells a story, but a different story to each....sigh, will the Red Sox ever win?
Absolutely stunning photo! (nope, nothing critical to add).
Disclaimer:- remember that this is just my opinion and I am far from an expert.
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04/15/2003 11:08:05 AM |
| Hi - I am A critique club hostage holder - This photo is being held - I will get to it, I always do. but sometimes I am slow |
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Comments Made During the Challenge  |
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04/06/2003 06:19:37 PM |
| I suspect that you also submitted the baseball in the Symmetry challenge? I like both, but this one really captures the personality of the ball, the feelings about the game and somehow infuses my mind with my own memories of the sport. In other words, the image works! 10 |
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04/06/2003 04:12:09 PM |
| Spectacular! Really an evocative shot. Perfect composition with the way the seam runs through the frame. My #1 for the week. |
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04/06/2003 09:10:04 AM |
| One of three favourites this week. Fantastic lighting. Good dof and focus. Composition is good too. I like this one very much. Well done! |
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04/06/2003 07:21:53 AM |
| nice shoot, good focus, saw lots of games, good color., good lighting too. |
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04/06/2003 06:01:43 AM |
| Nice macro. Good portrayal of the texture and just enough color. Great crop too. WEll done |
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04/06/2003 01:06:04 AM |
| Nice detail, and the leading line of the red around the ball looks great. 8 |
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04/05/2003 05:46:06 PM |
| i love this shot...evokes many wonderful childhood memories. nice detail and cropping. |
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04/04/2003 02:52:24 AM |
| This ball sure tells a story. I love your lighting and framing. 10 - Danny |
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04/02/2003 02:44:52 PM |
| I'm not a baseball fan, though I am an American. You did a great job on this!!! |
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04/02/2003 12:42:10 PM |
| Great shot. The texture and lighting are awsome. |
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04/01/2003 04:55:50 PM |
| beautiful use of light...love the textures of the old ball. great spin on the subject matter. congrats on a fine piece! |
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04/01/2003 04:22:09 PM |
| COOL image! Love the colors. |
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04/01/2003 01:17:23 PM |
| Excellent lighting, wonderful detail and I'm glad you used an old ball, not a new one. 10 |
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04/01/2003 01:11:06 PM |
| This is my fave from the challenge, love the texture and feel of the ball. Nicely done. |
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03/31/2003 08:20:01 PM |
| Neat shot! Go Twins! I really like the lighting and composition! Great job! |
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03/31/2003 12:05:24 PM |
| Good shot. Interesting aged. Not crazy for the frame. |
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03/31/2003 06:10:55 AM |
| great macro :) I'm glad you chose and old and worn baseball... that adds so much character to this shot... great work :) = 10 - setzler |
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03/31/2003 04:14:00 AM |
| Great composition and lighting. Nice one. |
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