* Wednesday C&C "No Theme" Thread #791 / Revived #011 on 2023 06 14 *

The photo shows an interesting contrast between the feeling of freedom given by the colour and curves of the skate track and, of course, the skater himself, and the more formal buildings behind. The skater, leaning into the jump, provides a leading line, as does the curved shadow, and this sense of movement continues through the shape of the track as we look further into the image, giving a sense of dynamism.
The separated shadow is cool too, and shows the skater’s trick even better than the actual skater.
The choice of babies as the decoration for the surface of the track is peculiar. Maybe the fact that they are tightly swaddled provides another contrast between the free-moving skater and the immobilised babies. Although I was amused to see that one of the babies, very definitely a boy, on the far bank of the track had managed to free himself partially at least from his restraining garment, and looked very pleased with himself!

Pete

Summer feelings at last, and those feelings are linked to a sense of freedom too. We are no longer confined to a house, no longer need to wear so many clothes and are free to explore the world and express our individuality. Except it is difficult to be completely individual, completely alone. The disturbed surface of the sand shows dozens of other freedom seeking feet have passed that way. The small sailing boat, the ultimate symbol of freedom, is one of three identical boats, all heading the same way. Even the people are not alone, but make the best of it by being on opposite sides of the frame and face away from each other. We cannot see what they see, and this actually creates a feeling of curiosity and we experience the need for freedom to be able to explore outside the frame.
The colours are subdued, and it seems to be the evening of a fine day. The texture of the sand replicates the waves on the sea, and this is helped by the processing, which is painterly and works well with the scene.

Pete

Well, it wasn’t obvious! I might have guessed they weren’t apples, but I don’t think I would have recognised them as peas. It is a lovely idea, and so much more interesting than a macro shot of a couple of peas - or apples.
The choice of patterned cloth as a backdrop is not intuitive, as a plain colour would be more usual, but it is actually a great choice, and the round patterns link well with the peas, and, surprisingly, do not draw attention away or confuse the image.

Pete

The Dam Birds deliver again! The occasion may be sad, but it actually gives the photo an unusual tranquillity and beauty. The grey heron behind the birds dead body really does look like its should departing. The other birds look solemn and motionless too. A fascinating scene.
Rather than placing a flying bird in front of the bare pillar, you could consider cropping it off. The dead bird would be near the corner instead of centre stage, where it is now, but those sloping surfaces lead to it quite nicely, so I think it would still have a suitable prominence.

Pete

One layer of graffiti over another is a very natural occurrence and it was a nice idea to pick up on that with your collage. The result is a pleasing composition. The giraffe has an informal frame, with two roundish shapes either side, some lines and even a couple of almost parallel diagonal lines. This helps draw attention to the centrepiece, but I think Mike is right, the fact that it is almost devoid of colour is what really makes it stand out against the chaos of colour all around it.
It is a good idea and well executed.

Pete

What a well seen piece of humour. The blank expression of the bluebird compares beautifully to the suspicious, inquisitive look of its feathered friend.
I agree with others that the darkened leaves in the background is an improvement.

Pete

It is nice when someone makes a nice picture out of annoying wires and posts. You, or someone, likened it to a piece of jazz, which I think is a good description. At first chaotic with seemingly unconnected directions, but then we pick up on the main sweep from top left to bottom right, and the anomalies become welcome little creative flairs.
I am undecided about the sky. It is beautiful, with understated colour and shape, and brings a bit of joy to the scene, but I can’t help wondering about going all in with your graphic theme, and photographing against a plain pale overcast sky. The pretty sky competes with the graphic lines of wires. Or is that tension between the natural beauty and the stark man-made objects exactly the point of your image?

Pete

Both images are great, but I like this (older) one in particular. Excellent composition. I probably wouldn't know what to do with all those lines, but you made perfect sense out of them! Well done. The one you posted called "Lines" makes sense as well, but because it's even more complicated my eyes (brain) take longer to 'understand' it. Perhaps a B&W edit with increased contrast would make it click faster, but I don't think it's necessary - works fine as it is, no need to rush to conclusions... 👍

I think it works very well in every aspect:

• the square format
• the colors
• the (interesting) complexity and layers
• the central and image-defining giraffe
• the lines

Okay, perhaps in every aspect but one:
If it isn't already, this needs to be titled "Giraffiti"!

I know I'm being pedantic here but that isn't a bottlebrush, it is a banksia. The bird is a rainbow lorikeet, although there are many variations on lorikeets and they have differing local names.
It's a composition that uses lines from three corners to direct us to the meeting of the bird's head, with the all important eye, and the banksia. The eyes is important because it helps us make sense of the inverter position of the feeding lorikeet.
A very good shot that has much of the personality of these eyecatching and amusing birds.

One of the reasons I'm so thoroughly enjoying this weekly thread is how often other participants have been able to state what I couldn't quite access verbally - both regarding my own photos and other posts. I didn't realize 'til you wrote it, Pete, but I do indeed love the tension between pretty sky and the ugly, blight on the landscape, fascinating and photogenic wires and poles!

I tried converting this to black and white, and added a different cloud formation just to confirm my awakened thoughts. See attached. I do have some stark b&w graphical (if I understand the term correctly) poles and wires, but those were originally shot against plain blue sky, so there wasn't a "mood" involved. Many thanks!

Thanks so much! I was chasing the moon just before sunrise and serendipity found me that composition. Re my new photo this week, I tried a black and white in response to Pete's comments, though it's not as contrasty as perhaps should be. However, I still much prefer the color, reasons given in my reply to Pete above. Appreciate your interest!

When I quickly scanned the week's contributions, I didn't see gateposts. I thought I was looking at chess pieces. It wasn't until I started to write and looked closer that it dawned.
Your exploration of bokeh balls continues. It's a worthy project. Finding new ways to do this must be quite a challenge. This week is very different again with the ball picking up the shapes from the gateposts. I have no problems with either the proportions or the softer shape of the balls to the left. IMNHO the secret is the red dot.It works a couple of ways.It gives balance to the stronger balls on the right and it gives a transition to the softer groupings on the left. As a single ball of that colourand being close in size to the gatepost ball, it pairs with that ball while creating a bridge to all the light balls..
Keep them coming.

Challenging for me because of the jarring contrast between sharp lines and soft flower. Fascinating technically, for sure!

You got me. I'm a dog lover and this shot reels me in.Your angle and lens choice make the hand and cup feel as though they are those of the viewer. It feels as though we are offering the water to the pup. His eyes look directly back at us. Bonding is established. Add in the tilt of the head and the tuenrd down tip of the ear. We have personality. I don't know about y'all but I know that dig and I would get along just fine. It isn't the dog that has done this, it's the little touches that the photographer has caught that have created the bond.

Love what your doing here. Have any more like this, maybe a lower angle and wider focal length?

Thanks Mike.

I agree, that the red ball pulls one's eye into the shot.

But this is the first image I've posted of this kind. I think you may be mistaking my image for a series posted by SimpleJoy in which OOF lights and objects are prominent in his compositions.

Rich

I'm afraid any praise attached to this shot belongs to pure dumb luck. While I was trying to capture her personality, the intended shot was of a long drool trail that was billowing in the AC.