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Sirens' Song
1st PlaceSirens' Song
gyaban


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Myths, Legends, and Fables (Extended Editing*)
Camera: Canon EOS-1D X
Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM
Date: Mar 30, 2017
Date Uploaded: Mar 30, 2017

[Apr. 6th, 2017 06:03:09 PM]

First of all, let me give some special thanks to my wife and my coworkers (from left to right, Clément, Yannick, Simon, Luc and Vincent) who posed for this image on a very short notice. You guys rock!

The original sirens myth is quite outdated. Nowadays, sirens are not just a few mysterious creatures living far from civilization on a distant island. In fact, a vast amount of men and women are actually sirens. Our modern times tend to glorify fame and profitability over anything else. "Personal branding" is perceived as a positive value: many consider the opinion others have of them as a key to an happy life. "Followers", "Fans", "Likes" are highly wanted trophies. Loads of books exist, explaining to the masses how they should behave, what they should show or hide of themselves, in order to maximize consideration.

Are individual personalities really products? Are we ranked by our amount of fans? Is compliance to the dominant ideological standards the only way? For example, when I hear our political leaders, I am often extremely disappointed. Why are they even talking about their personal life? Why is it of any importance that this candidate likes running in the morning, while that other one prefers reading poetry? In the end, what matters are ideas and programs, not the color of the hair or the person's preferred food. Yet, crazy amount of money is spent on marketing and communication, just like for the average new car.

While I of course understand why we are there, and why these techniques are efficient for their users, I still can't prevent myself from being disappointed. It would be too sad to just abandon utopia and ideals. Can't we outsmart marketing? Can we build a saner world? Can't we focus a bit more on global ideas and fate, instead of contemplating our little navels? I believe so. It all starts by putting some ear plugs, so the sirens can keep singing all they want, without interfering with what is really in our minds. It is not always easy, but I'll try to think about it next time I come across one of these creatures!

Statistics
Place: 1 out of 38
Avg (all users): 7.0769
Avg (commenters): 9.2000
Avg (participants): 7.2105
Avg (non-participants): 7.0000
Views since voting: 2319
Views during voting: 159
Votes: 52
Comments: 19
Favorites: 0

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AuthorThread
Canon EOS-6D
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens
 04/10/2017 03:32:18 AM
Incredible creation! Congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D750
Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f2.8D
 04/09/2017 08:14:23 AM
Great image and and story as always. Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-80D
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM
 04/07/2017 07:51:15 PM
Great image and backstory. It always amazes me, the amount of focus and work you put into these-and this is no exception.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-40D
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
 04/07/2017 03:08:08 PM
Congratulations on your many likes and fans! ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Fujifilm X-Pro2
Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R IOS
 04/07/2017 02:22:14 PM
We are indeed surrounded by sirens. How easy it is to mindlessly get caught up and heed their call. Thanks for an outstanding image and some things to ponder.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D750
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D
 04/07/2017 09:47:27 AM
Very impressively elaborate assemblage that speaks for itself. No explanation needed.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon Z7II
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
 04/07/2017 08:46:44 AM
Congrats and I like your narrative.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D7100
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
 04/07/2017 07:00:07 AM
Wonderful image, Christophe, and as usual fascinating photographer's notes. I am studying yoga now and a large part of it is learning to do without everything you mention - I personally liken social media to the high school cafeteria, only online! I wish others would do the same. Anyway congrats on the blue!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-5D Mark III
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM
 04/07/2017 04:31:58 AM
Excellent image...as usual. Congratulations on the Blue.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D800
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
 04/07/2017 01:48:42 AM
Congrats on the blue Christophe, wonderful work as always!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Ricoh GR III
Pentax DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] WR DC
 04/07/2017 12:54:52 AM
you have a knack. and a damn fine essay. keep going.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D750
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED
 04/07/2017 12:42:31 AM
What?! No baby in the picture????
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Sony DSC-RX100 VII
 04/07/2017 12:29:50 AM
Nice to see you back, Christophe :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-80D
 04/07/2017 12:06:31 AM
Congratulations for your First Place. Great creation.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
Nikon D7000
Nikon AF-S DX 18-105 f/3.5-5.6 ED VR
 04/06/2017 11:52:09 PM
Brilliant! Top 2. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon Z7II
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
 04/06/2017 10:57:20 PM
Beautifully photographed and processed, as always.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-80D
 04/05/2017 10:33:55 PM
Very interesting composition. Good job.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-6D Mark II
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS
 04/05/2017 05:03:11 PM
Composition: 9 - Technical: 10 - Creativity: 10 - Appeal: 9 - Challenge: 10 - Overall Calculated Average Score: 10 - Easily Blue or Red!

Are they complaining about the wage gap again?? :P

Note: Click for info
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/04/2017 05:46:39 AM
Outstanding!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
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