I am commenting on this image in a reaction against the attempt by some to limit the content of DPC to images that conform to their idea of acceptable. This one isn't about suicide but it does deal with the unpleasant issue of death, it depicts a corpse and it would no doubt be classified by some as an unsuitable subject for artistic photography.
That said, it's not as brutal in it's depiction as some images and has therefore faired well with the voters.
I like the starkness of the message, though the angle of the tag and the size of the writing makes it hard to read and absorb it. I wonder if it would work better with the tag in the same position byt other way up? I assume it's a home made tag so could be made up with the hole to the right hand side of the label (when viewed right way up)?
The use of light and shadow to isolate the sole of the foot is incredibly effective as it leaves the rest to the imagination - often the most effective tool of all. The toning also adds to the impact as it really evokes that mental image of the coldness of death.
The decision element of it is evident if one thinks about it and not as forced as many of the entries in the challenge.
This image originally held a low spot on the meter for me. What about the foot and tag would lead me to the decision required to place this higher? As I studied, I saw the text that eluded me before: Unbelted Driver. Motor Vehicle Crash. This was the outcome of the decision. A warning to others. The blue of the foot seems unnatural, not like cold skin, but the placement in the dark with the tag is effective. The tag would have more effect had it been Typewritten wording or at least in larger letters I would have noticed sooner instead of on the third pass at these images. I give a solid link to the decision because of the tag's presence and its text, good marks for composition and detail, but find that compared to other images in the challenge am held back from offering higher score when comparing it to the caliber of statement that those have made. Still it is bumping to a 6.
Interesting composition. The written tag helps to see that the decision of this driver was fatal. Very nice message. I would definitely think of trying to send this one to a mag for a message about safety belt usage.
If the tag didnt' say, "Unbuckled driver" this wouldn't fit the challenge...
But it does, and that makes it a great shot, with great tones that fits the challenge perfectly! I hope people take the time to read the tag, it's very subtle but clear enough and if you get voted down because you 'didn't meet the challenge' it really will be tragically unfair.
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