Took this for the self portrait project as well. I didn't get to spend as much time, because, while there were no No Trespassing signs, and I didn't break into the abandoned building, some cops came, and though they didn't stop me, I didn't want any trouble. And it was kind of scary being there by myself. It was my third time there, but both other times I was there with friends. I got about fifteen shots, a couple came out okay, and I just left. Oh well.
Post processing was pretty simple. I just converted to black and white with the channel mixer, levels, crop, a little dodge and burn, and that's it.
Statistics
Place: 111 out of 180 Avg (all users): 5.3099 Avg (commenters): 6.3333 Avg (participants): 5.1705 Avg (non-participants): 5.3896 Views since voting: 627 Views during voting: 327 Votes: 242 Comments: 17 Favorites: 0
This is an interesting, deceptively subtle image, that holds the attention and suggests a story: Has the man at the window been chasing or searching for someone and has finally found them inside? Or, has he stumbled upon something illicit? The expression on his face gives little away and leaves us guessing.
Actually, the longer I look at it, the more I feel that 'I' as the viewer am looking out of a hiding place, and I feel trapped. This feeling is intensified by the man's stare and the fence just visible behind him.
The wood around the window is not prefectly square, but looks as though it is leaning over through tiredness or old age...again it creates interest for the viewer.
The 1/2 on the wall is intriguing and I want to know what is written below it, what it means, who wrote it. In a wonderful moment of observation you have echoed the 1/2 on the wall with the 1/2 of the man. Again creating interest for the viewer.
The black and white works well here adding to the story feel. There is a good range of tones and nice contrast.
Technically this is a really difficult one to get right as far as correct exposure is concerned and it seems some voters considered the background to be blown out. However I agree with Larus, I like it. My eye was led straight to the subjects eye, the BG did not distract me at all.
Nice visual pun. The background behind him is way too bright, but I'm sure that couldn't be helped. Given the fence I think I see back there, it may be for the better that it is blown out.
Like the crop, the title and the black and white concept, however, the blownout background is a bit too distracting for me. The cut out wood, writing on the wall are important in this shot, yet, I'm too drawn away from those points.
I think this oe could be great if the lighting was better. the inside-walls are a bit too dark, and the 1/2 man is a bit too light. maybe the use of a flash is helpful.
Funny - and now you have 2 x 1/2... Wish I could see the face a little more clearly - or maybe more expression? The background behind him looks pretty extreme, kind of x-files. Appreciate the creative spin.
Add photograph to your favorites
Add photographer to your favorites
Photographer found comment helpful.
