I was walking back to grand central station to catch the train, and I heard this amazing drum beat. Snapped a few shots,dropped a couple bucks, and kept walking.
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This is a strong image, and has rightly placed well in the challenge. You have broken with the B&W tradition of street photography, and I feel that was a wise decision - the colour gives this a real sense of vibrancy which suits the scene well. Your choice of depth of field is spot on, isolating the drummer whilst keeping the background sufficiently identifiable to provide context and complete the 'story'. And it is the 'story' that makes this photo such a success - the strange collection of implements the busker has gathered together, the shoppers passing with their bags and clear material wealth which all combine to provide a compelling narrative, and encourage the viewer to stay longer.
There are only a couple of things that detract for me: there is a softness of focus on the face of the drummer, most noticable on his forehead; as identified by another commenter, the bright yellow blob is somewhat distracting; and the image is a tad over-sharpened for my tastes.
My overall impression is of a well considered photograph thta delivers what the photographer intended. It is one I would have been proud to have captured.
If you any questions about this critique, please feel free to PM me. regards, Sara.
Lovely low angle going on, as well as a very lively background, my main complaint is that is not sharp enough!! I wish his face was sharply focused with more motion blur on his arm perhaps? =) 6 great find!
I love his collection of "instruments" - I'm wondering if he makes them sound good or just provides a passing attempt at music. I do think the color adds in this case.
Good pic, I like the feel of it. However my eye keeps getting drawn to the big yellow and red circle just above the drummer. I assume it's a street sign/light of some sort. I would have liked to see that toned down (since it is advanced editing)
The post processing is a little heavy I think, but the composition is compelling. I think a slightly slower shutter speed so as to have captured some more movement in the drum stick would make this a great shot.
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