magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

I'd hoped to get a shot of this girl by the diesel loco at our local station. Unfortunately the cameraman wasn't ready when he spotted the opportunity and fluffed the whole thing. It was the colour coordination that attracted me. Still, I think something is salvaged with this mild composite? I have to admit I thought I'd already posted the shot but cannot find it in my list, so maybe not. If you've seen it before, forgive an old man's memory.

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artBob Loc: Near Chicago

Very interesting and beautiful. For my taste, since it is abstract, I'd remove the references to the station, and leave it a beautiful mystery.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

Very interesting and beautiful. For my taste, since it is abstract, I'd remove the references to the station, and leave it a beautiful mystery.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Good idea Bob - more like this?

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Dave Chinn

Dave, its about taste and desire !!! Personally, I prefer the first over the second. My reasoning is: I love the mystery in the first one which was created with the blur of the young lady, which was probably a very attractive individual. The blur left the viewer to imagine just how beautiful she was/is. The person in blue going in the opposite direction is an added feature that I kinda wish was not there, but still the presence adds to the composition if not anything but added color. The references to the station is important because of the title and while too much mystery is just that, but leaves nothing for the viewer to imagine other than a blob of blur. An exampled scenario would be take nude fine art, too much exposure to the body leaves nothing to the imagination which is what the second version does. Too much blur does exactly that. IMO, we have to have some sort of hint to what is being displayed. This is just my opinion and is the way I would have presented the image, so you were right on track with the first. Nice work, I love it. I've been playing around with motion blur, diffusion and softness lately so this sort of image currently appeals to me.
Dave

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks for your in depth thoughts on this one Dave. I think I’d prefer a combination - where the loco is partially crisp, but without station paraphernalia. You didn’t think I wouldn’t notice your subtle pun did you?

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

The first posted is a little jarring for me with the extreme contrast between blurred and sharp. If you do one per your reply to Dave Chinn, please share. I like the station structure, though

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Here you go Linda...

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Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thanks, Dave! Now I know for sure I prefer with the station structure

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

I like it. Very mysterious.

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

I like it just as it showed up.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Dammit, all that work too!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks Mark.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

Many critiques simply give personal preferences. I prefer judgments and critiques accompanies by the BASIS for the judgment. Objectively, all we can agree on is that the station give a more definite sense of place and may affect the composition, no? You did a smart exploration. Both versions are acceptable, but each "says" something different. That is where your expression makes the final veto.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

It is a common problem with critique but surely perfectly natural to let personal preference bias the critique Bob? You must have fought this all the time you were critiquing student work - or do you feel you’ve trained yourself out of it? Certainly here in FYC, I often predict to myself who will point out what before I post a shot.