GARGLEBLASTER Loc: Spain

However, I do participate in a friendly, local, no prize photo competition. The rules of the competition are that the winner of a week chooses the following weeks theme. You have to send the photos to the winner of the previous week and he/she and JC, the Frenchman who created the competition, judge and decide which photos are passed for the public to vote on. Only ten photos are selected and the last three weeks my entries have not been accepted and therefore not published. I have come second or third on occasions but of late have not had any luck.

This week’s theme was: “High Key Photography” Apparently High Key is a term to describe images that are bright and contain little to no shadow.

I took several dozen shots of my subject and whittled them down to six before decding on one.

JC disagreed and said it should be the second one.

Then he said it would be better in black and white. The third image is manipulated by JC and the fourth is my BW version.

I didn't agree because I liked the contrast between the colour and the monochrome background of my original choice but, since JC is a professional photographer, I let myself be persuaded. I will know the resuts on Tuesday but I don't see my photo being among the first 10.

Please feel free to comment.

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Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

As far as High key is concerned, the 3rd one is the best rendition IMHO. The last image lacks contrast and not high key enough. High key is light and airy. Think over exposed (not really over exposed just something of similar effect). One thing that does not work for the image is the the cup. The handle and the slanted position as if its going to fall are distracting, breaks the feeling of balance and do not support the main element.
Simplify as much as possible, simplicity amplifies high key composition. That is why Trees in the snow usually looks good in high key.

One direction you can use as a guide in High key is think advertising. Does the picture make me want to buy a garlic? If not, what composition can I do to get that mood? (or whatever effect you want to convey).

Here is a sample of a high key drawing emphasizing the gaze of the eye.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Personally, I like the first.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

💞💞💞💞

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Nicely done 🌀🔥🔥🌀

GARGLEBLASTER Loc: Spain

Thank you all for your constructive comments. The competition is about how one interprets the theme, not so much about the quality of the photos and only very light PP was allowed. Quite a few people limit themselves to taking shots with their mobile 'phones. The photos I took were all taken with a small Canon P&S. As I have said in the past, I'm a non-photographer.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Please don't be discouraged because you are off to a good start.
You have a great eye, so take constructive criticism while keeping in mind that everyone has an opinion.
Lastly, always remember to . . .
Smile,
JimmyT Sends

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

If you own a camera including cell phone ones and you use it you are a photographer.

GARGLEBLASTER Loc: Spain

I know nothing about photography, I just point and shoot and if it comes out well, then that's just good luck.

GARGLEBLASTER Loc: Spain

Well, at least I among the 10 chosen. It's not sour grapes but some of the others, in my opnion, don't even fit the brief.

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Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

You are still a photographer.

By the way, could you snap a few shots of any of Gaudi's work to show? That would be on my agenda if I were there.

GARGLEBLASTER Loc: Spain

Sorry, I'm not in Bareclona and there are no examples of Gaudí's work where I live.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Thanks.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I agree that the third example best fits the definition of high key.

khildy Loc: Brownsburg, IN

It’s between #2 & #3 for me.