BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

I believe that "context" plays a role in how you descibe a subject photo or scene. Example: last night, I watch an OLD episode of "MacGuyver". . And it involved "Mac" and friend driving a rural dirt road in an old WW II truck. In one scene, they are shown driving downhill on the road, and commenting to each other about the "hairpin turns" and the narrowness of the road with a deep canyon on their left. Later, in the story, they are returning in the opposite direction, carrying a load of "nitroglycerine" in the rickety old truck; and, driving that same road . . . And, that VERY same scene (and, section of road) was now the "RETURN" direction. . .The first thing that struck ME was the RECOGNITION of the earlier scene and I actually said to myself "They didn't even reverse the image!" but, they are now returning on the same road AND going in the REVERSE direction. ."continuing what I SAW (and, said to myself") was "editing goof!" BEFORE my mind returned to the story being played out on-screen!

Getting back to the original question of THIS thread: "Context" and "perception" are integral to our viewing; and, might be a consideration when we are asked "Which photo is better!"

Think about it! <smile>

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I thought about it and concluded that most people would just see him "on a road".

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

#2 for me. The gull looks like it is landing...

ronichas Loc: Long Island

This was a great discussion. Made me think since some of the judges from my camera club have given lower scores stating *image should go from left to right* I took several of my images to see how I do and which I like better. I posted it to my camera club...
Here are my images. Can you tell which is the original?

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I see no difference in the photos other than orientation; and, to me, the first one looks more natural: the left-to-right movement.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Does it matter which is the original?
In order of appearance, I prefer left, left, right, right, right.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

If in the photo there was a fish, the bird in photo 1 would be looking forward to a meal. We would first see the bird and then following its gaze see into the positive feeding future. We, the viewer would see the bird first and identify with the bird looking forward. Forward left to right in western cultures same as we read. My guess is that seeing the fish first on the left and identifying with the fish would be emotionally negative for the viewer.

The bird's wings are extended implying motion or the start of motion and from the following..."a bias to present motion from left to right in Western cultures. " Quote taken from first paragraph of page 21 from Art & Perception** (2016) DOI: 10.1163/22134913-00002053. The study examines how directors set up scenes for movies.
https://bertamini.org/lab/Publications/BodeBertaminiHelmy2016.pdf

** The journal, "Art & Perception will serve those across several areas of science studying the way works of art and design affect us perceptually, cognitively, or physiologically. The editors are also keen to receive submissions from practicing artists, and those in related fields of history and theory, which offer an artistic perspective on perception. "
https://brill.com/view/journals/artp/artp-overview.xml

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I thought that was the case.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

Of course it doesn't matter. I just thought this was a great discussion as my camera club gets ready for the first competition of the year.

You got 3 out of the 5 correct for originals. :)

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

Interesting! The picture follows the "rule" of not having the "subject" of the picture centered - and the action or intent - should be toward the open space, rather than out of the near side. When I compose or view a picture, I don't think at all about intent, point of entry, eye movement, stressful or relaxing, flow – or anything else. Basically, the ONLY thing I think about is what LOOKS BEST to me!!!

For me, the first picture is by far the better. I generally prefer the open space to be on the right side, but it does depend on the specific picture.

Those things being said – and who knows how much effect it might have – I was born left-handed, but switched over by my parents, such that those things which are natural, I do left, while those which are learned, I do right. And for some, I’m ambidextrous – such as switch hitting or basketball dribbling and shooting. (I could hit for a better average, left, but with more power, right.)

I long have wondered about something else, also. On a motorcycle, it always has been more comfortable laying the bike over hard into a left turn than right.

Again, interesting!!!

Loren – in Beautiful Baguio City

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I agree.
Right-handed maybe???

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

I like the first one because I think I prefer left to right orientation. I don't know which was the original though.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

Not sure I understand. The entire image was flipped, not just the bird. The bird “flows with the direction of the water” in either pic. For what it’s worth, I prefer the bird on the right looking left, but cannot explain why. Subjectivity is hard to define. #2 works for me; others may prefer #1. From the replies to date, it seems I am in the minority.

scallihan Loc: Tigard, OR

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