jgordon Loc: Boulder CO

Feedback? Thoughts? Philosophical insights? Suggestions?

(Download)

Leon S Loc: Minnesota

Since no one else has taken the opportunity to comment, please allow me to comment. I have a problem trying to understand the point of the picture as posted. With two prominent signs, one in the window and one on the back of the hot dog vender, the picture is confusing. A better angle for the shot would have maybe conveyed what you were trying to communicate. I think a more interesting crop would be a tight including the window sign, the man in the middle and the hot dog vender but not the logo on his back. It would imply a completely different meaning to me. To me that would make an interesting photo. MHO

dave sproul Loc: Tucson AZ

In my opinion, the photograph seems to be "cluttered" or stated another way what is the point? There seems to be some points within the picture that could be made by cropping.

Next, I believe it world have been a better photograph if there was a greater DOF. It seems the "dogs" on the back of the shirt is not in very good focus.

I like the B&W approach.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

I see only two problems with this image: the two figures on the right overlap too much; and the man in the center is making contact with the camera rather than one of the other two subjects.

Moving around to get a better viewpoint would probably have attracted the subjects' attention even more and not improved matters. It's a damned if you do, damned if you don't dilemma. You can try not to attract attention to yourself or make it clear that you are interacting with the subjects.

Otherwise, the exposure and DOF are good.

jgordon Loc: Boulder CO

Thank you for the feedback!

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

xxxxxxxxx

Hi, jg,
This image is a bit confusing... the fellow looking at the camera, another fellow's back, and the blond guy in profile with the ...what...frowning squint?

Focus and exposure are on the money.

There is, in fact, no "dog" to tie them together or the title to the image. I've wonderd about a closer crop around the three characters... but am doubtful of how it might actually profit thereby.

it leaves me wondering if you just "missed the moment" or were jyst hoping there was one there to catch...so had to gove it a try? Was there amonent of interaction that better tied the three together?
I'm left unsure why this particular image was made.

Best regards,
Dave G.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Ah, JGordon, it appears to me that you and I suffer from similar problems with street photography. Though we know how to make a sharp, well exposed photo (and your shot is just fine technically IMHO),

1. We are not Graham Smith.
2. We include too much clutter. I am way worse off than you in this category since I include everything plus the kitchen sink. You only have a few extra ketchup bottles, an umbrella, and whatever that object or reflection is that occupies the upper right corner in the window (I'd get rid of that if it were mine, but I'd keep the photo of the busty girl in the lower part of the window)
3. We don't live in England or Scotland where it seems that all the interesting characters are housed. In Brandon, MS and in Boulder, CO there are fewer interesting characters per square foot than there are over the sea. This is just the absolute truth.
4. We don't know yet how to creatively process our street photos to make our less interesting characters look more interesting than they do in real life. They just look so.. American.

I like your hot dog men and might have tried to photograph them. I have a photo of two lobstermen that is so similar, I think I may post it soon to see what you think. It should be interesting, but I fear it may not be. I think we should keep trying, but we must accept that Graham has a distinct head start on us.

jgordon Loc: Boulder CO

Well, all of that is certainly true. I think I will try to post another image that has less going on and see what reaction I get.

Thanks for the feedback.