Keyhole (Page 2): Thanks for your thoughts Billy. I do, as usual, have other shots, quite a few indeed, of this structural element with no bird. The light was attractive enough to make...

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Billyspad wrote:

A great image min but than damn bird need to go. L... (show quote)

Thanks for your thoughts Billy. I do, as usual, have other shots, quite a few indeed, of this structural element with no bird. The light was attractive enough to make me do that much before the bird showed up. I harvest the birdless images in case I need the elements for something later, but haven't tried to cobble together other people or animals in them. It's something to think about, I've seen a lot of wacky images with spooky looking women in dark flowing gowns, one of those gals might be interesting perched on the concrete.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

oldtigger wrote:

Please don't misunderstand: I liked the image the moment it downloaded
and remained happy right up until someone pointed out the bird.
For some reason i can't explain, that animate intrusion ruined it for me.
It was sort of like the beauty of a F J Wright home
before people move in and destroy the artistic element.

It's all good! I have plenty of shots that I took before the bird arrived and after he left (He did some other odd things later, like standing below the keyhole and stretching his neck to peek through it.) Though I have to admit this is the first time anyone has suggested that shots of this ugly old dam had any way to stand on their own without an animate presence. I have several shots of it, most taken this time of day, that I like but have no birds at all, I've never prepared one to present but you may have persuaded me to try.

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

minniev wrote:

Thanks for your thoughts Billy. I do, as usual, ha... (show quote)

You may have exhausted the dam birds topic min. After bird on one leg, bird on two legs, two birds flying, one bird looking at me etc etc its probably run its natural course. For sure you could post ad infinitum and ya fans will tell you how captivating these birds are how exquisite the light is and yak on about the water spray and anything else inconsequential.
Speaking for myself my ears pricked up when you mention you had a pile of shots without the damn birds. They sound as if they could lead to something a lot more interesting and creative. I know full well with your skills you could make em special and maybe later post one with a view to getting others to give it their individual look? I think if you do this I will add a bird, maybe on one leg or maybe two in flight lol

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Billyspad wrote:

You may have exhausted the dam birds topic min. Af... (show quote)

Pictures of the dam without the birds? Doesn't sound terribly engaging to me, but I'm always willing to try new stuff. I did post one in the abstract thread with no birds, and it didn't seem to do much for folks. All the stuff I've read suggests that human beings respond more favorably to images that have living things in them than images of inanimate scenes or objects. I know that's true on UHH.

I can't imagine that a kitschy picture of those concrete blocks would be better with a creepy girl or a rusty tricycle or a bottle of wine/empty glass sitting on them would be as interesting as the real birds who live there and carry on their crazy business of fighting/mating/spearing fish, but I'll give it a try and see what you think.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Once again, I seem to be totally opposed. I was looking at the image (which didn't show totally on my screen) and was thinking "this does nothing for me" until I saw the egret! Then I liked it. The bird makes the image. Otherwise it's just a bunch of concrete and spray that has no focus. The bird gives reason for the image. Sorry Billy and Tigger, but I totally disagree. Minnie, please don't get rid of the bird!!!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

This is another of your amazing images from this haunt - they've all said it, one way or another, but Linda and Dave sum the various aspects rather well. For me, the 'industrial' feel of the water, mist, light and concrete sets the mood. Having spent a lifetime in industry, it always feels strange to experience that mood out in the countryside at sites like this. I don't think we're going to tire of these shots Min, keep posting!

slynn Loc: poland ohio

minniev wrote:

I am wondering if this flawed image has any intere... (show quote)

Great shot----you have the {eye} thanks for sharing.

Pilot 6 Loc: Eugene, OR

A wonderful photo beyond criticism. Congratulations!
Bob

Dave Chinn

minniev wrote:

I am wondering if this flawed image has any intere... (show quote)

Yes, this flawed image has my interest, Minnie !!! Your target being in the spotlight, saying possibly a variety of things, such as, "busted", "look at me", "here I am" can be just a few. This has the dramatic somber impact in an image I look for on most occasions only to walk away empty handed. The dam bird series have never been a disappointment, while I'm sure you have such a variety for display and your knowledge and skill with words would not be a surprise for something of a next big step forward, such as a book, magazine article of the sort. Minnie, do keep the dam bird series going despite any other thoughts of dismantle. This is a keeper for sure !!!
Dave

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

minniev wrote:

I am wondering if this flawed image has any intere... (show quote)

I did not get the impression of the prisoner as alluded to in another comment; but I see your penchant for experimentation here. You also have a fascination with very difficult shots to capture. I think this is very good. It does keep my interest and you did a remarkable job with the light rays coming in through the "keyhole". The light on the bird might be a tad "hot"; but the overall appeal is quite strong.
Erich

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

AzPicLady wrote:

Once again, I seem to be totally opposed. I was looking at the image (which didn't show totally on my screen) and was thinking "this does nothing for me" until I saw the egret! Then I liked it. The bird makes the image. Otherwise it's just a bunch of concrete and spray that has no focus. The bird gives reason for the image. Sorry Billy and Tigger, but I totally disagree. Minnie, please don't get rid of the bird!!!

Thank ya! I have the same "keyhole" without the egret on my computer and I don't like it was well without the bird, though I am aware the bird is small and blurred by water spray. I may yet post one of the un-birded shots and get a general response.

randomeyes Loc: wilds of b.c. canada

minniev wrote:

I am wondering if this flawed image has any intere... (show quote)

I like it a lot, very different. Leave the bird. It's about the bird and the light.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

magnetoman wrote:

This is another of your amazing images from this haunt - they've all said it, one way or another, but Linda and Dave sum the various aspects rather well. For me, the 'industrial' feel of the water, mist, light and concrete sets the mood. Having spent a lifetime in industry, it always feels strange to experience that mood out in the countryside at sites like this. I don't think we're going to tire of these shots Min, keep posting!

Thank you for the encouragement. I'm not tired of 'em yet and I appreciate your hanging in there with me on this project. I forgive anyone who does grow tired of them and give them permission not to look.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

slynn wrote:

Great shot----you have the {eye} thanks for sharing.

Thank you.

That's a compliment I'll cherish!

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Pilot 6 wrote:

A wonderful photo beyond criticism. Congratulations!
Bob

Gee, thanks. I'm glad you see value in it in spite of the shortcomings that worried me. Appreciate!