Weekly #450 - Sunday morning coming down Competition

Well, yoghurt and muesli breakfast are behind me, and now preparing to “meet the day”. First duty is PU. Thank you to all that entered, I am somewhat chuffed that we have had such interesting and enjoyable and high quality entries in what I thought was an adventurous foray into something new. As before, I mention that I am no expert at this business of judging and cringe at the thought of having to judge the work of accomplished photographers for whom I have the highest regard and respect on this Forum. So do not expect any technicalities, these are my mostly subjective thoughts. The usual basic 2 factors are used in the judging process- one is the impact of the image on me as the viewer, emotionally and aesthetically. The other is what does it tell me of the photographer. Photography is after all a communication tool, from ourselves to others.
All entries fit the challenge, no issues there.

1. Davidwozhere-Lonely Bell – my immediate question was-What, where, why? Great opening shot, like what you have done here, framing the bell with all the dark sides, to bring out the lonely theme. Nothing to distract the attention from that bell tower, and then the questions arrive. And amazing details there. Fits very well with the song, a lonely window to the soul.
2. Tyronet2000-The beer I had for breakfast – One of 3 that latched onto that theme, which always brings a chuckle and this one adds to the humour. Good lighting here, excellent composition and wonderful details. Add an atmosphere that spells abnormal and lonely, and you have a winner. Like the addition of the serviette, adds a note of formality to the humour. 1664- That is one mighty old beer- would reconsider having another
3. Perspicado- Sunday morning sidewalk in the Park – What, no person in view, or a crowd to admire that beautiful if imposing architecture? Everyone gone into their own little world, to ponder, leaving behind such niceties as social and structural life. Another excellently composed shot, a bit broody which fits the challenge very well.
4. Paulb531-Makes the body feel alone – Loads of resonance here, and can just as easily be interpreted as “distant pair of dreams of yesterday”, and fits the theme so very well. Emotionally charged, with elements of regret, loneliness, pondering on what could have been, and the inescapable feeling of being small in a rather large world of “we-don’t-care. The B/W adds even more to the mood created here. Excellent.
5. I-Berg-Griselda Pass, Flinders Ranges – Fantastic shot, with intriguing perspective and composition. That little shrub or shall we call it a tree is just beautifully poised in this vast landscape. Tones, textures, amazing details and a vanishing horizon all add to a wonderful shot, and fits the theme also very well. Hope you have it hanging on the wall.
6. JudithAnn – Coming down – Phew, an absorbing image, for all the right reasons, and I am “forced” to put aside my prejudice against all things that have height- scared of heights you see, and I would never be found in one of those, and even if my dead body was there, it would surely resurrect. What FABULOUS colours, tones, textures, patterns and oh so sharp. Were you in another balloon? If so, you don’t suffer from the fear of heights. I would be shaking and certainly in need of a beer or two, without any other excuse .
7. Kree- Stroller – Well done, I like this very much, and fits right in with the social aspect of the song. Loads of questions come to my mind. Why is there no one to help? Or a stopping car? Lots of details to explore in this image, the buildings, the marks on the road. Lovely textures in this B/W, one of those images that is only suitable for B/W presentation.
8. GlynM- Swinging in the park - Feel good image, heart-warming and familiar with all of us who are parents and in this case - grandparent. Somewhat opposite to the sentiments of the song- there it is almost careless noting, here it is how it should be-creating a sense that this is the way life should be lived. Love the shadows on this one- warm sunshine on a family enjoying time out! And cannot pass by the look of admiration on the younster’s face for his dad? One for the family album.
9. Simonmac- Lonely city sidewalk – Kudos to the photographer here, what a good eye you have, seizing what was probably a mere moment, and that despite the harsh light handled very well here. Once again, no person in sight, just space, cars and buildings that creates a great feeling of loneliness and abnormality. Where is everybody, they should be enjoying that beautiful light? No EXIF Data? Excellent composition, tones and textures.
10. Normadic-Ninja- another excellent B/W entry, with all the elements of very fine photography- tones, perspective, composure, textures, details and mystery. Where does this lead? I’d be tempted to straighten at least that bottom step, but that would spoil the theme of “stumbled”. One for the wall yes!
11. Dromfit- So I had one more for dessert – LOL, and LOL again. Just what I need for an overcast Monday morning. Excellent, creative humorous photography at its best, never mind the scruples some of us would have at having beer in a bowl, with a spoon to boot! Like your perspective on this one and the retained colour of the beer. And all the other elements of a lazy beer drinker that did not throw the cap into the bin. Nice!
12. Johnriley – Dreams dissipate with the morning mist- Kudos to the photographer here too, good eye to capture what is usually a few fleeting moments. I find capturing mist on a water surface very difficult, so I appreciate what has been accomplished here. It does have a rather dreamy feel to this one, and elements of mystery and fits the theme very well. Light handled very well here, lovely colours and composition.

And onto the podium

1. First place goes to Paulb531-Great emotive and familiar shot.
2. And a very close 2nd spot I-Berg and Nomadic-Ninja.

And happy to give Hm’s to all the rest. This has been rather difficult one to judge.

Over to you Paul.

Thanks for the feedback and well done to the winners! Uncertain why no EXIF but taken with a K5iis and Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5.

Congrats to the winner and podia... and the rest of us!!
Great fun... allowed for creative thinking.
But, Noel, you only have yourself to blame for the difficulty...
giving us a whole song with over twenty subjects!!
It is a pity that more people didn't rise to that challenge...
but you managed to get twelve of those possible subjects...
and no repetition, deviation or hesitation!

I had to eat that beer, spoonful by spoonful...
the shape of the bowl and a rough edge wouldn't have allowed me to pour it into a glass....
an interesting experience... and didn't allow for gulping!!

Well done Noel for the adventurous foray! It's good to stretch a bit.

Congrats to Paul and N-N, also many thanks for my placing.

Good work all!

Many thanks Noel for a different, interesting and well managed competition.

Congratulations to Paul, i-Berg and Nomadic-Ninja for their podium placements and everyone else for their great interpretations.

Glyn

Thanks Noel for an interesting competition and judging - excellent original idea. The song is on my playlist along with me and Bobby McGee - Kris Kristofferson great artist in my opinion. Showing my age now.

Congratulations to I-Berg and Nomadic Ninja. My photo isn't actually B/W it is just taken in poor light and dulls the colour.

I will come up with something tonight.

Regards

Paul

Congratulations to the Winner and other places. Thanks to noelcm for the interesting subject the judging and the comprehensive comments.

That was one to make us all think a bit. Excellent idea!

Thanks to Noelcmn, for the song and judging. Congrats to the winner places and all us Hm's

Well done Paul and thanks to Noel for a thought provoking exercise !