Weekly #587 - In a rush Competition

Weekly competition #587 In A Hurry
Not a big entry this week but that seems to be the trend of late. I've enjoyed the various interpretations of the subject, many of which have portayed crowds in general scenes of hustle and bustle while others have identified individual examples.
Many thanks for your participation in this competition.

Christmas Crush by Perspicador
A nice colourful start to this week's competition with this busy street scene which perfectly captures the sense of haste and urgency during Christmas shopping. Compositional purists might argue that the image needs a focal point on which the eye can focus but I disagree. This picture is one of those that legitably breaks the rigid rules of photography to tell a story...and gets away with it because the seemingly untidy heaving crowd emphasises the message of 'crush.'

Man in a hurry by John Riley
What fun. Its a great depiction image of a man running frantically, like a barister late for court, tie blowing up, coat tails flying and.... joy...hair standing on end. What a fine illustration of a street performer acting like a man in a rush. Fits the bill ideally for this week's topic giving a good impression of haste.

In the lead or catching up by Tyronet2000
A fine bit of panning Stan. The backrop is just perfect, a simple seafront railing and non-intusive details beyond it, such as the blurred boulders and featureless streaky sand. The triathlete's blurred feet complete the sense of speed.

The wartime commute by JAK
During the 1939-1945 war the railways were essential in transporting huge quantities of additional freight and passengers, including troops coming home on leave or heading back to the conflict. Stations were chaotic and overcrowded. Now 1940s re-enactment days reflect this and allow photographers to document scenes like this. I like the letter box crop, it emphasises the action. JAK has done the business on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway with this wonderful period scene.

Making a Splash by Paulb531
Paul's superb action fits the theme well, capturing as it does, the wonderful bow waves carved by the speeding car as it ploughs through what is presumably a ford or flood water. Is the driver rushing to a romantic date or dashing back home becasue he thinks he's left the chip pan on?
Whatever the back story, it ideally illustrates a sense of 'rush' and is a wonderful addition to this week's competition.

Heading to the fair by Nigelk
I like the 'atmosphere' of this image with its warm street lights and ghostly figures.
I think the people are strolling rather than hurrying but the 1.6 sec exposure gives the right effect and makes a delightful shot.

Charles Bridge tourist hordes by Abe-normal
A solid mass of humanity but is it rushing anywhere fast? The crowd seems to be log jammed on this world famous bridge, This picture seems to be as much about the historical view as about the the crowds in it. Pity I've never been to Prague, would love to go...perhaps some day.
I appeciate some quality may have been lost due to the resizing process

No time for the cafe by Noelcmn
A nice street grab shot demonstrating juxtaposition between the pedestrian and the statue. The poor guy seems completely pre-occupied - pressure of work perhaps? Not in any particular rush to get anywhere though.

Food on the go by smudge
Busy street scenes have been poplular in this competition and now Philip offers his colourful version with a welcome late entry featuring fast food. The two people in the foreground look like they haven't eaten for some time and are wolfing down their food as indeed they should in a competition requiring haste. The guy on the extreme left looks a little more relaxed however. Perhaps its his job to sweep up at the end of the day.

The winners:
1 John Riley for his hilarious street scene.
2 Paulb532 for his great action shot of a car speeding through water
=3 Tyronet for his expertly panned picture of an athlete and JAK for his expertly done retro wartime scene.

Plus commendations to everyone else for an interesting selection of pictures.
David

Congratulations to a Worthy Winner and other placings. Thanks to David for the interesting subject the judging and the comprehensive comments also for awarding Paulb532, and myself along with JAK a place on the podium.

That image had me laughing too, i'd rather be seen dead with my hair like that! Wonderful street shot, and knew that it would be a difficult one to beat, and also thought that Paulb531 was in contention. Congratulations to you both, and of course Tyronet2000 and JAK. Super challenge, and thanks due to Davidtrout for comments and critiques. As always much appreciated.

I'll not argue about the winning shots. Man in a Hurry is just great and bang on theme.

Thank you! And well done all!

Great winning shot fits the theme perfectly. Many thanks to David for an expert and speedy judging and appraisal. Thanks for the second place.

Regards

Paul

Well done to the winner and other podium places. Thanks to David for quick judging and comments.