Weekly #801 - 'People at work' Competition

Weekly competition #801 'People at work'

Wheel tapper by garethjmorgan
A powerful image to kick off this week's competition. The use of the loco engineer's blow torch as the light source is very effective in picking out detail in the engine's driving wheel and, importantly, illuminating concentration in the man's face. The secondary light source is the workman's lamp. bottom left corner, adding detail to what otherwise might have been a very dark and featureless area. The remaining left part of the picture is very dark but there is just a subtle hint of detail best viewed in a darkened room.
Men at work by Sue Riley
Preparations for some sort of air display? The public hasn't yet arrived but these guys are busy getting ready for them. I like the way the yellow of the fork lift truck on th left is echoed by the yellow of the guy's safety hat on the right. The all important fighter jet in the background completes the scene. I like the detail in the heavy looking sky, hope it stayed dry for the big event.
Photographer at work by Nigelk
Lovely colour in this dawn or sunset shot. Its a well balanced picture with the silhouetted photographer and rocks tinged with a hint of reflected light on the right providing counterpoint to the lovely seascape, centre and right.
Vacuuming by davidwozhere
A study in concentration at work by David which illustrates the skill and knowledge demanded in even the most routine of jobs. Digging and drilling your way through hard packed ground and power cables to reach a gas main requires a degree of dedication well captured in this detailed photo.
Grand dad's sausages by John Riley
Looks like a lot of fun, I wonder if this was from one of the organised events they support or just a regular stall set up to catch passing trade. The detail is very good and the guys, none of whom look old enough to be a grandad are full of character. It makes a beatifully captured and well composed photograph.
So easy by Flan
It certainly looks easy if the stance of the operator is anything to go by. He couldn't be more relaxed. The heavy duty machinery tells a different story though, there's some serious work going on here. As in the photo by davidwozhere the skill and experience involved is obvious.
I just need you to paint a wall by RayW
A massive task for someone to complete but there's no evidence of anyone there to do it. Tea break maybe. Its a good idea which hasn't come off due to the contrasty lighting with highlights and deep shadows. The jumble of buildings makes organising the composition difficult.
Animal husbandry by Perspicador
No person is fully revealed here though evidence of their presence is obvious due to their hand and flow of red hair. The pig is the star character and seems to appreciate the gentle pat on the head. The lighting had been difficult with some dark shadow areas and burned highlights in the person's hand.
Time to go fishing by Retsoor
A good colourful picture of an every day scene in fishing villages everywhere. Looks like a long shot but it would have more impact if the fishermen had been more dominant in the frame.Was it possible to move in closer?

Cannage Travail familial - Caning - Family work by FrancsisBD
A delightful picture of a man and wife at work in a family business many years ago and they are really concentrating on the job in hand. Shot on an MX - I used to love my MX - and from the original we see a competent digital copy.

Not for fearers of heights by Noelcmn
This is a cracker. It defies conventional rules of composition (in particular on the use of placing the subject on the intersection of the thirds ), but it really works and is a graphic and dramatic image. The title is good too and shows Noel has a sense of humour.
Results:
1 Wheel tapper by garethjmorgan
2 Not for fearers of heights by Noelcmn
3 Photographer at work by Nigelk

Nice round up DavidTrout and a hearty congrats to GarethjMorgan for the winning photograph that everyone in essence, had to catch up with, well done to the runners up as it was a difficult one to peg back.
Best of luck, Flan

Excellent choix ! C' est aussi ma photo préférée.
Bravo Gareth !
Félicitation également à Noelcmn et Nigelk

Excellent choice ! It's also my favorite photo.
Well done Gareth! Congratulations also to Noelcmn and Nigelk

Thanks for the win David - a good topic and I enjoyed looking at the submissions this week. Also thanks to Flan and Francisbd for their kind words.

What a cracking winning shot that was, and agree with Flan, knew that was the one to beat in this challenge. The light on his face is pure magic! Worthy winner. Congrats Garethjmorgan. And extended to my fellow podia placed Nigelk. Thanks for the coveted 2nd spot, and your kind comments davidtrout! Now I am glad I chose that one, I have so many others I could have chosen. Great subject, super C&C's. Much appreciated.

Thanks David a good competition and judging. I agree a tighter crop would have improved the photo. Congratulations to Gareth, a winner as soon as I saw it. Well done also to Noel and Nigel.