Weekly #809 - Headwear Competition

It's all around my hat! by drofmit. A bright and breezy image with a title that references the theme. Brings back fond memories of going to see Steeleye Span back in the day (although I believe they are still going!). Back to the image – I really like the position of the hat and the splash of colour all around it. The band (Frog Chorus? ) keeps the musical theme going and makes for a fun and engaging image.

Top Knot by Perspicador. It’s a while since I had enough hair to carry off a top knot – not sure it would have suited me anyway! An interested interpretation of the theme and an interesting view on the subject. The intricacies and patterns of the hair are well caught – would it have been a stronger image with the whole of the head in shot?

I’ll get my coat by pipinmels Another humorous image – must admit I had to look up what Fasnacht is. The hat and glasses – both of which can be worn on the head - are well caught and fill the frame nicely. The image is well composed and the colours go well together – a good interpretation of the theme.

Head Case? By davidtrout An interesting character in an interesting outfit. The helmet is spectacular and is well exposed – it would have been easy to get flare with the shinier areas. The tight crop works well here – but it is the eyes that make this picture for me – great engagement between photographer and subject.

Vampire headdress by sueriley. Another imposing character who has gone to great lengths to create this look. Exposure is spot on and I think the positioning in the frame is just about perfect _ I know some of the feather on the top of the headdress have been lost but we have enough to tell the story and it strengthens the main part of the image ie the face. Good engagement with the subject here as well.

My mate Barry by Takuman. I don’t know about holding your glass – it looks like Barry has had a sip or two himself. Another humorous image – the hat sits well – on his head and in the frame. Well exposed study of Barry.

Girls just want to have fun! By Noelcmn If this image doesn’t make you smile I don’t know what will. Perfectly captures the joy that “small” things can bring. Image is well composed and exposed and the engagement with the subjects is clear to see – a lovely shot

Cornish pirates by retsoor Arrgh Jim lad – shiver me timbers. Nice group portrait – interesting set of characters with a good range of matching headwear. They seem to have been distracted by something off to the side – good image but would have been even stronger if they were looking at the camera.

Hats handy in the Rain by Flan. Good monochrome study 0f this bagpipe band – The image seems to capture both the movement and the music of the band – the concentration in their faces is clear. The headwear is perhaps a little incidental in this image as the musicians and their instruments are the main focus.

Jessica Haylock by John Riley – this image is carried by the strong colours it contains which manage to convey a sense of power and speed (even though the boat isn’t actually moving). Obviously taken in strong sunlight the exposure is well handled – no burn out on the brighter parts and good detail in Jessica’s face. I think the fact that she is facing out of frame actually works in this case – gives the image a more dynamic feel.

Picking the winner has been tough again this week – but based on my emotional reaction to the image – I’m going for “Girls just want to have fun” by Noelcmn.

Top three are –
1. Girls just want to have fun” by Noelcmn
2. Head Case? By Davidtrout
3. Vampire headdress by sueriley.

Well done Noelcmn, and an image that contains so much joy, congrats too, to the runners up for such good photography in every sense. Thanks also to the host GarethMorgan for his insightful comments and critique

So nice that those kids are still bringing me joy, even after I have stopped working with them at the end of 2021. Miss them a lot. The one in the white hat has since left the Orphanage, having completed her school education career, and is currently at University. The other is in her last year at the Orphanage and her school career. (A note on the legal aspects -By law Orhaphanges can only keep children up to the age of 18 -or until they finish their school career in the year of their 18th birthday) Thank you for the win, once again surprising, I thought Davidtrout's image had it in the bag, its loaded with interest and documentary. So Congratulations are in order to Davidtrout and sueriley. Thanks to Gareth for the challenge, judging and C&C's. As always, much appreciated. The new challenge will be up and running shortly.

Thanks for a the subject Gareth - it attracted some good entries - and your swift and incisive judging. Well done to Noel whose winning picture oozes with joy and Sue with another fun portrait on their podium places and thanks for my 2nd place.
David

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PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

Thanks to Gareth for the competition, prompt judging and good comments. Congratulations to Noel-a lovely photo, and to David and Sue.
I was unable to view I'll get my coat by pipinmels, did anyone else have the same problem?.

Strange - this image appears to have disappeared from the gallery!!!?? It was a nice shot of a straw hat with "stars and Stripes " sunglasses sat on a flag or cloth of some sort.

Can't see that image either. Very mysterious....

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Best regards, John