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No.7 by Andy Prokh

photo.net Elves , Jan 10, 2012; 01:45 a.m.

This photograph was chosen because the Elves think it is interesting and worthy of discussion. When participating in the Photograph of the Week forum, please offer a critique of the photo -- address its strengths, its weaknesses.

No.7
Photograph by Andy Prokh

Responses


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Patrick Hudepohl , Jan 10, 2012; 01:46 a.m.

Please note the following:

  • This image has been selected for discussion. It is not necessarily the "best" picture the Elves have seen this week, nor is it a contest.
  • Discussion of photo.net policy, including the choice of Photograph of the Week should not take place here, but in the Help & Questions Forum.
  • The About Photograph of the Week page tells you more about this feature of photo.net.
  • Before writing a contribution to this thread, please consider our reason for having this forum: to help people learn about photography. Visitors have browsed the gallery, found a few striking images and want to know things like why is it a good picture, why does it work? Or, indeed, why doesn't it work, or how could it be improved? Try to answer such questions with your contribution.

ya dong , Jan 10, 2012; 02:24 a.m.

It's nice. I like it.

Michael Seewald , Jan 10, 2012; 04:24 a.m.

It's definitely a WOW, that kid's expression is priceless, and the exposure is right on. The detail of the kids feet really help (interest), and even the veins in the adult's arms help make it interesting (great leading lines towards the kid too). The light colored flesh against the dark backdrop really make it pop all the more. Overall balance is perfect, and for me that's a big plus, most folks have problems in this department. A triangular composition for good eye movement.

I feel a nervous smile inside me; the kid is in awe, and me with him after seeing his eyes and mouth, which says a lot- and will the thrower catch this little one, whom completely has no control of the answer? We say they must, arms are looking ready enough.

This is the kind of image that wins major awards in international photo competitions (hint hint- money is usually awarded WITH the ribbons, and sales can come in too).

Welcome to P/N, love your other pieces too, for the most part, almost as much as this. The others, not this one, it's different, remind me of another E. European artist's style, forget his name. Made most of his work in his basement, setups also with old walls/models. His were more edgey, yours are more 'fun'. Love textures myself so I'm drawn to them.

Michael Seewald , Jan 10, 2012; 04:50 a.m.

Oh yeah, Jan Saudek is who I was thinking of. Here is a sample;
http://photoslaves.com/wp-content/gallery/jan-saudek/78-02.jpg
Most more edgier than this, and more than I remembered after searching and viewing.
Probably the inspiration for Peter Joel Witkin is what I'm now thinking- but let's not get too far off track.

Ken Thalheimer , Jan 10, 2012; 07:54 a.m.

Nice. I like it. The lighting is good on the child and waiting arms. Great expression & caught at the peak of action which is important

Alex Shishin , Jan 10, 2012; 08:38 a.m.

The lighting and everything else is nicely done. This is a studio shot. The kid is not being thrown up in the air (thank heavens) but standing and looking up at the camera overhead. Very clever.

This is a novelty shot. For me the novelty wore off after five seconds, about it took me to get how this shot was made.

It is a damn funny shot after the novelty wears off because it is so obviously staged. You have to laugh because this photograph is meant to be a joke. A photographic April Fools.

Can you imagine what the child would be like if the "waiting arms" kept throwing the child up until the photographer got it right? The kid would be screaming a scream ordinarily reserved for long distance jetliner flights. There would be arrests for child abuse.
Okay, this is pictorialist silliness, but thumbs up for this POW for all the people it fooled.

Mickey Anderson , Jan 10, 2012; 11:58 a.m.

Not that there's a competition here, but the Elves have picked a winner!! Definitely a studio shot, but definitely well done! Love the eyes, the lighting, even the color of the carpet accentuates the flesh tones. Nicely done! Regards.

Arthur Plumpton , Jan 10, 2012; 12:40 p.m.

Not much to add, as Alex's fine eye revealed the background to making this image and I agree that it has a novelty value. Perhaps it is even a bit too perfect in composition, lighting and color. The late East European photographer Martin Muncasi's beautiful human action photos come to mind, wherein technical perfection is made second to emotion. I congratulate the photographer for his originality and wonder at the same time if he tried some images wherein some blur was purposely created in either the little fellows arms or in those of the "thrower". That would have given it a different quality I think.

Mike Morrell , Jan 10, 2012; 12:43 p.m.

Yes, it's a well-staged and well-executed shot that I immediately liked even before I'd realised how it had been staged. When I did realise how it had been done, it brought a new smile to my face. A clever illusion! I like how the child's feet look like little angel wings.
Mike


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