Photographer's Request for Critique
--Pearce Darnell
" Head above Water "
warm regards and comments are welcome!!
Haleh Bryan 
, February 20, 2006; 04:37 P.M.
If it was only the head that was above the water I could follow the story but hands are ruining it for me.
Paulo Pampolin 
, February 22, 2006; 05:04 P.M.
I would love to see this "painting" on my lounge wall. When i look to a work as this one, i see i don?t know nothing about picture, and i started 10 years ago. Congrats
Beepy . 
, February 22, 2006; 05:07 P.M.
Well, now Haleh has me going. The bit of hair showing at the top of the forehead detracts from the image I think... Interesting composition otherwise.
Haleh Bryan , February 22, 2006; 09:39 P.M.
Beepy
I always pay close attention to the title and its connection to the composition. With the title being "Head above water" all I want to see is the head being above water and make up the rest of the story from the photographer's point of view from there on. I am really interested to hear Pearce's thoughts.
Pearce Darnell 
, February 22, 2006; 10:53 P.M.
The title has to do with a period of my life. My recent diagnosis of Bi-polar disorder comes into play. I photographed this,on a week, that I was suicidal.I felt as if I was taking my last breath. Does that help you understand. I'm revealing my personnal life--for the political correct title--- for your pleasure. Happy now !!!
Haleh Bryan , February 23, 2006; 11:29 A.M.
Pearce
I am sorry to hear that. I am not happy at all to hear about your mental anguish. I hope you are feeling better now.
Kim Slonaker , February 24, 2006; 08:03 P.M.
To me, the hands are trying to provide balance and keep the "head above water", so it makes sense to me. Love the tones and composition.
cyrus K , February 25, 2006; 01:17 P.M.
I truly think the hands are making this image for me, they are helping the composition and help tell the story. Without the presence of the hands, it would have been another psychedelic gaze at the ceiling, still fine but not powerful enough and not as powerful if the fists were closed.or the hands were skewed. This image, taken from this perspective and presented the way it has been, suggests a total surrender and an ultimate state of helplessness, weakness and defeat. This represent a moment when your whole life gets fast forwarded in your mind in just seconds while you are stunned by uncertainty and feel all on your own while trying to ballance and lift yourself up!
It did really bring a lump in my throat! Well done, 100/100 !
