Photo Challenge 2 – Submission
November 17, 2008 by rockportrait
I’m really pleased with the “submissions” for this fortnight’s challenge. All four photographs are very well thought out, technically and conceptually interesting, and once again show four very distinct photographic styles.
Steve’s submission:
My thoughts: Shot on my Canon 30D at 55mm, ISO 100, F8 & for 1/2 a second, this is a natural light image with some Lightroom and Photoshop treatment. I solarised a copy in Lightroom then layered the result onto the source image and painted back most of the original detail. I love the effect this has on the shadows, turning them into what could be a power lead, and giving the previously dull laptop text some futuristic personality.
Regarding the concept – originally I wanted to shoot myself on all fours with the laptop on my back, but realised that was far too obvious (and I was too shy). I like this idea better. It doesn’t necessarily reflect my own personal opinion on the often unhealthy relationship between computer and geek, but it does raise questions about who controls who, and by what means. Perhaps you might ask those same questions about human to human relationships. Those stilleto boots could assist you in your analysis. This photo is intended to be completely open to your interpretation. Now please discuss it amongst yourselves and let me get back to my computer. Thank you.
PS – This arrived in my mailbox today. China classes Web addiction as clinical disorder. Personally, I think not being plugged in and wired up is the real clinical disorder! Phone calls and actual human contact are so 20th Century, people! Get with the program!
Mat’s submission:
My thoughts: I was hoping to see something like this from Mat. He’s a creative guy and I like it when he puts his creativity into action. The only one of us to present an image directly referencing the sexual definition of the word, he is also the only one I would have put my money on to do so. His chosen digital treatment enhances and perhaps sanitises what could have been an uncomfortably personal photograph (at least for me). I like that I can choose which of the four versions works for me, although in the end I’ve decided that all four are inseparable, working together to present a lovely textured aesthetic. Andy Warhol might have created something this interesting with a bit more practice and a mentor with good taste. Unlike Andy’s rudimentary creations, this could actually hang on my wall.
Mat says: Here’s my submission for Submission. Which kinda means I could send in anything and it would fit the theme because it’s a submission, but I went for the sub part of the mission and here’s the result.
The most fun part of this shoot was getting to tie my girlfriend up in her lingerie, because it was for an artistic challenge. At least that’s what I told her. I fiddled with the final shot in Paintshop Pro to add a frame and some arty textures and then merged four of the best results together.
Joepi’s submission:
My thoughts: This shot scares the crap out of me, and I think it fits the brief very well. Great use of lateral thinking by Joepi. The look on the guy’s face is priceless, and from this distance even she looks rather hesitant. I think for one moment they’ve forgotten the modern submission associated with marriage (he submits his credit card, and she submits her domestic abilities) and are truly submitting to the all powerful Him who must be obeyed. Either that or the guy is actually one of the Reception Centre waiters who was called in to replace the groom at the last minute when he scampered. Hmmm – looking at the clothes he’s wearing I’m going with that option.
Joepi says: Submission is spelled in three ways in this photo. One would be the obvious submission of the couple to each other. The other is the couple submitting to the looming figure of the pastor as he lays down the foundations of their marriage. And lastly to the commitments the pastor is asking them to verbalize through that microphone to make their submission public.
Canon 400 D
Focal Length 18.0 mm
Exposure: 1/30
Aperture F/4.5
ISO 1600
Edited in Picasa
Ken’s submission:
My thoughts: You may not be able to read the fine print down the bottom, so in summary Ken has provided five dictionary definitions of the term “submission”, and chosen to present the first, “Yielding, or readiness to yield”. At first glance I thought this was an accident waiting to happen, and apparently it almost was. However, Ken explained he used multiple exposures to drive (Get it? “Drive” ha ha – hmmmm, why is it so quiet in here?) his interpretation of the theme home. One thing is for sure, Aussies don’t seem to be able to understand roundabouts and the simple rules governing their use. And I imagine many Aussies think yield is how you describe this year’s wheat crop.
Ken says: This was a little more challenging as i wanted to think as far out of the box as possible. You may recognise the intersection on Boardwalk Blvd. I shot this intersection with the Tokina 12-24 at f22 and 1/13th second (iso 100). It is amazing how many times i experience the failure to yield at this intersection…!
Oh, I almost forgot to mention the next challenge details. Just had a thought – doing it this way will test how many of you read right to the bottom of the post.
Next fortnight we shall try a nice easy theme – “blue”. Inspired of course by the undeniably mighty Blues who are about ready to reclaim the position of AFL dominance they so rightly deserve.
Photos due by Sunday 30th November, please.
Hello again boys! (Steve stop laughing) Great set!! It was quite a challenge for me to select which path to take on “submission.” Obvious and initial thoughts go down the images of bondage which Matt was “brave” enough to cover. My second thought was actually very similar to Ken’s as I thought about the subject while sitting in Manila traffic. Steve’s I have to say didn’t really cross my mind, except maybe to the aspect of submission as one succumbs to the things they enjoy doing most and often you forget who controls who in these situations. I also liked the way the photos were edited to further explain and highlight the meaning of their photographs. Looking forward to the next photo challenge!
G’day folks.
I’m enjoying this challenge – it’s a great way to get me to actually think about photography instead of just wandering around with a camera shooting whatever I see.
Steve’s shot provides a little too much to think about for my simple brain. There’s lots to look at and I can’t work out whether to focus on the laptop screen, the boots, the freaky shadows at the back or the metal frame of the stool.
I love the framing of Joepi’s shot. It’s an unusual angle with the pastor in the top right and the newly marred couple in the bottom left creating a very strong connecting diagonal.
I love the minimal use in colour in Ken’s shot. Just the red from the lens flare and the sign – how do you do that, Ken? And again great use of diagonals this time driving our view to where the action is, or is about to be.