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ajancso · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 1891 Location: Right Behind You

I am about to submit one of my B&W pictures in a Photographic competition. The theme is "People and their Culture" and I am undecided which of these two I should pick.

Needless to say, this is obviously not for stock.

Which one would you pick and why.

cpaulfell · Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 2430

The second one (IMG_5865 forum.jpg)

I think it depicts more "culture" than the first.

Both very nice photos :)

hhltdave5 · Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 4:41 pm

For the culture aspect I do agree with #2 but as an overall B&W that has some real impact #1 all the way. Great tonal quality to the image.

rinder99 · Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 4:43 pm

ruxpriencdiam · Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 4:57 pm

kenny123 · Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 5:46 pm

#1 For my choice-great mood,#2 too much conflict between subject and background, regards, Ken

ajancso · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 1891 Location: Right Behind You

Thank you guys. I had the same reaction - #2 is a better fit with the Theme, but #1 has more impact.
I guess I am going with #1.

Ken, I agree that there is conflict in #2, but that is exactly what I like about it. The tension between the old man and the face on the poster.

jeffbanke · Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 7:19 pm

I like both, but #1 seems to have some blown areas, #2 seems flat, #1 more dramatic, #2 as the others said more cultural interest and an HDR look to it with more tonal quality, I can see why you had a tough decision.
You have made your choice so it is unimportant which was mine :-)

Mike Price · Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 2919 Location: South Wales

No 2 is the safe option, but number 1 is far more dramatic and stark. both are done well.

Mike

mattgibson · Joined: 11 Nov 2009 Posts: 601 Location: London

For the topic of Culture, #2 says Eastern culture, politics, etc. #1 says old man sitting on a wall - could be anywhere, he's wearing Western style clothing whereas #2 has little clothing, suggesting a culture or community of poverty.

#2 tells a better story and prompts for more questions and time spent looking at it. #1 could be anywhere.

markrhiggins · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 2003 Location: Australia

no 1 for me but maybe more dodging on face?

nadger · Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 259 Location: God only knows

I like them both very much but I'd suggest #2 for the competition as it fits the brief better.
Good Luck

rixie · Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 3433 Location: Hampshire, UK

I'd also go with No 2 to fit the brief.

No 1, whilst a great moody shot, could be anywhere in the world. No 2, gives a definite sense of time and place.

Good luck :)

ajancso · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 1891 Location: Right Behind You

I really appreciate your comments, but you have made the choice even more difficult ...lol.

baz777 · Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 3441 Location: No idea, I'm old!

On pure impact, stand out from the crowd, then no. 1.

No. 2 fits the brief better but has far less impact and may not get noticed so much.