Here are my comments. Sorry I’m a little late, I was stranded on the East Coast in the snow, with little access to the internet.
Gabriel:
I often don’t care for portraits taken “from the back” but this one is an exception. Two pretty ladies, enough visible of the face of the left one, and enough blur of the right one to imagine a lifely conversation. The kind of conversation I could watch being alone in a restaurant. Hearing their sound, ignoring what is being said, just watching the two. Nice mood; you hide yourself niceley from the picture – very little influence of the observer on the observed …. Technically tricky, too, with the highlights in the background, and the dark foreground, you managed perfect exposure of the girls faces. The only thing that bothers me is that the right girl reminds me of Michael Jackson 🙂
Lawrence:
Typical bar/pool, single scene. What stands out of the picture, in my opinion, is the crisp resolution of the many details in the room: of course I look at the girl first, than the guy – with his pool hat, he seems to be an experienced shooter – or he is just showing off to her. Then I wander around, look at the dirt on the ground, the boxes against the wall, the white board. These details really keep me busy. Very nice.
Michael:
More of a documentary shot of an event. As a photo not as telling as the previous ones – but if you show it to the participants, they will like it, I'm sure. Lots of movement, not sure if the guitar guy is actually singing with the girl or trying to pick her up … It bothers me a bit that the light on his face is blown out – he is, for me, the center of the picture and I’m trying to figure out what he is doing. Could be a problem with the scan – if the negative allows you, I would try to dodge his face a bit.
Raid:
This must be the typical perspective of a cook in a smaller restaurant (or at home) watching on his guests. The focus on the kitchen tools, the blur of the eaters creates a distance between the observer and the dining room(s). The window in between and reflections amplify this. I’ve felt myself like this cooking for guests more than once. I’m busy, and occasionally check that everybody is having a good time, but feel remote from the group. Nice memories …
Vince:
Besides being another interpretation of the theme, this is a truly outstanding photo. I like it very much, one of the best photos I have seen on RFF. An introverted look at oneself at a bar, after a hard day, obviously. Smoke and cheap liquor; alone. I keep coming back to this, for me existentialist portrait.
I really like that the 5 pictures show the thread theme from 5 very different perspectives. Portrait vs. documentation vs. philosphy. Great stuff. Thank you all for participating and letting me play the guest.
