Discuss this Photo

skopar steve

skopar steve

Well-known
Local time
2:10 AM
Joined
Oct 27, 2013
Messages
701
Due to the interest in discussion of photography rather than gear, lets launch a discussion thread.

the rules are:
No critiques.
No gear talk.
Keep it civil.

Lets see how it evolves. Feel free to add how you see these thead's should be.

Open the discussion.

2017-11-24-0002 by Steve Belden, on Flickr
 
Took me a little while to work out what was going on, but once I did :) It was the tag in the background that gave it away 773.
Nice shot, like the grain.
 
Growing up in a very rural agrarian part of Indiana, this brings back memories of the County Fair, where the 4-H members would keep their animals company before they were shown for judging, and then especially before the auction that came at the end of the fair.

I never understood how they could spend all that time raising a beautiful animal, and becoming emotionally attached to it, only to sell it off for steaks and hamburgers.

I'm sure the rest of the herd never got the VIP treatment the show model did, although they all had the same fate.

That's what this photo means to me. It's just a sad situation all around.

PF
 
The photo really captures many conflicted kids at county fairs as their animals are led off for slaughter. As a Vegan who has photographed more county fairs than I care to remember, I've seen a lot of tears at the end of the auction. Never have understood how these kids do it year after year during their youth. Great capture.
 
It's not for everyone

It's not for everyone

Dear Steve,

It a way of life neither shared nor understood by many.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg, PA :)
 
Very authentic and touching moment observed here. I'd be interested in seeing a bit more shadow detail to give more of a visual role to the cows themselves. That would complete the 'relationship'.
 
I really think b/w increase drama of this kind of photos. I'm sure a color one would have less impact.

Regards


Marcelo
 
When I see this image It makes me wish to see the context surrounding it.
It looks like the conclusion of a larger story.
If there are "supporting" images showing a more pulled bak view, those would make this close image even stronger.

Aesthetically, I love the look. Soft grainy tones Capture the moment very nicely.
 
I suppose the 773 tag and the rope around the background cow give some context.

I think this as a parting moment kind of photo.

Marcelo
 
It is a sweet scene, a part of a story that is left unfinished.
I like steak, but it doesn't look like any animals have been harmed in the making of this photo.
 
This is a great moment full of emotion. The use of B&W and the grain adds a sense of drama to the scene.

As viewer I'm drawn to the eye of the little girl and this works well.

Love this photo.

robert
 
Strangely enough I thought of that well known Wellerism that he never said. Other than that I guess it's personal to the photographer; so perhaps we need the story behind it before we get too upset.

Regards, David
 
Here is my take

Here is my take

David Hughes said:
Strangely enough I thought of that well known Wellerism that he never said. Other than that I guess it's personal to the photographer; so perhaps we need the story behind it before we get too upset.

Regards, David
Click to expand...

Dear David,

I took this as a young girl saying goodbye to her cow in an auction barn. Maybe I'm seeing too much but I've seen a similar scene played out before.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg, PA :)
 
4-H came immediately to mind. I've seen a similar scene with the young 4-H people and their charges. Almost a common sight at The County Fair. I make no judgement about the fate of the animals, but I can see the care bestowed by the young 4-H folks.
 
It's interesting that most think they know what's going on here and pretty much have the same perception. My reaction was the same, but reflecting more I can think of a handful of other explanations for her gesture and gaze, some not as sweet as we imagine. Same with the number, which I believe all cows routinely are given at birth.

Whatever the story, it's a delicate moment beautifully expressed. Maybe that's enough to ask of a photograph.

Thanks for inaugurating the discussion, Steve.

John
 
It's all about the content. There's a story here. Love the emotion in this photo Steve. Very moving. BW, tones, grain are all secondary support act.

Would be nice to see this as a series telling the whole story.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom