Yokosuka Mike
Abstract Clarity
Better get that kickstand up and stowed or he will do a ground loop.
I considered digitally removing it (the kickstand) because I had a feeling people would jump on that instead of looking at the photograph as a black & white street picture. I mean I saw the rider drinking coffee with a friend and then I could tell he was getting ready to leave. So, I positioned myself up the street a little way and patiently waited for the rider to finish his coffee, start his bike and head my way. As he approached I took the picture. This is one of the ways that I make images, I anticipate, prepare, and execute; it takes vision and patients.
Afterwards, when I was looking at the image on my PC I quickly noticed the kickstand and I knew that people would make an issue of it and not look at what was involved in creating the image. I could have altered the picture in post to eliminate the kickstand but I have an aversion to doctoring pictures. I do have 3 exceptions for digitally removing things from an image. (1) if a person in my picture is wearing a nametag or badge with their name on it (and other personnel information) I will remove that information from the nametag. (2) I’ll remove dust bunnies caused by a dirty sensor or lens, and (3) I’ll remove minor trash from say an otherwise pristine beach.
So, other than my 3 exceptions I let the chips fall where they may and hope that people look at the picture as well as thinking about what went into creating it.
All the best,
Mike