Why has this photo attracted so many views?

rover

rover

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You don't always know if it is a good or bad thing. This is one of my more popular "recent" images at flickr. I don't get it.

3843581189_d2ee8e2358_o.jpg
 
I've seen the same phenomenon here at RFF as well. As good as many picture are, I don't understand why some outstanding pictures have maybe some hundred views, whilst others, not notably more interesting have thousands. Even excluding the nudes.
 
Simple. The 90% of gearheads just shoot "walls of shame" to test their gear. You found the Holy Grail if distortion and sharpenss tester 😀
 
teo said:
Simple. The 90% of gearheads just shoot "walls of shame" to test their gear. You found the Holy Grail if distortion and sharpenss tester 😀
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Now that is funny. I will no longer consider any lens test unless it is shot in Winchester, Virginia.:angel:
 
Mackinaw said:
I'm more curious as to why you took this picture. What caught your eye?

Jim B.
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Converging lines into infinity. I agree looking at it the alley is too clean, it needs more clutter to make it interesting. I needed to take a step to the right to make the perspective truly centered. Also the bit of "place" at the end of the tunnel. I knew the highlights were blown but thought there may be a point of interest if that could be used to exaggerate what was there.

I did have a lot of ideas, but the execution in my opinion doesn't work so well.
 
I'd suggest it maybe has something to do with how images look as thumbnails or at least downsized so that details aren't clear. In these situations, photos with strong lines and simlpe geometery tend to catch the eye. Plus I think there's a 'what's at the end of the tunnel?' effect going on...step into the light...
 
it has a strong if central line to it, I think the eye is concentrated enough by the repeating and converging lines to stop it drifting up the frame into the blown bit, as I’d have expected.
there’s also a number of different patterns going on in the brick and a Gestalt repetitions with the windows and drainpipes, all stuff humans like.
then there’s the lack of subject thing ... sort of good composition+lack of subject=enigmatic photo
 
Vertical

Vertical

For a long time I think trying first vertical composition is a clever habit. This picture is a fine sample.
 
Robin Harrison said:
I'd suggest it maybe has something to do with how images look as thumbnails or at least downsized so that details aren't clear. In these situations, photos with strong lines and simlpe geometery tend to catch the eye. Plus I think there's a 'what's at the end of the tunnel?' effect going on...step into the light...
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Good point.

I have loads of images that I think are at least half decent that get far fewer views than some, IMO less interesting, shots I've taken. However looking through the gallery myself I find that I'm attracted to those images that make an impression at the thumbnail level rather than double click on those that have no immediate appeal. I rather suppose its simply a time/filtering issue. I will tend to 'blindly' click on a thumbnail from someone whose images I tend to enjoy or those that challenge...otherwise I'm afraid all too much may pass me by.

ROVER - Did you get many comments on the image or just views?
 
Does anyone know the if Flickr pics are more likely to get hits from browsers or from searchers, since tags are key for the latter?
 
Maybe it is just a matter of curiousity... lots of people wondering why the heck someone would post such an image. 😀
 
Robin Harrison said:
I'd suggest it maybe has something to do with how images look as thumbnails or at least downsized so that details aren't clear. In these situations, photos with strong lines and simlpe geometery tend to catch the eye. Plus I think there's a 'what's at the end of the tunnel?' effect going on...step into the light...
Click to expand...


I have to agree with Robin...I have clicked on a thumbnail because it looked interesting only ro be disappointed at the actual photo...
I would have taken this shot too if I happened across it...as a photographer something about all those lines just screams "Shoot Me"...and I have no problem with how clean the alley is...
 
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