Racism...Check-mate!

I was walking in Philadelphia when I noticed this odd pairing of chess players. One looks like he just came from work and the other from the south side. What do you think?

Visually I wish they had changed their positions: the guy in white on the right of the photo and the guy in black on the left. Reason being then the guy in black would have a lighter color background and the guy in white would have a darker background, making them both easier to see. Now right the black folk's face and his shirt is kind of merged with the tree in the background.

As for the word "Racism" in the title, I guess there's something in Phili that I don't know about then. Where I am, what's the big deal about two folks with different ethnic backgrounds playing chess with each other?

I think this is very good. The composition and B&W processing is very good.

Nice catch!

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Originally Posted by AgingEyes

As for the word "Racism" in the title, I guess there's something in Phili that I don't know about then. Where I am, what's the big deal about two folks with different ethnic backgrounds playing chess with each other?

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I think you'd have to live in the Philadelphia area for a while to understand the dynamic behind the title (I grew up in the farm land NW of the city). There was a lot of racism in that city in the past and a lot of very controversial local history the may not have made the national news - Mayors Frank Rizzo & Wilson Goode, the MOVE compound, race riots, etc. This shot shows the city has come a LONG LONG way since the 70's and 80's

Thank you for your critique AgingEyes. I also wish that there orientation was reversed from left to right but I just shot what I saw.. It wasn't set up so it is what it is.

As for the comments on my title, jetrim is right as to my reason for the title was to point out how far Philly has come from its more divided days.

-Dave

Agree with Greg - well framed and finished nicely.

Tuna

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Originally Posted by Dave_2_@hotmail.com

It wasn't set up so it is what it is.

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I knew that.

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As for the comments on my title, jetrim is right as to my reason for the title was to point out how far Philly has come from its more divided days.

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I'm sure I would have been able to appreciate your shot more if I have known about the background of it.

Personally, I believe some photos work better with captions. But it could just be me :)

Thanks for sharing, Dave !

And thank you jetrim for the info !

Fantastic shot. The body language of the pair, the seated positions, especially of the guy in white shirt is top notch and I, love the view we have of the chess pieces.

I don't like the title but that neither here nor there. There's no need to draw attention to such matters. The photograph does the talking, well actually it shouts.

Am I the only one that is bothered by the cable comming from under the caucasian? What is it attached too? If he looses does he get 40KV shock? Perhaps cloning it out is in order.

Other than that its a beautiful image and does not need a caption for me.

Roger R.

Neat shot. I can't see many ways to make it better ... add a little space above their heads, less artifacts around their bodies (sharpening or JPG compression?). Perhaps the white fellow having the black pieces and vice versa instead ? :D

G

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Originally Posted by readingr

Am I the only one that is bothered by the cable comming from under the caucasian? What is it attached too? If he looses does he get 40KV shock? Perhaps cloning it out is in order.

Other than that its a beautiful image and does not need a caption for me.

Roger R.

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Looks more like a dog leash to me, but yes I agree I would clone it out also.

great shot!

Dave,

Really nice capture and a good eye to have spotted the photographic value of the moment. I also think you are correct that a switch of the two would have allowed for better contrast.

Well done.

David

Here are two other shots from that day.. And yes the leash that ran in front of the wall in the picture was from a dog, as is shown in the vertical image. Thank you all for your comments I hate cloning the leash out cause I'm kind of a purist but if it takes away from the shot then I might consider a revised version.

-Dave P.S. I am getting my 7D tomorrow and I have a volleyball and soccer match for clients and can't wait to try out this new AF system

I feel I can not add more to what has already been said.

I thinks it works good.

Excellent.