Two monos

[Didache]

Hi all

Two monos which I am preparing for my club's annual monochrome competition (we have lots of competitions, but only one specifically mono one) ....

The first is Jesse Jackson. I took it a couple of years ago, but never got around to working it up into something interesting.

The second, Le Temps Viendra (The Time Will Come) is a little more artsy

Both print up very well.

Any comments would be very welcome

Cheers
Mike

[Frog]

The first one is ok but I really like that second one, Mike.
Can't think of any negatives.

And where the heck you been anyway?
Really been missing you and your work.

[Greg McCary]

I like the first one but am not sure about the processing on the second one. Maybe personal taste. I think I would like to see a little color in it.

[Alexandre da Veiga]

I agree with Greg.
I am not feeling the 2nd and the 1st would have a greater impact if the speaker were a bit lower. Nonetheless, I like it

[Liz]

Mike,

I really like what you did with both of these shots - each one is unique. I like the composition - and especially the lighting on the first ...I can't see anything I would change or improve.

The 2nd one is awesome! I've viewed it a few times and each time I see more in it. I love the composition - and viewing the framed image on the wall puts my imagination to work wondering what the girl is thinking as she looks at the image. I would hang it up on a wall. It is worthy of publication IMO! You can send it to me if you want! Just kidding.

Liz

[hminx]

IMO that second shot is a stunner Mike, seem to have a Shakespearian aspect to it and I can't think of anything I'd want changed.

[Didache]

Thanks everyone. I am not a mono specialist, so your comments are especially encouraging.

I took the first a couple of years ago at an event in London at which Jesse Jackson was speaking. There was an upper gallery in the hall which went all the way around, so I was able to photograph him from just about any angle. I think I must have been on about 250mm with the camera steadied on a rail. It was the rim lighting on him which I liked. The spot-light is photoshopped in to fill what was a rather empty part of the frame.

The second refers to Anne Boleyn (second wife of Henry VIII). She owned a prayer book in which she had written Le temps viendra (The time will come) - one of the very few examples of her handwriting. She is looking at me through a mirror (which is why the 'B' on her necklace is reversed. I sepia toned it a little.

The competition is next Monday (June 18th) so we will see what the judge makes of them!

Cheers
Mike

ps - hi frog

[LeeIs]

I love the 2nd one. Really well done. Just a tad noisy, but great concept and execution. I don't mind the 1st one also, It's pretty good. It's a very good podium shot, though, I wish the person's face was more profile so we can see what he looks like. #2 is really well done.

[armando_m]

I see why you liked the rim of light in #1, it looks spectacular, good idea to clone in the light

#2, looks like a painting, not like a photo ... image is ok , but I prefer the 1st one

[Ridgetop]

First one only keeps my attention for a second. There's just not enough to draw me into the picture in any way. Second picture kept me looking and examining it. Both are good though.

[Bobintx]

Definitely the second one!

[Didache]

Thanks again guys. I guess the second image is what we in the UK call a 'Marmite picture' after a food product which everyone either loves or hates!

Anyway, I had to print it off ready for the competition - I have taken much of the noise out and added some vignetting. The final version is below.

Cheers
Mike

[Liz]

Looks great, Mike.

Are you also submitting the first image?

Keep us updated!

Liz

[Frog]

I like how it looks like she is looking in a mirror but isn't.

[Didache]

Well, the competition was last evening (my club's annual monochrome competition). There were 38 entries and Jesse Jackson scored a '10' and came second overall! I was pleased with that as I am not a mono specialist - it is the best placing I have had in the mono competition since I joined the club. No complaints as the one which won was a cracking image. The placing means that Jesse will be in my club's panel for interclub competitions next season.

The mirror one scored decently but finished somewhat in the pack.

Thanks again everyone for looking.

Cheers
Mike

[Frog]

Good job, Mike!

[Liz]

Well, the competition was last evening (my club's annual monochrome competition). There were 38 entries and Jesse Jackson scored a '10' and came second overall! I was pleased with that as I am not a mono specialist - it is the best placing I have had in the mono competition since I joined the club. No complaints as the one which won was a cracking image. The placing means that Jesse will be in my club's panel for interclub competitions next season.

The mirror one scored decently but finished somewhat in the pack.

Thanks again everyone for looking.

Cheers
Mike

Congratulations Mike! Well deserved. I'm so happy for you.

It's great that "Jesse" will be interclub competitions next time.

Way to go!

Drum Roll :7:

Liz

[armando_m]

Congratulations !