Two Pair

[realart]

Hello All!

I wanted to share this shot from my neighborhood in San Francisco. I just liked the differences and similarities between the pair of men and the pair of women. Women neatly attired and the men rather less so. Both men in hats while both women hatless. The right man/women both have their cups on the table with downturned heads and raised legs. The left man/woman with bent elbows raising their cups. The man on his feet had been talking to the seated man but when I got the shot he was re-entering the shop. I think like this better as he adds a bit of dynamic to the scene. This was one of my early forays into digital using a now-sold Nikon D40 with the 18-55VR kit lens.

I am new here and not sure if I am supposed to be adding commentary like this?

[Dave6223]

I think you commentary on the shot and why you took the shot is vital. It helps to understand what your thinking was. It's a little deep for me, and I'm not sure that I could or would read so much into it.

Just looking at the shot raises the symetry and differences between the couples. My basic rule of thumb is to ask myself "whats the story, then?"

Your shot passes the test, but I'm not sure I like it, it kind of disturbs me a little.

Dave

[realart]

I think you commentary on the shot and why you took the shot is vital. It helps to understand what your thinking was. It's a little deep for me, and I'm not sure that I could or would read so much into it.

Just looking at the shot raises the symetry and differences between the couples. My basic rule of thumb is to ask myself "whats the story, then?"

Your shot passes the test, but I'm not sure I like it, it kind of disturbs me a little.

Dave

It is interesting you said the shot disturbs you a little. I know I feel a little disturbed when I see it due to the seated man. He was quite intense and I was not far when I shot this (lost the exif - lost the original - but it was with an 18-55 on my 1st DSLR (D40). As far as the story, it is in the title but perhaps a bit too subjective. Just how disparate people can share a common place and common activity in such close proximity.

Can you put your finger on what disturbs you about it? I'd be very interested.

Thanks very much, Dave.

[Dave6223]

It is something to do with the discomfort the sitting man displays. In my years patrolling the streets I would have looked at him and wondered what the story is. Some kind of tension there for me....

Dave

[realart]

Yes, the tension emanating from him is somewhat disturbing for both of us. It brings up an interesting point: you are not sure you like it due to that disturbing aspect. That raised some questions even in me on the veracity and appropriateness of this image. Certainly some things for me to ponder.

[Dave6223]

Yes, the tension emanating from him is somewhat disturbing for both of us. It brings up an interesting point: you are not sure you like it due to that disturbing aspect. That raised some questions even in me on the veracity and appropriateness of this image. Certainly some things for me to ponder.

Sorry Real, I'm not sure I understand your last post. Yes, the image is a little disturbing for me, but thats just a personal opinion. I hope nothing I said has upset you?

Dave

[realart]

Sorry Real, I'm not sure I understand your last post. Yes, the image is a little disturbing for me, but thats just a personal opinion. I hope nothing I said has upset you?

Dave

Please put your fears to rest Dave! You have not upset me at all. Actually I was surprised the photo elicited an emotional reaction (isn;t that a lot of what photography is?)

My pondering was just that: pondering (and initial pondering at that!) and such pondering only increases my interest in images and what they mean and convey. I see it as a positive thing.

[Dave6223]

Please put your fears to rest Dave! You have not upset me at all. Actually I was surprised the photo elicited an emotional reaction (isn;t that a lot of what photography is?)

My pondering was just that: pondering (and initial pondering at that!) and such pondering only increases my interest in images and what they mean and convey. I see it as a positive thing.

Oh yes, 100% agree with that. Actually, few of the images I see on forums give me the kind of reaction that yours has.

Well done you.

I like that.

Dave

[realart]

Oh yes, 100% agree with that. Actually, few of the images I see on forums give me the kind of reaction that yours has.

Well done you.

I like that.

Dave

Thanks Dave. In retrospect I have come to realize/remember that the ONLY reason I was motivated to take this shot was the intense man. The composition and the pairings were secondary. But since the man also distrubed ME, I think I kind of put that aspect on the back burner when I refound this image and took a more intellectual approach. Yeah, that guy paired up or even alone would be the impact here.

[Frog]

I probably should have commented before reading all of your and Dave's responses.
The first thing I liked was the busyness of the photo with seeming cluttered.
The people are the first point of interest but then my eye wanders to the signs which can only be seen partially so they make me a little curious and then the cigarette butts, and what's in that storefront.
I did notice the 'look of' the seated man and wondered what he was about. I try not to judge people by looks but if I was in his presence, I would be hesitant to approach him.
Not because he looks like a bad guy, just because.