Alakija.com | photoblog » A Man's World

camera	Canon EOS 5D
exposure mode	full manual
shutterspeed	1/20s
aperture	f/6.3
sensitivity	ISO50
focal length	35.0mm
resolution	2009x3013 pixels

Today I was testing out a Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L, the main lens that Skee uses. No I didn't splash out, it was a rental. I also thought I'd spend sometime doing some photojournalism.

On review on the images I got I realised that I'm really slacking and I need to go out a lot more to improve on my compositions and ideas. As you can see I've thought a bit behind this one. What do you think of the combination between motion blur and composition? What story does it tell you? How do you think I could have improved on this shot? Remember this is photojournalism not still life, the rules apply differently here.

Oh and yes, I had to do this one in Full Manual, okay it has it's uses beyond the studio.

Bandoras

United States

5 Jul 2008, 06:34

I love the composition, it tells so many stories. One of man's disregard for suffering being experienced by others. Although it seems the guy in the foreground kinda glances over. Additionally imho, how in the world are you homeless and have two dogs.

Richard Trim

United Kingdom

5 Jul 2008, 07:47

So much going on here Jide. Obviously you saw the somewhat perverse positioning of the woman under the advertising. The bland acknowledgement of the woman by the guy on the phone. The embarressment of the blue shirted guy not knowing quite how to handle the sitution of 'have and have nots'. The anguish of the woman comforted by just her dogs ... and there is probbly much more.
Your blurred people framing works superbly. Interesting choice to keep it in colour.

To answer Bandoras ... I think destitute people use as much of any collected money on their dog[s] as on themselves.

Excellent richard

anniedog

Great Britain (UK)

5 Jul 2008, 10:46

This is a very strong composition. I like the blurred figures which give a sense of the fast pace of modern life where nobody gives much thought to their fellow human beings, contrasted with the static pose of the homeless person and dogs - almost like a religious painting. I think I would have cropped out the sliver on the right, possibly even all the red (although the red does really lift the other colours). Then you would have part of the man's leg out of the frame which would increase the sense of movement. Your comments about full manual are interesting - I always use full manual - how else do you maintain control over what you shoot?
Ingrid

Ade of AdaeCreative

United States

5 Jul 2008, 12:06

"ITK" in the know ... you used that for me once

I love the focus on the woman and your message. my interpretation of the picture: it describes how people can be oblivious to the suffering of others. I think your concept takes the cake because you captured the essence of what is going on in a simple yet powerful way. The man with the cell phone, the guy the guy who is almost aout of the frame. and the guy going in the opposite direction seems to be a little ashamed and is trying to look the other way. nice one

Rian

Brooklyn

5 Jul 2008, 20:04

I, for one, have also been (at times) oblivious to those in need. But scenes like this where animals are involved are definitely what touches me most.

Yinks

United States

5 Jul 2008, 20:55

Interesting scene. This is the kind of scene you would see in a magazine like the Economist or Time...or an Ad or somn...I played with motion blur for the first time for my pic yesterday and as long as I don't go overboard I think I would like to use it often. It makes a great combination with comp in that motion is constant esp when people are involved...makes the shot more alive I think (esp in context).

Eh eh o so yes you did shoot in manual...incredible ;D You seem to prefer the Aperture priority mode and question - how does one get away with an ISO so low (50)?

Nigerian wedding photographer

6 Jul 2008, 05:17

Bandoras, I do think a lot more people show em a bit more love just because of the dogs. Dog lovers might want to give just so that they don't suffer.

One Way

United Kingdom

8 Jul 2008, 08:59

I think it worked very well... the slow shutter speed has given some great selective blur, and the colours worked out well too

Aisha

Abuja, Nigeria

10 Jul 2008, 15:55

This works beautifully. Stories from what i see:
1. Is she there for herself or for the dogs? (thinks the guy with the phone)
2.Still on the phone guy: He was probably even looking at the Ad and did not even notice her
3. Did anyone care to stop by? She seems like she was tired of waiting for someone to notice her.This world can be cruel

I think i'll stop at that cos the photo is making me think too much.

Collins

Houston, Texas, USA

22 Jul 2008, 01:36

Hmm...for starters this image probably would work better horizontally as much of the top isn't really adding to the image.

Also, I'm not sure the sign underscores the story you were trying to tell here. Your mileage may vary, though.

Maybe get lower and closer?

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