Category Archives: People

Photo of the Week – Christine McCarty

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Christine Says It Was HOT!

Christine McCarty - Classic Firefighter's Silhouette

Christine McCarty – Classic Firefighter’s Silhouette

What thoughts pass through your mind when you first see this image? Or perhaps there’s an emotional reaction, something visceral, before thought even registers. A tragedy? A loss of life perhaps? Where? Who? All blended with the feeling of a somewhat guilty excitement? Relief that it’s not “my” house? But what do you feel when you learn that this was a benefical fire, purposely set to clear away the structure and at the same time provide practice and training for the firemen? Be honest. Disappointment? or relief.
All such thoughts aside, the photograph does an excellent job of portraying the intensity of the fire, with enough of the remaining structure visible to to add detail and interest. The stairstepping of the men in their protective suits along with the up curve of the hose followed by the down curve of the water provides a calming artistic touch to the inferno. The framing is ideal for the scene. Good job, Christine.

Photographer’s Choice – Judy Tobin

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The Pose, Expression, Light and Framing Make It Exceptional

Judy Tobin - Beautifully Framed Portrait of Amy

Judy Tobin – Beautifully Framed Portrait of Amy

There are times when the best portrait is unplanned and spontaneous, no time spent looking around for the perfect background and light conditions, no time to get “uptight” and worry about dress, hair, expression, etc. In this image everything simply fell into place and it worked. The door opening to the duck cage framed the subject beautifully, the natural light illuminated the subject  while leaving the background dark.  Placement of the hands is natural and the joy in the smile is not forced in any way.  The story is completed with a couple of remaining ducks, dimly lighted, visible inside the secondary frame.  The final touch is the openings in the rear wall, just enough to be visible and add interest without being distracting.  When you’re good enough to plan all this and bring it off, you’re an exceptional photographer.
Judy and her husband Paul were buying ducks for their pond and Amy (one of the owners of the farm ) had just handed them the last duck when Judy and her Sony DSC-T77 camera captured the scene. Job well done.