Leica Really like this photo (not mine).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ottoschulzephotographers/5161037045/in/pool-1219628@N20/lightbox/

I came across this photo from photographer Otto Schulze by chance and was instantly drawn to it. I've left the Flikr image open on one of my tabs in my browser for days and would come back and take another look at it from time to time. There are so many things I like about it:

- The first thing that really made me look over and over again is the crystal clear focus on the couple and the gentle shallow depth of field of the background. It has that amazing 3D look to it.

- I really like the two big overblown lights on either side of the photo, one of which is just outside the right frame, the way the lights invaluably add to the crispness of the image. The backs of the couple are backlit by the lights on either side of them and yet their shadowed sides are also lit just right, almost like they're glowing actually. Looking at it again, the scene looks like it was lit by an experienced ACS cinematographer for a scene in a film.

- I like the high contrast black and white, although I'd like to see what it looks like in colour too.

- I like the grain, perfect amount of grain as far as I'm concerned.

- I like the way the walls in the far background are lit by the lights on the wall, producing a soft textured background for the photo.

- I like that there is a sea of people visible just in the dark background, further focusing the attention on the couple.

- I like the girl on the floor in the foreground, simply excellent in this context.

- I like that the couple is completely oblivious to the crowd in the background and the girl in the foreground.

- I like the couple's pose, the photographer captured the grace in that specific 'moment'. Not a foot, hand, hip or knee out of place.

There are only three tiny things to critique - (i) the bride's hair could've been back a bit to reveal her face, which would've been lit up by the light in front of her, and (ii) that guy in the white shirt in the background behind the groom. Sit down, dammit! Or sink back further into the background, and (iii) that huge open doorway in the background, close those doors!

Other than that, an excellent photo otherwise.

It doesn't even bother me that the photo is on a slight angle. The photographer probably intended it that way and it suits the context.
 
I'm with you, James this is a truly lovely image. The couple in question must love it.

Just sent you a PM re the photograph - we need to be sure it's OK with the photographer to have it here.
 
great photo indeed... just the couple being so much "in the moment" already makes it an amazing photo which they'll enjoy looking back at forever, and the rest only makes it better...
 
James I am with you as it is a beautiful image. Unlike you I like the idea of the open door but wished the photographer had moved a tad to the right and this would have place the couple smack in the middle of the door and create a wonderful halo effect that would make them stand out more from the background. For me the woman's hair draped over her face seems to make the image more mystical. I do agree with you about the man's white shirt but that is what dodging is for.
 
christilou - a NY wedding! Post photos if you can, I'm sure the wedding will be beautiful. Will you be restraining yourself from taking too many photos yourself? I know I wouldn't be able to help taking tons of photos.

Grant - I didn't see it that way but I like what you're saying about both the placement of the door, that would look really good. I like your interpretation of her hair too, the way it is now is not bad at all.

But the man in the background, I guess it would've helped if his shirt was black yeah, but his position and placement is a slight distraction and very slightly takes away the magic of the 'perfect' moment I think, only very very slightly.
 
Well originally, I just blacked him out, but that was distracting. Maybe I'll have to put something else in there.
How about your avatar Luke?...just clapping to the tunes...

Umm...then again, I still don't think we have the photog's permission to show his print....let alone manipulate it!

Careful folks, he's an American and foreigners like me might say its a litigation playground....the US have good darn lawyers who get paid darn good money and specialise in taking you to the cleaners! We may even have a few folks of that ilk on here.... so my apologies in advance if I've offended your trade - but also please note that I was deliberately non-complicit in this illegal activity :blush:

Tread carefully and lightly...is my motto!!
 
LUKE … :rolleyes:

There are a now two sets of twins that are distracting.

lol that is actually a good cover up, I didn't notice how Luke did it until you mentioned it.

Umm...then again, I still don't think we have the photog's permission to show his print....let alone manipulate it!

I asked for his permission on Flikr, he's said it's ok as long as I link his name back to his actual photography website.

Luke - I don't think we have permission to manipulate the image though.
 
lol that is actually a good cover up, I didn't notice how Luke did it until you mentioned it.



I asked for his permission on Flikr, he's said it's ok as long as I link his name back to his actual photography website.

Luke - I don't think we have permission to manipulate the image though.

Thanks James. Good to know we have permission to look at this image. A great find! And I'm sure if I had his Leica M9 then I could shoot just like that too! :blush:

Mate I don't mean to be a killjoy, but it's purely out of keeping folk's hides intact. I'm just really aware (or is that "paranoid") of the fact that as innocent as we might be playing in this little bubble there are some who would swoop on this infringement and take more than their pound of flesh in the upwind. I'm especially mindful of us naive and backward Aussies...;)...honestly it's not a slight on the US, just that our culture is far more relaxed and so we just have to be aware that while we play in the big world of the internets we're under bigger laws than our own.
 
lol that is actually a good cover up, I didn't notice how Luke did it until you mentioned it.



I asked for his permission on Flikr, he's said it's ok as long as I link his name back to his actual photography website.

Luke - I don't think we have permission to manipulate the image though.

Most def NOBODY has any right whatsoever to manipulate and then display my images in public!or in private for that matter.dumbfounded by how you thought at any point it was ok to do this. You have got to be kidding me Luke!
 
Most def NOBODY has any right whatsoever to manipulate and then display my images in public!or in private for that matter.dumbfounded by how you thought at any point it was ok to do this. You have got to be kidding me Luke!
Otto, PM sent.
Luke, PM sent.
There will be modifications done to this thread shortly!
 
As the artist that is your prerogative, and fully understood.

It will be removed Otto. But I would like to maintain this thread - devoid of the image and with your express permission - as a reminder to folks on the gravity of copyright vs. artistic licence.

Meanwhile, I'm sorry that your first dealings with Serious Compacts was an unpleasant one.
 
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