All systems go as our Space assignment wraps up! Thank you again to Kirk Lothian for the interesting idea and letting me play with Space and Star Trek Puns like nothing else! Let’s lift off and head on to the actual entries everyone in the streettogs academy group sent in.
Solitude
One of the recurring photos that popped up on the pool was that of solitude. A lone solitary figure lost in deep thought or action and contemplating in an otherwise crowded place. Note how the photos show this isolation by use of light and placement of the subject in the frame to show this solitude.
Torsten’s image makes good use of black and white as it highlights the tones and lines of the light as well as isolating the figure. White on black or black on white, that contrast can make your subject stand out. The image depicts a place that seems very modern to be on planet earth.
Editor’s choice from previous assignment Kirk Lothian interprets the theme with this image. It looks outworldly because of the use of repetition and black and white. The darks and shadows also help in contributing to the entire feel of the image.
Monika employed a nice play on depth and layering to create this funny image. Sci-fi monster? Alien extra limb? Either way, it is funny and I think it works.
Danilo has this very somber image here. The repetition of the crosses and the tree line seems as though it is an Andreas Gursky photo but one that doesn’t talk about capitalism and consumerism. Perfectly composed and a very still mood.
Juxtaposing with graphics or advertisements has become borderline cliche in street photography so you have to at least try something different than the normal attempts. Don’s attempt here is a very good one. The graphic of the blue sky and the actual sky cut because of the man and the roofing.
If you always want to look twice at an image, I think it is successful. This image evokes so many metaphors about man, our planet, and whatever is in between. I think it can be quite existential even. Either way, Harry’s image hits the spot and makes you want to build connections of what is happening throughout the frame.
Here’s one that will remind you of those 80’s rendition of space/future. Everyone is living in a capsule all isolated from each other. Excellent spot by Imola.
Gian made a cool silhouette highlighting the pillars and the boy walking across it. The dark clouds also accentuate the entire image. It is a good technical image.
In one of my favorite video game, Portal, the player uses portal to transport himself and solve puzzles. This image by Mario reminds me of that. The head and the feet feels like they are actually connected. Defies physics but plays with our theme well. Since Mario was thinking with portals in mind, he got the most likes among the pool as well!
It is always important to not go overboard in your post processing and if ever you do, make sure the process you put in makes contributes to what you want your photo to say. This one by Paul gives that surreal and very cosmic look by using it in one color that isn’t monochrome.
Isolating via darkness and light can create interesting play on actual spaces we occupy. This one by Stefano is a great example of that. The line cutting across, the placement, and the balcony light gives that trickery and play that might be a bit difficult to get on the first glance.
Simple in composition but the simplicity is good on this image by Paul. The gesture and the direction of the line adds to what our theme is about.
Those who are familiar with the movie Interstellar might remember a scene like this that was shown in the movie. Kocha employed a unique technique here to play on the idea of space. I personally hope he explores this further and see what more he can play with.
This assignment has seen a lot of play with the shadows and exposing for the brightest spot in the frame. This one by Eugene also gives a feeling of another world. This evokes certain visual cues. Spaceship? Launchpad? Headquarters? If it makes you think and it makes you question, you may have a good image in your hands.
Editor’s Choice
This is one of those assignments where the entires are quite strong. I hope it is because the group is growing and the aim of the group is being fulfilled which is to be a simple place to be able to consistently make street photographs that would fall into a theme. The diversity and the interpretation of the this month’s theme is great as well. So with that in mind here’s the editor’s choice:
Here is one more look at his image:
It gives so many thoughts and metaphors. The circular shape, the placement of the human lying down, the other humans looking at the scene, the water. It speaks of many things and existential questions arise from it. Perfectly relates to our theme and an amazing image.
Congratulations Harry! Email me at contact@agdemesaphoto.com and let’s see what’s in store for assignment no. 9!
Here are some honorable mentions for this assignment:
Eugene Lum
Mario Spedicato
Torsten Köster
Closing Thoughts
As moderator of the group, I’m happy that I am seeing growth and improvement amongst the members. I hope that this means Eric and I’s plan for an assignment group to help beginners is paying dividends! I am also happy with the increased interaction among the members in a peaceful and kind manner. I hope we keep on growing and we keep on shooting!
If you want to see the rest of the entries or join in the assignments, just go to the Streettogs Academy Facebook Group! (or read my introduction here)
Thank you again to all those who participated and Congratulations again to Harry and cheers till the next assignment!