Another two weeks, another assignment done over at streettogs academy! Sam Trachsel gave us Opposites as a theme for this assignment! Let’s look at how the members of the group interpreted the theme!

The elements in Adam’s photograph is quite nice. No one is looking at our two main opposite characters despite the fact that they are clamoring for attention. Extra points for the pole in the middle dividing their opinions. There’s a political commentary to be said there.

Here’s a simple juxtaposition by Alexander, snow covered bike in front of a graphic of a woman near the river. Summer and Winter. Bonus element there is the word die. Simple discovery and a nice interpretation of the theme.

A photographer once told me that when nothing is happening on the ground, look up. This is what Amine did here. The reflection is the main star of this image but the lines and the placement of the plane gives it so much more.

Another Architectural approach by Imola. The building on the left has a very complex architecture with multiple windows while the one on the right is simple.

Another Architectural approach by William. A bit similar to that of Imola’s but his is modernity vs old design. Note how it is also lit. The yellow walls versus the blue/white lights coming from the cityscape.

Andrea spotted this scene where the sand is opposite the wooden floor. Also note that he is the only shadow in the photo as opposed to the crowd on the upper part of the image.

Brian here presents us with a Cinderella story. The young lady’s expression could be better but at least the demure gesture of the princess on the right is a nice contrast to the young lady. The little boy looking at the princess is a decent plust.

I like the intimacy of this photo by Fabrizia. It tells something about age, experience, and gender. Technical wise, kudos for not being able to have her shadow appear on the image.

This is one of those photos that you want to put on a “caption this” contest. No further explanation needed. Just humorous and fun. Good job by John Jade.

This image by Ken has many things happening. The doves on the foreground and background, the ladies and the men in turban, the couple in the background, and a slew of other things.

If I’m not mistaken, this is the first panoramic image that was submitted for the assignments and what a treat it is. The composition is clean and well balanced. Spot all the opposites that are happening in the entire frame from end to end. There is also the reflection and those inside the restaurant. So many things happening and wise use of a panoramic format.

Enamul’s photo here is very absurd. A doll head in the middle of nowhere. Also note the greenery contrasted to the building in the background giving a bit of depth in the image.

Youthful fun from this great black and white image from Monika. The tones and the cloud detail is quite nice but of course, it hits the theme in a simple but effective manner.  Also, the group gave this the most likes among all the assignment submissions so kudos to Monika.

Editor’s Choice

As usual, this is the part where I thank everyone who joined in and made an effort for this assignment. I give you all y gratitude. Thanks again to Sam Trachsel for giving this theme for the assignment.

I will be honest and say this is one of the assignments wherein we had a difficult time to pick who gets the editor’s choice but for sticking to theme, having a dynamic composition with lots of things going on, and working on a tricky format… The Editor’s choice for Assignment No. 7 is:

Kirk Lothian

The complexity of this image is really nice. It as if a comic strip or a sequence in a painting. I think I would love to see this in print.

Congratulations Kirk! Email me at contact@agdemesaphoto.com and I’ll follow your orders for the theme of the next assignment Captain Kirk! (Ok sorry, really got tempted, I had to! :D ) Kidding aside, excited to hear your ideas!

Honorable Mentions: 

Alexander Seidler

Adam Yurkunas

Monika Jaskowska-Bablok

John Jade-Leung

Ken Walton

Closing Thoughts

When you see a good scene or location, don’t just take that one image at face value. Experiment and look for things that will further emphasize the message you want in the photo. Try to include all the other elements and maximize your frame or perhaps try to see the scene different time for a different light. Make sure everything in the photo would not contradict each other. It’s good to keep this in mind whether or not you are shooting for the assignment. It’s OK if you get lucky and grab a good photo but it’s a different ballgame if you are conscious about what you want in the image.

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 Kirk!

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