Does this have any merit? C&C Appreciated

[flashback]

I caught this one literally on-the-fly. Tilted (SOOC), blurred, I can't decide if it's any good or not.

[KimberlyP]

Hi,
I like it because I know there's a story behind it. I don't know what the story is, but there IS one there! It has movement and interesting, static items that don't all fight for my attention. I'm easily focused on the man and then my attention spreads out from there.

[IzzieK]

Kimberly, I think Jack's story is this guy running with a kind of bag in his hands...at least that is what I see..why was he in a hurry? Where was he going?

Jack I like it too...

[flashback]

Kimberly & Isabel,

Thanks for viewing. I don't know what the story is: I was walking down the street when the man came running up and past me. My camera was hanging around my neck and I had time to fire off one shot. I wish it were sharp(er) but it is what it is. Which is why I was looking for some feedback as to whether it suffices as is even though it's not sharp.

Thanks and Happy New Year!

[FootLoose]

It doesn't matter what the guy's story is; what does matters is the stories the shot allows us to imagine. Maybe the guy is late and running to catch a train / bus and his lunch is in that bag; or maybe he has just committed a crime and the bag is full of cash. Either way, there seems to be a degree of chaos in this guy's life at the moment which is supported by some of the elements within the frame -- eg the tilted notice board, the supports holding up the awning / roof -- and the tilted frame adds to that impression. While I might prefer to see a little more space between the lower edge of the frame and his feet, I can read this figuratively as him trying to escape the frame.

But I don't know if this photo is any good or not, Jack. That depends on your own criteria.

[Shadowman]

You can suggest a story by adding a title to the shot, you don't have to be exact in its meaning but lead the viewers eyes where you want them to go.

[Shadowman]

You can suggest a story by adding a title to the shot, you don't have to be exact in its meaning but lead the viewers eyes where you want them to go.

For instance, you could use the 24 hour sign as a lead in to the guys urgency.

[AB26]

Jack if it was shot by Cartier Bresson it would have been considered a great shot.
Why are you asking if it has any merit? Are you too critical of yourself and your own work?

[JBW]

I caught this one literally on-the-fly. Tilted (SOOC), blurred, I can't decide if it's any good or not.

if you can't decide then for you it isn't. I like it because it makes me wonder.

[flashback]

It doesn't matter what the guy's story is; what does matters is the stories the shot allows us to imagine. Maybe the guy is late and running to catch a train / bus and his lunch is in that bag; or maybe he has just committed a crime and the bag is full of cash. Either way, there seems to be a degree of chaos in this guy's life at the moment which is supported by some of the elements within the frame -- eg the tilted notice board, the supports holding up the awning / roof -- and the tilted frame adds to that impression. While I might prefer to see a little more space between the lower edge of the frame and his feet, I can read this figuratively as him trying to escape the frame.

But I don't know if this photo is any good or not, Jack. That depends on your own criteria.

Greg, thanks and a very interesting narrative.

[flashback]

For instance, you could use the 24 hour sign as a lead in to the guys urgency.

John, thanks. I'm ambivalent about titles: on the hand, like you point out a title can lead the viewer where I want him/her to go; on the other hand it seems to me that an image can be personal, that each person can see and interpret something (slightly) different. Does it contaminate the 'experience' by giving them a title from which to hang their interpretive hat?

[flashback]

Jack if it was shot by Cartier Bresson it would have been considered a great shot.
Why are you asking if it has any merit? Are you too critical of yourself and your own work?

Andre,

Thank you for the high praise. And yes I likely am too critical of myself. However, in order to 'evolve' as a photographer I have to know if I'm making a point, or causing an emotive reaction. I've found it can't be done here in CiC in the competitions because street photography doesn't seem to fare all that well. So clearly the best way to get good, honest feedback is by asking: Is this any good?

I'm happy with the comments thus far received, those that have commented lead me to believe that this shot does work. And I will accept your high (comparative) praise without a squabble.

[flashback]

Thanks Brian.
I do like the image, but liking something I've done and others liking it can be two very different outcomes.

[Shadowman]

John, thanks. I'm ambivalent about titles: on the hand, like you point out a title can lead the viewer where I want him/her to go; on the other hand it seems to me that an image can be personal, that each person can see and interpret something (slightly) different. Does it contaminate the 'experience' by giving them a title from which to hang their interpretive hat?

Jack,

The title isn't necessary but it can help keep the eyes moving if there isn't enough in the photograph to sssist the viewer, not the case in your photo, the suggestion was just an example for a title. However, photographs listed as "untitled" can be a bit boring as well, especially if it comes from the same photographer.

[flashback]

John, thanks again. I do see (and agree with) your point.

[IzzieK]

This is what I like about you, Jack...you have a good attitude. For a while there I thought you were putting yourself down with your "unknowing"...

Andre,

Thank you for the high praise. And yes I likely am too critical of myself. However, in order to 'evolve' as a photographer I have to know if I'm making a point, or causing an emotive reaction. I've found it can't be done here in CiC in the competitions because street photography doesn't seem to fare all that well. So clearly the best way to get good, honest feedback is by asking: Is this any good?

I'm happy with the comments thus far received, those that have commented lead me to believe that this shot does work. And I will accept your high (comparative) praise without a squabble.

[flashback]

Thanks Isabel,

It's tough sometimes to dance the line between insecurity and arrogance. I need the input for course correction and I don't want to be the typical male who refuses to stop and ask for directions (well, at least insofar as photography is concerned )