The chalk artist on Queen Street

[RBSinTo]

This is a shot of a chalk artist working on Queen Street here in Toronto. What attracted me to this particular scene was the contrast between the luminescent glow of the chalk figure he was composing on the sidewalk, and his face, which was in deep shadow because of the very contrasty lighting conditions. It was as if the artist had no identity other than that given to him by his subject.
motorized Nikon F2AS
zoom-Nikkor 80~200 2.8 ED AIS manual focus
Fuji Sensia 100 ISO colour slide
exposure about 5.6 or f8 @ 1/1000th

[IzzieK]

Everything seems to be purpled in this shot...is it the film you are using that causes this? Otherwise, the composition looks great.

[Shadowman]

Interesting concept.

[RBSinTo]

Everything seems to be purpled in this shot...is it the film you are using that causes this? Otherwise, the composition looks great.

Thanks for commenting, guys.
Izzie,
Good call! It was a touch magenta, and I corrected the original. I didin't bother to repost it, and won't unless someone insists.

[IzzieK]

I believe you....

[Manfred M]

Sorry Robert, this image doesn't do much for me. It looks to be significantly underexposed and of course, it has the previously mentioned magenta cast isn't helping either. Not ideal shooting conditions for sure, given the harshness of the shadow detail in the upper left hand corner of the image.

Compositionally, yes I can see your interest in the brightness of the chalk drawing being of interest as well as the anonymity of the artist. While this might have been what driven you to take this shot, I'm not sure that there is anything here that says "wow" to me.

[RBSinTo]

Sorry Robert, this image doesn't do much for me. It looks to be significantly underexposed and of course, it has the previously mentioned magenta cast isn't helping either. Not ideal shooting conditions for sure, given the harshness of the shadow detail in the upper left hand corner of the image.

Compositionally, yes I can see your interest in the brightness of the chalk drawing being of interest as well as the anonymity of the artist. While this might have been what driven you to take this shot, I'm not sure that there is anything here that says "wow" to me.

First of all, there is no need to apologize for stating an honest opinion. I like it. You don't. Both equally valid.
Remember what Uncle Sidney said. "that's why we have chocolate and why we have vanilla."
I don't agree with your assessment of the exposure. The whites are white, the blacks are black, and in my opinion, the lack of any detail in his face as opposed to what's on the pavement is what for me makes the shot. That there isn't any detail in the shadowed area of his pants is minor and certainly not where the eye lingers for information.
The bit of a magenta cast is to me, also a minor point, and really doesn't impact on the point being made. I gave the colour balance slider a push and got rid of it.
Again, while I'm sorry you don't like this, I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Robert

[Manfred M]

First of all, there is no need to apologize for stating an honest opinion. I like it. You don't. Both equally valid.
Remember what Uncle Sidney said. "that's why we have chocolate and why we have vanilla."
I don't agree with your assessment of the exposure. The whites are white, the blacks are black, and in my opinion, the lack of any detail in his face as opposed to what's on the pavement is what for me makes the shot. That there isn't any detail in the shadowed area of his pants is minor and certainly not where the eye lingers for information.
The bit of a magenta cast is to me, also a minor point, and really doesn't impact on the point being made. I gave the colour balance slider a push and got rid of it.
Again, while I'm sorry you don't like this, I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Robert

Of course, Robert. I didn't think you would post something you didn't think was good.

Our tastes are all different and that is what makes the world such an interesting place. What I find important is not only that someone likes or dislikes some aspect of an image, but why they have that opinion.

[purplehaze]

I like the concept and much about the execution, Robert, but I do think the shadow in the upper left that Manfred mentioned is unfortunate and I wish there were more headroom for the triangle formed by the slope of the artist's back and the lines to the chalk boxes.

[RBSinTo]

I like the concept and much about the execution, Robert, but I do think the shadow in the upper left that Manfred mentioned is unfortunate and I wish there were more headroom for the triangle formed by the slope of the artist's back and the lines to the chalk boxes.

Janis,
The shadow is of the fence around a cafe's outdoor patio. It never really bothered me , but apparently it does others.
When I get some time, I'll go back and see if I can clone it out.
Canada is a rather large place. Where exactly in it do you live?
Robert

[purplehaze]

I live in Manitoba, but pieces of my heart are scattered across this big, wide land of ours...

[jcuknz]

The shirt distracts from the chalk drawing and so I feel it was taken from the wrong angle. the drawing is so small an area to be almost hidden.... like the green spots of forest maiden the shirt needs PP to tone it down. But is it worth it? I think not IMO

[RBSinTo]

The shirt distracts from the chalk drawing and so I feel it was taken from the wrong angle. the drawing is so small an area to be almost hidden.... like the green spots of forest maiden the shirt needs PP to tone it down. But is it worth it? I think not IMO

I appreciate your comments.
I disagree with them, but appreciate them nevertheless.