On the Bridge

[AntonioCorreia]

This photograph, taken while crossing a pedestrian bridge in India, has a unique charm that lies in its apparent imperfection. The distortion from the wide-angle lens enhances the scene’s dynamism, giving it a sense of movement and spontaneity.

The composition highlights the vibrant colours of the woman's traditional attire, contrasting with the metallic structure of the bridge, which is also colourful. In the lower right corner, a man watches the river, adding a secondary point of interest.

The yellow flag fluttering in the wind introduces a striking and symbolic element, while the background helps balance the scene. Despite the visible – yet intentional – tilt, the image captivates with its authenticity and strong narrative.

[billtils]

Bravo! You have taken a bunch of the usual criticisms of a photograph and turned them into positives!

[DanK]

Sorry, Antonio, but this one just doesn't work for me. The main problem for me is the tilt. (For some reason, people here call this a "Dutch tilt".) Maybe it's just my taste, but I very rarely find that a deliberate tilt creates an appealing image, and I don't find that it contributes here. The back of the person on the right is distracting, and the wide angle makes it more so. Perhaps you could crop or clone that out.

[AntonioCorreia]

Bill, thank you for dropping that line ! Well done ! (I am not being sarcastic !)

Your observation is extremely insightful and deserves a little more in-depth analysis. I partly agree with you when you say that through trivial comments I have almost managed to turn flaws into qualities. This reflection is not only interesting but also pertinent, and I completely concur with it.
My photography is neither art nor does it claim to be, mind you !

However, your observation makes me think of those conceptual artists or those who, for one reason or another, reach the pinnacle of fame and present works that appear insignificant, often devoid of substance or artistic coherence. Even so, these works are frequently applauded by a discerning and dedicated section of critics and intellectual circles, a phenomenon that raises questions about the criteria for artistic evaluation and the influence of prestige or social context on the reception of a work.

I personally know a paradigmatic case: a poet of my own age whose work I have considered devoid of talent or ingenuity for last several years now. The proposals seem to delight readers when they are presented with nonsensical things that the elite adore. Nevertheless, he is widely celebrated by his followers.
This example aptly illustrates the “emperor has no clothes” metaphor, where external validation appears to outweigh the intrinsic quality of the creation. We could debate what is meant by the intrinsic quality of a creation, but not now and I am hardly the person to discuss that matter.

In so-called artistic photography, we observe similar phenomena. Bold proposals, sometimes even absurd devoid of aesthetic or technical coherence, end up being valued at exorbitant prices. These situations challenge the boundaries between innovation and arbitrariness in the artistic field. I imagine you Bill, are aware of some emblematic cases of this kind.

In the case of this specific image, I opted for a different approach: instead of adhering to the traditional norms of impeccably focused, processed, and composed photographs as is customary, I decided to take a risk with something more daring and unconventional.
Curiously, I find that this approach appeals to me, perhaps simply because I was the one who created it ! This feeling reinforces the idea that the value attributed to a work can be intrinsically linked to the creator's emotional relationship with it.

[AntonioCorreia]

Dan, thank you for your comment, always welcome.
So here is a more orthodox version, a neater one in line with my usual work.
Without distractions, without any major controversies.

[escape]

I don’t know Antonio. For me to have your commentary work for the image you would need to post the image upside down. Then it would make artistic sense to me. In fact I would like it.

[DanK]

Maybe I'm too conventional, but I like this version MUCH better. My eye immediately went to the man's face, rather than the tilted railing, the other guy's back, and the yellow flag.

[Geoff F]

I agree with Dan and I like to see the verticals upright as they appear in real life.

[AntonioCorreia]

Thank you all for the comments and reactions.

This thread has had the great merit of stirring the waters, bringing some humour and some very accurate observations with which I fully agree.
As you can imagine or suspect, this kind of slightly tilted photography isn’t exactly my strong suit.
That said, I can’t help but agree that a more conventional photo, with everything in its proper place, is perfectly acceptable...

But isn’t it funny how I actually like the tilted version ?

[AntonioCorreia]

i don’t know antonio. For me to have your commentary work for the image you would need to post the image upside down. Then it would make artistic sense to me. In fact i would like it.

[Geoff F]

The tilted version gives an impression that the person is walking downhill.

[AntonioCorreia]

OK, OK she was not !