UPDATE! - Read my interview on PetaPixel!
First of all - Sorry for the lack of updates (or any signs of life...) during the last two weeks - It's just that I'm moving out - and in! - to my own place and even though I knew there is much work between the 'out' and 'in' stages, I'm still surprised at how much energy it takes.
I really enjoyed your comments and the debate the last photo raised. Seems like most of you thought that the photo is good (or 'ok') but not many would try to capture such frame - Whether it's because you shy or because you think it's an invasion of privacy.
There is a good cure for being shy - Just face your 'fear', practice and work on it.
As the privacy issue, your comments made me think. We are the ones that set our own rules about privacy and it seems that we do that by imagining ourselves in the exact same situation - however, not as photographer - but as the photographed 'subject'.
I can't explain exactly why, but to me, this thought feels wrong. I don't encourage voyeurism in the illegal sense of it, but for those of us who 'roam the streets', as street photographers, I feel obliged (strong word, ah?) to present what I'm seeing with my eyes and if it's public - even more so.
I just Googled for the exact definition for the word 'Public'. Wikipedia supports my opinion :
Public - Pertaining to the affairs or official affairs of all people, not just those of a private group; contrasted with private.
But here is another question. The photo above was taken on a deserted beach. There was no one there except that guy and me. But it's a public territory. So what to make of it? Is it public or private?
I'm not sure about the answer, but I sure envy that guy right now, looks fun to float alone like that.
Last but not least - my recommendation for a photoblog.
I love wide angle lenses. It makes the viewer feel as participant in the situation unfolding in the frame. The effect pulls you in (if done right, of course).
This love was born after I saw the works of Russian-Israeli photographer Julia Komissarof. Her works always feel so... real. I can almost hear and smell the 'street' in her works. I really advise you to Google her works and visit her blog (translated from Russian)
There has been 37 Responses to 'Quiet' so far
Anonymous
I like very much the scenery and the title
http://krikis.aminus3.com
a.h.lex says:
the strong black / dark background is fantastic in the comparison to the shiny green/blue/sandy foreground. the human in the middle of the photo is now not only the middle of the shot, he is the center of our focus. that's the great thing of this framed situation. i also like the reflectiveness, wich is generated by the scenery.
Abhijit Dharmadhikari says:
beautiful picture, Ilan!
Marcie says:
Such a soothing image. I can almost feel the cool wet water..the floating weightlessly in the evening light. Really nice!
CraigM says:
First I like the image, the murky waters and distortion really work for me, I can feel his troubles drifting away.
As for the taking of public images, well it always makes me a little nervous but I do it anyway. I've often thought of being the other side of the camera as the subject and I have no problem with it. In fact I've seen others taking my picture, I find it amusing that I've been captured in the same way I capture others. If I'm quick enough I take their picture also ;O)
Doum says:
Are you relating having seen the corpse to the police? The black background and sandy water depth just amazing. No debate about for now!!! Just photo... Bonne semaine.
Elaine- says:
lovely shot!! reminds me of the movie 'immortal beloved'... well done you!!
inf3ktion says:
Thanks for recommending Julia dude, I'm absolutely loving her photos!
And I love wide angles too. :)
Anne says:
I love to photograph in water; it's just another mood.
Jeaux says:
There's something about that picture I like, but I can't quite figure out what...
Liang says:
Perfectly OK to photograph someone like that in the water, as long as you do not use it for commercial purposes. That person isn't a public figure either, so whatever you say would not become a public issue at all. (I go to law school LOL). Great shot!
Ivar says:
Very nice candid shot... great light and focus.
I see no problems with this at all...as long as it isnt being used for monetary purposes (unless the subject approving it)
Andrei Barbu says:
Great shot, very well done, great light and DOF. Great work! Best regards, Andrei.
bluechameleon says:
I really like this! The feeling of letting oneself go, floating, drifting and letting all the worries of life leave your body. Amazing shot Ilan!!
Kamal says:
Very nice light, from bright to total darkness. was it from a flash? I bet the guy jumped up in surprise after that sudden flash of light. Hehe.
aurore says:
faire la planche...un vrai moment de relaxation!
Jon Rieley-Goddard says:
Re: Privacy. I think in terms of the legal idea that a person in public must have a diminished expectation concerning privacy, so I think hard about whether I will be holding up the person in the picture, especially if identifiable, to scorn or any other negative reaction by viewers.
I like the mood that your photo captures, of floating in the dark, alone. That comes across strongly.
navin says:
Very nice shot
Sujit Sudhi says:
Lovely shot. Quite relaxing.
samar says:
The ptch dark backgroud looks great in this shot!
Fritsch says:
Strong one, Ilan. What I like about this beautiful picture is that it is so stripped down to the essentials. It has a skeleton feel to it. Not to mention the privacy of this shot that didn't get violated by publishing it. Beautiful, buddy! All the best & safe travels, Fritsch.
gavin hart says:
Such a relaxing feeling conveyed by this image. I like the gradient from light to dark and the patterns made by the movement of the water. The diagonal orientation of the figure is great too. This shot does not seem intrusive in my opinion.
An approach to photographing people in public that I have in the back of my mind... in the event of an objection, is to speak nicely to them and offer to delete the shot as a matter of courtesy to them but explain that it would be a pity since it might turn out to be photographically a very good image.
jo says:
Fantastic piece of work, and the flash must have startled him out of his dreaming!! I guess it was a private moment in public for him. I do like this shot very much, poetic and stark yet full of feeling.
Nathan says:
Great shot. Looks very relaxing and peaceful but at the same time the darkness is a bit scary.
Sumedh Prasad says:
That's a very nice picture! I agree with you, it sure seems heavenly to just float over there!
LB says:
After a while, great to see that you keep doing excellent images!
beanow says:
Very imperssive image...Mystery and very well done.
Luis says:
Well done Ilan, great info on every picture you post, good luck in your new own place. :)
Alex says:
Que agua mas cristalina, me gusta mucho esa iluminacion hacia la oscuridad.
Saludos.
John Maslowski says:
The floating in the water and the dark background create a relaxing and eerie composition at the same time. Like the light effect and simplicity of this image. Great job on this capture.
Anna says:
beautiful picture, Ilan, thanks for sharing. Anna :)
jpla says:
Plein de mystère dans ce cliché. Bonne soirée.
JP
Yashar says:
you know, you are a perfect photographer and designer..
very good job.
PixeLuz says:
Interesting how the black half of the picture became an essential component, creating a dramatic mood.
Mental Mist says:
the picture is powerful!
Brian Chen says:
Nice shot, never though i'd see anyone swimming in the dark.
translucide says:
My favorite !
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