Johann van der Walt
December 2024 - Giving a Helping Hand-hmmm-Helping Leg
Original
About the Image(s)
While walking to the subway station one morning, I saw this lady helping her elderly dog lifting his leg.
I was out with friends the previous evening for a photowalk and we decided to photograph in black and white. I then forgot to change my camera back to colour which is my preferred way for Street Photography, hence the original photo in black and white. There was no time to change the camera to colour when I saw this scene playing off in front of me. When I opened the raw file in Photoshop and saw the colours, I decided to keep it in colour. I cropped and slightly straightened the horizon for the final colour image.
8 comments posted
I agree with you in that the colour image is a better image due to the colours. The BW image also has it's merits and is a good image. I think that cloning out the tire of the scooter that seems to affect her left knee would make her look more natural, and changing the tone of her jacket would make her stand out a lot better. I also like the lines created by the sidewalk and the builing overhang leading to the distance showing an almost vacant street with only two persons going about there day. Posted: 12/08/2024 16:26:33
Johann-I would never have known what the woman was doing without your explanation. It is really subtle. Good eye to catch the moment. Agree that the color version works better here. Maybe a little cropping of the sign on the left side could work here. B Posted: 12/13/2024 14:18:53
Johann, you were in the right place at the right time, and your reaction time was short, therefore registering the moment. We do not control the environment in street photography, and not always we have time to move around/plan a better shot, specially if you are shooting from the hip. Posted: 12/16/2024 17:10:49
The color one is better but still I am not able to grasp the intent of the image from the photo itself. Posted: 12/20/2024 01:57:45
Hi Johann--I must agree with Pinaki; the intent of the image is not readily evident. I like the view up the street. Posted: 12/20/2024 17:36:30
I, too, prefer the color. But I must tell you, my first reaction. prior to readidng the narrative, was why is she kicking this poor dog into the road. Guess you could call me a synic. Posted: 12/21/2024 18:42:46
Wow, I never thought that this could be interpreted is this way! Here where I live in Shenzhen, China, dogs are mostly treated as a member of the family, to the extend that there is even an annual pet festival week and show. This year's festival was visited by 2.5 million people (granted we have more than 22 million people in Shenzhen). There are several dog restaurants where people can that their dogs with them for lunch. Posted: 12/22/2024 03:54:28
Here is an example of a typical scene in Shenzhen. Look at the eye contact between the dog and the lady Posted: 12/22/2024 04:00:07