Les Lincke, PPSA  


What's for Dinner ? by Les Lincke, PPSA

May 2021 - What's for Dinner ?

About the Image(s)

This photo was shot in Rome just outside our hotel room. I like to think of it as a snapshot because it was so unplanned. You step out your hotel door and there it is!

It’s not the perfect image in my mind chiefly because the principals are located on the wrong side of the photo and too close to the edge. But I like it because everyone is so engaged in deciding where and what to eat and the waiter is so keenly interested in getting them to come to his restaurant. I like the color and the view further down the street. I’m undecided whether there is too much non-story on the right side and it should be cropped some? What do you think?


This round’s discussion is now closed!
9 comments posted




Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Les, this is a typical image of any city/town in Europe. Here you gave us the location: Rome. It is already the twilight hour and some stores/establishments have the lights on. It has to be a large city since McDonalds is present. The waiter/owner of the restaurant is engaged in explaining to the bystanders about his menu and specials for the day. The large vitrine cooler is displaying the highlights. The image is fairly sharp (you did not provide the metadata information) and the colors are fairly well managed. I do think that the amputated champagne cooler and the other vitrine are obstructive and distracting. A crop was provided. It is unfortunate that the lower edge of the frame is cutting through the peoples shoes creating some tension. As you state, it was so unplanned.   Posted: 05/05/2021 08:22:23
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Issac, Here's more what I had in mind.   Posted: 05/05/2021 09:24:40
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Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Les, I believe this crop works even better, and still tells the story.   Posted: 05/05/2021 13:52:35



Stuart Ord   Stuart Ord
(Groups 64 & 95)
When I have a spare half hour, I like to surf the groups looking for pictures that grab me. This one grabbed me! I love the dynamic involvement between the waiter than the potential customers. The scene with the jugs, display cabinets, bottles (keep them even though incomplete - it just links in the picture we can't see!) and the menu sets a clear scene, and the faces tell the detailed story. Wonderful!
It's a pity a little of the shoes is chopped off, but often street scenes don't wait for us to delay, so imperfection is quite acceptable to me. As a result, I wouldn't crop it. I'm glad you kept it in colour, a routine conversion to mono would have lost the great colour in the cabinet.
I would however clone out the red sign, and maybe even the lady in the red dress, if you don't object on principle.
I wish I'd taken it.   Posted: 05/06/2021 17:16:08



Gloria Sprung   Gloria Sprung
Les, the original uncropped version is more appealing to me because it sets and complete the details of a street environment. Beautiful street lighting as reflected on the faces on the group, particularly the persistent waiter. At first glance this appears to be a group of three (odds) and then the profile of 2nd woman appears intently listening. The only suggestion would be to desaturate the lemon yellow shopping bag and the touches of red of the woman in the background and above the waiter's head. Good capture.   Posted: 05/17/2021 06:08:22



 
I agree with Gloria that the original uncropped one is more appealing. Nice street story is there in addition, the lighting and color are really beautiful.
I wished that the the bottom edge is a little lower to show the whole legs and shoes, however, that does not change that the photo is excellent.   Posted: 05/20/2021 11:32:35



Bruce Goodman   Bruce Goodman
The lighting on the faces of the people drew my attention first. At first I wondered if it was over processed but there is a spot light on the menu which is illuminating the tourist looking at the menu. I see the focal point as the man trying to get the tourist to come inside, well photographed/lit and a great story - - - the rest of the photo further helps tell the story of what is there to eat inside. I like it. Everything is well lit and sharp as well. Since the focus is higher in the image the cutting off of the feet and being close to the edge seems less of a concern to my eye. B   Posted: 05/20/2021 15:23:25



 
A beautiful street scene, at nightfall the tourists are invated into the restaurant. This story has been told very well. The expression on the faces tells everything, the light is atmospheric. The frame is well cut. The problem with street photography is often the background with people who partially come into the picture and if they are dressed in red ... I would try to stamp away or at least denature the red lady on the left.   Posted: 05/21/2021 08:05:14



 
Great comments from all and i cannot add anything to value. I agree with removing the woman in red. Would flipping the image work well? no matter, it is an immediate attention grabber. Beautiful!   Posted: 05/27/2021 12:08:46