Adi Ben-Senior  

Volley-Ball And A Trash Bin by Adi Ben-Senior

October 2024 - Volley-Ball And A Trash Bin

About the Image(s)

I'm posting it as a continuation of the conversation with Michael H. regarding the Sep session.

The idea is to add a "tension element" out of place in the scene. In this example it is the trash bin that is a distraction the viewer away from the subject.

The element needs to be different from the colors / textures / context ( in this case all three) . By adding a tension element the viewer's eye is traveling between the net and the bin back and forth creating an engagement. This is resulting in the opposite of what one would expect - but in fact a longer view of the picture a deeper discovery of the subject.

Naturally these are my practices that I have developed over the years and just wanted to share that with the group rather than make a monthly showcase. I hope you find it productive.

Specifically: I took this picture at Santa Monica Pier last week in LA with a Fuji Xpro 2 with a 35mm lens S 1/4000 F8 iso 400

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

Elsie Allen
Thank you for sharing this image and your idea, Adi.
I find it intriguing. My eyes triangulate between the two posts and the bin. And, I appreciate all the markings of activity in the sand.   Posted: 10/02/2024 23:56:29
Michael Hrankowski   Michael Hrankowski
Adi, thanks for the image and your comments that elucidate your thinking process. I get what you're saying, but I wish the trash bin weren't so close to the edge of the frame. Just my opinion and sense of composition. Also, thanks for telling us it was taken in Santa Monica - at first glance I was convinced it was snow!

I do like the minimalist composition with its extensive negative space. I struggle with the concept of "tension" in imagery. Curious, in your opinion how would you help me understand the differences between positive (good) tension and negative ("bad") tension in a photograph.   Posted: 10/03/2024 19:26:50
Adi Ben-Senior   Adi Ben-Senior
M,
1. If the trash was inside the frame (not close to the margins) - there will no tension
2. There is no good nor bad tension point. We are simply trying to keep the viewer engaged with the composition longer.   Posted: 10/08/2024 23:55:09
Don Chen   Don Chen
Adi, I totally get the "tension" from the two competing elements-so much so that I feel "stressed." I know you meant to use it to convey your point, but let me ask, in a "final" product, would you consider including a balancing element, such as a ball or even a line in the sand at the bottom part of the photo?
  Posted: 10/08/2024 13:56:25
Adi Ben-Senior   Adi Ben-Senior
Less is more. Or in other words more is less. The more elements we have in the picture the less attention each element will get. The rest is up to you.   Posted: 10/08/2024 23:57:26
Don Chen   Don Chen
Totally agree. This is a perfect image to study and to discuss.   Posted: 10/13/2024 12:28:32
Michel Biedermann   Michel Biedermann
Adi, I love the tension you are looking for. May I add another dimension of tension (say this 10 times fast). As a former beach volleyball player, I struggle with the fact that this court hasn't been used in some time since the steps in the sand all go horizontally. If the net had been used recently, some steps would be vertical, facing the net. Also, lines in the sand marking the dimensions of the court are long gone... How sand, hmmm, I mean how sad!   Posted: 10/08/2024 16:41:52
Adi Ben-Senior   Adi Ben-Senior
100% agreed   Posted: 10/08/2024 23:58:32
Lance Lewin   Lance Lewin
Adi, I like what is suppose to be going on here ... as it relates to tension, but my feelings echo Michael's: I find the Trash Bin too close to the edge of the frame and also not clear enough to distinguish it clearly enough, in my opinion.

I also feel if the Trash Bin was (more) inside the main frame it would still act as a point (or reference) for Tension ...

Overall, I do believe you have secured the tension you are looking for, but the point of Tension really flirts with going outside the frame and thus, many viewers may actually interpret this as a mistake, not so much part of the "compositional structure" you intended. It's a close call for sure! Well done for presenting this intriguing piece.   Posted: 10/27/2024 00:51:27
Adi Ben-Senior   Adi Ben-Senior
Thx   Posted: 10/27/2024 01:31:35