Winner Chosen - May 2011 - Admin's choice - Image of the month

[Marko]

Hi members,

In case you are new around here this is where the Admin (me) chooses one excellent photo each month from all the photos nominated by other members during that month in the Member's monthly choice forum.

Just so it's clear, the photo I choose is not necessarily the best one of the month. I've come to realize it's not really logical to pit images from totally different genres against each other. That's why there are categories in photo contests. My goal is to simply choose an excellent photo and talk about why I think it rocks.

This month's choice is Lake Wall by taffty.

I chose this image for several reasons:

Mood - The overall mood here (which I interpret as as "ethereal") is created by many factors including; the soft light, the composition and of course the black and white post processing. The whitish clouds reflecting in the water as well as what looks to be a really gentle surf also give you the feeling/illusion that the wall is floating on air.

Composition - The lines, curves, shapes, sub-shapes created by the lines and curves, and the use of negative space are all well used here. They please our eyes and intrigue our eyes. The curved wall-path that starts with medium/light tones in the foreground to darker at left midground leads our eye beautifully as it 'cuts' through the lighter tones on the left..

Exposure and post processing - Both well handled here. Even though the light is soft, reflections off the water make for a trickier exposure. Whites hold their subtle detail on my monitor and I like that. Silvery midtones in the sky (background) and immediate foreground match each other for wonderful effect.

For all these reasons, this is my choice for image of the month. Since we all have opinions, some members may disagree with my choice. That's cool but THIS thread is not the place for debate over my pick, NOR is it the place to further critique the image. The purpose here is to suggest strong elements in the photo that we may learn from.

Congrats again taffy for seeing and and creating this wonderful photo!

[MartinW]

Nice work taffy, congratulations!

[Iguanasan]

Congrats, taffy! Awesome shot and well deserved.

[JAS_Photo]

Congrats, Taffy! Wonderful work!

[Richard]

Well done Taffy, love this awesome image.

[Bambi]

excellent choice!

[aubintbay]

Congrats Taffy! Thats a beatiful pic.

[Michaelaw]

I never saw it until now! That said, it's a great image Taffy well deserving of a spotlght

[taffy]

Thanks Marko and everyone! I am chuffed

Taffy.

[scorpio_e]

Beautiful image for sure !!