Photo challenge - trial run?

Given the discussion about whether or not this could run successfully, I thought I might start us off... Rediscovered this image last night, buried deep in an external hard drive... To this day I can't decide whether or not I like it, so maybe it'll provoke some discussion. Given that the entire point of the thread is for balanced critique, please do not jump upon anyone who is kind enough to give an opinion, positive or negative! I can take it :lol:

 

Very arty! Like you I'm in two minds. The only thing that really occurs to me is that without the clouds it definitely wouldn't work, in my opinion.

 

I rather like it. The idea is really good. I don't mind the low angle meaning you don't see so much loco, but I'd rather see more "leg". Doing so would probably improve the balance of the shot too, although I wouldn't want to lose too much of those great clouds, so perhaps it would be a square format in true Gifford style. Having said that, the boots need more grime on them and the jeans are too clean and modern looking. What I'd like the image to say is "industrial worker taking a sneaky break". It almost does, but not quite.

 

Thanks for the ideas, and the reference material - now on its way courtesy of Amazon! I do agree about the grass being somewhat overpowering, sadly I only had the idea as I heard the clattering of wagons, so it was too late to do anything about it! :lol: Given the comments received, I think it might be worth trying the idea again (perhaps in a more suitable setting, maybe somewhere nearer the colliery next year, and I'll bring my overalls!), considering this as a prototype...

 

I like it because it tells a story - not always easy and a very rare thing these days.

Steve

 

I quite like it. Being B&W gives it a timeless feel and I think scale of tones has been well worked. The exposure of the sky is very pleasing which is always difficult to get right in B&W photography.

The composition works very well. Initially I thought I was looking at a shot of an engine through the grass but when widening the eye you are drawn to the boots of the worker. From that position you realise you are now viewing the perspective of an observer - an almost human view through the camera. You are drawn into a different perspective than your own and I think this works.

 

First of all George, well done for trying something different, i personally always have a nagging reluctance to try pans too often or something different for fear of it not working.

As for the Photo itself, the way the clouds are so prominent in the picture is a very nice effect, im not so keen on the on the grass being so high, but a picture of this kind often divides opinion.

 

I like the idea, but could of done with either the grass being shorter or a slightly higher POV. Perhaps one to try again. That said I think it's better than this photo which sold for £2.7m!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15689652

 

Which apparently has been heavily 'photoshopped'.