IPC July Recognition

Our guest judge has selected the July winner and the decision was difficult.  In the end, however, she chose Roy Hilbinger's Mortar and Pestle.

Here's what she had to say about her choice: 

"I really loved this shot from the moment I saw the thumbnail. For me, most black and white shots are not that eye catching when in the thumbnail but this shot really jumped out at me. The tones in the shot are fantastic, and the depth of field really makes this shot very big for a simply arranged shot. I think with a lot of black and white photos, less is more, that way you can take in the varied tones without being too overwhelmed. This shot, however, is simple and yet highly detailed which as Doyle mentioned in his last comment on this, makes the shot hold your eye. Reviewing this, I understand why the bottom corner was left as it is, had it been changed, I think it would have caused the shot not to be as dramatic as it is. The choice of subject matter is also unusual, not many people have mortars and pestles around (unless they are foodies or wild crafters), and in that I think it has gave everyone a chance to see something they normally would not see.
Congratulations Roy!" 

Gayle's Choice - Honorable Mention: I chose Nanina's Old Violin image
because the chosen lighting gave it a flat contrast level which is apt to the vintage look...in this case, having the subject placement centered works well and i feel it is because of the way the light falls and the gentle look of the draping background...the comp is emotive....

I was not able to leave critiques this time around due to painful sciatica which greatly curtailed sitting at the computer...this is my 4th week dealing with it,but I did manage to view all of the July entries and thank all of you for your participation....Black n' white is my first love and what I only shot many moons ago using true B/W film on a manual 35mm Mamiya ...I will post an article within a few weeks about still life composition and lighting for those of you who have expressed an interest in learning more....

Doyle'S Choice  -  Honorable Mention:  I chose to recognize Judi J. for her critique on the same violin photo.  It's my intention to highlight that critique not because she suggested a different aperture setting, or a different exposure level . . . not because she was making suggestions about the composition . . . but because she eloquently put into words what she did or did not like about the photo.  She was able to communicate how that shot made her feel.  This is helpful.  When a person hears the things viewer's do and do not like, they get an idea of how their work is fulfilling their own expectations (and what does and does not work) and I appreciate that our group members have been able to step up and say anything more than (*shudder*) . . . "Nice shot".  I trust people will be accepting of critiques which are both detailed and pointed, keeping in mind that we're talking about learning and growing here . . . not patting everyone on the back for any old shot but patting everyone on the back for learning, growing and improving . . . and participating.

Keep reading, commenting, learning and shooting.  And congratulations to everyone who posted a photo, and to those who could not or did not, congratulations if you read, learn and comment . . .  we can always do something to improve.  We'll be posting the next challenge as soon as Roy Hilbinger has let Gayle and myself know where we're headed next!