Yeah, I actually held the E-M5 mk3, definitely not as tough looking as his old man. I have a G9, which feels like it could pound nails and then take pictures of the finished gazebo!
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Weekly Photo Contest: May 22nd- May 29th | Sound
- Thread starter dmb8021
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Congratulations, Alex and other podium members! Some really cool and intriguing images in this week's competition.
dmb8021 wrote:
"@Clix Pix These look extremely uncomfortable (Bone Anchored doesn't sound pleasant). Was this taken with a macro lens?"
Actually, bone-anchored hearing aids are far more comfortable than many hearing aids which have the aids themselves and then additional ear molds in the ears. The flesh-colored pieces you see sticking out from each BAHA snap on to a small screw that has been surgically implanted and osseointegrated into the mastoid process, so the user doesn't actually feel the BAHAs on the head at all. It is a joy after years of wearing an uncomfortable bone-conduction aid with a steel headband, believe me!
Yes, the image was shot with my Sony 90mm f/2.8 macro lens and I fiddled around with the composition until I found an angle for each device that both was visually pleasing and also somewhat informative to the viewer what these devices are in the first place (but I still felt the need to identify them in a descriptive caption, as they are uncommon and different than the usual hearing aids most people wear). The lighting was a problem, though, and even in PP I still didn't get it quite right to my satisfaction and only later did it occur to me that I should experiment with seeing how the image looks in B&W, which would resolve some of the lighting issues.
Now, since there was that discussion among us and Scepticalscribe did volunteer to offer her thoughts on all of the entries, too, I hope that we will soon be seeing whatever she has put together and what her choices of winning entries would have been.....
dmb8021 wrote:
"@Clix Pix These look extremely uncomfortable (Bone Anchored doesn't sound pleasant). Was this taken with a macro lens?"
Actually, bone-anchored hearing aids are far more comfortable than many hearing aids which have the aids themselves and then additional ear molds in the ears. The flesh-colored pieces you see sticking out from each BAHA snap on to a small screw that has been surgically implanted and osseointegrated into the mastoid process, so the user doesn't actually feel the BAHAs on the head at all. It is a joy after years of wearing an uncomfortable bone-conduction aid with a steel headband, believe me!
Yes, the image was shot with my Sony 90mm f/2.8 macro lens and I fiddled around with the composition until I found an angle for each device that both was visually pleasing and also somewhat informative to the viewer what these devices are in the first place (but I still felt the need to identify them in a descriptive caption, as they are uncommon and different than the usual hearing aids most people wear). The lighting was a problem, though, and even in PP I still didn't get it quite right to my satisfaction and only later did it occur to me that I should experiment with seeing how the image looks in B&W, which would resolve some of the lighting issues.
Now, since there was that discussion among us and Scepticalscribe did volunteer to offer her thoughts on all of the entries, too, I hope that we will soon be seeing whatever she has put together and what her choices of winning entries would have been.....
Yes, I'm almost done.
This is a fascinating exercise, and very glad to see the return of @dmb8021, which make my comments both academic and redundant, but something which was, nevertheless, a most interesting exercise, even as a stand-in.
Actually, when grading scripts (for final year students) a colleague marked blind (to ensure that bias would be countered, or errors spotted) and you compared & contrasted grades, before submitting jointly signed off grades to the extern, after which a board meeting would address the matter, but would normally nod them thorough unless there had been a significant difference of opinion, when they would have to adjudicate on the matter.
In general, the grades that the pair of us would assign were extraordinarily similar.
However, that is not always the case, and subjective preferences always come into play on matters such as music, art, and appreciation of such.
Herewith, my thoughts:
Sound:
Many thanks for the honour and privilege of having been asked to judge the weekly photo competition. I have been visiting these threads for some time, and remain in awe of – and impressed by - the quality of many of these photos and the decency of those who take them. Moreover, it is a brillant place to learn about photography – I’ve learnt a lot - while many of the vastly experienced people who post photos here are receptive to requests for advice and open to sharing their insights and perspctives on matters relating to photography.
This has long been one of the most pleasant and welcoming places on this forum, where members have been encouraged to visit, post photos, and submit entries to the weekly competitions.
Now: The usual caveats and disclaimers: Appreciation of areas such as art, photography, and music can be exceptionally subjective: We can agree that something is good, and also concur on why we think it is good, but that doesn’t always explain why we like it so much.
So, these remarks are simply my thoughts on the matter.
Many thanks – and my respect - to all who submitted entries; even in a private setting, and a supportive environment largely inhabited by fellow hobbyists, it takes guts to put yourself and your work forward.
I really love the idea of this title for a competition – and, must admit that it intrigued me when I first spottted it, which led me to the thread, where I distributed a few “likes” with the cheerful abandon of someone throwing confetti, thinking the contest already closed.
However, I have to concede that it is not at all an easy topic to have to represent visually, let alone by means of a photograph.
There are a number of challenges – three come to mind - to this sort of topic, firstly, because it is abstract, and trying to express or represent an abstract topic visually, through the means and format of a medium that is concrete and can readily be understood is always a bit of a challenge.
So, this means that an image that conveys something abstract or is used as a metaphor is always a lot more difficult to convey & render than an image as a representation of something more concrete – something such as the difference between “music” and “sound”, or between “speed” and “cars” (or, indeed, motor-bikes).
But, that challenge, formidable as it is, pales beside the second challenge, the even greater challenge of attempting, visually, to represent one of the key human senses (sound) through the means and medium of another (sight).
For, their very vocabularies – and core concepts by which they are understood and made sense of in a wider world - are drastically different. Their respective frame-works of reference – each from the other, – differ utterly, almost in ways of mutual incomprehension.
How do you express or represent sound to someone who is deaf, or colour, or other visual images, to someone who is blind?
How do you explain the idea of what is understood by the words “red” or “blue” or “green” to someone who is blind, and for whom the very concept of colour is alien?
Or how can one explain the beauty – and perfection of the composition - of the music of Mozart, or birdsong, to someone who is deaf, someone who cannot begin to understand the very terms that provide the framework, the scaffolding, that defines, describes, and expresses the incomprehensible world of sound?
I will admit that the example of the extraordinary Helen Keller – who was both deaf and blind - came to mind when I was thinking about all of this.
Then, there is the third challenge, the obvious one, that of actual photography, which is about pictorial composition, crafting and creating (and “seeing”) an image, a picture, one that is pleasing to the eye, while also demonstrating some technical – and creative - understanding of how this might be achieved and best rendered when shooting with a camera.
With all that in mind, as a general observation, before I come to commenting on the respective indvidual entries, I would like to simply say that when attempting to portray an abstract subject visually, from a photographic perspective, there needs to be a clear link between the subject of the photograph and the abstract concept it is attempting to portray.
Metaphors in art work best when the subject matter is concrete; however, when the subject matter is abstract, the representation needs to be able to strongly suggest, or imply, or hint at, the subject.
Thus, for example, the pictures of musical instruments – or musical notation - in this week’s competition work very well in terms of an interpretation of this subject; a musical instrument has been crafted to make music, - and that is its sole function, whereas other entries, such as musicians, and singers, compel us to focus on performance as much as sound, whereas here – to my mind – the focus should be on centred on “sound” (and its absence – the old “dog that didn’t bark”).
To the entries, and once again thank you to everyone who entered, and thank you for the time and trouble you took to find (or shoot) or compose images which addressed or reflected this week’s title:
1. @deep diver: I really like the actual photograph; personally, I love black and white photography, and I love the pictorial composition – the framing of this shot. The bird is brillant, the sight lines lines sharp, the silhouette superb, - the shadow is what makes that shot - the sense of speed in those wings compelling. But, while the shot suggests speed, velocity, motion, and flight, it does not call to mind “sound.” A terrific shot, but not for this subject.
2. @oblomow: This is really excellent, both in terms of suggesting the subject of the week’s competition – “sound” – and, in terms of pictoral composition.
Musical notation can only be about music – which is a creative way of expressing art through sound. But, the picture is very well composed; the foreground features the sheets of music, with excellent use of depth of field and strong lines which lead your eye inevitably to the violin bow, and then, to the out of focus violin itself, uniting instrument and music. And the use of colour is lovely, the strong white of the sheet music contrasting with the warm tones of the means of rendering those symbols and notations into sound.
3. @Hughmac: An exceedingly good photograph, - the use of colour, clarity of the image and the composition are excellent. I love the pale background – starker still with the striking contrast of the robin’s red breast, and love also, the strong lines of the barren trees, and how the trees on the right offer a balance to those on the left.
However, while subjects such as “winter”, or “birds” are suggested by this superb shot, what is understood by the idea of “sound” is not.
4. @tizeye: A powerful image, and very well taken. The subject’s exuberant character – giving a compelling performance, thorougly enjoying himself, yet very much in control, come across clearly; the composition is excellent, placement, shadows, highlights, depth of field, sharp lines and angles of clothing and limbs, the dark black background contrasted with the shape and colour of the bright pink (in that light) hat – are all excellent. But, while sound is necessary for singing, singing does not necessarily imply sound.
5. @Lee_Bo: In my experience, it is very hard to do justice adequately to a sunset in a photograph. The colours need to be both bright yet suggestive of sunsets, orange, ochre, apricots, peaches, purple, mauve, but the colour contrast of the rest of the photo – unless it is confined to the sunset - must also work.
In this shot, I would recommend that the meadow in the foreground be omitted, or cropped, – entirely; it adds nothing to the picture, (not colour, nor texture, and is too dark to be of interest) and, instead, for contrast, and texture, I’d have kept the trees, whch would contrast nicely – in terms of colour and lines and shape - with the sunset and lovely pattern and colours of the clouds; instead of a meadow, water in the foregrond of a sunset, - a river, a lake, a canal, a pnd, a puddle, the sea, - would have reflected the sunset, yet offered a mirroring and thought-provoking contrast to the actual sunset.
But, we cannot know whether sunsets are silent or whether they make a sound, and, in terms of either – or both – silence and sound, I’m not sure that this works. Actually, for the ‘sound of silence’ in nature, that completely muffled stillness that follows a heavy snow fall is what comes to mind.
6. @Clix Pix: Now, this is brilliant, both as a subject matter, and as an interpretation of the topic for this week, and, as a photo. Nailed the topic.
A very clever, subtle – and counter-intuitive - take on the topic. The old “dog that didn’t bark” stuff (something that didn’t happen that should have happened, is often as instructive as something that happened that should not have happened).
For, the actual subject of sound, also implies for those who are hard of hearing, a lack of sound, or silence. When looking at this image, one cannot but conclude what it is all about, and that is sound, and how to deal with its absence.
As a shot, it is very good, clear, cean lines, the battery of the device – tucked neatly into the foreground in lines that complement yet distinguish from the remainder of the device, are soft yet sharp, inform but don’t distract – leading the eye on and up and back to the rest of the device (and picture). I also like the use of colour, and the lovely plain background, which informs and subtly highlights as necessary, but is so subtly done that the image could have been shot in black and white.
7. @cupcakes2000: I like this shot, both the subject matter and composition. And the fact that the strong lines work better in black and white. Moreover, it can be hard to find a way of adding a bit of human interest to such an abstract topic while ensuring that the human subject in the shot remains relevant to the theme. Initally, I wasn’t entirely sure of the role of the person in the background, but their extended, angled arm – clearly holding the violin bow in the foreground - makes you realise that they are the person who plays the (out of shot) violin.
Rather than dead centre, I think that the picture could have been even better balanced (visually) had the violin player been a little further to the right in the frame.
8. @imac wannabe: To be honest, I think it is stretching things a bit to equate the sound of (or noise from), or roar of, the engines of racing cars in a race with the idea of “sound”; I’m not sure that this is an associaton that would be readily made. From the perspective of photography, composing an image, using a picture to tell a story, too much is happening here, and the image looks a little cluttered.
Visually, a shot from the other side (where the sun would have been behind you, allowing for a sharper differentiation, and a somewhat higher angle – which would have enabled a clearer focus on the car in the foreground), might have worked better.
9. @uvafan1: Visually, I like the way the angle of the sun lights the shot; it gives it a nice depth, and the light and contrast work well. Nevertheless, while the blue of the sky adds a nice contrast to the colour palette of the rest of the shot, it could have been cropped, with a greater focus on the musicians. Also, the angle at which they are shot might have looked better – and tighter - from further to the left.
Again, while sound is necessary for singing, singing is not solely about sound, it is also about lyrics, tone, timbre, and the message the song conveys.
10. @akash.nu: I love the bold and confident mastery of colour in this shot, - both in terms of the way colour is used in this specific context, and the way you have captured it - and I also really like the way depth of field is used to flag and highlight the colour, which is the very visual signal adopted by this parade. I am also taken with the central character, who strongly commands the picture, but perhaps they could have been slightly off to one side, as opposed to being absolutely central (as in, literally, rather than metaphorically) to the shot.
But, this (the picture and parade, both) is a celebration of colour, and colour claimed for specific political purposes, (and rendered very well, the contrast between the central character’s hair and the dark background is visually striking), but not sound.
11. @Alexander.Of.Oz: Ah, this is gorgeous, just gorgeous.
Fantastic mastery of space, colour, light, perspective, lines, geometry, and subject matter. Visually, this is an exquisite feast. The strong lines (those strings, off to one side, en route to infinity, but an infinity that one knows ends with the neck, head and tuning keys of the guitar) lead one’s eyes, - super use of perspective, depth, and both darkness and light, shadow and highlights - while the use of colour – with several shades of one warm family of golden colour – is superlative, and I love how the golden geometric patterns are reflected on the body of the guitar. And yes, it also meets the test of attempting to describe sound visually. For, the sole purpose of a musical instrument is to make music, and music is art rendered in sound.
12. @Apple fanboy: I revere the (British) planes of WW2, I love the reverberating echoes of the sounds of their history, - an uncle of mine by marriage was a Flight-Lieutenant in Coastal Command (he was a pilot who flew Lancasters when he was killed, in November, 1943) in the RAF, and his wife, my mother’s eldest sister, held a commission in the WAAFs.
Lovely photograph, and wonderful subject, but to my mind, it suggests “WW2”, or “flight”, and not sound.
Mind you, I really like the actual picture in terms of understated colour and pictorial composition, - the subdued palette of the background, and the sharply defined line and angle of the planes, - and I especially love the Lancaster.
13. @someoldguy: This is lovely; lovely clean, clear, sharp lines, a terrific understanding of (and mastery of) colour – and pictorial composition - in such a context, arresting and compelling, but not distracting, gorgeous subject matter, a simply smashing image. And I love the way the contrasting black and white tones of the piano keys are rendered.
And also an image that accords with what might be understood by “sound” as that is the sole purpose of a musical instrument.
14. @mollyc: I’ve long loved many of your shots of your children, some of them were stunning – I recall one of them (where they had their backs to you) but were facing an aquarium, a wonderful shot, beautifully executed; this is a very cheerful shot of the children, companionably seated on a sofa.
15. @Janichsan: This has also successfully nailed the topic, and, while similar to @Alexander.Of.Oz’s shot in terms of subject matter, differs in interpretation and presentation. I like the use of black with the guitar, and use of black and white with the photograph, something which seems to suit the electric guitar, although, I think that the angle of the guitar could have been more slanted.
16. @mackmgg: Snow does sound silent, hence the topic is nailed. But that is a silence that tends to come after the snowfall, when there is an echoing silence, that muffled silence of fallen snow, rather than while the snow is falling.
17. @Indydenny: Again, the topic is nailed, very nicely; and I like the subject matter, an organ, possbly a Baroque organ, in the light-filled colours of that era, heavy on both gold and cream, and soaring skywards with optimism. Nicely shot.
18. @needfx: And another who nailed the topic, in terms of a visual representation of an abstract topic. Re the actual shot, I liked the clarity of the image, the choice of a phone as subject matter, the lines of the phone which draw your eye, and the stark black and white contrasts in the photograph.
I note, while I was writing the final section of this, that the OP returned, and posted results, thereby relieving me of the responsibilty of adjudication, and/or results, but yet, allowing for me to post my own thoughts.
Oddly enough, our respective choice for first place remains the same:
First: @Alexander.Of.Oz.
Second: @oblomow
Joint third: @someoldguy and @Clix Pix.
This is a fascinating exercise, and very glad to see the return of @dmb8021, which make my comments both academic and redundant, but something which was, nevertheless, a most interesting exercise, even as a stand-in.
Actually, when grading scripts (for final year students) a colleague marked blind (to ensure that bias would be countered, or errors spotted) and you compared & contrasted grades, before submitting jointly signed off grades to the extern, after which a board meeting would address the matter, but would normally nod them thorough unless there had been a significant difference of opinion, when they would have to adjudicate on the matter.
In general, the grades that the pair of us would assign were extraordinarily similar.
However, that is not always the case, and subjective preferences always come into play on matters such as music, art, and appreciation of such.
Herewith, my thoughts:
Sound:
Many thanks for the honour and privilege of having been asked to judge the weekly photo competition. I have been visiting these threads for some time, and remain in awe of – and impressed by - the quality of many of these photos and the decency of those who take them. Moreover, it is a brillant place to learn about photography – I’ve learnt a lot - while many of the vastly experienced people who post photos here are receptive to requests for advice and open to sharing their insights and perspctives on matters relating to photography.
This has long been one of the most pleasant and welcoming places on this forum, where members have been encouraged to visit, post photos, and submit entries to the weekly competitions.
Now: The usual caveats and disclaimers: Appreciation of areas such as art, photography, and music can be exceptionally subjective: We can agree that something is good, and also concur on why we think it is good, but that doesn’t always explain why we like it so much.
So, these remarks are simply my thoughts on the matter.
Many thanks – and my respect - to all who submitted entries; even in a private setting, and a supportive environment largely inhabited by fellow hobbyists, it takes guts to put yourself and your work forward.
I really love the idea of this title for a competition – and, must admit that it intrigued me when I first spottted it, which led me to the thread, where I distributed a few “likes” with the cheerful abandon of someone throwing confetti, thinking the contest already closed.
However, I have to concede that it is not at all an easy topic to have to represent visually, let alone by means of a photograph.
There are a number of challenges – three come to mind - to this sort of topic, firstly, because it is abstract, and trying to express or represent an abstract topic visually, through the means and format of a medium that is concrete and can readily be understood is always a bit of a challenge.
So, this means that an image that conveys something abstract or is used as a metaphor is always a lot more difficult to convey & render than an image as a representation of something more concrete – something such as the difference between “music” and “sound”, or between “speed” and “cars” (or, indeed, motor-bikes).
But, that challenge, formidable as it is, pales beside the second challenge, the even greater challenge of attempting, visually, to represent one of the key human senses (sound) through the means and medium of another (sight).
For, their very vocabularies – and core concepts by which they are understood and made sense of in a wider world - are drastically different. Their respective frame-works of reference – each from the other, – differ utterly, almost in ways of mutual incomprehension.
How do you express or represent sound to someone who is deaf, or colour, or other visual images, to someone who is blind?
How do you explain the idea of what is understood by the words “red” or “blue” or “green” to someone who is blind, and for whom the very concept of colour is alien?
Or how can one explain the beauty – and perfection of the composition - of the music of Mozart, or birdsong, to someone who is deaf, someone who cannot begin to understand the very terms that provide the framework, the scaffolding, that defines, describes, and expresses the incomprehensible world of sound?
I will admit that the example of the extraordinary Helen Keller – who was both deaf and blind - came to mind when I was thinking about all of this.
Then, there is the third challenge, the obvious one, that of actual photography, which is about pictorial composition, crafting and creating (and “seeing”) an image, a picture, one that is pleasing to the eye, while also demonstrating some technical – and creative - understanding of how this might be achieved and best rendered when shooting with a camera.
With all that in mind, as a general observation, before I come to commenting on the respective indvidual entries, I would like to simply say that when attempting to portray an abstract subject visually, from a photographic perspective, there needs to be a clear link between the subject of the photograph and the abstract concept it is attempting to portray.
Metaphors in art work best when the subject matter is concrete; however, when the subject matter is abstract, the representation needs to be able to strongly suggest, or imply, or hint at, the subject.
Thus, for example, the pictures of musical instruments – or musical notation - in this week’s competition work very well in terms of an interpretation of this subject; a musical instrument has been crafted to make music, - and that is its sole function, whereas other entries, such as musicians, and singers, compel us to focus on performance as much as sound, whereas here – to my mind – the focus should be on centred on “sound” (and its absence – the old “dog that didn’t bark”).
To the entries, and once again thank you to everyone who entered, and thank you for the time and trouble you took to find (or shoot) or compose images which addressed or reflected this week’s title:
1. @deep diver: I really like the actual photograph; personally, I love black and white photography, and I love the pictorial composition – the framing of this shot. The bird is brillant, the sight lines lines sharp, the silhouette superb, - the shadow is what makes that shot - the sense of speed in those wings compelling. But, while the shot suggests speed, velocity, motion, and flight, it does not call to mind “sound.” A terrific shot, but not for this subject.
2. @oblomow: This is really excellent, both in terms of suggesting the subject of the week’s competition – “sound” – and, in terms of pictoral composition.
Musical notation can only be about music – which is a creative way of expressing art through sound. But, the picture is very well composed; the foreground features the sheets of music, with excellent use of depth of field and strong lines which lead your eye inevitably to the violin bow, and then, to the out of focus violin itself, uniting instrument and music. And the use of colour is lovely, the strong white of the sheet music contrasting with the warm tones of the means of rendering those symbols and notations into sound.
3. @Hughmac: An exceedingly good photograph, - the use of colour, clarity of the image and the composition are excellent. I love the pale background – starker still with the striking contrast of the robin’s red breast, and love also, the strong lines of the barren trees, and how the trees on the right offer a balance to those on the left.
However, while subjects such as “winter”, or “birds” are suggested by this superb shot, what is understood by the idea of “sound” is not.
4. @tizeye: A powerful image, and very well taken. The subject’s exuberant character – giving a compelling performance, thorougly enjoying himself, yet very much in control, come across clearly; the composition is excellent, placement, shadows, highlights, depth of field, sharp lines and angles of clothing and limbs, the dark black background contrasted with the shape and colour of the bright pink (in that light) hat – are all excellent. But, while sound is necessary for singing, singing does not necessarily imply sound.
5. @Lee_Bo: In my experience, it is very hard to do justice adequately to a sunset in a photograph. The colours need to be both bright yet suggestive of sunsets, orange, ochre, apricots, peaches, purple, mauve, but the colour contrast of the rest of the photo – unless it is confined to the sunset - must also work.
In this shot, I would recommend that the meadow in the foreground be omitted, or cropped, – entirely; it adds nothing to the picture, (not colour, nor texture, and is too dark to be of interest) and, instead, for contrast, and texture, I’d have kept the trees, whch would contrast nicely – in terms of colour and lines and shape - with the sunset and lovely pattern and colours of the clouds; instead of a meadow, water in the foregrond of a sunset, - a river, a lake, a canal, a pnd, a puddle, the sea, - would have reflected the sunset, yet offered a mirroring and thought-provoking contrast to the actual sunset.
But, we cannot know whether sunsets are silent or whether they make a sound, and, in terms of either – or both – silence and sound, I’m not sure that this works. Actually, for the ‘sound of silence’ in nature, that completely muffled stillness that follows a heavy snow fall is what comes to mind.
6. @Clix Pix: Now, this is brilliant, both as a subject matter, and as an interpretation of the topic for this week, and, as a photo. Nailed the topic.
A very clever, subtle – and counter-intuitive - take on the topic. The old “dog that didn’t bark” stuff (something that didn’t happen that should have happened, is often as instructive as something that happened that should not have happened).
For, the actual subject of sound, also implies for those who are hard of hearing, a lack of sound, or silence. When looking at this image, one cannot but conclude what it is all about, and that is sound, and how to deal with its absence.
As a shot, it is very good, clear, cean lines, the battery of the device – tucked neatly into the foreground in lines that complement yet distinguish from the remainder of the device, are soft yet sharp, inform but don’t distract – leading the eye on and up and back to the rest of the device (and picture). I also like the use of colour, and the lovely plain background, which informs and subtly highlights as necessary, but is so subtly done that the image could have been shot in black and white.
7. @cupcakes2000: I like this shot, both the subject matter and composition. And the fact that the strong lines work better in black and white. Moreover, it can be hard to find a way of adding a bit of human interest to such an abstract topic while ensuring that the human subject in the shot remains relevant to the theme. Initally, I wasn’t entirely sure of the role of the person in the background, but their extended, angled arm – clearly holding the violin bow in the foreground - makes you realise that they are the person who plays the (out of shot) violin.
Rather than dead centre, I think that the picture could have been even better balanced (visually) had the violin player been a little further to the right in the frame.
8. @imac wannabe: To be honest, I think it is stretching things a bit to equate the sound of (or noise from), or roar of, the engines of racing cars in a race with the idea of “sound”; I’m not sure that this is an associaton that would be readily made. From the perspective of photography, composing an image, using a picture to tell a story, too much is happening here, and the image looks a little cluttered.
Visually, a shot from the other side (where the sun would have been behind you, allowing for a sharper differentiation, and a somewhat higher angle – which would have enabled a clearer focus on the car in the foreground), might have worked better.
9. @uvafan1: Visually, I like the way the angle of the sun lights the shot; it gives it a nice depth, and the light and contrast work well. Nevertheless, while the blue of the sky adds a nice contrast to the colour palette of the rest of the shot, it could have been cropped, with a greater focus on the musicians. Also, the angle at which they are shot might have looked better – and tighter - from further to the left.
Again, while sound is necessary for singing, singing is not solely about sound, it is also about lyrics, tone, timbre, and the message the song conveys.
10. @akash.nu: I love the bold and confident mastery of colour in this shot, - both in terms of the way colour is used in this specific context, and the way you have captured it - and I also really like the way depth of field is used to flag and highlight the colour, which is the very visual signal adopted by this parade. I am also taken with the central character, who strongly commands the picture, but perhaps they could have been slightly off to one side, as opposed to being absolutely central (as in, literally, rather than metaphorically) to the shot.
But, this (the picture and parade, both) is a celebration of colour, and colour claimed for specific political purposes, (and rendered very well, the contrast between the central character’s hair and the dark background is visually striking), but not sound.
11. @Alexander.Of.Oz: Ah, this is gorgeous, just gorgeous.
Fantastic mastery of space, colour, light, perspective, lines, geometry, and subject matter. Visually, this is an exquisite feast. The strong lines (those strings, off to one side, en route to infinity, but an infinity that one knows ends with the neck, head and tuning keys of the guitar) lead one’s eyes, - super use of perspective, depth, and both darkness and light, shadow and highlights - while the use of colour – with several shades of one warm family of golden colour – is superlative, and I love how the golden geometric patterns are reflected on the body of the guitar. And yes, it also meets the test of attempting to describe sound visually. For, the sole purpose of a musical instrument is to make music, and music is art rendered in sound.
12. @Apple fanboy: I revere the (British) planes of WW2, I love the reverberating echoes of the sounds of their history, - an uncle of mine by marriage was a Flight-Lieutenant in Coastal Command (he was a pilot who flew Lancasters when he was killed, in November, 1943) in the RAF, and his wife, my mother’s eldest sister, held a commission in the WAAFs.
Lovely photograph, and wonderful subject, but to my mind, it suggests “WW2”, or “flight”, and not sound.
Mind you, I really like the actual picture in terms of understated colour and pictorial composition, - the subdued palette of the background, and the sharply defined line and angle of the planes, - and I especially love the Lancaster.
13. @someoldguy: This is lovely; lovely clean, clear, sharp lines, a terrific understanding of (and mastery of) colour – and pictorial composition - in such a context, arresting and compelling, but not distracting, gorgeous subject matter, a simply smashing image. And I love the way the contrasting black and white tones of the piano keys are rendered.
And also an image that accords with what might be understood by “sound” as that is the sole purpose of a musical instrument.
14. @mollyc: I’ve long loved many of your shots of your children, some of them were stunning – I recall one of them (where they had their backs to you) but were facing an aquarium, a wonderful shot, beautifully executed; this is a very cheerful shot of the children, companionably seated on a sofa.
15. @Janichsan: This has also successfully nailed the topic, and, while similar to @Alexander.Of.Oz’s shot in terms of subject matter, differs in interpretation and presentation. I like the use of black with the guitar, and use of black and white with the photograph, something which seems to suit the electric guitar, although, I think that the angle of the guitar could have been more slanted.
16. @mackmgg: Snow does sound silent, hence the topic is nailed. But that is a silence that tends to come after the snowfall, when there is an echoing silence, that muffled silence of fallen snow, rather than while the snow is falling.
17. @Indydenny: Again, the topic is nailed, very nicely; and I like the subject matter, an organ, possbly a Baroque organ, in the light-filled colours of that era, heavy on both gold and cream, and soaring skywards with optimism. Nicely shot.
18. @needfx: And another who nailed the topic, in terms of a visual representation of an abstract topic. Re the actual shot, I liked the clarity of the image, the choice of a phone as subject matter, the lines of the phone which draw your eye, and the stark black and white contrasts in the photograph.
I note, while I was writing the final section of this, that the OP returned, and posted results, thereby relieving me of the responsibilty of adjudication, and/or results, but yet, allowing for me to post my own thoughts.
Oddly enough, our respective choice for first place remains the same:
First: @Alexander.Of.Oz.
Second: @oblomow
Joint third: @someoldguy and @Clix Pix.
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We all dread getting first place. Poor Alex got first place twice in the same contest. No way out of this one. 
Thank you, Scepticalscribe, for this very thoughtful, thorough and well-written analysis of the images shot in this particular competition! It is always fascinating to see how others view an image and what they think about it, whether it is an image I've shot or whether it is someone else's image and I've developed my own impressions of it....
In photography competitions where there is a specific theme or topic announced, that definitely needs to be one of the main criteria adhered-to when one is preparing to shoot or when one is studying someone else's image; sometimes it is quite clear that the photographer is conveying an understanding of the topic in his or her own interpretation of it, and other times it may be a bit more subtle, perhaps even too subtle..... Along with the usual technical details and elements of composition, use of light, etc., this is indeed an important aspect to consider when viewing and judging an image.
For me it was a no-brainer the minute I saw the topic presented: "Sound." Nothing abstract about it in this household! I reached up and touched one of my BAHAs and knew that it was just a matter of when I could get to actually shooting them..... "Sound?" Oh, yes! They were such a natural subject to shoot for this topic.
In photography competitions where there is a specific theme or topic announced, that definitely needs to be one of the main criteria adhered-to when one is preparing to shoot or when one is studying someone else's image; sometimes it is quite clear that the photographer is conveying an understanding of the topic in his or her own interpretation of it, and other times it may be a bit more subtle, perhaps even too subtle..... Along with the usual technical details and elements of composition, use of light, etc., this is indeed an important aspect to consider when viewing and judging an image.
For me it was a no-brainer the minute I saw the topic presented: "Sound." Nothing abstract about it in this household! I reached up and touched one of my BAHAs and knew that it was just a matter of when I could get to actually shooting them..... "Sound?" Oh, yes! They were such a natural subject to shoot for this topic.
@Scepticalscribe there is never anything redundant about your eloquently shared observation of our photographic imagery! Your word-smithing ability takes me back to another time when I was but a wee young lad chatting with my Bohemian Nana; when gentle communication was valued and prized. That you have a deep appreciation and understanding of photographic imagery (not to mention the fineries of food and beverages of all manner) is the cherry on the top for my enjoyment of reading your insights!
My entry stemmed from the days of my youth when I was working as an audio engineer and how at that time in a malaise of sorts I would try and imagine the potential of visually expressing sound, which you had a beautiful discourse on above! I toyed with the idea of using flour or something similar on a sheet of something draped over a loudspeaker visually dancing to audio waves, only to find the sadness of living in a house devoid of speakers that are directly contactable to achieve this. Damn the world of miniaturising things and safely placing them behind permanently mounted metal grills! I next explored with one of the lads playing his Didgeredoo with the end over a surface of flour, but the dispersion of sonic waves is not focused enough to visually see them! It was at that point I spied his steel string guitar & my entry was to be manifested.
Thank you again for your ever so generous insights and the graceful manner in which you shared them.
My entry stemmed from the days of my youth when I was working as an audio engineer and how at that time in a malaise of sorts I would try and imagine the potential of visually expressing sound, which you had a beautiful discourse on above! I toyed with the idea of using flour or something similar on a sheet of something draped over a loudspeaker visually dancing to audio waves, only to find the sadness of living in a house devoid of speakers that are directly contactable to achieve this. Damn the world of miniaturising things and safely placing them behind permanently mounted metal grills! I next explored with one of the lads playing his Didgeredoo with the end over a surface of flour, but the dispersion of sonic waves is not focused enough to visually see them! It was at that point I spied his steel string guitar & my entry was to be manifested.
Thank you again for your ever so generous insights and the graceful manner in which you shared them.
Thank you! @Scepticalscribe
For wanting to step in, for excellent judging and for 2nd place in your list!
But it's good to see @dmb8021 has returned. You can see we were anxiously waiting for you. Hope you are ok.
Poor @Alexander.Of.Oz I guess he wished he didn't choose this week to get back into the potd scene. But it's a well deserverd double win.
For wanting to step in, for excellent judging and for 2nd place in your list!
But it's good to see @dmb8021 has returned. You can see we were anxiously waiting for you. Hope you are ok.
Poor @Alexander.Of.Oz I guess he wished he didn't choose this week to get back into the potd scene.
But it's a well deserverd double win.
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Glad you made it back and thank you for the much coveted second place! No behind the scenes shot like @Alexander.Of.Oz to share, but I will say the lighting wasn’t great for that air show. But the historic planes were a lot easier to shoot than the modern jets!
Thank you for taking the time to comment on every photo. I think it really adds to these competitions.
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Thank you for stepping in with your very well thought out and well written thoughts in the subject matter and entries.
You are more than welcome to share your thoughts on future competitions as well!
Looking forward to when you finally join the digital age and can join in these competitions yourself.
Thank you! Yes - it’s actually a broken bow...
I failed to mention that the next challenge is up at https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/weekly-photo-contest-regenerate-june-3rd-to-10th-2020.2239522/ ?
Wow, thanks for the double judging, and congrats to the winners.
By the way @dmb8021 my bird is a European Robin, well know around here for it's beautiful song.
Cheers
Hugh
By the way @dmb8021 my bird is a European Robin, well know around here for it's beautiful song.
Cheers
Hugh
First, congratulation to the top 3. Can't wait to see what @Alexander.Of.Oz comes up with.
As feedback, yes he was singing. It was part of the local city's 4th of July Festival. He was one of the local bands performing on a stage. I was lying on my back on the pavement, shooting up for that angle. While I took some during the daylight hours, this was between dusk and the main event - fireworks, with stage lights becoming more pronounced. My back up "sound" photo was exploding fireworks but decided on this one.
Hey !!! 2 critiques ( or a critique and a dissertation) for the price of one ! Condolences to @Alexander.Of.Oz for being chosen the winner not once , but twice . No escape for you !
The piano in my entry has been sitting in my living room for around 80 years . My grandfather got it as payment for back wages , along with his work bench , when the piano factory he worked in went bust in the Depression . It was allegedly rolled through the streets of Manhattan , on to the ferry and then put on a Model T truck which backed up the Palisades and thence to its' present location.I've often wondered about the discolored white keys . The only thing I can figure is that the elephants who contributed the ivory for those keys didn't brush between meals .
The piano in my entry has been sitting in my living room for around 80 years . My grandfather got it as payment for back wages , along with his work bench , when the piano factory he worked in went bust in the Depression . It was allegedly rolled through the streets of Manhattan , on to the ferry and then put on a Model T truck which backed up the Palisades and thence to its' present location.I've often wondered about the discolored white keys . The only thing I can figure is that the elephants who contributed the ivory for those keys didn't brush between meals .
It's a good thing these contests are judged on images alone. That back story trumps my 'simple idea' hands down! ?
thanks for all the commentary! congrats to @Alexander.Of.Oz Welcome back! ?
Is that laughter I hear? I think I have next weeks winner picked already!
well, @dmb8021 left me out
thanks @Scepticalscribe
congrats winners on all fronts, contestants & fellow pub members!!
thanks @Scepticalscribe
congrats winners on all fronts, contestants & fellow pub members!!