Dublin street scene
Nikon N2000, 35mm f/2.8 AI Nikkor
Kodak T-Max 400
2016
I will probably never become a skilled street photographer. I’m okay with that, as I’m choosing to build my skills photographing other things. But sometimes I feel the urge to shoot on a crowded street, as I did here in Dublin. This shot draws me in. I can’t tell whether it’s because it’s good, or whether it’s bad enough that I just can’t look away.
The shot communicates a lot about urban life. What is interesting about it is the contrast between the relaxed crowd of tourists and socializing locals and the young man in a business uniform rushing through the scene while immersed in his own world and oblivious to his immediate surroundings. The foreground blur and the monochrome presentation contribute nicely to a focus on the main idea of the image.
I am fixated on the foreground blur. It’s not that the fellow’s motion blurs him – it’s that the in-focus patch is behind him. It bugs me! But I do like the rest of the composition. The imposing building draws the eye. The crowd draws the eye. The hurried fellow provides contrast.
The strong tonal qualities give strength to the image and I tend to agree with Mike that the motion gives a dynamic to the scene. Nice!
Regards, John.
I shot this on T-Max 400, which performed brilliantly for me all over Ireland. Thanks for stopping over!
You’re very welcome.
I think if he was standing still and out of focus it would look bad. My eye/brain simply interpreted it as motion blur until I read the text and went back for a second look.
So, my vote is good photo. :)
Imagining the fellow being in focus in my mind, I can see you may be right.
Strangely, I’m actually drawn in by the fast moving man in front, that and the tack sharp background are what I think makes it work!
Definitely works for me, Jim.
Thanks!
I love it :)
The person with a clear goal in front center creates some kind of great depth to the whole frame and scene. Great job done!
Why thank you! I guess sometimes my own judgment needs a nudge.
I actually like the shot. You are better than you realize.
The more you shoot, the better you will become. Read articles, buy photo books and try to analyze other peoples work. Try to see what they saw and always try to learn from your own pictures. I think you definitely have potential, don’t sell yourself short.
I am writing a travel photography blog and actually just wrote about Dublin in case you want to have a look.
Keep shooting!
Thank you for the compliment! I’m a software developer by day and so my photography is something I do as I have time. But I do love it. I have not spent enough time looking at and analyzing the work of others, especially the masters. Thanks for the link to your blog – I’ll check it out!
Sometimes it also helps to look at the postcards being sold in cities. Look at the light they are using, the time of day, the angle they chose.
You can learn a lot from them.
Photography is an art you can perfect for a lifetime.
