First, thank you to those few of you who submitted. I have to say that I am really disappointed that so few people participated, but I’m hoping that is just a function of people not knowing/forgetting/and the crappy weather out here that made lots of lives difficult.
Below are each submission and a few comments by me. I encourage everyone, not just those who made these images but everyone, to think about the work and to comment. One rule: don’t be a jerk. If you have negative criticism, be kind with it. While it is important for artists to be able to hear the bad as well as the good, it doesn’t do anyone any good to say things like “Well he obviously sucks” or whatever. I want cogent, thought out comments. Be precise and informative. Offer ideas and solutions when you find problems.
As for the photographers whose work is below, be open to everything you get from others. Some may be hard to hear, some may be great to hear, but try to hear all of it and learn from it. And again, thank you all for putting your work, and yourselves, out to the world like this. Takes guts, and I admire that.
Oh, and there is no ranking of the images below–just because your pic is first or last in order doesn’t mean anything. Just random placement. And each image is larger if clicked on, btw.
Keith Barraclough made our first image. This is a “caught” image rather than a “manufactured” one– that is, I’m sure he didn’t set these people up but rather made the image as he saw the scene unfolding. Though with Keith, it’s sometimes hard to tell–lots of his advertising images really have that “honest” feel about them. I like the juxtaposition in this image and find it really interesting that the monks are the ones in the shadows. What does it mean for peace? It evoked questions in me, so yeah, it works.
Kathryn Wagner (please ignore the file name where I got her name wrong, bad me!) made this image of a great old Nash… one of my favorite old cars, so I have a natural soft spot for this image. It’s a bit of a different interpretation of the peace theme, but it still works with the clouds, sky, and soft light. It could be read a bit darkly, if one was in that kind of mood, but does that preclude the “peace” part? I don’t think so. Ever hear of the calm before the storm? I get that kind of peace from it.
Ken Wilder takes a darker turn with his image. Honestly, though, I had mentioned to a friend something about a grave and this theme, so I wasn’t shocked that someone went this way. Ken submitted a small image, so I can’t tell for sure but I think it’s a new grave, which adds to the slightly disturbing and yet still peaceful-ness of this image. It definitely has the light of someplace with a winter, even if there is no snow on the ground, and that light quality works here, at least for me. It’s a colder light, and breaking through the trees adds to the slight “disturbing” feel of this. But unquestioningly peaceful at the same time. I like that it walks that line.
This image by Ryan McGehee I think almost needs its title to make clear its connection to the theme: Angel. The ethereal feeling could definitely be read as peaceful without the words, but I think it could also be read as sci-fi creepy too. Of course, that is because of what I bring to the read– a long history of sci-fi movies in my brain.
This is an important thing to remember when creating an image for others: what you have in your brain and what the viewer has in theirs may not result in the same reading of the image. Neither one is right or wrong, but if you can keep that in mind then the next time a client “doesn’t get it” you can be more understanding and less defensive. You just have different brains.
I love visual puns and visual wordplay of any kind. It’s just one of my natural likes. We all have those tendencies. For example, I’m the perfect person to edit a book of kid images because I am not kid-friendly, so the image has to work for itself. On the other hand, when someone does something like this image made by Kelly Ng, I have to pay close attention to my inherent liking to be fair to the image as a whole.
Kelly is a wedding and portrait photographer so this is not her usual kind of work, but I think she did a good job particularly because of that background. So much of her “normal” work would have fit the theme, but instead she pushed herself to find a different solution and I really respect her for taking that risk. And, yes, it works. The only thing I would have done differently is entitled it “give peas a chance.” But I like bad jokes, did I mention that? 😉
Rodney Yardley (for whom I can’t find a site, I’m sorry) went more traditional with this image of dogs. That is, I assume it is more than one dog or it is very curled up. Dogs, cats, and kids are popular solutions for a theme like “peace” but there is a reason for that: humans (mostly) respond to the work in exactly the way the photographer intends. A viewer can’t look at an image like this without at least a hint of the warm fuzzies, even if later the cynical brain kicks in and says “too easy” or “too soft” or whatever. Technically, the image is fine (and the beast is darn adorable and it definitely is peaceful), but I do have a more cynical brain and I’d like to see Rodney take a bigger risk with the next assignment. At the same time, many clients, especially the smaller and less creative ones, would definitely respond well to this. This is a good example of thinking about your goal– if Ryan wanted to get local clients, this would probably work, but for advertising targets, it wouldn’t.
Ryan Gibson definitely took a non-traditional read on the theme, no question. Honestly, when I opened his email, I laughed. Now, not every client is going to want a solution like this so Ryan took a risk in his interpretation, but for the right client, it totally works.
Generally speaking, this image is is a good example of evoking an immediate, positive emotional response, which means it would be good for a promo (as long as the work on the photog’s site matches in vision–that’s important). You’ve got about 2 seconds to connect with your targets– if I were Ryan’s target, I would totally have clicked through to his site.
David Zaitz provides us the last of our entries. Now, full disclosure, David is a friend and I’ve been a fan of his work for a while. He definitely plays with the visual/verbal in his own work and whenever he can for clients. That being said, he like others above took an individual turn on the theme and this is a Zaitzian image. If I got this image without identifying info, I would probably know it was his work– there are only a couple of photographers who might make something like this of their own accord. That means David has carved out his vision in my mind, and likely has done the same for his targets.
While this image’s impact isn’t as immediate as the Peace BBQ above, as soon as the viewer gets it, it works. I think that buyers would react well to this image on a website but maybe not as an email promo because of that slight delay in “get it” time (depends on how the image is used, too).
This is something everyone should think about when selecting images for different marketing purposes: for email promos or even print postcards, you need something that will smack the viewer immediately. You’ve got a very brief window to grab ’em so test your images to see what people think immediately upon viewing. Ask a few people “what did you feel when you saw this pic?” for example, before deciding to use it in your marketing.
Relatedly, if your portfolio images require you explaining them, they aren’t doing you any good. This is different than the images invoking questions in the viewer (that’s good when they ask questions, usually). But if people are just looking silently at your book and you chatter to fill the void, you need to rethink your selections. They may be too flat, average, blah and not showing the real thinking you.
Okay, enough of my babbling… your turn. What do you think?
Leslie,
I’ll jump out and break the “comments” silence and not in defense of my image, either. I really liked the variety across all the images. Yes, I expected a “peace” sign but not drawn in the sand by a tank and certainly not spelled out with peas in a dish. Ryan’s was a hoot, but I guess after looking at his website, I would expect nothing better. Then there is the irony of the military and the monks, especially the monks in the shadow-very appropriate, given what is happening in the world now. The Nash made me stretch my imagination, but if it was for nostalgia, it worked. We had one, too, when I was a kid and only knew peace. I thought about putting my dog in but then we’d all have to vote on which one was cuter, and Rodney might get upset with me because ours would win. Ryan’s angel stretched me too far, but then Leslie, I’m not into sci-fi.
Overall, what a great exercise. It really forced me to think and create, then it surprised me as to how others responded visually to the same challenge.
Now what’s next?
k
I agree Ken, this was a great exercise. It’s nice to have direction from someone else every once in a while. Thanks for the comments about the monk shot. It was one of those shots that was not planned. Just goes to show what can happen when we have our camera always at the ready…
David and Ryan Gibson’s images are fantastic! Would love to know where David got the tank. I do like Ryan’s “angle” image. For me it has a sense of calm and wonderment. Kelly’s image is too straight forward for me, don’t really know why. It will grow on me though.
I like the irony of Ken’s image, but I wish I could see more of the fresh grave (if that is what it is). That would have really made the image for me (just my opinion…)
Any image of a dog just hits me hard (my two died in a three month span) and Rodney’s is a beautiful image. I’ve never owned (or know anyone who had) a Nash so Kathryn’s image is just a pretty image to me and does provoke any feelings.
Can’t wait for the next assignment!
It’s unfortunate that the response to this first assignment was not great. It is interesting to me though to see such a broad range of styles on the same theme. I think it’s really cool. Some I really like and some are not particularly my style but all are unique in their interpretation.
I really like David’s image a lot. It didn’t strike me immediately but I don’t think it was because I didn’t “get it”. I got it right away but for some reason (I’m not sure why) I like it more the more I look at it. Same goes for Kelly’s image. My initial reaction was that it was a bit boring but as it has had time to sink in I’m really liking it for the wordplay – although I do agree that if it had been titled “give peas a chance” it would really tie it all together.
All of the images are solid images. I can’t wait for next month’s theme!
Leslie,
I apologize for not submitting something. It has been on my radar since the first day you announced it but I let it get by without pulling the trigger.
I do want to thank you for for this contest for a very personal reason though. My Grandfather passed away unexpectedly a few weeks ago. We made an emergency trip from Texas to Colorado for the painful process of saying goodbye. After a couple of days of being immersed in the whirlwind of the events I knew I needed a way to pull back and spend some quiet time reflecting on my years growing up with him in Colorado. For some reason, this assignment popped into my mind as the answer.
I took my wife, our two boys and my camera and drove up to the little mountain town of Silverton where I spent the day telling them childhood stories about Grandpa and shooting all of the quaint little churches in town. We then drove back to Durango where I dropped the family off at the hotel and photographed the childhood church that was the center of Grandpa’s life by myself. Those photos are some of the most meaningful images I’ve ever captured.
I wasn’t necessarily shooting for this assignment but I kept thinking about your challenge to photograph peace and that reminder helped me to do just that. It wasn’t the end result but rather the process of taking those photos that helped me say goodbye to Grandpa in a very personal and meaningful way. I didn’t collect an entry worthy photograph of peace but I did collect a measure of peace through photography.
I promise to honor your investment in the next assignment with a submission, but for this one, in spite of my lack of showing, I dare say I got more out of it than even you intended. Thank you for the well timed challenge, and most of all for your ongoing dedication to the emerging professional photographer. I never miss a post!
I have really enjoyed the variety to these images as well, it it great to see such creative interpretation across a single theme, and receive feedback to boot!
@Kevin I will be looking forward to seeing your entry next month, what a healing story about how photography can help one through a rough time.
@Ryan – I definitely got the gut reaction of a smile, love the t-shirt! I took a look at your blog and enjoyed a similar reaction to the Kids Rule! series…
I will be looking forward to Friday when the next assignment is given out, and will be sure to spread the word via FB and Twitter, I would love to see this thrive Leslie.
This is definitely a good assignment, something that gets creative juices flowing and I’m sure we’ll all just keep getting better and better over time… My two favorites are Keiths and Ryan’s images… Keith’s image is the one that caught my eye in an instant, perhaps because it seemed like two images weaved together — the threatening presence of armed military and the calm and peace of monks walking by. Ryan’s image is quite comical and is something that looks like it’s produced for a movie poster… so it is a silly interpretation of peace — i like it… Looking forward to the next assignment!
I like so many things about Keith’s image. The vibrant orange of the two monks, walking in the shadows against the flow, juxtaposed against the drab green of the military, walking lock step, with the crowd, in the opposite direction, makes me think of the energy and peace that comes from acting against the grain on your convictions. If you view the greenery as a metaphor for life, the monks are walking toward it and the soldiers away from it. I’m ok with the blown highlights but I would like to see that contrast enhanced with a little more vibrancy in the warm colors. I’m a warm color vibrancy fan so take that into consideration.
Kathryn’s image is a beautiful photo but I have to stretch to make the connection to the theme. It does peak my curiosity though. Why is the car parked on a bridge? Where is the driver? Rapture? Suicide? Broke down and walking? That bit of mystery draws me in.
Ken’s image certainly touched a chord with me, given recent events. Maybe a little obvious but obvious is good sometimes.
Ryan’s angel is just cool. I like it! I would darken and saturate the eyes a couple of stops to help them drill into the depths of the viewer’s soul a bit.
I’m also a fan of visual puns so Kelly’s peas are right up my alley. I fully expected someone to shoot this pun though so it seems sort of cliche. Cliches do communicate well because the message is instantly recognized but I think it’s always important to put a spin on them if you use them. The shocked expression of someone with pureed peas splattered across their glasses says, “visualize whirrled peas” in a memorable way. Peas spelling out the word peace on the other hand, well, I’ve seen that one so many times that it’s probably not going to stick with me. I think it would also help to straighten the horizontal lines.
Rodney’s pup is adorable but again, not that memorable. Technically good shot though.
In my opinion, Ryan and David both knocked it out of the park over opposite fences. Good job to everyone, but to you two in particular.
I can tell these assignments are going to be an awesome learning experience for me.
I have looked at the submitted images numerous times, read the comments of everybody and it has really made me rethink a few things. One of the things Leslie said next to my image -“when creating an image for others: what you have in your brain and what the viewer has in theirs may not result in the same reading of the image.” I see is soooo true. I am pleasantly amazed at the different images that the different “brains” produced for the same theme.
I am looking forward to more assignments to learn from.
(oh, and thanks Kevin & Keith. I really do appreciate your comments 🙂
Leslie,
I have taken a long time to reply, but I am still so amazed that one of my pics was included. When the post came up with the entries, I was amazed at the images as soon as I started to scroll thru. Keith’s shot made my jaw hit the floor as soon as I saw it, the thought that went into it amazed me. Kathryn’s image was gorgeous, and although it didn’t scream peace to me, it somehow made me feel very peaceful. I totally got Ryan’s shot from the get-go, and I think the angelic theme was a great idea. Kelly’s shot of the “peace peas” was very well executed and quite literal, and I really think it works. RyanG’s image just captivated me, from the subject, to the lighting, to the connection to the overall theme. David’s shot with the tank, well, what can I say (head-desk, wish I could’ve come up with something like that).
Thank you so much for including me with these incredible images (even if it was because there just weren’t enough really great ones to fill the space, I’ll take it). Sorry there’s no link to a website, but I don’t got one. I’m not a full time pro like the rest of these guys, I do lifestyle family and pet portraits on a very small scale, and I still work from a book (a real, live, physical book with pictures in it). I am working very hard towards a better marketing strategy, with a website, etc., but it’ll take some time. That’s one of the reasons I am an avid reader of your blog.
I promise you I will be a little riskier with my next entry.
Thanks again,
(and yes, the beast is darn adorable, and he is peaceful, which is a nice way of saying “couch potato”)
Rodney