very creative. *bravo*

This is an excellent interpretation of this theme. Very nicely done.

While I appreciate the image for it's appealing qualities, here's where age (my age) comes in and spoils the party.

The image (if created in the past 30 years) is *not* original. That is, it's of a type of subject matter/composition that has been published many times before, most notably in advertisements for whiskey and cigarettes, and in self-promotion ads by National Geographic photographers. Nor is this image an exceptional example of this type of autobiographical still life.

I'm probably sticking my foot in it, especially if the photographer is credited with the "Paris Match" cover, in which case I simply bow to the master and apologize deeply.

If we expect originality in this contest, then we all failed.

digitalpeace,

I don't think it's the case that we all failed. Nor do I find fault with being inspired or influenced by the ideas of others or art of the past in any medium.

My *only* argument is with the claim that this particular composition is original. If one has been fascinated by photography for over 50 years and has a decent memory for images, one is more likely to say to himself, "I've seen something like that before."

But may "original" has gone the way of "unique": No longer one of a kind, but merely unusual.

digitalpeace contd.,

...and I don't think of it as a contest but as a sharing of ideas. If it were a contest,

1. I wouldn't participate
2. If I were to participate, I would put more effort into getting high ratings (i.e., pander to the taste of the raters, which isn't too hard to figure out--in general, that is) and would be less inclined to offer more personal, idiosyncratic images.

Me again...hey, it's raining on a Sunday afternoon in Dallas and I'm fiddling with my web site.

Talking of personal, idiosyncratic images, *bravo* to the many contributors who went to the edge (and some who went over) in the courage and expressiveness of their self-portraits.

Well, just have a look at the photos that are featured, they are far from being original (not that I'm looking for originality), they are walking on beaten paths. So, I was not really disagreeing with you, I can see that this particular photo is not original, what I meant to say is that: this may not be original, but the others are not either. So, I agree with you.

Re: contest
The title of the initiative reads "photography contest and group photoblog". And I do see a contest, if I'm not an idiot. Ratings, front page, featured photos, etc... Sharing of ideas is cool, but there is also a contest going on, sorry to say.

First of all: thank you blizzard, Emily, ladies and gentlemen and others for the nice feedback.
About originality, maybe King has a point, maybe not. Of course, I've been influenced by images I've seen in the last thirty years. The question should be: is there a bit of creativity in this image? I think most people answered to that. All I can claim is that the elements you see on the picture are personal (let me know if you're interested in having the "keys" for a better understanding, I'll be happy to explain). I don't pretend to be original, if I can bring a small difference sometimes, that's fine with me. Digital peace, I agree with you. What is originality? Is David La Chapelle original, for instance?

I am always wary. the critic of the images is something of subjective I voted so that this image is seen.Not for your technical work , not for the color ...but for his history. A little part of you perhaps or not but a history !

Cartier Bresson said to be wary of the technique and did not like to speak about it. he said It was what the image "tells" which was important.

have a nice day ;)
and sorry for my very basic english ... :(

jlc, I totally agree with you (and HCB). Between Cartier-Bresson and Ansel Adams, I choose the first one.
Oh... And I didn't make the cover of Paris Match with Greta Garbo (I'm not THAT old)
;-)

I just wanted to tell you out of everything I've seen on this assignment, this is my favorite

Interesting conversation, but I have stayed with this image a long time and have really enjoyed it. Not only do you have all the interesting elements to look at, and your image, but the crcular motion of the elements is great I my eye is drawn around in a circle visiting all the items. Very strong in my opinion. Nice work.

Emily and Scott, thanks a lot, I appreciate. I thought about posting an explanation, but maybe it's a better idea to leave it like this, so each viewer can make up his own story...