<<< o >>>'summer' holiday #6 26 comments + add yours
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This is the last shot from this small series and I wish I could tell you that it was intentionally out of focus, but I focussed, and then Finley ran off – which isn't uncommon behaviour for him. With the benefit of hindsight though, I don't think it would have worked if it had been in focus, at least not in the same way.

Let me know what you think. I'd also be interested to know which of the six was your favourite.

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11.57am on 19/7/07
Canon 1Ds Mark II
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
200mm
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1/640
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3x2 + children [portraits]
comment by PJ at 07:27 PM (GMT) on 27 July, 2007

I'm afraid this one doesn't speak to me. There's not enough "story" or "feeling" accessible in the photo itself for those who didn't experience the moment firsthand. By far, my favorite of the six holiday shots is the "finger in the mud" photo of FInley. The one in which he's pointing toward the tree is my second favorite.

comment by moonhead at 08:32 PM (GMT) on 27 July, 2007

I suppose if I had taken this (with over 5 grands worth of equipment in my hand) I would have been a wee bit disappointed with the result as it looks like its been taken on a 50.00 camera phone.

Saying that, images do not need to be technically perfect to be good. My partner thinks the shot is cute and that's all that matters! Many photographers probably wouldn't have posted this image as they are too concerned with technical details (and getting negative comments!) so I congratulate you. This is what photography is all about.

Out of the series of six shots my favourite is holiday #1. Its the eye contact that speaks to me.

comment by Alice at 08:49 PM (GMT) on 27 July, 2007

Although I usually don't particularly care much for photos that are out of focus (whether intentional or not), I do think this one is really nice. Something about the space to the right, the blurriness, and the body language of the little guy I find very appealing. He looks like he's on a grand mission. Cute shot!

comment by roy at 09:01 PM (GMT) on 27 July, 2007

#1 closely followed by #5 for me

comment by Jennifer at 09:14 PM (GMT) on 27 July, 2007

Obviously not your typical bloke - most would have said this was the look they were going for ;-D A little serendipity here - it does work well IMO.

comment by mikelangelo at 09:56 PM (GMT) on 27 July, 2007

Of the six, this is my favorite. followed by #5. I really like this one, but I can't explain it. I really like the feel of this one. Composition is great. Normally soft focus kills me, but it works well. I could see this one treated with a little grain to enhance the feeling I get.

comment by thukai at 10:21 PM (GMT) on 27 July, 2007

#1 by far! Then this one, but a distant second I must admit. This is still a great shot though, it's just that #1 apeals to me more.

comment by mahan at 07:26 AM (GMT) on 28 July, 2007

go to the freedom! :D

comment by rhys at 12:15 PM (GMT) on 28 July, 2007

I like it. It has a very cinematic quality about it (in both the 35mm film sense and the movie sense). Sometimes images like this, which are not technically perfect, really remind you of the potential that photography as a medium holds. There is a sense of nostalgia in this shot which coupled with its B&W PP and the blurred vision creates a strong visual impact (and possible a narrative one too?). I prefer this one.
Rhys.

comment by fm100066 at 05:18 PM (GMT) on 28 July, 2007

there isn't a fair to judge the best of 6 but on its own, this stands out, capturing a fleeting moment. perhaps nostalgia as mentioned best captures this moment, of a young one, racing towards a finish line on a road that only hints of a long way ahead provides a haunting effect that is comfortable with me. Despite its out-of-focus, it is vivid and striking in the way it hits you. cheers, this is GOOD.

comment by francesco at 12:32 PM (GMT) on 29 July, 2007

This is more emotional than the others.. bad it is out of focus... the #1 is the best IMHO.

comment by tiberiu crisan at 01:26 PM (GMT) on 29 July, 2007

the previous one is my favourite, the one with pointed finger, but this one has "something" special - maybe the atmospehere

comment by maxine at 01:56 PM (GMT) on 29 July, 2007

#1 for sure. Just love the way you and this little girl connect to each other moment and produce amazing pics!

comment by Courtney at 01:15 AM (GMT) on 30 July, 2007

I love it, there's just something about it that draws me to it. It's amazing.

comment by kate at 02:38 AM (GMT) on 30 July, 2007

love the blur. spontaneity. looks like he's running away from home. no suitcase packed w. wonder bread/pb and j. no blankie. just full out "making a break for it". the arms/hands are incredible. favorite.

comment by Natalia at 08:24 AM (GMT) on 30 July, 2007

Those little legs have a long journey ahead of them - life journey. I love his confidence. Great photography!

comment by navin at 08:43 AM (GMT) on 30 July, 2007

I like this shot even if it is out of focus. Wish I could let my sone run around like this.

comment by Mr Bombastic at 09:47 PM (GMT) on 30 July, 2007

What the hell are you people smoking? "Add grain to enhance the feeling I get"?... "Amazing"?... Yowzers!

comment by si at 10:27 PM (GMT) on 30 July, 2007

i'm really bothered by the entire image being out of focus, especially since you admit that you meant for it to be in focus. shooting kids is hard, and i toss over half my images because of this exact reason. if i had this i'd have tossed it. that's not to say that it wouldn't have been great if it turned out how you wanted. the fact that it's blurry also makes it look flat to me, since the subject matter is already dark in addition to blurry. it's a shame because i like the composition and the road seemingly starting an ascent into the sky. better luck next time.

i was won over by staring at the shot of finley poking a puddle. i didn't like that at first either, but i came around and i think i like it best. i'm not coming around on this one though. sorry.

comment by Thomas Solberg / Project neXus at 08:45 AM (GMT) on 31 July, 2007

He really has a "I'm walking here!!!" attitude! :-)

comment by djn1 at 10:24 AM (GMT) on 31 July, 2007

Thanks all.

As for the blur: I honestly think it works for this shot.

comment by doreen at 07:12 PM (GMT) on 31 July, 2007

#1 and #3 are my favourites. i can't pick between the two

comment by MarkDM at 07:31 AM (GMT) on 9 August, 2007

Of the six, this is the one that made me smile, so it's my favorite. It would have worked fine in focus, but it's nice this way, too. Looks like he's headed for the finish line. A well-captured moment.

comment by Rodion Kovenkin at 08:37 PM (GMT) on 19 August, 2007

so many comments.... positive.... and not such.... someone like it... someone not... someone saying that he/she knows all 'bout this .... i only know that i like this photography very much... it has story... it is wonderful ...

comment by Polly at 07:42 PM (GMT) on 25 August, 2007

yeah. i think it's wonderful.

comment by Tom K. at 04:04 PM (GMT) on 31 October, 2007

An instant classic.