Mobile Photography – StreetWise – Tenth Challenge – ‘Lines in the Street’

Tuba’s colourful photograph takes the viewer to iconic Cuba, where the streets are as bright as the ocean and the sky above.

It is the cobbled street and stone sidewalk together that initially cut a definitive line across this lively image as they are closest to the eye. This line is repeated within the architecture. First, in a rich brown color at the narrow base of the house then again as it meets the vibrant blue of the plasterwork, which forms the larger horizontal mid-section. The lines in Tuba’s photograph denote the images’ strong graphic sense composed of solid areas that consist of little gradation of tone. The large segments of color and texture are topped off by a Spanish tiled roof, which segues into a deep Caribbean sky. What makes this more than a picture postcard, a beautifully apropos illustration of our challenge, ‘Lines in the Street,’ is that within the confines of a barred window stands a shirtless man characterising this image with a little humor along with the small boy who is standing near him. The grown man juxtaposed to the boy gives infinite life to the imagination. Is there a little traditional role reversal going on here? Why are the men seemingly locked up in a golden cage while the lady, presumably, of the house is ‘free’ on the outside looking toward the end of the street with a determined stance and a sense of curiosity about her. That a bike is poised to go in the opposite direction yet again lends itself to the many storytelling possibilities of this stunning image.

Super photograph, Tuba!  

Michel’s wonderful photograph is dream inducing, striking directly at the romantic heart while perfectly depicting our theme ‘Lines in the Street.’

The scene is set on a foggy morning, life itself is hazy as the viewer’s eye is drawn along the strong green line of hedgerow  a horizon line — to a shadowy figure at the end of an earthen lane. We get a glimpse of architecture, of wood clapboard, a hint of reflective window so that we understand we are as yet earth bound as we are entranced. The architecture subtly reinforces the horizon lines on either side of the path and the empty grey sky above is a soft block of color accentuating those same lines. This photographic reverie is a lyrical catch.

Nicely done, Michel!

Pier’s magical black and white photo illustrates so well how lines can be used to create a stunning composition and draw the viewer directly into the photo to the main subject.

The radial composition allows us to feel as though we ourselves are in the photo following behind the monk carrying an umbrella, walking in his shadow perhaps wearing sandals also, getting our feet wet.

The monk’s flowing robe, his rainy reflection and the misty outline of a mountain in the upper left background are a beautiful balance to the triangle rooftop shapes of the temple, imbuing this image with an ethereal quality. Even the tilt of the umbrella is beautifully poetic.

Although it is titled ‘monsoon’ one can’t help but feel a sense of serenity viewing this photo due to its subject and strong composition. Both uniquely lend themselves to balance and as we travel with the monk into the distance our eyes resting on him before moving to his umbrella and then to the spires transcending upward.

Well seen and captured, Pier!

In contrast to Pier’s photo that exudes a feeling of serenity, Alegremartin’s dramatic image creates an unsettling feeling with the strong lines emphasising the acute tension in the photo.

The viewer is initially struck by the character in the lower left corner – the wild eyed expression and look of almost terror in their eyes.

Of course, this may not be the case, as in street photography we sometimes capture a fleeting expression that may shift a second or two later – even from a seemingly fearful expression, to joy.

This capture is a great example of how street photography can create a story. Who is this person? Where is this? And, what is creating such an intense expression?

The strong linear composition with the three cars lined up, balanced by the striped sidewalk adds to the drama – it is almost as if it were symbolically capturing humanities race against machines / technology.

Fabulous, Alegremartin!

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