A Street shot & a Street Creation

[walter.sk]

I often stand across the street (42nd St) from Madame Tousaud's watching three doors that always have posters of wax statues in the museum.  With my 100-400 loaded, I wait until the right person walks by, and "grab" the shot, often after hours of waiting.

On this day, several years ago, the poster of Evander Holyfield had been "grafitied" to give him a broken nose and cauliflower ears.  A man walking by became so involved with the poster that he actually gestured to it as if to say, "What happened to you?"  His warmth and humor were compelling.  Very soon he continued on his way, but couldn't resist gesturing again.  I got both photos, but I feel that putting the two of them together in PhotoMerge captures the essence of the whole scene.  I'm sure the montage violates the "rule" of street photography, but the creation appears to me to underline the spirit of the man in interaction with the poster.  

Comments are welcome.
[attachment=15661:Holyfiel...435_3261.jpg]     [attachment=15662:8_Holyfield.jpg]

[cmi]

I like the first image very much, its just cool how hes starting to talk with him. I act like that from time to time too  

On the other hand I dont like the montage at all. It makes no sense for me, I cant take it verbatim, its only for the purpose of showing his second expression, it lessens the impact. Maybe, the two unaltered images as a pair together would be much more stronger.

[wolfnowl]

I like the first image very much, its just cool how hes starting to talk with him. I act like that from time to time too  

On the other hand I dont like the montage at all. It makes no sense for me, I cant take it verbatim, its only for the purpose of showing his second expression, it lessens the impact. Maybe, the two unaltered images as a pair together would be much more stronger.

I agree.

Mike.

[RSL]

I agree.

Mike.

So do I. The problem with the composite isn't that it breaks any "rules," but that it shatters the focal point of the picture, which is the interesting interaction of the guy with the poster. Once you add the second shot you have two focal points, which leads to schizophrenia.

But that first shot is a fine piece of work, Walter. It has a strong story line. Great idea to watch that poster and wait for the action. Robert Doisneau did something similar with a picture of a nude in a gallery window. He stood inside the shop and snapped shots of people looking through the window. The best of the series was a shot of a couple where the woman is looking at something directly in front of her, but the man is sneaking a look at the nude. It's a very funny picture.

[kikashi]

I like the first image very much, its just cool how he's starting to talk with him. I act like that from time to time too  

On the other hand I dont like the montage at all.

I agree. The first shot has real impact. The second just looks odd.

Jeremy

[JeffKohn]

I also much prefer the first shot. I think Christian's suggestion of a diptych showing the two images in sequence would be a good idea.

[walter.sk]

I also much prefer the first shot. I think Christian's suggestion of a diptych showing the two images in sequence would be a good idea.

Well, I guess the verdict is in.  I'm glad everyone so far likes the 1st image.  It's the kind of shot I really enjoy waiting for.  I still like the second, but I understand the criticism.  I think I'm too close to it to see it that way, though.

Thanks for the feedback!

Here's another shot taken across the street that same day in a pizza shop, looking out.

[attachment=15668:9_Server...x11_3325.jpg]

[cmi]

Nah I dont like to think of it as an verdict, that sounds so final. Im with you that you still like what you did, despite all the critique. And indeed your montage manages to do one thing that the first image certainly dont does, it shows another emotion of him.