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Amazing shot! The subjects are well denoted as 'stiff' (formal posing with an arresting gap between the adults), 'dead', 'transient' and fully ghostly. The disparate posing begs questions as to how much love existed between the subjects and hints to tragedy as a prelude to their ghostly re-appearance. The monochrome, blue-tint and film layering add tremendously to the power of the image. So, too, the semi-transparency of the subjects. This was one of the more subtle entries - highly valued and appreciated. Thank you for sharing such an evocative image.
This image wins on the strength of the narrative. and processing. A brave strident lady marching forward in time, supported by her ghostly matriarchs of previous generations. Even though the main figure is not 'ghostly', the totality of the image is defined by the 'minor' figures. A sense of 'fun' comes through - the smiles of the central ghosts are major. Subjects' eyes entrap our own and even raise questions...what's so interesting out-of-frame-left that the lady fourth from left finds so abhorrent? The composition is strong with the main figure in the sweet-spot. I'm not skilled enough to unpick the post techniques, but the resultant blur, shadowing and tonality is natural and engaging. The contrast of the ghosts to the sharpness and definition of the main subject is key. I am so glad that I set up this contest and was rewarded with the pleasure of viewing this image.
500 Images entered
This is a very strong image. Tells a good story...I'm going to cross the road! The strong lighting in the windows behind provide the contrast with the dark figures who are framed near-perfectly bu the pool of light on the pavement. The slow shutter speed so-successfully picks the subjects out from the sharper background, where perhaps the aperture does not. Maybe I would have tried for a larger aperture and a sharper fore-mid-background. Great shot!
What a captivating image! It is a rare entry that uses soft-focus to achieve its ghostliness, as well as the incredibly perfect toning and striking composition. The hesitant and slightly melancholic smile, the teary eyes and the 'huddled' impression tell us the history of tragedy that precede the appearance of this arresting ghost. The fur of the parka-hood blends with the unkempt hair - brilliant! I'm enriched having spent time viewing and reviewing this memorable image, all the time wishing I could have awarded a tie for 1st place!
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There are different ways to capture a subject with a ghoulish other-worldliness. Slow exposures can produce ethereal moving subjects. Or clever de-focusing.. Lighting and atmosphere. Clever use of tonality in post. Your image should be 'ghostly' by means of photographic or post-production technique - this is not a call for subjects dressed up for halloween.
