Luminous. Lustrous. Lights. – ManipalBlog Photo of the week

As part of our weekly photo contest for our Wordless Wednesdays feature, we presented our Facebook followers with the theme – “Reflections”.  We had an overflowing response over the course of the week. We received over 70 photographs out of which only 24 stunning photographs adhered to the rules of the contest.

This week we allowed post-processing of the images due to popular demand from the artists. Even then, we were looking mainly for unique perspectives on the topic. We don’t care how perfectly it’s executed; if It’s jaded to the very approach and the very presentation, it doesn’t get nearly the mark up that more inventive photos get. The greatest tool of a good photographer, like that of a writer, is his or her unique view point! There are other pictures that take time to appreciate and their gifts aren’t delivered instantaneously, so you don’t want to use that barometer all the time on all pictures. But as you’re sitting there doing the first scan of images, if they can’t grab your attention in a second or too, then they probably aren’t going to grab your attention at all.

As can be seen from the collage we’ve put together, it was a very difficult decision to select the winner this week.

First, we always try to do a scan and go through all the photos pretty quickly to see if there are things that really just pop out — photos that give you a rush of recognition the instant you see them. Those pictures, whatever their technical qualities, whatever their shortcomings, you give weight. If you have a reaction to the picture, something visceral and emotional, then you have to think that there’s something going on there, even if it breaks all the rules. That’s what a picture is supposed to do, to cause a reaction, to get to us.

That process of doing a scan helps us to find some of the best pictures and drop others — pictures that are simply “me too” pictures. Those pictures may be done well and have perfect exposure, but you realize you’ve been seeing the same shots for 15 years.

Finally, like all art this is dependent on our own tastes, likes, dislikes and the way we see the world and experience it. It has nothing to do with how experienced photographer is. (Unfortunately)

So, the winner of the Photo of the Week for 17.7.2012 is Rohit Lakhmani,  a student of Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), Manipal University, Manipal. He  sent us this beautiful photograph, a beautiful model surrounded by a orange-red haze of light, with falling meteors like effect in the background!  In spite of the distractions in the background in the form of a stationary car, we found this photo innovative and neat.

Congratulations Rohit Lakhmani and thank you all for participating. Till next week then. Ciao!!

To take part in our weekly photo contest, please like and subscribe to our Facebook page. The topics/themes are usually announced there, on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.