IOW Submission September 21 - October 3, 2021.

Thank you to everyone who posted an image in the forum and to everyone who has taken the time to look at shared images. Your participation in this humble and friendly image of the week (IOW) feature is much appreciated.

The entries are all inspiring. Again, it was hard to decide. As usual, I cruelly chose no more than three images, two special mentions and one IOW. Finally, my choices all relate to the animal kingdom, because I was struck by the amazing originality of the submissions presented under that theme.


The special mentions

Donkey, by fotofrank
i.ibb.co/gdHhN8y/FZ12836-orton-crop.jpg

For a brief moment, I wondered if the dark triangle at the bottom-right of the image was a distraction. I soon determined that, with the two darker oblique lines around the ear, it was an essential part of the composition; the animal emerges from the shadow and the attention is instantly directed to the eye. A most interesting light and shadow effect. The shallow and precise depth of field as well as the perfect angle contribute to the success of this image.

Shake Out, by srmoment
i.ibb.co/bJ8Ym50/OLYMPUS-DIGITAL-CAMERA.jpg

A general love for birds, a special interest for peacocks, a taste for interesting shapes and vibrant colours, here a little bit faded by a mastered flare effect, a meticulous attention to the background, all of this, paired with a unique personal style, every component converge to the creation of this harmonious and pleasing result. As a significant bonus, we are greeted with the rare capture of a movement in the feathers. A subtle but effective emphasis of this movement is brought through an image superimposition which seems to disperse around the subject an unknown form of energy. The forehead in the background even accentuates the extravagance of the bird.


Image of the week

The Majestic Eagle, by kathylee
i.ibb.co/fFX1nRb/800-not-sig-DSC-6311-On1-hdr-natural-shrp-amzfindr-dodge-bird-burn-back-sat-contrast-drop-bright-cro.jpg

Usually, I am reluctant to fall into anthropomorphism. However, in this case, I just can’t help myself. The white colour of the feathers on the head, tousled under natural laws by the action, and the profound determination in the eye suggest that we are in the presence of a mature grey-haired specimen. The strongly-shaped right wing at rest and the convex chess are pure muscle. The stoic position and self-conscious gesture give an impression of firm confidence. Anticipated is the moment when the bird will raise its head and behind a piercing look either pronounce a devastating sentence or make a proposition one cannot refuse. I am inventing this farfetched story only to illustrate the great communicative power I see in this image. It leaves no viewer indifferent.