, originally uploaded by Jose Torralba.

So why did I choose this photo to blog about today? From a strobist perspective it is missing a hair light, it doesn't have good separation from the background, the hair is blending into the darkness, the skin is too pale, her shoulders are too square ... blah blah blah. You know what I see? I see beauty. Not just the beauty of a woman but the beauty of a photographer who knew enough to ignore the photographic portait standards and go with what "feels right". And you know what -- it sure damn works!! Bravo for not conforming.

Smoke | Runner

Smoke | Runner, originally uploaded by Suyog Gaidhani.

There's something about these smoke photos that appeal to me. It's a very simple technique --> look to your right for a link --> and yet they are so beautiful. I especially like the ones that take on human form, either intentionally or unintentionally. Perhaps it's the idea of what I call "essence minimalism" - the act of capturing or portraying the "ti esti" - 'the what it is' , using the least amount of elements.

So the question follows - how many elements of this photo would you have to remove for it to lose the essence of human form?

Yes, I know, I think about the weirdest things ... smile.

Sunset Pool

Sunset Pool, originally uploaded by wabberjocky.

I don't go "wow" at landscapes but this one made me go "WOW". It is simply stunning. There are so many interesting elements to it. It's almost surreal.

2.5 Dimensions

2.5 Dimensions, originally uploaded by guyonabus.

You have to click this. It was #2 on Explore for a reason. That's all I'm going to say.

just chillin

just chillin, originally uploaded by jwlphotography.

The blue tone works and so does the facial glow. His face looks like a little asian doll. Just so damn cute!!

Evolution of Man

Evolution of Man, originally uploaded by ☺☺☺James☺☺☺.

This is when a dslr's instant start up and zero shutter lag comes in handy. I saw these strapping lads walking out of the water and I whipped out my camera and took this shot. Luck = Preparation + Opportunity :)

In the darkness I play

In the darkness I play, originally uploaded by ☺☺☺James☺☺☺.

hmm .. don't know what to say about this photo. My thinking was to create a low key, high contrast photo of Anthony (DJ) that captured his 'essence' - hopefully that makes some sense.

Unspoken stories

Unspoken stories, originally uploaded by ArTeTeTrA [at intervals].

You can tell a lot about a person's life by looking at his/her hands. Hands can show so much character, not unlike a person's face. This photo is so simple, yet so powerful and telling.

, originally uploaded by allykat..

Another one of my favourites! The tones are just perfect .. so dreamy. The background looks like Eden and she is Eve. Perfectly executed.

pink lady 2

pink lady 2, originally uploaded by ellectric.

So playful. Love the pink against the blue. Doesn't it bring you back to when you were a kid and loved splashing in those huge puddles. Ellectric caught the pose so perfectly.

Thoughts on the Earthquake

Thoughts on the Earthquake, originally uploaded by ::Taylor::.

Honestly one of my favourite photos on flickr. Don't know if it's the expression of vulnerability or the sincere honestly that gets me. But it does. Amy (photog) always amazes me with her humour, kindness and talent. Check out her photos and you will understand.

Grin.

Grin., originally uploaded by :. G l o r i a .:.

Look how absolutely adorable this baby is!! It makes me smile every time I look at this photo. Priceless.

Classic Wedding Band in Book - 2

Classic Wedding Band in Book - 2, originally uploaded by ☺☺☺James☺☺☺.

On a whim I did this photo using an led flashlight, an old book and my wedding band. The hardest part was keeping the wedding band from falling over. It must have fallen over a couple dozen times - it's like placing a penny on it's edge but 10 times harder. Glad that's over.

The page(s) I arbitrarily chose are quite inappropriate, yet entirely accidental I assure you - take a closer look and you will see what I mean.

flying

flying, originally uploaded by elephantsgerald.

This photo is so remarkable. I don't know if it was lucky timing or exquisite preparation but it doesn't really matter - it's Special, with a Capital "S"!!

이지우

이지우, originally uploaded by hyeoreum.

Asian Perfection - this photo by hyeoreum is so well done. The in-focus and out-of-focus areas are just right. The expression is pristine. Just awesome.

2009 Hello World