Critique Welcomed Diver

[Brian Moore]

There is a small pedestrian bridge at South Lake Union Park in Seattle and one evening late last year this fellow stood on the crest of one of the arches making ready to jump. The drop isn't far,...maybe 10 or 15 feet to the water,...but the fellow couldn't work up the courage to jump. At least not while I was there (and I waited a while!). Finally I got fed up and shot this image and walked home.

Olympus XA2 with Fomapan 400 film. Rodinal developer.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I think the image is all the better for it. Diving shots can be boring. Here the guy is literally and figuratively on the edge. Perfect.

 

[Pete Askew]

I agree and it is a rather fine shot, especially with that touch of movement in the right arm and that forward stare.

He might still be there!

 

[Brian Moore]

I think the image is all the better for it. Diving shots can be boring. Here the guy is literally and figuratively on the edge. Perfect.

Thanks Rob. Your observation is a good one--he was indeed on the edge both literally and figuratively.

I agree and it is a rather fine shot, especially with that touch of movement in the right arm and that forward stare.

He might still be there!

Thanks Pete. Funny thing is that I walked past this spot the very next day and there were several boys --aged 11 or 12 I'd guess--repeatedly jumping from this spot. No hesitation; no fear. Big contrast from the previous evening.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Ah, it takes maturity to introduce doubt...

 

[Pete Askew]

or is that fear?!

 

[Brian Moore]

Ah, it takes maturity to introduce doubt...

Valid point Rob.

 

[Brian Moore]

or is that fear?!

Also a valid point Pete.