POTW 1 Feb 11

[stubbsy]

Some weeks Picture of the Week is easy. Other weeks it's not. For me this week has been problematic as I had a few images that really grabbed me in the last week. In fact I tossed up having TWO POTW's this week, but ultimately settled on the image below from a wonderful set of Africa images by Marc. In the original post HERE there was some debate about marc deserving potw for the first image (the leopard) and some discussion about the third image (the wildebeasts) and for me I had some ambivalence about both those images which was neatly captured in the debate there. Ultimately it was neither of these images that stood out as strongly for me as the one sandwiched between those two in Marc's post.

So why this image? I like the simplicity of this image, I like the fact Marc has avoided the temptation to go close in on either the bird in the tree or the animals on the horizon and in the process conveyed the vastness of Africa, I like the use of space and I like the wonderful tonality of the shot as well. Of the four images in that post this is one I think can best bear repeat viewings - it's a more memorable shot for me. I'm sure many will no doubt disagree with me and I'm more than happy to hear discussion on this.

Marc is to be congratulated for capturing some stellar images from what is obviously a place with strong attractions for him.



I would also like to single out the recent work by Rodney (Remhoraz) in black and white street photography for special mention (see HERE and HERE). The image below was just pipped at the post for me and I'd like to encourage Rodney to continue his journeys in that area.

[surenj]

Looks like an easy choice Peter. Well done Marc. I missed the leopard initially and can't stop looking at it!

Rodney, that's a great image indeed. Love the light, expression and the processing.

[the foto fanatic]

Congratulations to Marc on a wonderful group of images, and also to Rodney for that outstanding portrait.

Fine selection, Peter. As you have pointed out, the use of space in this image amplifies the subject matter. For a simple image, there is a hell of a lot to look at.

[gstark]

So why this image? I like the simplicity of this image, I like the fact Marc has avoided the temptation to go close in on either the bird in the tree or the animals on the horizon and in the process conveyed the vastness of Africa,

Peter has summed up exactly what I loved about this image as soon as I saw it.

Well chosen, Peter, and well captured, Marc.

[Alex]

That's a wonderful choice. A superb image, congratulations Marc. Rodney's black and white portrait is an excellent image also. Good choice!

Alex

[Remorhaz]

Fantastic shot - I can't believe I missed the original thread :(

Looking now - I also agree - whilst I love the leopard shot I absolutely love the composition and colours in this shot :)

[barry]

Great shot and good choice.

[marcotrov]

Beautiful image, congratulations Marc, I loves all of your images. Great choice Peter.
cheers
marco

[Gadgit]

I agree, a beautiful pic and nicely balanced.

[colin_12]

Nice pic and mention. Some really good stuff up of late.

[Matt. K]

Both images are excellent!Well done to the photographers.

[radar]

certainly a great pick, well done Marc.

André

[Mr Darcy]

Certainly an excellent choice for Photographer of the week (and runner up)
Well done Marc and Rodney.

[aim54x]

Good work guys!

[marc]

Many thanks Peter for this week's POTW nomination, the Mara landscape really endears itself to capturing some great silhouette/sunset opportunities.
Also big congrats to Rodney's fine B&W portrait.

Cheers
Marc