making the shutter count

Editor’s Comment: A picture is indeed open to many interpretations, as observed from the varying comments for this pick of the day for the theme “Coming Soon”. From extensive imagination to subjective comments, a seemingly straightforward picture had aspects that each drew different viewpoints from individual to individual.

An interesting comment from Wei Yang:

“On first glance, I noticed not the pregnant state of the lady but rather the thing she was looking at in the shaded window. Her line of sight leading to a darkened area made me think hard about what could be inside the shop – that was ‘coming soon’.”

While it may sound like taking things a little too far, there is still truth in Wei Yang’s comment as the lady does glance in the direction of something beyond the shaded window. It potentially could add to the theme of “Coming soon”. But could that be the focus of the picture, when the underexposure of the background communicates the photographer’s intent to play it down?

We could otherwise pay more attention to the focal point of the picture and treat that as a spontaneous reaction of a window shopper in a street scene, where displays behind glass windows are meant to draw attention. It will always remain an open verdict, so let’s move on.

First reason for why this is chosen – the subjects. The mother and son are immaculately dressed and the observant photographer has not overlooked them. And of course, like any other women, the chic mother shows how she manages to keep up with the times by observing what’s on display. Not forgetting, the straightforward message of a baby on its way.

Second reason – the lighting. It places the attention on mother and son, whose choice of white made them even more eye-catching. It also takes away distraction from the subjects. But as we look at the pregnant mother, some are equally intrigued, if not distracted, by the boy’s gesture.

Unanimously, Alex and Kangli have mentioned that the boy’s a distraction. “But I am undecided on whether the boy and his expression enhance or lessen the picture. His loud gesture can be quite distracting if you keep looking at the picture,” quipped Kangli. “Yes, same problem with the boy,” agreed Alex. It’s true depending on how you look at it and it is subjective reasoning as well.

But hey, if it were a more sedated boy walking beside the mother to make up the numbers, the picture loses its shine in my personal opinion. A picture can sometimes not be one thing and one thing only.

The third reason why I chose this photo – subjects in tandem. I saw the boy exude his inquisitive nature beside his mother, but not fully understanding what’s on the way. It could have been just a lone mother walking down the street, but the presence of the boy in tow enhanced the picture and determined my choice.

Should we look at the mother and be distracted by the boy, or look at them in tandem? I’d rather the latter. I saw the bigger picture, and this picture showed me a little more than the others – what already came, and what is coming soon.