When I look at the chess board (assumed center point) my eye flows to the guy on the rights hand which then flows up his arm to face which then points me back to the board. Nice visual flow. BUT, then I look at the pawn pieces which my eye follows to the upper guys face which is looking OUT of the image. I then have to find my way back to the board. From here, I look the the guys hand on the left which flows up the arm to the face which is ALSO looking OUT of the image. When I make my way back, I am drawn to the upper guys face again, then out of the image again. 1 Positive flow and 2 negatives.
This image would be greater if all parties focused on you main point of intrest, the chess board. Also, if the upper guy was just a tad to the left so as to form a triangle with the people, which helps with the visual flow.
I like the black and white aspect very much. Lighting is also great as is the exposure!

Thomas

Message edited on: 05/10/2005 22:48

i'm drawn to his expression!! he looks amused lots of details to check out... poison?? no wonder he's looking amused... he's probably fixin to pass the tainted water to his next opponent! i think i've seen his mug posted at the post office! oh... yeah... it's close, may be a bit tight... :]

I think it is a good shot, but would be much better without the third guy. He just distracts from the photo and really dosen't add anything to the story.

I like it, the bw is a really good choice. Like TMG I find the flow of the image a bit disturbing, but a nice slice of life shot. I love the guy on the left side's expression......

My eye went immediately to the guy on left. his eyes and expression draw me in. i notice that all 3 men have one of their hands in same position, and find this image does has a triangular flow to it. i found it to be FREE flowing and not at all disturbing! i went from guy on the left (his eyes), down to his hands, then to the hand of the guy in the background, and then to the hand of the guy on the right. I'm fascinated by people's hands, and perhaps that's why i enjoy this picture so much! i don't know too much about composition and stuff...just know what i like and what feels good to me. this one feels good and has a natural flow to it...at least when you see it the way i do. little tight on the top but that doesn't bother me too much since i can't stop looking at their hands! LOL! if anything disturbs me, it would be what looks like an elbow or part of another arm on the right. if it bothers you, it could be fixed. i really love this image and i luv the story!!! whenever 2 people play a game of chess, people will come to watch!!! fascinating game for sure!

I agree with Randy about the third guy here! I find him distracting too! But, also, as Chelle said, it's a "real life" scene, a street life scene even, and I really like that kind of shots, spontaneous and natural! B&w is perfect for this!

I suppose it's just me. But I see the chess board. I don't follow the guys hand at all. I immediately looked up and saw the "third" guy with the funny look on his face. ( sorta looks like Vin Disel! ) Then I look left to see the man staring at the camera ( Which ruined it for me. ) But the guy staring at the chess board is really nice. Actually and this is not the photographer's fault I like th picture if is weren't for the man staring at me! Bsteph

Vin Diesel??? Did u say Vin diesel??? WHERE???? Oh man!! YES!!! He does indeed!!! After second thought, I think that third guy in the background is perfect where he is!!! In the foreground would be even better! Well seen dear! ;)

Looke more like Vin's little brother. LOL