Yin Yang Tai Chi, a photo from Hong Kong, South

Photographer's Note

Well, I guess the title says it all...

Continuing on with some of my "less good but one's I like theme"...

This shot was taken from the pedestrian viewing tower (next to the aviary) in Hong Kong Park. Every morning hundreds of Hong Kong residents get up out of bed really early and head to the wonderful parks of Central to participate in the art of Tai Chi. This section of the park seemed to be a really popular section. The tower in the park gives you spectacular views of the city as well as the people just below.

For those that haven't been there, Hong Kong Park really reminded me of Central Park in New York. A great place to wander around in a green space in one of the premier cities of the world. Surrounded by skyscrapers and having all kinds of interesting places within it's boundaries, one could almost spend an entire day in the park. An aviary, zoo, orchid house & garden, botanical gardens with indoor displays including art & photography, ponds, trails, paths, monuments and tai chi to name a few of the things one can see and do.

I tried to be a bit artistic in this one, with the Yin Yang in the corner, balancing out the image...and the desaturation to give emphasis to the symbol and lines in the photo.

Let me know what you think,
John

cherryripe, Tezic, Anna--, worldcitizen, sothy81, aznegrao, tsti003, Angshu, Bruno40, edytungkal, pboehringer, delic, Wandering_Dan, plimrn, siolaw, Dpbours, axiotea, gramma, smash2707, ewasting heeft deze opmerking als nuttig gemarkeerd

Critiques | Translate

erdna (5713) 2007-09-24 9:49

A very nicely done composition! I like the areas given to the top and bottom section giving it a good visual tension.

Andre'

smarcell (19965) 2007-09-24 10:09

A fantastic picture. I like this kind of compositions very much. Very very clean and well composed, with a perfect balance of colors and lines.
Everything is in the right place.
Really excellent.

Luko (14000) 2007-09-24 10:10

I am left wondering with this one. This is quite a difficult task for me...

On the positive side I have barely seen such formal geometrical play, there is absolutely nothing I can nitpick about, there's even a square sewer lid that echoes the circular Yin/yang sign on the other side of the border.

.. bu that desaturation.. John.. why did you chose desaturation : that is so tacky! ... couldn't you work on the color range? Partial desaturation is a alltime no-no for me, a capital sin in photography...

How am I going to JUDGE this photography now? What kind of punishment or reward shall I give? This is greek tragedy...

As I guess you don't care much about the points, I am going to cut this gordian knot by giving you a NR mark. No green, no yellow.

tehanu_f (6896) 2007-09-24 11:30

Hi John,
This is definitely a good and balanced composition with nice graphic elements. However, I also wish you hadn't used partial desaturation. A complete b/W would be more impressive, in my opinion. Anyway, it's a matter of taste and apart from that, I like the photo.
Regards.
Fusun

Morac (27725) 2007-09-24 11:36

Hello John
Composition très originale et bonne utilisation de la couleur et du noir et blanc

Regards

Marc

mirarer (4751) 2007-09-24 11:37

Hi John,
I like it, great minimal composition and beautiful colors combination.
Good work.
Regards,
Mirari.

anes_lc (14968) 2007-09-24 12:32

hi john
amazing composition,great POV and well framed
thanks share
regards,anes

cherryripe (21033) 2007-09-24 12:36

Hi John
I remember seeing someone doing Tai Chi from the same tower but her clothing didn't stand out as much. I really like your graphic composition with such a contrast between the strong lines and squares and the smooth curves. Excellent balance too between the man and the Yin Yang, especially as the colour of his waistcoat is the same as the decoration. Excellent PP with the desaturation being a good idea.
Regards
Nikki

Tezic (17867) 2007-09-24 12:46

perfect composition... very good shot... congratulations...

recepyuksel (18640) 2007-09-24 13:06 [Comment]

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hubert (1591) 2007-09-24 13:08

Buona Sera John,
Beautiful and rigorous effect.
Complimenti,
Marco

rbcy1974 (20758) 2007-09-24 13:47

Hello JOhn
Very nice and graphic,
great geometric, very design, very feng shui.....
In conclusion something that could easity go on the cover of some cathalog. Perfect composition.
Regards
Daniel
PS your upcoming trip sounds amazing, can you hire me as the camera bearer? I will only ask for food lodging and transportation, no salary. Where else can you get a peruvian sherpa that cheap?

Anna-- (7801) 2007-09-24 13:59

Ciao John,
very graphic image! Splendid framing and post-process
Excellent!
Anna

Framboisilla (5277) 2007-09-24 14:23

Hi John,

I like very much this graphism with the curve separating the two parts and including the two elements in opposition... And colors are beautiful. Very good job !

Regards,
Stéphanie.

mesutilgim (0) 2007-09-24 14:46

Hi John,
Wonderfull pov, great colors and very nice compo. Good sharpness and nice info's.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

worldcitizen (16234) 2007-09-24 16:38

Hello John,
There is a lot of beauty in the shapes here, and in the balance in the top left and bottom right corners. The contrasting shapes of circles and squares are great, and the high POV captures this man in a unique and interesting pose. This is a very original composition, and it has a graceful quality to it.

sothy81 (9646) 2007-09-24 18:22

The picture confessed itself as the most talented shot made by you. Very graphical which is so attractive. The color contrast is amazing. There is nothing that I can say to improve this image. You left no room for us to photoshop. Wonderful job John. Sothy

aznegrao (10316) 2007-09-24 18:26

Hi John!

Nice artistic composition with geometrical graphism.

Thanks.
aznegrao.

shevchenko (20560) 2007-09-24 19:47

Hi John,
Perfect pov shoot from above, many yin and yang within a photo, the yin & yang pattern create by the plants, the black & white color of the people wears, the good balancing you had saperate this photo to two parts with two dots create by the plants and people to show another yin & yang simbol, creative shoot.
Ally

Bruno40 (6662) 2007-09-24 21:13

Holy camote!!
The POV and composition of this one cannot be better.
It is so good that I don't mind other issues in the photo.
Green evil well deserved.
TFS
Jorge

edytungkal (4551) 2007-09-24 22:49

Wow... what a very great composition, John. Every details are perfect and situated on the righ place. I like the yin yang pot with beautiful two colours plant, even the shadow looks nice. I think this picture is one of your best pictures, John. Congratulation and thanks alot for share it.

Angshu (56760) 2007-09-25 1:34

Hello John
Amazing composition and amazing execution. I fully go with your decision to partially desat. for highlighting the symbol and the practicing man. The lines are very strong with the curve and the grid pattern at the bottom. Hats off to you for this. I know you care less for points etc., but let me at least say this is worth more than a couple of points. I would put this into my favourites.
With Regards
Angshu

zig (2456) 2007-09-25 6:08

Hi John. Quite beautiful work. I can't believe this is a picture that was taken in a park. This is like you draw it and it is art on the wall. Hmmm, photography or painting on a wall... I like this beautiful image and your creativity with the scene, I hoped this was just a graphic design so that I don't need to think about photographic aspect of it. And it is hard to explain what I think about that aspect coz I admit this is very beautiful, a great point of view, too amazing to see it as a photo...probably that is the only problem here? Well, please don't take my words too seriously. hehe. This is amazingly beautiful image!

pboehringer (770) 2007-09-25 7:20

John,
this one really popps into my eyes! The title is simply superb and has a lot to do with the image or expresses in essence what is to be seen in the image. Not only the plants in the far left upper corner but the whole composition gives that feeling. The partial desaturation even enhances it! Absolutely great and stunning work! No wonder that you already got 5 fav's (so far) on it.
If this is the less good and wonder what you are about to bring from your next trip. Bring it on!!!
Regards, Peter

BrianGraney (1740) 2007-09-25 8:56

I wouldn't have noticed the desaturation if you had not mentioned it, so I can't say it spoils anything for me.
I love the contrast between the formal lines, curves and human, and would be interested to see the original image.
Cheers
Brian

batalay (41261) 2007-09-25 10:32

Hello John,

This is another fabulous shot. I know you have high standards, but I certainly could not put it in the category "Less good but one's I like..." The largely monochromatic background is highlighted by the sweater of the man practicing Tai Chi, and by the pot of flowers. I like it so much that I may have done a bit of dodging, taking a pair of square tiles and planting them over the cover for utilities, which is little distracting.
Warm regards,

Bulent

Stepan (27210) 2007-09-25 12:16

That's handsome, that's inspired, that's simply excellent !
The crop is perfect and the mood and graphism you compose are really beautiful.
A great post.
Stéphane

delic (6735) 2007-09-25 12:17

Superb shot, John. Others have said it all. The two colored spots (the man and the ying yang) in extreme corners on top a B&W backdrop is fantastic. Great one! Regards,
Hakan

Wandering_Dan (3449) 2007-09-25 14:56

Very nice, strong composition! It's a little bit grainy, and there's a bit of halo around the bowl's shadow, but otherwise fine. Great shaping!

plimrn (21344) 2007-09-25 16:50

Hi John,
Typically I don't care for B&W or destautation, so I started to click on a different photo but the harmony and balance here called out from the thumbnail. I had to open it. The man's graceful pose is nicely highlighted by the red vest and balanced by that round whatever in the pond. The curve of the shadow is sumptious. For me the halo adds emphasis. So I'll add myself to your raves above.
HLJ, Pat

siolaw (38294) 2007-09-25 19:46

Hi John
This one is exceptional! The POV and perfect framing, plus the elements (tai chi man and yin yang sign in opposite corners, the rest being desaturated highlights also these elements...
Great job for sure
Laurent

MarcT (20964) 2007-09-25 20:22

Hi John,
I suppose you're kidding when you say it's one of your less good ones!.
Absolutely unique picture.
Marc

dvlazar (6662) 2007-09-25 20:39

Wow this ones a little different to usual - a minimilist feel to it. I like it a lot - especially that pose in the bottom right. The only thing that I wasnt sure on was that circle in the top left - its got a jagged edge which is a bit distracting. But not enough to detract too much - youve got a popular photo on your hands here!!
Dave.

Dpbours (222) 2007-09-26 21:29

Hi John,

The partial desaturation works well! It enhances the graphical power of the shot, the minimalistic take goes further than the lines in the picture, they are now emphasized by a minimal use of colours. Though it's not as natural anymore as one hopes, I do think the partial desaturation works fine in this case!

Lens distortion almost absent. Composition very well balanced. It is so well balanced that you're almost hoping for some imbalance... somewhere... Maybe the cover in the tiles breaks it up. It does... Keep it that way ;-).

Nice one for sure! I do start to wonder what your style is, since you do surprise me with some takes lately! :-)

Greetings, Dennis

ViktorVaughn (1525) 2007-09-26 23:39

Looks like I'm late to comment on this photo John. It's garnered quite alot of attention and rightly so. Both for it's excellent quality and composition, but also for it's desaturation.

So here are my two cents, about the photo (minus any desaturation inclusion) the comments are spot on. It is one of your better photos in your catalogue for many reasons. Especially the stance that the man is in. His arms almost embracing the yin yang sign from afar.

As for the desaturation, I almost didn't notice it in fact. But now that I have, and inspected it, I am 50/50. On one hand, u had to deal with some poor colours with the normal shot which would have detracted from the image (I trust your opinion) but also, desaturation causes it to be a bit limp. Overall, I like your version, and I don't think a pure B&W would have been nearly as effective.

mphotographies (1976) 2007-09-27 2:08

Hey John,

This is an amazing work! You should have posted this a long time ago. The style is simple, clean and direct. You can see the contrast between each element, the sign and action it represents, very expressive and unique shot! Well done dude!

Cheers!

Jom

jjcordier (79299) 2007-09-27 6:19

John,
Cette photo est magnifique.La composition est géniale et, techniquement, tout est impeccable. Dans mes favoris!
Amicalement
JJ

axiotea (21651) 2007-09-27 9:51

Hi John
The title fits perfectly the image taken from an excellent POV with the good capture of the man who looks like a dancer! To me the partial desaturation works very well and creates nice color contrast. It's well balanced with an adequate framing.
Cheers
Marilyn

hderin (600) 2007-09-27 16:37

Hi John,

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful...

Great composition and psp. Masterwork :)

Congratulations!

Best regards

Haluk Derinöz

woladorsky (806) 2007-09-29 1:39

EXCELLENT PICTURE JOHN...JUST AWESOME!!!
THIS IS A DIFFERENT STYLE!!
PLEASE CONTINUE WITH THESE KIND OF SHOTS AS WELL

cHEERS

ROLANDO

xramm (1831) 2007-09-30 4:42

Very good and creative work. Clean frame there is no unnecessary distracting objects.I liked this.
TFS

Hakki

bantonbuju (51815) 2007-09-30 8:46

hi john,
the title says a lot, all right but the visual is what works (and would without the title, too...:-))
one of the images that we would like to have in our portfolio, and one of the one time in a life occassions...fantastically composed...no wonder why it is so popular in the "favorites" set of photos...
bw, j.

Luan (12971) 2007-10-05 8:43

It looks like a yin and yang insite the yin and yang... painting. Very nice photograph John...an artistic one !
Luan

RandomCameraGuy (3071) 2007-10-08 22:22

I was going to shake my head at the partial desat. but I see that Luko beat me to it. Just don't do it again man. I actually posted an early TE shot as a partial desat so I can understand the allure at first, but it'll grate on you too soon enough.

At first I thought this was a repost of an image I saw here on TE a long time ago, but I see this one is diff (with a person in it). A good addition as it balances it nicely. His motion is very fitting too.

Now just don't do this PD thing again.

:-)

af

dijjac (1569) 2007-10-12 8:50

Bonjour john
Composition magistrale, plusieurs graphismes, couleurs, position des éléments determinants.
Magnifique !
jacques

gramma (3519) 2007-10-12 10:29

Hi John,

Very nice composition. I like the position of the man in your picture. Contrast and sharpness are alos very good. Thanks for sharing !

Christophe

partha (14023) 2007-10-13 3:54

Just perfect composition and balance. JUST GREAT.
partha

toni_al (15875) 2007-10-30 16:03

Salut John
J'adore le graphisme de cette image la composition est très bonne et la desaturation très bien vue.
@+
Toni

nbj (2097) 2008-01-11 5:44

amazing composition, and i love the yin yang pattern in the flower arrangement.

doubay (674) 2008-01-12 16:50

Excellent graphism. I love your POV and framing. The Tai Chi guys fits in your compo perfectly and adds life to it.
Regards
Andreas

smash2707 (3320) 2008-02-05 19:56

Hi John. I love your composition. The combination of curves and straight lines, the desaturation you made bringing out the red and the green. Simply amazing. Regards, Yvonne

imoko (397) 2008-02-07 19:20

Hello John
This photograph consists of a very interesting composition.
And, the combination of circle　and the line is also very beautiful.
I liked it very much in a terrible, interesting photograph!
Tomo

baladeva (252) 2008-07-17 13:05 [Comment]