Matt Lutton
The UW Daily
Sophomore
University of Washington
My fellow staffers and I referred to images like this as “an almost but not quite.” It has good mood and feeling though there is no real moment here. It’s typical of situations faced everyday by photojournalists.
Sometimes an assignment is sorely lacking in visual opportunities. For many shooters this is a time of panic. For others it is a challenge. I used to enjoy those moments. I once volunteered for the worst assignments. I was so bored with my career, it was a welcome challenge to face the crappiest situations and try to make a great image.
This may be the best image available for this photographer. It’s hard to say. The answer isn’t that important. This photo leaves me wanting more of everything. I want more of his face. It must be interesting with that funky beard. I want a better angle. Lowering your camera by 3-4 feet would have quickly eliminated most of the background clutter that interferes with the lines of the menorah. I want better light, although it is unlikely you could do much about that. And I want better composition because this photo makes me feel claustrophobic. There is absolutely no room to breathe and this photo begs for space.
If we cannot find something better. If there is nothing more then we must exploit what we have. Bending your knees a little, perhaps a shift to your left and an exposure based on the highlights of the sky would have produced a more dynamic image. I would prefer to see real moments with the rabbi during the first night of the Chanukah Festival. But, since I must assume there was no other good situation (though I doubt that) we must look at this image alone.
It’s bad enough to miss a moment but virtually inexcusable to miss a photo where planning is possible. The menorah wasn’t moving. The rabbi may or may not have been standing in the same position but who cares? If he moves, you move and re-think your composition.
