Surely a modern DSLR is not considered limited equipment :-) Some will also argue that the choice by the photographer of correct equipment, i.e. one that will not cause technical difficulties, should be a matter of course. Bringing ISO 25 film to an evening party would be the photographer's fault, not the film's ;-))) In this case, one stop extra exposure might have been enough (with a higher ISO setting if handholding were problematic).
Anyway, I checked the image in PS, the shadow underneath the bench can be opened up by a simple levels adjustment so at least the man's legs can be separated from the background. The histogram also reveals that the structure of highlights is a bit strange; there are some whites in the top right corner, but in the rest of the image there are only medium-light greys at best. Manual dodging/burning or selective area levels/curves adjustment might be a good way to deal with this.
One unfortunate thing that may also play a role here is monitor calibration. It always tends to annoy me when I view the same photo on three different monitors and see three different images. Not much can be done about that :-(
Sure, there are infinite possibilities, but what struck me in this one is the moment caught in the subject's wan profile with the reflection of the back of his head against the guys at the vending machine and the other figures at right--a small moment, of course, but a lovely and empathetic one that I believe warrants encouragement. Technically, of course, your points are well taken. Consider also, however, that the shot was taken in very poor available light with rather limited equipment. I'm a big fan of technical excellence, but in circumstances like this, something has to give. And I'm glad Ben followed his instincts here--and that he used b&w. Good observations, though. Thanks. This is one reason this site is valuable.
George, why do you consider this "a telling decisive moment"? Is there something special going on in the photo that would have been gone if Ben shot it a split-second earlier or later, or five seconds earlier or later? I must be missing it.
I don't quite agree it's fine B&W, the tonal range is rather limited and important shadow areas are blocked up (e.g. the sitting man's trousers and shoes).
This is simply terrific! It is appropriate, of course, for the "People" category, but even better, perhaps, for "Henri," since it captures a telling decisive moment in fine b&w.(As Henri C-B is one of my idols, that is a big compliment.) The title also caught my eye. Wonderful to have a philosophy major on board! Keep at it . . . --george
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