Last on Board
Slow shutter speeds, when used by a knowledgeable photographer, can add life and movement to a photograph. This is particularly true when only a small portion of the image, most often the subject, is in motion. When done well it makes the viewer see the world in a new way.
This composition has a number of things going for it. The train and platform present a strong single point perspective to the layout. Our subject about to enter the train is in motion with ninety percent of his body in blurred movement, while his left foot is stationary on the platform. The image appears to have been converted to black and white and them the red lights were allowed to come through giving the appearance of a hand tinted print.
I was going to suggest to the photographer the possibility of a little cropping but after trying it the image became to sterile. However eliminating the bright lights in the upper left hand corner by cloning may be something the photo-artist would consider.
Click on Image 
June 19th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Hi Jim, I would take both both suggestions as valid:leaving the upper lights as it is in the original gives a stronger sense of belonging to a particular place, and adds to the story, it even makes you want to scrutinize and find out more of where the picture was taken. Second, eliminating the lights immediately focuses the story to the subject in a no name place. I think eliminating the lights is a good suggestion and I like it very much, but it doesn’t enhance or better the picture, it just gives it a different dimension. To me, a magnificent “urban” shot. Jorge
June 22nd, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Thank you for such wonderful comments and suggestions.
The metadata are as follows: 1/8 sec at f 5.6, 35mm - 135mm lens shot at 135mm, iso 600, no flash, no tripod
I shot this in the subways if L.A