Comment from IndianSummer
Hi sysop912 ! Very strong and expressive style! Meaningfull photo. IMHO in this photo works B/W colors only. I can't imagine such expressiveness in colors.

 Comment Written 15-May-2004

---

reply by the author on 15-May-2004

Thank you, I didn't think colours would be good here either. Thanks for reinforcing that. I didn't really give myself the choice when I shot it though. I purposely used the cameras B&W mode.
Brian

Comment from Chucke
Very well done photo. I really like when people use black and white. The sky in the backdrop looks great under this conditions and the focus and faming are just right. Nice job.

 Comment Written 15-May-2004

---

reply by the author on 15-May-2004

I forgot to mention that I also used a polarizing filter, that may have helped the clouds a bit. Thanks
Brian

Comment from FreeAkasha
Cool Idea! Looks like that would hurt though. Did you use something to hold it together or was somebody actually squeezing it?

 Comment Written 14-May-2004

---

reply by the author on 14-May-2004

I was actually squeezing it. :) Thanks for the comment. :)
Brian

Comment from ruthsartpage
wow this causes me much pain, it is so graphically alive with all kinds of feelings, hurt, pain, and need. It causes my mind to race back to the atrocities of the second world war, and the camps. However many "camps" also survive today" in other localities, places and times. Its a photo, that cannot be taken lightly, or with just passing notice, if there is any real concern for humanity and our conection to one another.
a picture that captures a thousand words in one breath.
ruthsartpage

 Comment Written 14-May-2004

---

reply by the author on 14-May-2004

Thank you. I have put a lot more thought into this image since taking it than before I thought it up. your comment adds to my thoughts and deepness of the various possibilities it suggests. Thanks again.
Brian

Comment from RUDOLPH
A VERY INSPIRATIONAL PHOTO, A REMINDER OF THE COLD WAR AND EAST BERLIN. THE LIGHT PLAYS AN ERIE FOG OF WHATS BEYOND..... IF YOU'VE EVER BEEN TO ANY OF THE OLD SOVIET BLOCK COUNTRIES AS I HAVE , YOU FEEL COLD UNEASINESS ABOUT THIS PICTURE.... 20 YEARS AGO THIS COULD HAVE MADE THE COVER OF TIME MAGAZINE.... GOOD JOB !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Comment Written 14-May-2004

---

reply by the author on 14-May-2004

Thanks, I was in fact living, working, and traveling extensively through Europe and through check point Charlie a couple times before the wall and wire came down, as part of the Canadian Forces. I was also there when the "Wall" came down and left in the summer of 1993 because of the changes occurring there. Even took in the Pink Floyd concert at the gate.
Thanks for your comment, and I agree with your impression. Thanks again. Brian

Comment from mysharonany
OUCH!! What an intense photo. I really like it. It is very, very striking. I gather this shot was set up . . I hope no one got hurt in this one!! The backround seems soo foggy and grey. .great contast to the hands.

 Comment Written 14-May-2004

---

reply by the author on 14-May-2004

Yes, the shot was set up. My camera wouldn't focus on the wire alone with such low light levels, so I used the timer and used my hands as a larger focus mass.
No one got hurt
Thanks
Brian

Comment from The Muse Diva
This is an amazingly and arresting shot sysop. It grabbed my attention the moment I saw the thumbnail, nd pulled me awy from whatever I was heading to do in a forum here. I there a backstory, is this mood or on location somewhere grim? I am launching a free artzine on the first. Please note me if you would like to sub to it for free exposure.

 Comment Written 14-May-2004

---

reply by the author on 14-May-2004

Thanks for the critique, I'll have to pass on the Free exposure as I have other plans for this image which may require exclusive copy write conditions. The shot was set up using my own hands. Read my reply to the post above this one for the details. Thanks again.
Brian

Comment from Tracymax
that's a powerful image for real! B/w was absolutely a great choyce here.
It is a very dramatic story teller image: hands are used in a very symbolic way and give a deep sense of the need of freedom. congrats

 Comment Written 14-May-2004

---

reply by the author on 14-May-2004

Thank you.
Brian

Comment from Casteel
This is a very beautiful work of art, it symbolizes so much and has alot of meaning, I am very impressed with the clarity and the definitive work around the edges of the subject, I am also very impressed with the layout and excellent crop points. :)

 Comment Written 14-May-2004

---

reply by the author on 14-May-2004

Thanks, I think the sharpness that you see here and maybe not so much in many of the uploads I've seen here has to do with applying sharpness after reducing the size of the image for upload, but actually applying the sharpness before uploading. I think a great number of images would do so much better on this site, if folks had a final look at their work to determining if more sharpness is needed before actually uploading. I'm trying to get the message out there post by post.
Cheers and thanks for you comment.
Brian

Comment from cbuffers
What a strong piece. The black and white is so powerful and the subject matter is provoking. The lighting hits the hands enough to still give the silouhetted look to the piece. Beautiful.

 Comment Written 14-May-2004

---

reply by the author on 14-May-2004

Thank you very much.
Brian