C&C. Does onlooker add or subtract from composition #2

[BobSaget]

1
2
Any thoughts would be welcome. Shot 50mm, ISO 400, No aperture info but I think f16?

 

[Demers18]

I like the concept but I feel like he's not adding anything to the photo. It's almost like he's in the way of the guys landing. Then again I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to skate shots.

Is this in Seattle?

 

[unpopular]

Add. A million times add.

 

[thetrue]

I'm with unpopular. I think it makes the skater look admired like "holy chit, he's awesome". I definitely like #2 better because of it. Plus most of the lines in the photo lead straight to the skater guy.

 

[BobSaget]

Thanks for the inputs. This is in New Orleans. Real interesting story about the park. City Government has been dragging its ass over starting a park, so a group of guys and girls began building up the site on there own with grass roots support. They just show up on occasion with tools and concrete and throw up a spine or quarter pipe. No word yet on the city's reaction.

 

[fjrabon]

definitely adds.

 

[Demers18]

Thanks for the inputs. This is in New Orleans. Real interesting story about the park. City Government has been dragging its ass over starting a park, so a group of guys and girls began building up the site on there own with grass roots support. They just show up on occasion with tools and concrete and throw up a spine or quarter pipe. No word yet on the city's reaction.

That's awesome! I remember back when I skated parks were hard to find or get built. There's so many now which I think is great for the communities. I'm sure they've seen it and I hope they don't decide to take it down. I doubt they will as they won't really have to spend any money on as its pretty Koch built.

This photo reminds me of the park in Seattle under the overpass. That park is in so many videos and I used to want to ride there so bad but never got the chance to unfortunately.

 

[ManualMode]

AS a 20 year reader of Transworld/Thrasher.. Photo #2 is definitely the better of the 2 and without the onlooker it changes the entire story of the shot.
Without the kid: Guy at skatepark doing a nosegrab (fingerflip maybe?).. big deal.. I would instantly think that there was probably a better moment to capture...
With the kid: you captured not the moment of the trick, but the moment of real significance in skateboarding. Kids watching other kids (particularly ones older than them) and admiring what they see. It's not longer about the trick, but the moment of interaction between the two of them.. nice photo.. send it into a mag or two and see if they run it..

 

[BobSaget]

Manual, Thanks for the thumbs up. I might have to send this to Thrasher for the off chance they might print it. It would be great to get some promotion for the skate park. Its status is in limbo, and it's a really great place for restless kids in New Orleans.