Old favorite

[The_Traveler]

Going back through pictures preparing for a show and found this.
I don't know if I liked it before but I do now.

 

[fjrabon]

great timing/composition. Nailed the monk (?) right as he was in the perfect part of the frame. The perspective lines all draw the eye to him, he's nicely framed by the window, creating an interesting dark subject, light background contrast. The horizontal green strip, I think adds, even though conventional analysis might say it's distracting. It nicely breaks the image up in a subtly organized way.

The steam rising off the bowls (I'm assuming some sort of warm traditional meal) is a very nice, subtle layer that rewards those willing to give more than a casual glance, the "viewer's share" as some might call it

It's one of those images that succeeds because it hits multiple levels:

1) interesting subject (to westerners at least). Not completely foreign, but some novelty does remain.
2) strong graphic composition. you hit all three main points: placement/arrangement, complementary lighting, appropriate color rendition
3) subtle details that reward you for continuing to look at it.
4) has a story that's just vague enough to let me wonder what the subject is up to. It is neither confusing nor too blatant.

 

[The_Traveler]

thanks.
just great analysis of what you see and why it appeals.

 

[tirediron]

I'll just go with, "I like it". Well spotted Lew!

 

[JustJazzie]

I didn't see much when I opened this on my phone earlier, I'm glad I reopened it on a larger screen. A very interesting scene.

 

[mingxuan]

good shot!

 

[Mike Lamb]

Provocative. Lighten the chairs/bowls and foreground some.

 

[DarkShadow]

Count me in on the like wagon.I like the the for ground tables or what they call them is OOF enough not to be distracting and I guess I would call it the leading line right to Mr Monk.