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City Bikes (cropped)

© Michelle Alton

City Bikes (cropped)

Uploaded: December 03, 2013 03:55:01

Description


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Yesterday I had a wonderful note from Ujjwal who remembered my posting a photo of a long row of identical City Bikes that I shot near Penn Station in New York City. The top third of the photo had a glimpse of Madison Square Garden, to give the photo context.
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Ujjwal liked the photo enough to remember it, but thought it might be even a MORE interesting image if it were cropped to eliminate the buildings in the top portion.
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I took a stab at this crop and sent a copy to Ujjwal to see if he found it to be better than the original, and he was quite pleased. As for me, I'm still "on the wall."
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Thoughts?
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Huge thanks to Ujjwal for taking so much time out of his VERY BUSY life to give me such a large chunk of it and to share his photo wisdom and experience.
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Exif: F Number: 5, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/125 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 100, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 70.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Comments

Ken Smith level-classic December 03, 2013

Michelle, perhaps you could post the original here too, for quick reference. I do like this one, because of the leading lines of the tires. I'm thinking maybe in your original, the lines wouldn't have been as strong. I definitely like this version. #1554722

Michelle Alton December 03, 2013

Good idea, Ken. Here's the original shot. #10913840

Michelle Alton December 03, 2013

Good idea, Ken. Here's the original shot. #10913841

MELODIE C. ROBERTS December 03, 2013

As soon as I saw This I remembered the original, which I loved.

I must say though that Ujjwal had a brilliant idea that you executed superbly Mickey!

I expect this to go on!!!

Isn't BP a Family Friendly place ;0) #10913846

Karen E. Michaels level-deluxe December 03, 2013

Brava, Michelle! #10913850

Agnes Fegan level-deluxe December 03, 2013

I like them both but the cropped one makes me think of renting a bicycle on vacation while the original indicates what you are in for trying to ride a bike in NYC lol! #10913854

Michelle Alton December 03, 2013

I'm laughing, Agnes. You are SO right! Those were my thoughts to the TEE when I encountered the bikes in NYC! #10913859

R. J. Laudenbacher level-classic December 03, 2013

I like both of them too, Michelle, but I am with Ken...this version really brings out the lines and the repeating pattern. I think we will see this one again. #10913864

Douglas Pignet December 03, 2013

like this a lot...nicely done #10913869

David Phalen December 03, 2013

I like them both for different reasons. The light, shadows and repeating forms are excellent in today's post. The original is an outstanding street capture with a sense of place. Great work on both!! #10913893

Gord MacEachern December 03, 2013

Beautiful images Michelle, I love the new crop, as it seems to change from a cityscape to design and patterns. #10913909

Michael Frazier level-classic December 03, 2013

Great image Michelle, I really like the comp of the cropped version. #10913951

William C. Raco level-classic December 03, 2013

Have to say I like the cropped version better.
It concentrates the eye on the patterns and repetition better. #10913963

Ujjwal Mukherjee December 03, 2013

Well,Michelle, thanks for your kind words .... you know I like this version and hope to see it again!! #10914001

JO ANN CLEVELAND December 03, 2013

I agree with Ujjwal! I really like this one Michelle!

jo ann c. #10914033

Lindley Johnson level-classic December 03, 2013

I love them both, but agree that the cropped version accentuates the strong diagonal line. Nicely done, Michelle. #10914044

Dayna Cain level-classic December 03, 2013

I love the original version but I agree that the cropped one has a much stronger visual impact. Awesome work any way you look at it! #10914142

John Connolly December 03, 2013

They are both impressive photos Michelle, But I think Ujjwal hit the nail on the head with his constructive thoughts on this one! Well done! #10914180

Renata Gusciora December 03, 2013

Both are very cool, Michelle! The first one gives you a 'bigger picture"lol of the surroundings and this one is definitely stronger for the eye!How much do BP judges like the tight crops? I guess we will see next month!:-)I am rooting for you!:-) #10914199

Johnnie Ann Gaskill December 03, 2013

As others have said, both photos are excellent. However, the cropped version is a much better fit in the EOD contest--NMHO. :-) #10914208

Patrick Rouzes level-classic December 03, 2013

I prefer this one, Michelle. A brilliant shot & hope to see it again.
#10914302

Thomas E. Hinds December 03, 2013

This undoubtedly works, Michelle! We should see this one again. Beautiful work here. #10914381

Jeffrey R. Bange December 03, 2013

I think that I would have to side with Ujjwal that the cropped version definitely has a stronger impact. #10914479

Barbara Waldoch December 04, 2013

Love it! #10914519

Kathy Salerni level-classic December 04, 2013

Love the cropped version, Michelle! Spectacular perspective, colors and detail! #10914527

frank w. degenhardt December 05, 2013

Even the judges have to love this one Michelle. The composing and that pov are exceptional. Love the white line in front of the bikes like a starting line. Even the details of the lettering are sharp and clear. Colors are gorgeous. Think we will see this one again my friend. #10915186

Emile Abbott level-deluxe December 05, 2013

The cropped version is a significant improvement in my estimation Michelle. Great POV and sense of depth. I agree with Frank we should see this one again. #10915378

Ellen Hodges December 06, 2013

Super cool and well done capture, Michelle!!! #10915995

Leslie McLain level-classic December 12, 2013

Fantastic capture and repetition, Michelle. #10920513

Nadia Paul January 31, 2014

Congrats on this wonderful finalist Michelle! #10961503

Wm Nosal January 31, 2014

Beautiful Capture Michelle!
Congratulations #10961603

Ujjwal Mukherjee January 31, 2014

HUGE congratulations on your SUPERB Winner, Michelle!!!! #10961694

Kathy Salerni level-classic January 31, 2014

Big congrats on winning Gold, Michelle! #10961701

Sharon Sawyer February 01, 2014

Michelle, HUGE congratulations on your outstanding & well deserved Second Place Winner!!! #10961727

Graeme yew Chow February 01, 2014

What a super image of design, big congrations Michelle. You really deserved this. By the way I have a question to ask you. do you think the electic cars from Tesla will be big future???
#10961740

Jeffrey R. Bange February 01, 2014

Congratulations Michelle on your well deserved deserved Second Place win, I'm sure that put a big smile on your face after everything that you have been going through lately. #10961745

MELODIE C. ROBERTS February 01, 2014

WoooHoo Mickey
Congratulations to you AND Ujjwal!

Your collaboration has resulted in this Excellent Win!!!! #10961781

Michelle Alton February 01, 2014

AbsolUTEly Ujjwal! He saw the potential and took the time to correspond with me about his ideas for more than an hour. He's a very cool guy!

Thanks, Ujjwal. #10961787

Leslie McLain level-classic February 01, 2014

Congrats on a beautiful winner, Michelle. #10961805

Marilyn Cornwell February 01, 2014

Congratulations on this wonderfully cropped Winner! #10961829

frank w. degenhardt February 01, 2014

Fabulous photography Michelle. Congratulations on the Second Place Win my friend. #10961893

Mary K. Robison February 01, 2014

How really nice of Ujjwal to help you send this version into the Golden Circle, Michelle.
Congratulations on your winner!
(Coincidence that Ujjwal got a Gold Winner in the same category? I think not...) #10961895

Ellen Hodges February 01, 2014

Huge congrats on a SUPERB winner!! Like both versions and so happy that this is a well deserved winner!!! #10962006

William C. Raco level-classic February 01, 2014

Congratulations on your win, Michelle
Excellent photo #10962017

Nancy Marie Ricketts February 01, 2014

Congratulations on your beautiful GOLD winner! #10962099

Jessica Jenney February 01, 2014

Congratulations,, Michelle on your fabulous winner! #10962108

Renata Gusciora February 01, 2014

Big congratulations on your fantastic Winner, Michelle!!!:-) #10962145

Rona L. Schwarz February 01, 2014

Well, huge thanks to Ujjwal for his vision, Michelle, but this was a pretty special capture to begin with! The repeating lines with the shadows and colors are sensational, so deserving of this Gold Winner!! Huge Congrats to you!! And thank you so much for all your support and comments on my eagle shots - much appreciated! #10962395

Tammy M. Anderson level-deluxe February 01, 2014

Congrats on this awesome EOD capture and winner. #10962441

Mitch Spence level-classic February 01, 2014

:) #10962501

John Connolly February 01, 2014

Congratulations on your gold badge Michelle! Well done! #10962512

Emile Abbott level-deluxe February 01, 2014

Congratulation on your well deserved second place winner, Michelle #10962532

Anita Hogue February 01, 2014

Congratulations on your beautiful second place winner! #10962571

JO ANN CLEVELAND February 01, 2014

Congrats on this outstanding 2nd Place Winner Michelle, when I first saw it I knew it should receive the Gold!!

So well deserved too!

jo ann c. #10962579

Denny E. Barnes level-deluxe February 01, 2014

Big congratulations on your Second Place Win, Michelle! Outstanding! #10962615

Thomas E. Hinds February 01, 2014

Congratulations, Michelle , on this fabulous Winner! Love it! #10962859

Phyllis H. Burchett February 01, 2014

So cool Michelle, big congrats! #10962893

Ken Smith level-classic February 01, 2014

Excellent, Michelle. Congrats…and great idea for the crop! #10962993

Gerri R. Jones February 01, 2014

This is great Michelle! I saw the bikes on my last visit and they seemed to be a hit...Congratulations on your fabulous winner! #10963084

Wm Nosal February 01, 2014

Congratulations On The Gold, Michelle! #10963087

Katherine Kuhn February 01, 2014

Congratulations on your beautiful winner, Michelle! #10963096

Carol L. Fowler February 01, 2014

Sweet! Congrats! #10963124

Mary Alston February 01, 2014

Congratulations Michelle. A well deserved award!
#10963212

Nadia Paul February 01, 2014

Congrats on your well deserved win Michelle! #10963234

Susan D. Royce level-classic February 01, 2014

Congratulations, Michelle! Great shoot, and I love the back-story. #10963346

Kirsten Kiki Kjaer February 02, 2014

How could this NOT be a gold winner!!

It is truly magnificent, Michelle.

Huge congratulations! #10963435

R. J. Laudenbacher level-classic February 02, 2014

Couldn't be happier to see this again, Michelle. A big whoo hoo...and congratulations on this fabulous gold winner! #10963591

Gail Sullivan level-classic February 02, 2014

Michelle…big congrats on your winning image! #10963680

Claudia Kuhn level-classic February 02, 2014

A wonderful winner Michelle, glad you tried out that crop. #10963752

Robert R. Goodman February 02, 2014

Big Congratulations on your beautiful win my friend!!!! #10963922

Memoriee G. Sconce February 02, 2014

Congrats really neat POV.
Memoriee #10963958

Linda D. Lester level-classic February 02, 2014

Congratulations on your awesome win! #10964000

Christine Czernin level-classic February 02, 2014

I have not seen the first one,but I really like this one a lot.
A well deserved gold win,Michelle.
Congratulations. #10964044

Barbara Budzinski level-classic February 02, 2014

Congratulations, Michelle. Fantastic composition, nicely done ! #10964208

Ray level-classic February 02, 2014

Congratulations on your wonderful Gold Badge Winner, Michelle! Fantastic work! #10964390

Robert K. Bemus level-classic February 02, 2014

Congratulations on your Gold, Michelle! #10964677

Dayna Cain level-classic February 03, 2014

Great big congrats on your win Michelle! This is an awesome image! #10965104

Randy D. Dinkins level-classic February 03, 2014

Congratulations Michelle. I am for the cropped version also (as, I guess, were the judges :). Great job and way to "work it"! #10965220

Cindy Bendush level-classic February 03, 2014

Awesome find and excellent capture Michelle! Big congrats on your gold! #10965738

Carol Eade level-addict February 04, 2014

Excellent work, Michelle. Congratulations on your win. #10966485

Charles C. Berkeley level-classic February 05, 2014

Congratulations on your second place winner! Wish I had the nerve to ride a Citibike in mid-town Manhattan. Charles #10967539

Usman M. Bajwa level-classic February 06, 2014

Huge CONGRATZ on your terrific capture and Gold Winner, Michelle!!!!

UB. #10968054

Merna L. Nobile February 23, 2014


A new year, new photos and plenty awards to go around. Congratulations!
#10983639

Emile Abbott level-deluxe March 11, 2016

CONGRATULATIONS MICHELLE ON 20TH ANNIV. BP ALL TIME EDITOR'S PICK #11445635

Jeffrey R. Bange March 11, 2016

Congratulations Michelle on another well deserved All Time Editor's Pick. #11445712

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