March 2023 50/50 Match Brief - Intentional Bystander with Two Mann Studios

 

   "Observe ‘what is’ with undivided awareness.” ~ Bruce Lee

   “Genius is patience.” ~ Mahatma Ghandi


MATCH BRIEF

This month, Guest Judges Erika & Lanny of Two Mann Studios are very pleased to bring you a Challenge that is as much about developing patience as it is about pushing creative boundaries and technical skills. While they are best known as wedding photographers, the both the technical and creative approach they take is universal.



Photojournalists and documentary/lifestyle photographers know that timing and readiness are everything.



They have mastered the art of observation, making it possible to illustrate complex, organic stories in a single frame without controlling, influencing, or otherwise interfering with whatever happens to be unfolding in front of their lens.



They intentionally move themselves and not the subjects they photograph.



This type of storytelling demands, above all else, patience, and is true whether taking personal or professional photos, using a phone or FF mirrorless rig, attending a public or private event, home or abroad, spending time with friends, family, or strangers, being out on the street or out in nature, and even when (or perhaps especially when) in the comfort and familiarity of one’s own four walls. 


The image you submit for this month’s Match Brief must contain two or more stories layered in a single image.

This is accomplished by paying close attention to your environment, the characters in that setting, and the goings on in the foreground, midground, and background. 

Watch. 

Wait. 

Wander. 

Wonder.

Then ask yourself... shallow or deep Depth of Field?

Backlit, forelit, unlit, or otherwise lit?

Wide angle or telephoto, and why?

Bold colour, muted tones, or stark black and white?

Up high or down low?

Should your subject and focus be in the foreground or background? 

And that, say Erika and Lanny, is the fun of being an intentional bystander…

Challengers, you have until 11:59 MST, March 21, 2023 to submit your entry. All are encouraged to get out and create something new, but you are also welcome to submit any image that fits the Match Brief. Please read the Notes section for tips and tricks. Visit www.theshootingrange.ca for FAQs and competition guidelines.


OBJECTIVES

Technical: DOF, composition, lighting, layering stories

Creative: photojournalism, documentary, lifestyle

EDI: organic in lieu of directed narratives, stories that tell themselves


SCORING

Images for the Winner and two (2) Runners Up will be selected based on review of both Artist’s Statement and Technical Merit. The top three images will be scored based on Hit Factor (how well the image met the brief) and Power Factor (technical prowess, regardless of the equipment you’re using) and provided with a detailed written or oral (delivered via Zoom or similar platform) Critique from the Guest Judge.


IMAGE CROPPING AND ORIENTATION

Images may be cropped and shot in any size and orientation, but those with a 2:3 or 4:5 Landscape orientation will reproduce best in the Calendar.


NOTES, TIPS, AND RESOURCES

Images may require editing by Rare Earth Outreach and The Shooting Range (blurring/blocking/cropping) to meet guidelines or restrictions on sharing “adult content” as defined by various social media platforms in their Community Standards.


TIPS AND RESOURCES

The NUMBER ONE TIP we have every month is to research, experiment, play, and get out of your comfort zone. Not sure where to start? We suggest getting to know the Guest Judges, and for insight on the secrets of being an Intentional Bystander, we recommend watching this interview with Erika and Lanny:






















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