This picture came as a result of my first attempt at blagging a press pass at this amazing Balkan brass festival. I had to show it as I walked through severe, scary looking Serbian security men who, as I tried to noncholently stroll past them, smiled! This shot was taken just before all the bands were due to go on stage for the final performance. I've discovered that group pictures like this need the right balance of randomness and coherence. For me, this picture is held together by the two figures in the centre but it lacks any real tension.
Marching Band: Madrid
This picture is far more successful. Although it does not have the repeated pattern figures of the above Guca festival shot, it contains far more tension and therefore interest. There is a strong point of focus in the main brass player and the musician in the background, looking up with his mouth open seems to contribute a note of humour. Everybody in the picture is looking in different directions which seems to create a series of diverse site lines. For me, these factors give the image its balance of coherence and randomness and therefore its interest.
Leaving Guca
This shot, taken as I was leaving the festival, has more of a pattern effect due to the lack of detail visible in the individual subjects.
Wedding: David & Kimberly
