Adam, It is a little abstract. If you follow the tracks you can see that whoever it was that walked across this lake had a foot go through the ice in one possibly two spots, yet he/she continued to risk their life by crossing this thin ice. Also, whoever it was walked right by a sign warning them of the danger. When you disregard your own safety, and do self destructive actions - that is a form of self loathing. Or whoever it was - was an idiot. The tress, and bright highlight line in the distance show that whoever it was - made it across the ice. The shadow in the distance on the center and right edge are very thin ice.
Jim, I can see all that, I can understand why you didn't crop the trees, although for some reason I thought he had walked from the trees having not seen the sign. With all that in mind, regardless of which way he crossed, if we have to go to these lengths to explain the image, does it portray the assignment to the viewer? I'm all for getting people thinking and trying to go lateral with the concept but this MA has so far made me look at a lot of the entries and wonder how they fit the assignment. Everybody sees things differently and I am sorry I don't get this, I really am, as I have enjoyed the majority of your previous Wa & MA entries.
Adam, I don't usually post any copy, slug line, or explain what my photos are about. I expect them to be self evident. The only reason I did was your post claiming you didn't see the connection to the assignment. I can understand your point, and there is absolutely no reason for you to be "sorry", or to feel that you "disagree". I don't post based upon the FM MA participants agreement, nor their approval. I post because I enjoy interpreting the topic anyway I see fit. In my work I quite often have to shoot to please a client, management, or someone else's idea that they can't make themselves into a reality. Sure I like it if others get it and like it, but this is the fun area of my passion - not the put food on the table part. Your opinion is just as valuable as anyone else's, and you have every right to not like something - I don't take it personally.
And thanks for mentioning you have liked things I have done in the past.
It seemed fairly self evident to me although I had to think a little (not too much) about this. My interpretation was that someone had walked from the trees in an attempt to commit suicide. You'd really have to hate life/self in order to do it this way. Very good light control in this environment.
