Taken in Mount Vernon, Virginia, this image captures construction workers scaling the side of the side building to the main house. The contrast between the workers' positions and the architectural detailing immediately drew my attention. I was walking around the area, reflecting on how much care goes into preserving the home of America's first president. Th details of the building, paired with the dynamic poses of the workers, highlighted the unseen labor that keeps these structures alive. This shot fits more in the Human Interest (HI) section, as it focuses on the relationship between people and the architectural heritage they help maintain. The balance between the workers' postures and the sharp lines of the building speaks to the dedication involved in preserving history. ISO 720, 1/250s, f/14
7 comments posted
Leslie Larson
Took awhile to figure out the story. Dangling legs an eye catching feature. No one would know it's Mt. Vernon that is being repaired without your narrative. Think I'd crop the top off a bit and just focus on the legs. Posted: 11/07/2024 11:55:06
Jason Poblete
Thank you for the feedback Posted: 11/11/2024 07:09:49
Jen Fawkes
I also took a little while to work out the story, and perhaps just a little more presence of one of the subjects might help here. Once I'd worked it out, I quite enjoyed the different perspective and I can see why it caught your attention. The mono conversion is done quite well given your wall is white and the men are working in the shaded part of the building. Well spotted. Posted: 11/09/2024 00:05:25
Jason Poblete
Thank you for the feedback; I have other photos of the men, but this one stood out as a favorite from the stack. Posted: 11/11/2024 07:10:23
Ron Davis
Hi Jason. I like this photo as you show originality. Just showing the men's legs is tempting us to think what they are doing; it provokes us to ask questions? I had no difficulty telling what you have captured. A famous photo was taken in New York showing workers eating their lunches high up on a construction beam during the building of the Empire State building, also in B&W. I also did something such as they did on the construction of a bridge over one of Melbourne's busiest motorways with cars zooming below us. Perhaps the only issue but you could not specify is the one man does not have his legs crossed, very, very minor point. Posted: 11/11/2024 05:27:19
Jason Poblete
Thanks for the feedback. As I mentioned in a prior response, I have several shots in my stack from this vantage point, and some others. When workers saw me taking photos, they were good sport, but by then, I moved on - once folks know they're on, I move on! Posted: 11/11/2024 07:12:33
Ardeth Carlson
(Groups 2 & 5)
I really like your unique perspective of the subject. For me, the busy scaffolding on the left side of the photo makes the line of legs and feet less prominent. I think you could consider cropping off some of the left side of the photo and perhaps a bit of the top of the frame, also. Posted: 11/11/2024 17:48:20
