hi Christine, there is something quite soft and calm about your image, that shows a family together. However, I don't see the togetherness (as your title might suggest) since, as you say, they are each lost in their own world. There are a few additional things in your image that add a bit of mystery - why the suitcases? Are they travellers waiting for something?
The definition of PJ-HI states that the image must be of a person/s in an unusual, emotional or interactive situation. Do you think that one of these is strong in your image? I do like that mum is the main subject here, she is facing the camera and has a worried or pensive look along with the clenching of her toes!
Take a little care to look around the border of your image, Mum's feet are cut off and there are some dark patches creeping in from the left.
Your settings are OK, but you could drop your ISO a bit (and this will reduce your shutter speed) but your aperture has blurred the background enough to tell us about location without being distractive.   Posted: 07/07/2025 04:58:56

Agree with all Jen said. It would be slightly more balanced if the two adults were separated a little. Also, background too bright. Yes, knock down the ISO. You can brighten the shadows later.   Posted: 07/08/2025 01:41:20

Hi Jen and Leslie, thanks so much for the detailed feedback-I really appreciate it. You've picked up on exactly what I was aiming for with this image. I actually chose the title deliberately to contrast with the content, almost as an ironic twist. I wanted "togetherness" to feel slightly off, highlighting the "disconnect "among the family members despite their physical closeness. The suitcases are meant to introduce that bit of ambiguity-are they leaving, arriving, or stuck in transit emotionally as well as physically? As for the PJ-HI criteria, I was drawn more to the emotional layer here: the mother's expression, her subtle body language (like the clenched toes you pointed out), and that quiet tension of being near yet distant. And thanks for pointing out the technical bits too-I'll watch those edges more carefully and experiment with the ISO next time. Really grateful for your insights!   Posted: 07/08/2025 14:22:20

Hi Chritine. I like your choice of photo this month you have an eye for the different. We often see smiling faces, faces that recognise someone else in the photo all are in their own world. The young lady to me is in contemplation mode, it's a MMM... look. Perhaps she is waiting with family to catch a plane they are waiting for a taxi to take them to the airport, she could also be the oldest sister to the young children and realises her responsibility. "MMM... I hope the taxi comes soon or else?" While in a technical sense perhaps the background is overexposed but it works well as the family with black clothes and brown skin are accentuated against this background and become the primary focus of the photo.   Posted: 07/12/2025 01:05:29

This image is a little bit puzzling. I see the concerned look on the mom and the body language/concern or a tense situation she is looking at. My original thoughts is that the family was on a picnic and carried their goods and seats to the waters edge in the luggage/cases visible. It appears to have a larger city across the waters making me think they were having a relaxing outing from the hustle and bustle of the city.
More of the feet of the mom should be present.   Posted: 07/14/2025 12:22:57