Dr Isaac Vaisman, APSA, PPSA
June 2026 - Intimate Friendship
About the Image(s)
This image was created in a photographic studio with all the props and professional illumination and with paid models.
Used a Nikon D850 with the Nikkor lens 24-120mm f/4 @ 100 mm and these settings: ISO 64, f/14 and 1/320 sec.
The image was PP in LightRoom and cropped.
7 comments posted
This is a stunning image. The conversion to monochrome adds to the subtle image of friendship. Being a studio portrait, the lighting was controlled and the slight addition of faint shadows on the models adds to the mystique. I need not comment on the settings as all were very well controlled due to the studio setting. A further comment is in order, however. The image certainly fits the guidelines given for study group images as the purpose of the study group is for comments on the image that will allow the maker to improve, stating that the study group is not a competition, so in that manner, the image is suitable for inclusion in a study group. That said, however, if one peruses the Division Definition, it explicitly states that studio set-ups are not to be included. But that definition ostensibly is for competition, which the study group is not. But IMV, it is impossible to set the Division Definition aside. The purpose of the study group, again, IMV is to receive comments on group member created images they have created that capture the general definition of what a photojournalism image should be. So this superb image, while adhering to the guidelines for study group images, does not adhere to the Division definition. The image would have been better placed in PIDM, or PIDC before conversion to monochrome, both of which permit studio set-ups. Posted: 06/01/2026 05:53:43
The photo is a master piece. An excellent image, in all context i.e sharpness, lighting, tonal value, emotions, mono conversion ...etc
But I dont find it suitable for PJD study group as:
Photojournalism Definition is
Photojournalism entries are images with informative content and emotional impact, reflecting the human presence in our world.
Content Guidelines
• The journalistic (story-telling) value of the image should receive priority over pictorial quality.
• Images that misrepresent the truth, such as those from events or activities arranged specifically for photography, or of subjects directed or hired for photography, are not eligible.
Posted: 06/02/2026 04:10:02
But I dont find it suitable for PJD study group as:
Photojournalism Definition is
Photojournalism entries are images with informative content and emotional impact, reflecting the human presence in our world.
Content Guidelines
• The journalistic (story-telling) value of the image should receive priority over pictorial quality.
• Images that misrepresent the truth, such as those from events or activities arranged specifically for photography, or of subjects directed or hired for photography, are not eligible.
Posted: 06/02/2026 04:10:02
(Group 4)
Hi Isaac, while i see a wonderful, and expressive monochrome image, I do agree with Vinaya that this image would not be suitable for photojouralism (neither general or HI). As you mention, this was taken in a studio, with paid models in a planned shoot. Even without the story you gave us, as a judge I would have to assume that this is staged, and would question this image both with the chair and my fellow judges.
Well done to Vinaya for her detailed explanation. Posted: 06/04/2026 13:09:32
Well done to Vinaya for her detailed explanation. Posted: 06/04/2026 13:09:32
Jen, although Isaac can speak for himself, he's likely to argue that the guidelines for study groups don't necessarily eliminate images such as this, as the guidelines say as follows:
"These groups are for learning. This is not a contest, but rather a sharing of images, techniques, and personal reactions. The intent of our groups is to show the work that we would sincerely like to have an opinion on, such as what looks good and what we could do to improve it.
Submit images that look good to you to find out what other people could suggest to make it better! If the image has won a medal or an HM, or even just accepted in an exhibition, it should not be presented for comment since we already know it has merit.
You will learn how other people see and interpret your images. You will get differences of opinion. People have different tastes and skill levels. You will learn new techniques and share yours. Your photographic horizons will be broadened by the interpretation and input of others!"
So, playing Devil's Advocate, that's what the guidelines say, but IMV, you cannot, as I've said above in this thread, divorce the Division Definitions from the Division Guidelines for study groups, and the definition overrides the guidelines as the definitions define what is and is not a suitable PJD image. Posted: 06/04/2026 18:26:38
"These groups are for learning. This is not a contest, but rather a sharing of images, techniques, and personal reactions. The intent of our groups is to show the work that we would sincerely like to have an opinion on, such as what looks good and what we could do to improve it.
Submit images that look good to you to find out what other people could suggest to make it better! If the image has won a medal or an HM, or even just accepted in an exhibition, it should not be presented for comment since we already know it has merit.
You will learn how other people see and interpret your images. You will get differences of opinion. People have different tastes and skill levels. You will learn new techniques and share yours. Your photographic horizons will be broadened by the interpretation and input of others!"
So, playing Devil's Advocate, that's what the guidelines say, but IMV, you cannot, as I've said above in this thread, divorce the Division Definitions from the Division Guidelines for study groups, and the definition overrides the guidelines as the definitions define what is and is not a suitable PJD image. Posted: 06/04/2026 18:26:38
Isaac, what I like most about this image is the feeling of closeness and trust between the two women. It is a very simple yet powerful composition, with all attention directed toward the connection they share. The fact that their faces are almost touching creates an intimate atmosphere and gives the photograph a gentle emotional impact.
I must admit that studio photography is not an area I work in very often, so I do not feel qualified to comment on the lighting setup or the technical aspects of studio work. What I can appreciate as a viewer, however, is the calm mood of the image and the way it expresses a sense of relationship and closeness between two people. Posted: 06/09/2026 04:59:00
I must admit that studio photography is not an area I work in very often, so I do not feel qualified to comment on the lighting setup or the technical aspects of studio work. What I can appreciate as a viewer, however, is the calm mood of the image and the way it expresses a sense of relationship and closeness between two people. Posted: 06/09/2026 04:59:00
Friends, mission accomplished !! Tension and great contradictions created, which was the exact purpose for submitting this image; and of course giving clear cut information that it was created in a studio with paid models. The real story behind it is that these models were posing naked but not in pornographic fashion. This little moment happened in a splint second and not planned. They both live together and just had a moment for them. Still a studio photo... Posted: 06/09/2026 05:09:26
A good discussion over the aesthetic value of an image is, as you say "...great contradictions created, which was the exact purpose for submitting this image." But even more, it highlights the apparent "contradiction" between the guidelines for PJD study groups and the PJD Division definition. This contradiction could and should be eliminated with this suggested revision of the study group guidelines, with the added phrase as the last clause: "These groups are for learning. This is not a contest, but rather a sharing of images, techniques, and personal reactions. The intent of our groups is to show the work that we would sincerely like to have an opinion on, such as what looks good and what we could do to improve it while adhering to the PJD Definition of what is and what is not a suitable PJD image. Posted: 06/10/2026 19:03:57