What a moment. Public. Intimate. Universal.

The composition of this photograph is strong. Even though I was snapping shots as the Scrambler whizzed by, I nailed the 'rule of thirds'. There is sufficient separation between the ride's cars and the ride operator. The space at the left suggests where the foreground car will swirl next, the space needed by the ride, the shape of its motion. It also provides some context showing the rest of the fair.

The photograph is technically strong too. Depth of field highlights the couple in the foreground. Motion blur too. Notice that the lights in the pavilion behind the ride are horizontally blurred. I was panning the camera with the motion of the ride.

But the real success of this photo is in the posture of young couple. You can feel the centrifugal forces working on them as they brace themselves with hands and knees inside the car — especially the young man who uses his strength to keep himself from being thrown against his date. Respectful. Shy. The couple's smiles say it all.

I also love the motion caught in the flip of the young woman's hair.

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19.03

2010.09.2   Vancouver   Olympus Pen EE Ilford XP2