I feel lame doing this, but please help me choose a Stranger.

[tekisui]

Here are a baker's dozen, and I honestly cannot decide. It's not a poll, just me seeking advice. I am leaning towards one of the kids or one of the ladies.

[NV Whino]

1. I like the first and second one

They both engage the viewer more in my opinion.

[begin_within]

2. They're all great, but

the old woman smoking is the one I looked at the longest.

[Celebration]

3. Woman Smoking, Woman on Drums

The boy is third. The girl is fourth. Guy smoking fifth.

Some of the men were wonderful pictures, but I have to say, I like context in pictures, and the smoking and drums are more active than the first ones. So, to me it is more than just a face with character. And the drinking guy is a funny story, but......well........

Can't see the music guy's face at all. The protester can't read the sign. I like the guy getting off the train because of the reflection but other than that not that interesting.

So, I don't really know if others have that same preference.(???)

Look, I love ALL these pictures. But that is the process I used to pick my favorites. Other people, though, may think that context distracts. You just never know.

[tekisui]

4. Thanks, that is very helpful.

I appreciate you taking the time. I am probably going to go with the lady smoking, it is one of my favorite shots.

[sandnsea]

15. Woman on Drums, Woman Smoking

Then I like the vet, and the others. They are all terrific though.

[Mira]

5. "Next stop AA" is my favorite - though they almost all are in their own way.

That one is so loaded, the details so compelling, I can't help but chose it over the others. I suppose it fuels my quirky sense of humor, and reminds me of many friends and relatives.

I like the first two very much, as portraits in the true sense.
I like the woman lighting the cigarette as a startling catch of a shot.
I like the woman drumming. I love the children, esp. the little boy, but don't think of them so much as portraits of strangers but more as beautiful engaging children.

The others in my opinion are valuable photos, but not so much as the contest entries.
My least favorite is the protester.

[tekisui]

6. Thanks for the comments.

I think I know which I will do. And, as funny as he is, I don't think Bill will make it. This is going to be a fun contest.

[Mira]

8. Can't wait to see which one you'll chose. Knowing it's not Bill I have to make

a side bet with myself in secret.
(I guess you're not chosing Bill because you want to win SECOND place......)
:rofl:

[Kind of Blue]

7. Dearest tekisui, all of your photos are fantastic!

I knew immediately which one to pick, my father-in-law look-a-like, until I looked further and must go with the gal with pink fingernails beating drums, red hair and pink sunglasses. What an interesting stranger. I'd really like to talk to her.

[hippywife]

9. I really like numbers

2 and 12. :hi:

[CurtEastPoint]

10. #1 and #2 hands down... all great pix. n/t

[Elfin Yeti]

11. 2nd and 4th

Your shots are all great (where do you find these people?) but the 2nd one stopped me in my tracks; something about power and honesty in his eyes of course, but the angle of the hat and the hood kept my eye searching the photo and examining every detail.

The amputee evoked many thoughts and feelings. I wanted to know more about him, more about his story. The composition is great, the shadow on the wall, a hint of what he's next to on the right hand side.

You are gifted.

[tekisui]

12. Thank you for your kind compliment.

These are the people of my interesting city--Asheville.

It takes me five minutes to walk downtown and I never know who or what I will see. I have a collection of street scenes I have shot over the past year, over hundred shots of this crazy little town. That's why I am having such trouble deciding! :hi:

[Mira]

14. You've seen, of course, the bumpersticker:

" Keep Asheville weird ".

[Stevenmarc]

13. I like #5

They seem like they could talk your ear off for hours.

[JeffR]

16. Very tough to choose. Two and five are my favorites.

But I expect either of the kid shots would prove very popular.

Really any one of them would be a great choice. Not very helpful, huh?:)

[Moondog]

17. #4 - The amputee with crutches.

It has superior composition, along with a compelling subject that tells a story.

[Mz Pip]

18. This is like

having to pick one in the prelims. Not an easy choice.

1, 2, 4, 5, & 7 stand out for me. Now for narrowing it down. Hmm. Difficult.

I like 'portraits' that allow you to see a story, and they all do.

Narrowed it down to 1, 4, & 5. All have their strengths. 4 is certainly timely. 5 is the most unusual. 1 is just a damn good shot.

Guess I'd go with 5 because it is a very unique and original portrait.

[Blue_In_AK]

19. They're all wonderful,

but I've got to stick with number 2.

[KewlKat]

20. I like them all, but

Number 2 just seems to capture the mood of americans right now. It gives me pause. This stranger reflects the struggle, hardship and frustration of millions trying to survive. It's haunting. Something about those empty eye. Like he sees no hope.