Well, I saw this absolultely "as is" (i.e. I didn't stage it, it's simply a capture of the real thing) and it kinda hit me hard, so not only I took this image, but also decided to run with it.

However, I'm torn between two quite different approaches.
As you can see, a little crop changes the meaning 180 degrees.
Life *is* weird...

#1: Protecting the faith:



#2: Life, Faith and Death:



#1 is my current entry.

What do you think?

Nikolai, I honestly love virtually every image that you produce but this one... I don't know... it just doesn't hit with the theme for me.

Originally Posted by Travis Nikolai, I honestly love virtually every image that you produce but this one... I don't know... it just doesn't hit with the theme for me.

Travis,
thank you, appreciate the honesty!

Now, if you don't mind my asking: forget the themes , which one makes you think more (if at all)?

Hey Nik, # 1 speaks "massive volume" to me (no pun intended )

#1 Nik.

Originally Posted by Tentacion Hey Nik, # 1 speaks "massive volume" to me (no pun intended )

Thank you!
But why?

Originally Posted by Travis #1 Nik.

Thanks, man!

Originally Posted by Nikolai Thank you! But why?

It speaks to me...that the person is a Fanatic or perhaps a Hypocrite...you can take it either way....

In once sense the bible says we should be one way, and you can see the person has religious teachings as we see multiple volumes religious readings, but on the other hand..there is a weapon of destruction that is known for killing or defending....but the gun is in a tight boxed area sort to speak, ...the person could be torn with his thoughts and is keeping a tight lid on it, so the gun is wedged in to keep from being able to use it easily??

Lots more I read into this composition....I hope I was able to type what my minds eye was seeing...

Donna

Originally Posted by Tentacion It speaks to me...that the person is a Fanatic or perhaps a Hypocrite...you can take it either way.... In once sense the bible says we should be one way, and you can see the person has religious teachings as we see multiple volumes religious readings, but on the other hand..there is a weapon of destruction that is known for killing or defending....but the gun is in a tight boxed area sort to speak, ...the person could be torn with his thoughts and is keeping a tight lid on it, so the gun is wedged in to keep from being able to use it easily?? Lots more I read into this composition....I hope I was able to type what my minds eye was seeing... Donna

Donna,
fair enough, I do appreciate your time and thoughts!

Number one makes me think I might see something like this on David Koresh's shelf, the Branch Davidean leader who was killed along with a bunch of his followers in the ATF Wako Texas incident... Not a main stream Christian belief that we protect our faith with lethal force... So definately an emotional shot, it isn't monochromatic though and not very colorful...

2 on the other hand is great with the Russian nested doll thing and the entire cross visible... I would just add one word to the title "death"

colors of life, the doll, colors of faith the black and white bibles, color of death, red dot on your gun, which signifies the safety is off...

Good luck
Winston

Well, my first reaction was that I think you picked the right one. Visually, adding the colorful Russian doll dilutes the immediate impact - it lends a sort of discordant note. Which is why now I'm not sure. As I continue to look at both pictures I find that #2 draws me in emotionally in a way that #1 does not. It may have two instead of one focal points (maybe even three with the cross) and the light reflection on the doll is distracting (and presumably fixable), the overall composition makes me think and wonder. About Elena, about the cheerful Russian doll, about why a gun in the context of scriptures, and the interaction between all of these elements. The more I think about it, the more powerful the impact of #2 on me. I think I just talked myself into #2.

Virginia

Originally Posted by VisualXpressions color of death, red dot on your gun, which signifies the safety is off... Good luck Winston

I'll remember this next time I see a gun...look for the red dot....LOL I don't know nuttun about guns..LOL

Originally Posted by VisualXpressions Number one makes me think I might see something like this on David Koresh's shelf, the Branch Davidean leader who was killed along with a bunch of his followers in the ATF Wako Texas incident... Not a main stream Christian belief that we protect our faith with lethal force... So definately an emotional shot, it isn't monochromatic though and not very colorful... 2 on the other hand is great with the Russian nested doll thing and the entire cross visible... I would just add one word to the title "death" colors of life, the doll, colors of faith the black and white bibles, color of death, red dot on your gun, which signifies the safety is off... Good luck Winston

Winston,
great idea with the second caption, changed it!
Thank you very much for your thoughts!

Originally Posted by Tentacion I'll remember this next time I see a gun...look for the red dot....LOL I don't know nuttun about guns..LOL

That's how I was taught... "when you see red your dead" so red means dead...

Winston

Originally Posted by Flyinggina Well, my first reaction was that I think you picked the right one. Visually, adding the colorful Russian doll dilutes the immediate impact - it lends a sort of discordant note. Which is why now I'm not sure. As I continue to look at both pictures I find that #2 draws me in emotionally in a way that #1 does not. It may have two instead of one focal points (maybe even three with the cross) and the light reflection on the doll is distracting (and presumably fixable), the overall composition makes me think and wonder. About Elena, about the cheerful Russian doll, about why a gun in the context of scriptures, and the interaction between all of these elements. The more I think about it, the more powerful the impact of #2 on me. I think I just talked myself into #2. Virginia

Virginia,
thank you very much for your time!
Appreciate your feedback, as always!

Originally Posted by VisualXpressions That's how I was taught... "when you see red your dead" so red means dead... Winston

FWIW, safety was OFF, and I signified in post on purpose

great idea witht he second caption, changed it! Thank you very much for your thoughts!

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Glad I could help, any time... One question, you said this wasn't contrived, and I believe you... I just hope this isn't how you normally store your gun???

Glad I could help, any time... One question, you said this wasn't contrived, and I believe you... I just hope this isn't how you normally store your gun???

It's an airsoft thingie, shoots plastic pellets

I rather like #1

Originally Posted by pyroPrints.com I rather like #1

Thanks man!