Once a week—or every so often—I will display one of my photos captured and/or processed with Instagram over the last week. It’s a way for me to show photography that usually is quite different from my regular work. The pictures are displayed without any comments, hoping they will stand on their own. But I still very much appreciate any comments you may have.
In Flow with Otto 
there is something familiar about this picture, like i saw it in a dream last night xoxoxoxox
Maybe something nightmarish about it or about the way we choose to live our lives…
it just looks like a dream to me, or some sort of deja vu… it’s a good picture!
Thanks.
Hmmm, each in their own world
Which seems to be the world these days…
Certainly does- what happened to good old fashioned conversations?
Gone with the wind – of modern “social” society.
Hmmm, too true
how sad, alone together.
It’s the way it is, isn’t it…
A strong photo, scaring enough to let us think. Or maybe we shouldn’t think too much, these are our times. Well seen and well taken Otto, the dark tonality enhances a dramatic feeling.
Thank you for the feedback, Robert. Much appreciated.
Great shot. I love the light and shadows and composition.
Thank you, Vicki.
Definitely stands on its own.
I laughed aloud when I saw this one. I absolutely love the humor in it. The only one not staring at her phone is staring at her glasses instead, as though thinking, “Why can’t I see?”
That’s a great comment – and observation. A very relevant question…
The expression of the one who just took off her glasses is one of surprise or shock. It’s like she took her blinders off and now she can see what no one else is looking at.
Yes, that’s another interpretation I like. Maybe more of us should take of the glasses shading the view and start seeing.
Hi Otto – I agree with Robert Quiet above – the starkness of the B&W helps make a statement about isolation and lack of interaction. Kind of a grim portrait, although I see Linda found humor in the woman staring at her glasses, as if she’s never seen such an object before. The photo also had an impact on me, because one of the women is a dead ringer for one of my aunts. Except my aunt is almost always smiling!
I am sorry if the photo brought up some disturbing associations. But thanks for the lovely feedback.
All so serious. Lighten up, people. Surely there is something to smile about!
And if not, maybe one could start talking with one and other and find something more cheering to do.
Excellent social commentary in this. I like the high def processing in B&W, a very compelling image.
Thank you so much.
Enjoyed its painterly quality.
Thank you, Sally.
Judging by the clock one might assume they are catching up on the day’s events. But given our propensity to stare at the phone these days to avoid all other human contact that might be giving them too much credit. Avoiding human contact is seemingly an oxymoron as most of us communicate by phone rather than eye contact. Why talk to the person next to you when there is someone more interesting elsewhere, I guess. B&W definitely gives it more gravitas.
It’s a paradox these. We are more social than ever – and not.
Cool rendered of this picture. I also like the dynamic of the people in the picture.
I am glad you do. Thank you.
That’s the Now and Future in any society and country, well captured of you Otto.
Thank you, Cornelia.
The lighting really accentuates their intensity on the phones.
That is indeed my intention. Thank you for commenting, Jane.
I agree with Beth, alone together. A great catch Otto! It says a lot.
Thank you, Holly.
Each in their own world.
That is unfortunately the way it is these days…
Time is relevant in the moment as the clock above shows in the background. Slouching postures, phones in hand…. not a smile in sight as the minutes of life pass by them by. Life in ‘2020’… we aren’t seeing so good! We need new glasses! Great image Otto!
Thank you for a great comment, Jennifer.
Doesn’t look like they are reading good news, Otto 🙂 🙂
No, you are very right. I guess the news these days aren’t particularly good.
So sad, and so true. Great image.
Thank you for the feedback, Inese.
they look like zombies. social distancing should bother them in the least : – )
They have no problems implementing social distancing if not literally and physically…
Four human beings with smartphones in hand, and the only one not looking at the screen has a little problem with her glasses 😎
And what does the say about being human?…
Otto, this is a powerful image; you have captured the ‘apathy of existing.’ They look almost as if they are prisoners – hobbled by invisible chains and unable to move out of the scene (and to more-interesting lives). It would be wistful to think that their postures were due to Covid parameters, but I think that they reflect the changing culture – where people exist in a gadget-induced brain (and emotional) fog.
Your news of the upcoming book is great! I hope that one of these years when perusing bookstores in airports – on one of my trips back to the USA (will that ever happen again?!) – I would see your book prominently displayed and selling well!
(Honestly; when I return via the New Orleans airport, my first stop is the bookstore – before going to claim luggage! I stand and peruse most all of the new books, ask about a few, and then step into a world of reverse culture shock!)
Thank you for the lovely words about my new book. However, at least for the time being, it is only going to be an eBook. But who knows? You description about entering a bookstore, I recognize very well. And I am not even starved from the experience, but enjoy it on a regular basis. 🙂
Ah, modern life! Very well done, Otto.
Oh my … what would we do without our phones! At least during this time of COVID they are helpful in allowing us to stay connected. My iphone tells me my screen time was up last week … I need to fix that … too much is not good!
PS — Very affective image!
😎
Would be hard to not have phones now that we have gotten so used to them. But sometimes too much is too much. I think we all have experienced more screen time these days.
Passing time.
Indeed. 🙂
I like the visual, everyone seeming to be in their own little world. Lovely photo.
Thank you, Lorri.
This photo is captivating. It’s a one act play! Nice work!
Thank you, Phil.