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1 in 150


1 in 150
Photo Information
Copyright: John McLaird (jmcl) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 261 W: 4 N: 204] (656)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-12-26
Categories: Nature, Experimental, HPP [Heavily Post-Processed]
Exposure: f/9.0, 1/250 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-09-14 17:14
Viewed: 590
Points: 30
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
1 in 150

Riverside Park - Evans, Colorado

In recent years a ribbon with an image of puzzle pieces in vibrant color patterns has become a recognized symbol of autism awareness.

The puzzle pieces as a symbol of the mystery of autism. The variety of colors to represent the diversity of the affected population. The vibrancy of the colors to represent hope.

In 1999 the autism rate in the United States was generally cited as 4.5 in 10,000 births. In 2007 the United States government had found the rate had risen to 1 in 150. The U.S. Department of Education reported a 900% increase in the incidence of autism between 1992-2001.

There is a huge debate over the reasons and validity of these numbers. They are a pivotal issue in the argument over the cause of autism. A "genetic epidemic" over a large population is impossible. If the numbers are valid it would provide validation for the argument that the cause of autism has an environmental component (most commonly blamed is Thimerosal - a mercury based preservative used in vaccines).

However any counting study can lead to serious questions based on how and who was counted. Proponents of a purely genetic cause to autism argue that there are more diagnosis due to the presence of more services .. and/or to more fine tuning of classification of developmental disabilities .. to the increased recognition and diagnosis of milder cases etc.

There are very dedicated proponents and several studies touted on each side of the issue. Most people arguing have a large stake in the outcome of the argument (the liability issues involved are huge for individuals, governments, corporations, professions etc.).

After typing this it seems even more appropriate that I shot this in my first day out after our most massive blizzard in years.

Notes on processing:
• converted picture to black and white.
• added a gradient layer
• on top of that added another layer of the original image.
• removed all but the leaf in the upper layer.
• adjusted hue of the upper layer
• adjusted opacity of the gradient and contrast of the background.
KellEy, Silke, Jonas_Schmitt_, hester, bracasha75, Simina, mortcdz, kbeall, ttreen, harpya, Werewolf has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • KellEy Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 401 W: 48 N: 170] (2074)
  • [2007-09-14 18:22]

The note is great first of all...
The image is striking, it really provokes a mood in me; a mood of alone but not in the sence of lonely...just in the by myself way.
I love the PS work that you did but the image itself was taken very well too. It's clear and well composed.
Thanks for sharing an unbiased opinion and a lovely photo.

  • Great 
  • Silke Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2847 W: 263 N: 5949] (23594)
  • [2007-09-15 3:59]

Good morning John
This is a wonderful image with an excellent message. Great to get the information out to the public.
This works very well as a poster for the awareness cause.
I love the details in the snow under the leaf -- something in that message too, I think -- something about numbers perhaps?
Fine notes on your PP work -- great for those of us still learning how to do it.
TFS
silke

Hi!
Great picture,very good experiment with the colors,I like the contrast between them very much!
Tfs,Jonas

  • Great 
  • filiz Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 204 W: 0 N: 81] (1131)
  • [2007-09-15 10:03]

Hi John,
Great workshop with your notes. Composition, colours and lights are also very good.

TFS.........Filiz

Wonderful PP work. Would never think of this as snow. more like cotton candy :-).
And a fantastic note.
TFS
Pierre

Hi John,

Nice idea, well presented. TFS

Fara

Hi John

It is a striking image, well composed, great PP work and lovely colours. Great thought provoking notes as well

TFS

Karan

Hi john
What a idea and realisation...
My compliments John
Cheers,Braca

that is good idea and point of view
the color is very impresing ..
like a rainbow
Great MAciej

Eyecatching image and a great note to accompany it. Very artistic approach.
Thanks for sharing
Mark

  • Great 
  • kbeall Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 532 W: 109 N: 902] (3580)
  • [2007-09-21 21:52]

Hello John,
A striking image, and a thought-provoking note. Excellent work,
Karen

  • Great 
  • ttreen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1412 W: 130 N: 3837] (15946)
  • [2007-09-22 12:14]

Hi John
As always your notes are very touching... What a great photo to go with your title... make it touchable!

Tricia

  • Great 
  • harpya Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5766 W: 198 N: 2587] (10150)
  • [2007-09-23 6:39]

Hi John,

I liked this beautiful one visual, a beautiful rainbow.
I like Bg, color and of big visual!
the leaf enriches plenty his work.
that is good idea and point of view.
Congratulations

Sérgio

Excellent John. Very nice colors and light. Excellent simplicity. Well done. Sothy

They're is many symbol now in our actual society and it's continue. it's amusing in my eyes to see you speak about puzzle and it have interest.
However the puzzle could be represent by the leaf. Try to find were she was on the tree... :)
About symbolism those colors go to gay symbolism too. It's near! But i don't believe they're is aqua color like here. I enjoy the pale color of it... It's calm remaining! and over that, there is the texture of the leaf who please me a lot too!

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