Kids on the Block

[Robert Watcher]

This is so typical of what one sees everywhere today - people glued to their portable devices. Here kids having fun "connecting" on the steps at the back of their home.

I really like the composition of this shot as well as the clean Black and White produced in-camera with my Olympus E-PL3. The more I reflect on the image and the more responses I get from people who have viewed it (there have been many even though I just shot the image last night) - - - the more I feel that it is a fairly powerful shot. Far more than I noticed when I took it.

Robert Watcher: Kids On The Block​

I have had several comments made to me after seeing my image - that always relate to the content being a reflection of the sad state young ones are in today. While that may be true, I must say though that it isn't just younger ones that are consumed this way - but everyone it seems. My friends - your friends - you - me?

A while ago I watched a very powerful Documentary on CBC Doc Zone called "Are We Digital Dummies?". Of course I am not one of those who chides modern technology - and I love, make good use of, and benefit from the digital revolution. The documentary is smartly produced though and can make us aware of a few of the pitfalls that we may forget when we get too consumed by it. "Some people can’t turn off their technology. They need to immediately read that next text, take that call or check their Facebook."

(If you want to go quickly to just one interesting part on multitasking - go to 22:45)

Are We Digital Dummies? Documentary here :

http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/doczone/video.html?ID=1651031614

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[Jerome Marot]

that always relate to the content being a reflection of the sad state young ones are in today.

Maybe the critics are projecting their own sadness in that picture. I am not sure these young people are in a sad state. They are not smoking, not drinking, not using hard drugs. They appear to be deeply occupied, while in other times and place youngsters would do / have done really stupid things (fights, contests, drugs, etc...) just out of boredom. The one on the right looks bored, though.

Actually, sometimes I wonder whether the sad state does not belong to the person continuously trying to see the world through the viewfinder of a little machine. What do you think?

You are right about the B&W, BTW. And the use of the wide-angle is a great choice.