click to see full banner I've received emails about the current banner photo posted last night — Wave Dance — with comments generally indicating viewers like the photo, but are not sure why. I like the shot too so here's my theory on why it can draw a viewer in...

...I think initially, what draws a reaction is that it's a surfing shot without a board. So the part of your brain that looks to connect the dots of familiarity skips a beat. The photo contrast got boosted a bit so the surfboard image disappears, creating the effect of a surfer literally rising as a black figure from the wave (click on the photo montage in the left navigation bar to see the full shot in Flickr where I reduced the contrast so you can see the board). The surfer's board was facing literally horizontal to the wave face, versus a normal angle of attack. That unusual position created a strange visual tension of sorts, and visual tension is the lifeblood of good photo that draws viewer interest.

Also, check out the hands. Their unusual position, like he's getting ready to fight, or give thanks, or pray as though in some tribalistic ritual that surfing disciples have performed since the Duke started riding his 16 foot woody over a century ago, adds to the visual interest. As it turned out, the guy was catching his balance before falling backwards. Am I reading too much into the shot? Sure. But hey, whatever the interpretation, it was a beautiful fall day in Cape May, people were out and about, and I'm glad I got a shot that was enjoyed enough to talk about. Thanks for the input.