Critique My Image

spraynpray

The point that the bottom of the frame cuts through the shoulders of the subject is awkward - lower would be better and a square crop would suit more than the landscape I think.

WestEndFoto

I would crop it to 5:4, taking out the part behind her head. Would also dodge the shadow a bit.

Rx4Photo

Excellent focus on the closest eye! Good work not having a dark seam extending out of the center of her head. Yes, the crop is high as both above comments mention. If you don't desire to include the entire torso then it's probably better to drop just above the bust.

calengor

Is this shot a better "crop" or should I have included more of her torso?

spraynpray

More. Looks like she is slipping out of the bottom of the frame which is reinforced by the large space above her head. The shadows are deeper than I would leave them for a shot of a lady. Fine for a man, but not for a lady.

Vipmediastar_JZ

CC on which version you prefer and overall CC.

WestEndFoto

More. Looks like she is slipping out of the bottom of the frame which is reinforced by the large space above her head. The shadows are deeper than I would leave them for a shot of a lady. Fine for a man, but not for a lady.

I agree with Spraynpray about the space at the top. I would maintain the lower left corner, grab the upper right corner to maintain the aspect ratio, and crop until there is a couple of inches above her head, not too tight.

Then I would try a 5:4 aspect ratio and see how that looks.

Not sure I agree with the shadow advice. That is an artistic decision. She may be the final decision maker if she is a client.

starralazn

@Vipmediastar_JZ
the second, because the first's juxtaposition isn't equal enough (to me).
also the whitebalance of the first looks better, so translate that over to the crop? maybe...

oh, and if you could remove the white bits in the 2nd then it'd good, would make hte image look less distracting

PB_PM

CC on which version you prefer and overall CC.

The second image is stronger, in that there is more focus on the subject and less on the background. The buildings in the background of the first image catch the eye and draw them there, because they appear brighter than the hedge behind the person. Each time I look at the first image I find myself wanting to look at the sky and the buildings, rather than the main subject, which likely is not your intention. My basic rule is, if it doesn't add anything to the portrait, don't include it!

JonMcGuffin

I second PB_PM's comment 100%

WestEndFoto

While I am inclined to agree with these comments too VIPMediastar_JZ, I think that one of the dangers of critique is making an assumption about what the subject is.

For example, if the subject is "Ash", then I think that the above critique is valid.

However, if the picture is going into an article "Ash finds Sanctuary in the City", then I think that the first image is right on the money. Now PB_PM will rightly say, "But then it is adding something to the image." However, that is my point. Until you know that the critic knows the context and intention, you have to take what they say with a grain of salt - and even then you have to.

JonMcGuffin

While I am inclined to agree with these comments too VIPMediastar_JZ, I think that one of the dangers of critique is making an assumption about what the subject is.

For example, if the subject is "Ash", then I think that the above critique is valid.

However, if the picture is going into an article "Ash finds Sanctuary in the City", then I think that the first image is right on the money. Now PB_PM will rightly say, "But then it is adding something to the image." However, that is my point. Until you know that the critic knows the context and intention, you have to take what they say with a grain of salt - and even then you have to.

Hep, he's completely right so I agree again 100%. Lol. Just goes to show really there is no true "right" answer. I look at both pics though and say, what would it have looked like it you shot her 90 degrees along the bushes with a long lens. In other words take out those useless green leaves. It's a nice shot VIP

Sports

The first version is exceptional:

... if the picture is going into an article "Ash finds Sanctuary in the City"...

If the subject is "Ash" then the second picture is still not quite right. More cropping needed, if you ask me, and probably not the 3:2-ish landscape format.

Msmoto

@Vipmediastar_JZ

If the idea was to have the city as part of the page....nice vertical....



My version.....lots of drama....there are several other ways to do this, but changing tone can alter the mood as one desires...this is just different, not better.

Msmoto

@calengor

I think I might prefer her head rotated more toward the camera. Somehow I find this angle uncomfortable.

WestEndFoto

I like your crop MSMOTO.

Vipmediastar_JZ

I like everybody's CC. I'm going to go with @WestEndFoto on this one. My theme for these series was architecture + fashion. I wanted to include some of the archictecture with the two models. For This model the location didn't add to theme for several reasons. That was my fault while location scouting and the model unable to make it to the other better location.

I like @msmoto crop and I can definately do version 3.

Both models had 2+ years experience and I figured they would know how to adjust to camera location but I need to continue to work on directing them.
Composition-Light-Posing is my trio of weakness that needs to improve sooner than later.

Rx4Photo

I think this might be stronger as a "Model meets Architecture" photo without the greenery behind her. Yet, I'd still render the skyline a bit out of focus so as to keep the eyes on her. Shoot her from a low position so as to include her shoes (which, judging from that hot outfit, were likely pretty flashy). Belly shooting also includes a little of the ground leading up to the model and it's out of focus which enhances the visual perspective. All just my opinion.

Msmoto

Here is my architecture plus model.... a bit way out, but at least Chi town

WestEndFoto

Here is my request for a critique - I just posted it to PAD.

I have come to accept that there are certain things that really do look good without colour. Accordingly, I have been experimenting with B&W and my recent image of Ava sold me.

I am looking for feedback on my choice of "non-colour". I created this using the "Antique" setting in Lightroom's B&W Toned Presets.

PB_PM

Interesting image overall, and a good choice in terms of using a sepia tone. If you really want to amp up the antique feel, maybe add some grain to the image?

WestEndFoto

That is a good idea. What do you think of this?

WestEndFoto

Here is my architecture plus model.... a bit way out, but at least Chi town

It is hard to criticize this one. The only thing I would have done would be to wait until the people and red truck had departed the frame. I have been known to stand with my camera pointed at a scene for 20 minutes to accomplish that though, so you might have to be really patient.

spraynpray

@WestEndFoto: I would raise the skin tone a little. I feel his face is too dark especially.

spraynpray

@Msmoto: A difficult image to comment on. The lamp cluster top right and the leaning building distract me a lot. Maybe a colour pop of the advert (or at least a slight de-sat of the rest) would be worth a try.

I agree with Jeff that the people are neither subjects or atmosphere.