Hard Constructive Criticism

[Bynx]

Any pros or cons about this? Id appreciate any feedback on the shot.

 

[c.cloudwalker]

Is that you?

Anyways, I like it but as a stand alone, unless done for commercial purposes such as an ad or illustration, I find it hard to imagine. If hanging on the walls of an art gallery, I would want to see it alongside others in the same vein, part of a series. It is so extremely different that if it was hanging next to a series of your (more) usual HDR photos, it would look out of place.

 

[laurenvictoria]

actually really cool! i like the lighting but a little over edited for MY taste. But YOU are the artist! plus i think this would make a cool book cover!

 

[Kerbouchard]

I find hard and constructive difficult, especially with an image that was obviously edited to be artisitic.

Honestly, I don't like it. Lighting looks good, but contrast is too high, it's pixelated, it's noisy, the subject is very limited, and I'm not a fan of the framing...cutting off part of the hands just doesn't do it for me.

The photo just doesn't have any context. Like cloudwalker said, it would be much more interesting as a series with some pull back shots showing who the guy is. As it is, it's a pixelated shot of a guy lighting a cigarette. Without the story, it just doesn't do anything for me.

 

[c.cloudwalker]

Like cloudwalker said, it would be much more interesting as a series with some pull back shots showing who the guy is.

Sorry, not the kind of series I'm talking about. Just other shots in the same style.

 

[Kerbouchard]

Okay, well, not like cloudwalker said, it would be much more interesting(to me) as a series with some pull back shots showing who the guy is.

 

[Bynx]

Thanks a lot. I really appreciate every comment so far. And its been very constructive in my way of thinking. Is this version any better? What Im looking for is something to stand on its own. Its less overcooked. I want details in the dark areas but want the area lit by the "match" to show the color. Im after a dramatic look. And sorry, cant do much about the composition. The hands getting cut off was my fault. But the hands arent the main subject and its so dark around the facial area I dont figure its that important. But thats me thinking and Im interesting in what you have to say.

 

[c.cloudwalker]

Much prefer the original post. I don't care if it's overcooked. Who said you can't overcook photos??????

This second version is pretty boring to me. As for the hands being cut off, so what? As you say yourself they are not the subject and if they took more of the image area, that may be too much.

Now, those are mostly personal taste type considerations while looking at it from a purely artistic view point since you don't tell us this is a commercial job and, in that case, you should always go with your feelings. Yes, the first one will appeal to fewer people but again, so what?

And even from a commercial view point, I find the first one more interesting but, of course, the point of it (the end use) would have something to do with the whole discussion.

 

[Bynx]

The purpose of this was to just create a dramatic portrait. I did a shot like this a while back with my little Fuji P&S camera. I wanted to try it again with my D7000. Here is the original with Fuji.

 

[pixilstudio]

I find hard and constructive difficult, especially with an image that was obviously edited to be artisitic.

Honestly, I don't like it. Lighting looks good, but contrast is too high, it's pixelated, it's noisy, the subject is very limited, and I'm not a fan of the framing...cutting off part of the hands just doesn't do it for me.

The photo just doesn't have any context. Like cloudwalker said, it would be much more interesting as a series with some pull back shots showing who the guy is. As it is, it's a pixelated shot of a guy lighting a cigarette. Without the story, it just doesn't do anything for me.

i agree

 

[halestorm]

wow I really like this idea of the match bringing colorful life to a B&W portrait very nice editing

 

[Bynx]

Halestorm I should give a match a try sometime. But I used a clear Christmas lite plugged into a night light plugged into an extension cord. I was holding the light in my cupped hands. My cigarette is a rolled up piece of paper since I dont smoke. Using the small xmas lite gives more control over shutter speed than a small match which is only brightest at flareup. But I agree it does give a bit of color to an otherwise black and black picture.

 

[kundalini]

My first thoughts were.....

Sitting on the park bench --
eyeing little girls with bad intent.
Snot is running down his nose --
greasy fingers smearing shabby clothes.


I like the "cooked" version, but see some inconsistencies with the lighting. I would expect to see some light emanating through the fingers. It looks odd to have only the left thumb lighted. Also, a "match" would likely throw off a more amber color. No offense, but your hand positions are that of a non-smoker. Typically, your lighting hand will be lower than your wind-blocking hand.

This is a great character face. Keep at it Bynx, the combination will surely hit the mark eventually.

 

[amandalee]

I LOVE the first picture! I really like artsy stuff and I love the way that the harsh lines of wrinkles show up in the first!

 

[Bynx]

Well remember Kundalini that Im trying to juggle a light bulb in my hand while at the same time trying to set off the shot with a wireless remote at the same time looking like Im just trying to light up.