Never judge a book by its cover - Portrait C+C

[Ballistics]

Well, I know that wasn't your intention - I'm just saying, that's the effect a title can have.

In this particular photo, the way you've shot and processed it - everybody is going to do exactly what the title tells us not to do. Had the title been 'tough as nails', or something like that, I think you'd be seeing very different comments here.

Bingo. You just nailed it. You literally just made my point.

I think you're missing my point.

Everybody is going to do that, because that's the only option there is.

There is no story here other than 'this guy is tough', and your title is saying, 'you're wrong'. So you're basically starting out by insulting the viewer.
(Don't take that literally)

If that really was your intention, the fact that almost none of the comments here are about the photo should be no surprise at all, and should actually be a sign that you succeeded.

Think about seeing this guy walking down the street, or at the mall, or at the food store. You'd say "hey that's a scary looking guy", and then I would say "Don't judge a book by its cover". The title is a generalization of that cliche'. The image is of this particular person that would generate those judgments. BUT - The title isn't good for you guys - I get it. The fact that no one is able to get past the title, is obnoxious.

So here's a public announcement, I don't care if the title doesn't work for you. I get it, no one likes the title. Now - Lets get past the title and onto the image!

 

[Josh66]

The title is a generalization of that cliche'.

And that is why it doesn't work. The title is a generalization of a very specific image with no visual clues to lead us to that generalization.


Don't get me wrong - it's a good portrait, a very good one, IMO. Just think out the title more next time. The title DOES influence what people think. The title 'guides' the viewer to the interpretation that you want them to make.

 

[Josh66]

I just nominated this for Photo of the Month. I really do think it's a good portrait. I just think the title doesn't fit.
(People wouldn't have kept talking about it this long if it sucked, lol! Just think about how the title is going to influence the way people interpret your photos.)

 

[Ballistics]

The title is a generalization of that cliche'.

And that is why it doesn't work. The title is a generalization of a very specific image with no visual clues to lead us to that generalization.


Don't get me wrong - it's a good portrait, a very good one, IMO. Just think out the title more next time. The title DOES influence what people think. The title 'guides' the viewer to the interpretation that you want them to make.

I disagree.

 

[Ballistics]

I just nominated this for Photo of the Month. I really do think it's a good portrait. I just think the title doesn't fit.

You... jerk.

 

[tirediron]

Closed per OP request.