Santa on tea-break

[Mystgicus]

Hi guys,

This is the fourth photo in the storytelling series, if you haven't seen the ones before, here they are:
Fishermen by the sea
A morning with the locals
Do they know it's Christmas?

Same as last time, just leave your comments below and tell me what you think the story behind this photo is, what you like or dislike about it, how it can be improved, what's missing, overall technical aspects, etc; basically anything that comes to mind.

Cheers!

 

[Designer]

I didn't know reindeer would be all white like that.

Here goes:

The lead going to some off-screen holder and the animal walking is somewhat attention-grabbing (unnecessarily).

Having the kettle at the lower margin, in the dark, and OOF detracts from your story. Having the reindeer and sled centered in the shot means that you consider that to be the main subject, but I think it should be the other way around: Have the kettle more prominently framed and in focus, while letting the sled and reindeer go out of focus. Anything that is centered will command one's attention, and in this case, the kettle appears to be an afterthought, and nearly overlooked.

Also the lighting. Let the background go to low light, and make the kettle in good light.

So for me, the biggest faults with this shot are; the framing and the lighting.

 

[Mystgicus]

I didn't know reindeer would be all white like that.

Here goes:

The lead going to some off-screen holder and the animal walking is somewhat attention-grabbing (unnecessarily).

Having the kettle at the lower margin, in the dark, and OOF detracts from your story. Having the reindeer and sled centered in the shot means that you consider that to be the main subject, but I think it should be the other way around: Have the kettle more prominently framed and in focus, while letting the sled and reindeer go out of focus. Anything that is centered will command one's attention, and in this case, the kettle appears to be an afterthought, and nearly overlooked.

Also the lighting. Let the background go to low light, and make the kettle in good light.

So for me, the biggest faults with this shot are; the framing and the lighting.

Agreed the focus should be on the kettle and not the background, you're right that it's more of an afterthought when I reviewed the photos. Thanks for pointing it out, it is something I really want to work on - strengthening my composition and storytelling ability. As for the lighting, I think the culprits are the vignetting from the lens and also because the shot was taken in Arctic winter.

Much appreciate your time put into the feedback!

Cheers!

 

[Designer]

As for the lighting, I think the culprits are the vignetting from the lens and also because the shot was taken in Arctic winter.

This is why we photographers need to learn lighting. Add, subtract, redirect, modify, etc.