Two Photos - My Brother and My Friend

[AgentDrex]

I really suck at people photography, I don't seem to connect with them very well. I like doing the opposite of going for the "normal" color tones of most portraits. I like to disturb people with photos that don't seem right. Don't know what I mean? You soon shall after looking at:

#1 - My Brother on a Hill:

#2 - My friend John always waiting for a text

Critique away but remember, I'm obstinate about my style. That isn't to say I'm un-moveably obstinate. I listen to advice with an earnest ear.

The photo of my brother (first photo) isn't normal portraiture as the typical advice given is to never have a straight edge, bend everything possible. I did this with my friend John (second photo). Why does that last bit sound wrong or do I just need coffee?

 

[ReganP]

I love that road as the background in the picture of your brother. I feel like the road combined with his posture really sets the tone of the photograph.

 

[AgentDrex]

Thank you Regan. That road means a lot to me as I had good memories of my dad on the road. It was our "Poor Man's Rollercoaster". He used to drive 70+ mph down that road making our stomachs lurch out on to the seats (well almost). Now that I've driven down it, I realize my dad was one crazy SOB (RIP).

 

[sm4him]

In my completely unprofessional, mostly uneducated, opinion:

I really like the first one. That road draws me in, and the photo sets my imagination off; I start thinking of stories about the road, the man and how they connect to one another. Is that SNOW/ice on the side of the road??? If so, please tell me these photos were not taken recently!!

The second one just doesn't do that much for me. I like the lighting, but the photo just doesn't draw me in or make me "feel" anything. I really can't say why; just my personal reaction (or lack thereof) to it. It's probably just that I see too many photos of people with their cell phones from the youth at our church, and so--even though this one is technically, and artistically, much better--*I* just see another "person with their cell phone" photo.
One specific thing I find a bit distracting in it, though--the way he is positioned makes his left shoulder blade (photo right) stick way out and he almost looks like a hunchback.
Not that I have anything against hunchbacks, mind you.

 

[DiskoJoe]

Good focus on both. The shot of your brother would have been better if he held his head up. Would make a good bw.

The one of your friend is better. But be careful about the processing. He has a couple hot spots that are getting exaggerated by the cross process effect. I would tone the yellow down a bit selectively and it should make those spots less noticeable.

Good to see you back too. Been wondering where you been.

 

[tirediron]

I too like the hill shot; I think there's another good shot if you get him walking away from you, down the hill.

 

[AgentDrex]

Yeah, its hard to visit with him as he is constantly involved with that phone. I think he may be in a romantic relationship with it, I'm not sure.

Thank you for the comments. It is snow but was not taken recently. A few months old by now. Thank you for the suggestions. I wish he would hold his head up high but he has Marfan Syndrome so there may be a reason why he cannot. I don't know. Great idea by the way tirediron, I will see if I can talk him into walking down the hill next time.

 

[Robin Usagani]

Man... wish I was driving a subaru wrx sti and rip that dirt road apart and get some air.

 

[AgentDrex]

Oh you could do. I'm always worried someone might come over the hill in the blind-spot. The road isn't very wide, but if I had a Soobie, I would give it a go regardless.