Which one would look better...

[ancha930]

I prefer the third image. I like the use of dead space here. The story I get is that she is leaving, and raising a hand to say good bye. She's off shopping! So, her being so close to leaving the frame makes sense to me. I also think this is one of those images that can work either way. You could crop this portrait aspect, just beyond her elbow, still including enough of the bag to tell the story.


Kberrado, you don't understand why people tend to dislike (not hate) selective color, because you don't fully understand it. When it works, it can be brilliant. It's just one of those tools that works less often than it is successful. It tends to be disliked because it's one of those things beginners learn early on, and over do it. Like so many other things.

Of course it sells. I addressed this in another thread...

Ok... reluctantly.. I agree. I missed on this one (though mom and dad LOVE it!).

Of course mom and dad love it!

First, it's their baby.
Second, you did magic.
And third, they don't know anything about art.
You have to decide for yourself whether doing something poorly because the ignorant like it, or doing something well because you are the expert, is the path you take.

Don't be mistaken. Selective coloring can be used quite successfully. But only after you understand how it works.

You can learn to use selective color like a pro, or use it as a bottom of the barrel Facebook photographer.

Thanks! I think I'll do sample prints of #3 both in it's original format and also print one with your suggestions and see which I prefer.

And, it's officially settled. I'm NEVER doing selective coloring again until I learn the appropriate way to do it. I have so much to learn. thanks to all of you for opening my eyes.

 

[Kbarredo]

Ughh daddy don't embarrass me infront of my imaginary friends. I'm too cool to take naps

haha, exactly. except, I'm mommy.

oops hehe your name is kinda unisex

 

[Malone]

Kberrado, you don't understand why people tend to dislike (not hate) selective color, because you don't fully understand it. When it works, it can be brilliant. It's just one of those tools that works less often than it is successful.

Bitter Jeweler - you seem to have very strong feelings on the selective coloring. So, would you mind showing an example of how, in your opinion, it was used brilliantly?

 

[ancha930]

Bitter Jeweler - you seem to have very strong feelings on the selective coloring. So, would you mind showing an example of how, in your opinion, it was used brilliantly?

I can't speak for Bitter Jeweler, but this is what he said in another thread that made a lightbulb go off in my head:

" If the OP was doing a series of images, and the contextual statement was to bring attention to something we rarely appreciate, and titled the series "Thank A Chair", and then had 12 images of people sitting in selectively colored chairs...then the posted image works. It has an intent, context, and a message. It does exactly what selective coloring is effective at."

I knew something was off with photo #1 that I posted here, but I couldn't pinpoint it until someone said SC is tacky and cheesy and it clicked, because it is. Then I read the above quote and it made sense to me.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Kberrado, you don't understand why people tend to dislike (not hate) selective color, because you don't fully understand it. When it works, it can be brilliant. It's just one of those tools that works less often than it is successful.

Bitter Jeweler - you seem to have very strong feelings on the selective coloring. So, would you mind showing an example of how, in your opinion, it was used brilliantly?

If I can't, because they were real world examples I can't "link" to, or books, or from accomplished photographers whose sites I haven't bookmarked, does that invalidate my point?

 

[Malone]

If I can't, because they were real world examples I can't "link" to, or books, or from accomplished photographers whose sites I haven't bookmarked, does that invalidate my point?

No, not at all.. And no need to be defensive as I am not trying to debate your opinion, I was simply curious too see an example.

 

[Raian-san]

Yeah selective coloring is dislike only because people do it just for the sake of doing it. It got to do with the composition, the feel of the photo, the significant of the thing that's being colored, and etc. I've seen some amazing photos that's selective coloring and I can see why. I don't think it hurts for people to try learning how to do selective coloring because when that moment come, they're able to do it instead of learning or missing an opportunity to do it.

 

[The_Traveler]

A wonderful example of selective coloring is seen in the movie Schindler's list. Schindler is looking down from a bluff at a section of the Warsaw Ghetto as Nazi soldiers clear the Jews from the houses. A very little girl wanders alone through the scene in a barely reddish coat, seen only at a distance. There are quick cuts through scenes of the troopers as they go through the tenement shooting stragglers.
The last scene, again through Schindler's eyes from the top of the bluff, is a broad view of the ghetto with a truck bearing a load of bodies and the little girl's body still in red coat can be distinguished in the mass of bodies.
Anyone who has seen that piece of film would understand how selective color could be used.

 

[Kbarredo]

That movie was amazing. Nearly made me cry at the end when he started breaking down

 

[vtf]

Selective coloring aside (which doesn't work here), straighten the picture? Everything is leaning left.

 

[vtf]

I hope you don't mind, this is my take on your second shot. I'm with Bitter as the third shot is good use of dead space. She is on her way and leaving space between you and her, I think this works well. Good Shooting.