Lady in redby
asijComment: From the critique club:
This is a very colorful and interesting composition. It is bold and it is outstanding. The fact that it finished above the 6 average, speaks of its strong visual impact. It almost touches on Pop Art. The model is great and helps the cementing of the concept. While the idea was not executed to its maximum, the message of the visual comes through with boldness.
Let us consider its minor oversights and mind you, this is only one opinion. When I conceive an idea with a model, I visualize the model's position. I then ask myself, "How am I going to light this.?" Your lighting direction concept was on the money. The effect is robust. You laid the foundation well. However, the fill lighting was not employed to support the main light. Also, when you have a model with a hat, you always need an extra light. So, this set up is a three light set up. Your main: the shadow fill and the slight overhead to define the hat. Remember, the hat is silhoutted against the bright warm colors.
Another important, but often overlooked point is hand and finger placement. Here the viewer has to study the hand to learn that the forefinger of the left hand is in between the fore and middle finger of the right hand. Look well at it and you may agree that the gap leaves another point to resolve. You always want good hand and finger symmetry.
The next consideration is the ambiguity in the models right eye. best to have kept the hair clear of the eyes, unless you are doing a close up with this effect. At a distance, often what is normal becomes questionable.
The following are strictly my preferences. I would have lowered camera to make a lower capture. I would have had model bring knees together. I would then have cropped a little tighter foregoing some of the cold colors on the umbrella to bring her attractive face closer.
However, take heart. The image is strong and pulled a lot of eyes towards it. I have to tip my hat off to you. This colorful umbrella and the wet look garment have proven very novel and a trip for the eyes. dan