Threads Illustrated: "What Does a Christian Look Like?"by
777STANComment: ::: Critique Club ::: [The Saj]
First Impressions: Johnny Cash....
In truth, when i first saw this shot it quite touched me. It may have been more profound as I had just watched the video of Johnny Cash's "Hurt" for the first time in detail. And was very moved.
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Composition: I actually really liked the composition on this. I know several people commented regarding the board/bench. But I felt how it hid and partially revealed created a nice effect. I felt the placement of subject and the position of the hand were excellent.
Subject: What can I say, you did a decent job of conveying another man. I felt the subject was quite good and the expression of the subject and the very open eyes as beneficial, especially as it added depth to the photo.
That said, I felt the subject's tenure to the challenge topic was weak. And the reference to a forum thread somewhat iffy. (Albeit, perhaps a good witness but not sure if appropriate and sometimes even a good witness in an inappropriate setting can cause offense when there should be none.)
Technical (Colour, focus, and light): This is where I thik the shot begins to falter. The color is okay a bit drab. And the face perhaps a bit too reddened. I felt the lighting was adequate and supported the shot. The contrast on the hat was lacking though.
The big hit is the focus. Why aren't those eyes sharper? or that finger...I want to see the details of the wrinkly skin. It looks like the focus is more strongly on the board than the subject.
Creativity: I did feel the shot shot a good amount of creativity and fun.
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To improve?: Get that focus sharper. Might also suggest some adjustments of color saturation. I don't think your intent was to win the challenge, otherwise I'd say you'd benefit in the future from a stronger kinship between entry and challenge.
Summary: An very thoughtful shot perhaps not quite entered where it could play out best. Perhaps too much potential site politics may have hurt the score.
I did in fact vote on this entry and gave it a 5. It had more potential but lost about a point for focus and a point for weak challenge association. So this shot if polished I think could merit a 7.
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It is my hope that these insights are helpful, and constructive. If you have any questions regarding this critique, please feel free to PM me. Also feel free to PM me with any feedback on this critique. And please remember to mark it "Helpful" if you found it so.
- Jason "The Saj"
PS - Be blessed...
As for christians coming in every shape and size:
//www.easternstorm.net/photos/events/gothgathering2005/
Photographer found comment helpful.
