Caught a cold doing this "Self Portrait"by
CheerzComment: ::: Critique Club ::: [The Saj]
First Impressions: Nice tonal range on the black & white.
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Composition: Composition is good, but the forehead create a lot of null space. Perhaps a closer crop of just the face would be worth considering. As it is I feel a bit torn between wanting a closer more focused view or backing a step away to capture a more expansive view that can also express an environ as well.
Subject: The subject works for this shot, although the neck looks strained in the angle that it current is and creates a minor distracting element.
Technical (Colour, focus, and light): I like the tonal range expressed in this B&W. We have jet black and bright white. But there is never a lack of contrast. The subject is sharp and the lighting covers nicely. The focus is very good, quite sharp and especially worth noting as this in indeed an "action" capture as evidenced by the droplets of water.
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To improve?: I just don't know where this shot is going. It doesn't stand strongly on it's own. That said, i think it would make an excellent trypych showing three steps of the motion. Normally, I can just sit and take a portrait at face value. However, this is an action shot and I am left with no idea regarding the coming or going. Similar shots often express the motion of the hair which allows the viewer to imagine the continuing movement. Such is not the case here; and it leads me to a stagnant state. I'm here, it's a nice shot...but where do I go from it?
Summary: Not sure if the photo itself conveys the thought of "stupid" but it sounds like it was more of a personal expression in this case. And you know what, we're only human and language is a poor excuse for communication...it's just the only one we have. ;-)
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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"
Photographer found comment helpful.
