A Melancholy Songby
indigo997Comment by muckpond: CRITIQUE CLUB!
Indi, I've got to be honest...I really didn't like this photo at first glance. I came back to it a few times during the week because it stuck with me and each time my score for it got higher. I guess that's the best compliment that I can give -- that the photo really stuck in my head even when I was not on the site. :)
There are a few issues with the picture, most of which have already been covered in comments from yourself and others. Three things really stand out to me, however. First, the wings blend too much into the background -- at first glance they are even somewhat easy to miss. Stronger lighting on the background might have helped that (and also helped avoid the mandolin shadow). Second, the lighting give a greenish tint to her hair, which is unfortunate because I would think you'd want this to be a more angelic white. Third, the cropping of the mandolin is, unfortunately, very distracting and abrupt.
Overall, though, this is a standout entry. The slight blurriness even works with the photo, giving more of a "softer" feel. I wonder how this would look if you did a blur on the whole picture overall? Not a lot -- just enough to give it more of an ethereal effect. Also, I don't mind that the sheet is not ironed. Again, some blurring may help it have a more soft, wispy, cloudy effect. I don't think a stark white background would benefit this photo.
Excellent work, and a very well thought-out idea. Top 10 finish is nothing to sneeze at -- congratulations!!
Rob
Photographer found comment helpful.