The Talkerby
kellianComment by KaDi: Greetings from the Critique Club!
I like the contrast and tones in this image...they are the first things that make me pause to look. "The Talker" is clearly the subject and the title is aptly chosen. Clearly a candid moment as this man chats with the women...their various expressions re-enforce the theme of the photo.
However, as some of your commentators have mentioned, the image seems to lack the ability to sustain interest...there's little beyond the first impression to compel further engagement with the subject. It's difficult for me to see the "story" in the image. Is he someone who wanders the pier and chats up women or just a blustery uncle with whom the women are losing patience? There are reactions from the women just nothing strong enough to fill out the story, in my opinion.
I feel the background in this image is the largest detriment. There are many background distractions and the blank wall seems to highlight the busy-ness of it all instead of keeping attention in the forefront. The distractions? Woman wandering by; constrasty parked cars one with an elbow jutting from the window; poles, especially the one "growing" from the one woman's head... It would be a stronger image, to me, if the background provided context for the setting...something that indicated the water that surrounds the place or something that hints at the touristy nature of the pier.
Generally I believe your post processing improved the image as best it could. I like the vignetting and the way you've handled the cloudy sky. But, overall, this just seems to be not quite the optimal moment with not the best setting for the event.
Photographer found comment helpful.
