Dark Eyesby
AnnidaComment by pncowley: Critique Club critique:
My first impression of your self-portrait is that you have created a very striking, engaging shot that obviously meets the challenge well. Overall, it is quite nicely done, creating a very dramatic effect. Your eyes are the first point I am drawn to... they appear so piercing, so penetrating, that it is difficult to focus on the rest of the frame. The dark makeup really enhances the effect.
Your pose and overall composition serve to create a strong interest in the shot. As was noted in the comments during the challenge, however, the point at which you cropped off the bottom portion of the frame leaves the shot looking a bit off. Perhaps extending the bottom of the frame by even one-half inch would provide a more complete feeling to the portrait.
Your lighting contributes a great deal to the overall effect of your portrait. I think it is generally very well done; the oblique angle creates some sharp shadows across your face that enhance the striking feeling of your shot. Unfortunately, one related item that negatively impacts your shot, in my opinion, is the shadow cast by your hair, especially along the top left portion of the frame. The shadows cast by the few errant hairs are particularly distracting.
The fairly shallow depth of field (DOF) you used is fairly evident in this shot, and probably worked in your favor (combined with the lighting) to eliminate any distracting elements aside from your face. I think I would have preferred to see your forehead with as sharp of focus as the bottom portion of your face, however.
I hope this critique has been of some help... If you have any questions or would like clarification of anything I have mentioned above, please feel free to PM me.
Paul.
Photographer found comment helpful.
