Get Well
by Zap228

Comment by alison05:
wonderful selective colour...

Out on a Limb
by Zap228

Comment by soup:
nice work - a keeper for sure.

On Stage
by Zap228

Comment by Tranquil:
uhuh... like u took this shot :p

On Stage
by Zap228

Comment by strangeghost:
GREETINGS FROM THE CRITIQUE CLUB
by strangeghost

COMPOSITION
Very definitely a high contrast entry - a good response to the challenge. The subject and lighting provide ample opportunity to plumb the highs and lows of the histogram. I like the BW choice and the downcast face of your model sets a somber tone over the whole image. Very moody and reflective. I might have tried even a tighter crop, closing up the space around his head (and even chopping a bit) and maybe placing one of the hands at a third. I went back and forth for a while over the really blown light area at top left. I like it but it might be a bit too powerful. The rest of the image has a very dark feel to it though, so the overall contrast sets a tone of conflict that goes very well with the mood of the photo.

TECHNIQUE
In keeping with the overall feel, the image has a slightly grainy, "rough" feel to it that I think works. It's not too sharp, but not soft either. You've managed to backlight your subject, but still front-fill enough that the guitar is very visible and evident. I'm guessing the overall light level you used was somewhat dim, given your ISO and shutter. Don't be afraid to bring in a few more light sources and experiment with the different effects you can achieve.

OVERALL IMPACT
I like the picture. I felt drawn in to it and found myself wondering about this person. It's a photo that suggests a story and I'm curious about what the story is. I bet you were disappointed with so few comments and a middlin' score. The image resonated well with me and I'm honored to have had a chance to study it. Nicely done.

On Stage
by Zap228

Comment by Imagineer:
Good, timeless study. Good light and form - very viewable.

On Stage
by Zap228

Comment by Tammer:
Some nice areas of high contrast.

On Stage
by Zap228

Comment by loseme:
Nice b&w contrast, good lighting.

On Stage
by Zap228

Comment by rayg544:
The back lighting and the B + W treatement make this a very strong photo. Good job.

Through the Shadows
by Zap228

Comment by RobotBanjo:
Magnificant!

Through the Shadows
by Zap228

Comment by annah:
oooooooh, aaaaaaahh...