Before the Sun
by LN13

Comment by theSaj:
Very intriguing and interesting capture. A bit to square and too much empty space on top for me. but still a very nice shot. (7)

Before the Sun
by LN13

Comment by lauraodom:
Meets Challenge - 2
Lighting/Composition/Processing - 3
Overall Impression - 3
"WOW" factor - 2
Score: 10

Before the Sun
by LN13

Comment by whiteroom:
pretty!

Before the Sun
by LN13

Comment by whitewolf:
Serene - Nice photo!

Before the Sun
by LN13

Comment by Jutilda:
A classic! Love the orange/blue color scheme.

Before the Sun
by LN13

Comment by hotpasta:
great as a square crop...stunning colour and the single tree provides a focal point

Lost
by LN13

Comment by Melethia:
Greetings from the Critique Club

I'm delighted I got this image. I thought it a very strong image when I saw it in and after the challenge. It tells a story - one that almost takes one back in time a bit. What I like is the way you've shot this nearly from her perspective height-wise. By doing so, the only other faces you see are the officer who's helping her, and the other child in the background looking on. The legs and bodies of all the other adults are going in all directions, heedless to the plight of the young lady - only the other child seems to notice. Another element that adds to the emotion of this shot is the fact you can't see the officer's eyes. It's the young lady's predicament that's captured. He's there to help, yes, but without his eyes visible, her face has much more weight.

Though to my eyes you did the desaturation well, I do think it works better completely in black and white. I like that you tried something new with the desaturation and understand your desire to bring focus to what you're trying to show, but pure black and white lets the image speak for itself in my opinion.

A wonderful capture. Your notes indicate you're quite fond of it (which to me is what's important) and the placement and score are very good (imo) for a "street candid" in a free study.

Lost
by LN13

Comment by kteach:
I'm usually not a fan of selective desat because it looks so unreal... but in this case I didn't even realize you'd done it until I read your comments. I was completely focused on the little girl and police officer. The other thing I like about this photo is the little girl in the background who seems to be watching what is going on. Overall, this is a fantastic shot that has captured the moment well. And as for sending the offer a print of the picture, go for it! I'm sure he would apprecaite it! :)

Lost
by LN13

Comment by DrAchoo:
Technicals: sharp, focused, good delineation of subjects and background. I never have much to say on technicals when the shot is 6+. You need great technicals to get that score on this site.

The feel: The true strength of the shot. I didn't see this one in voting, but I would have likely started at a 7. However, I think your choice of selective desat worked against you. At least, your choice to selective desat and then not mute the colors of the subjects. The feel of the shot is one of fear, sympathy, and, to parents, never wanting to be in that situation. The bright colors of the subject works against all those emotions. I do like selective desat, but I would have done it with complete desat of the background and then partial desat of the subjects. Another ballsy method would have been to separate the subjects with the background with image grain. Again, because of the emotion of the shot, image grain may have been perfect. Some burning of the background too. Had you captured the emotion at the same time as you separated the subjects (with whatever means), I would have likely gone with an 8+ which means a very good picture.

This may be too much with both techniques, but here's a quick run at my version:



Message edited by author 2006-10-09 14:40:27.

Lost
by LN13

Comment by rick13601:
I agree with the other commenters who said this photo tells a compelling story. May I suggest that you send a print of this photo to the NYCPD. It projects a law enforcement officer in a positive light. Law enforcement people have a thankless job. The media is too quick to show negative images to boost ratings. Police everywhere have learned to put up with it. The occassional positive image and a well meaning, "Thank you" goes a long way to boost moral.