A little too lucky in Pokerby
nico_blueComment by CEJ: Hello from the Critique Club!
I have studied your image and have the following to offer:
Composition/perspective - I like the closeness of the shot, really allows the details in the reflection to come through quite well. The contrast between the smoothness of the glasses and the textures of the hair/skin translate well in the image. I find the near edge of the cards being out of focus a little distracting. Not sure if it is due to the DoF in the shot or they were moved (seems kind of wide for just a DoF result). The negative space to the left of the shot adds nothing and leaves the shot kind of empty looking. A tigther crop - closer to the cards - in my opinion would have made the subject stronger as it would have been the only area to focus. Also the varying color in that area - blue to black to blue is a little distracting. As it is I find myself looking to the left to see what else is there either in the background or as part of the composition itself. Placement of the subject and in particular main center of interest within the shot is well done. The overall focus/Dof in the shot is excellent...especially for a close shot such as this.
Color - the colors here are developed quite well. The skin tones look natural. The blue in the shot is very rich and really adds strength to the image. I think it works much better than if it was solid black on the background or even a lighter color.
Lighting - no flares, glares, washed out areas, all the details of the various elements are completely visible. Well done!
Challenge requirements - it certainly meets the challenge requirements. Probably one of the stronger images to portray this theme and may have done even better than it did if poker was not so prominent in the entries.
Overall/my opinion - I like the idea/concept of this image. As stated above, the only thing I may change is the crop. I just find the background on that side distracting. Perhaps if it was solid and did not vary between the blue and the black it would not be a distraction to me. Overall, well done!
Photographer found comment helpful.
