Civil War Soldier
by usia

Comment by ubique:
That is a fabulous candid portrait. I know he's looking directly at you, but is has no feel at all of being staged or posed. His dead, emotionless gaze unequivocally conveys the sensory exhaustion that attends the battle weary soldier of every era. I am of course aware that the Civil War is pretty much over now, and that this man is a participant in some re-enactment event, but the effect of the photograph is nonetheless authentic and moving.

Relaxed Country Life!
by usia

Comment by ubique:
Greetings, Tony, from the way down south chapter of the Critique Club.

This is likely to be my final critique, so I'm glad there's a drink in it for me.

It's a very good black & white, from a tonal range point of view (well, it's actually a duotone, I think). As for the subject, I have become less and less interested in set-up, staged and studio shots. They do, I will admit, showcase the photographer's technical skills very well, and your skills in this image are very impressive. It's just that I think such photographs tend to contain no real interest or stimulation beyond the superficial. Of course, that's just me, and most people do not feel the same way ... several commentators pointed out that this is good enough to be used as an ad for Wild Turkey, and they are quite right; it is!

As for the photograph's challenge-related qualities, I guess you're right, this scene could be symbolic of a laid-back, country way of life. I'm from the country, and I do like cards, naked women and whiskey, but I think quite a few city folks probably like 'em too. Nevertheless, I do get your point about "Country" being a certain kind of attitude.

I'm not going to critique this image any further, because I have nothing more to say about it; it's a very competent photograph which has no interest for me beyond that.

And just so you know where I'm coming from, here's an example from your own portfolio of the kind of stuff that I do like:

That is a fabulous candid portrait. I know he's looking directly at you, but is has no feel at all of being staged or posed. His dead, emotionless gaze unequivocally conveys the sensory exhaustion that attends the battle weary soldier of every era. I am of course aware that the Civil War is pretty much over now, and that this man is a participant in some re-enactment event, but the effect of the photograph is nonetheless authentic and moving.

And best of all, the photograph is all about him, and not about the photographer.

Cheers,
Paul Martin

Unconditional Love, In Black & White
by usia

Comment by lyta:
The extra grain just oesn't do it for me. Love the composition and subject poses, but feel the photo is a little too flat imo.

Unconditional Love, In Black & White
by usia

Comment by BakerBug:
I think you are trying for a soft effect, but the graininess is a little too much.

Unconditional Love, In Black & White
by usia

Comment by Phoneix:
i like the concept but the grain hurts this image IMHO. 5

Unconditional Love, In Black & White
by usia

Comment by Grandmom:
What a wonderful picture. My favorite photos are of people so this really appeals to me. It comes across overexposed on my screen and noisy - is that an intentional decision for your presentation? I like it better with some distance from my screen and the longer I look at it - the more I like it so I hope folks give it a good study.

Unconditional Love, In Black & White
by usia

Comment by Evaan:
Very natural and appealing capture. Like the expression in both their eyes and her smile. Also like how you cropped it...it's nicely tight and concise. I think he grain works in this instance...makes it kind of dreamlike. 8

Unconditional Love, In Black & White
by usia

Comment by skewsme:
I'm ok with the film grain but would have liked it better pulled back a bit.

Unconditional Love, In Black & White
by usia

Comment by MacDonald:
like the grain in this shot

Unconditional Love, In Black & White
by usia

Comment by IreneM:
Most unusual colour tones. Works great.