Brokenby
gatchouComment by CEJ: Hello from the Critique Club!
I have studied your image and have the following to offer:
Composition/perspective - the close up is well done and the DoF well controlled. The subject being the whole frame adds power to the image. I would love to see this as a larger than 640 x X image. I think it would have much more impact. Straight on is about the only way to present this type of image, but there are certain elements that need to be considered when doing that. Reflection in the eye for one. Unfortunately this was an Open challenge so spot editing is not allowed, but as an after challenge whim, you should try and remove the reflection in the pupil. The relfection in the iris is not/would not be as distracting if the pupil was solid black. If you ever get the notion to do that, let me know, I would love to see the difference.
Color - obviously this is black and white...however, your control of the shades of gray is well done. You have solid black that is not shaded and also solid white that is not grayed. There exists a nice balance between the lights and darks.
Lighting - there appears to be only one light source to the left of the eye. For most of the image this is ok. But the upper left corner appears brigt and some of the streaks in the hair are a little bright to the point where definition is lost. Not much, but some.
Challenge requirements - at first look I do not get 'Delicate' from this. Despite the title, it still is a hard image. By hard I mean the makeup is very defined and not 'streaky' at all which I would have expected from the theme and title. The make up does not suggest a black eye, rather it suggests a crying eye. If there was a bit more 'streakiness' to it or a more 'fluid' look to it it would have worked much better. It is a good concept, just not 'wet' enough to carry it through to completion.
Overall/my opinion - this could be a very strong image that could fit any number of themes with a little more attention to the makeup. I know, no one expects you to be a make up artist as well as a photographer, but attention to detail in any endeavor makes or breaks it. You have a good eye and obviously can be very expressive, but the details are key. I like the image and would like to view any edits you apply.
Message edited by author 2005-11-04 21:39:51. 
