the classic GOOD vs. EVILby
gocComment by strangeghost: Greetings from the Critique Club
by strangeghost
The first three parts of this critique are written based purely on examination of your photo. "Final thoughts" is written after reviewing your score, photographer's comments, and voter comments.
TECHNIQUE
Several issues to talk about here. First is the obvious focus issue on the left. The robot doesn't seem to have an compositional reason to be out of focus. If it was intentional, it doesn't seem to me to work. Second is the very bright background behind the robot, seeming almost blown out, with the light level decreasing sharply behind the barbie. Barbie is quite well lit, and the exposure seems to have been perfect for
her but not the rest of the photo. Then there's the awful shadow of his arm holding the gun. Looks like possible on-board flash. This would have worked much better, imo, with two or more light sources, giving a more evenly lighted, diffuse feel. I don't feel that the black/white conversion adds much to the composition either. It's not a bad BW conversion, it just doesn't feel as though it has any real purpose in the photo.
COMPOSITION
Apropos of the subject of the challenge, it certainly is an odd couple. I appreciate the humorous aspect of the shot, but the technical issues really detract from the whole, as mentioned above. The composition is fairly centered. I think it might have been improved by having an interesting or more emotional take on the comp. For instance, Barbie with her hands up and back to the camera, with the point-of-view looking over her shoulder into the face of the robot. Or conversely, looking over the shoulder of the robot, into the joyously vacant stare of the Barbie. Either way, making the face the focus of the composition, and letting the other elements organize themselves around that focus. As shot, it looks a little too bland, as though it's an incidental setup on a toy shelf.
EMOTIONAL IMPACT
It's a somewhat unusual picture, but toys rarely make for impactful shots unless they're truly stunning or breathtaking in some way. If this had been sharply focused throughout, with bright vibrant colors, it might have been a more attractive shot, but still probably not a true eye popper. For me, it doesn't really evoke much in the way of a reaction at all, it's rather bland. A more creative approach to composition as mentioned before, might have helped also.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Your commenters were a mixed bag, but really offered some insight into how to improve the photo. I also can't help but appreciate the fact that you marked them all as helpful, even the ones that bordered on rudeness!. Your final score of 4.0 was probably a little disappointing to you, but I'm sure you can see the reason for it. Voters need to be hit over the head with impact and emotion. If that's not available, they need to have a steady dose of technical perfection. Failing those two things, low scores are almost certain. I also very much appreciate the fact that you wrote an excellent photographer's comment, letting me know exactly your frame of mind in shooting this. It makes perfect sense. Keep shooting. I looked at your profile and portfolio. You've got some great stuff, and a pretty good eye. I look forward to seeing more of your stuff in the future.
![[ WELCOME STRANGER ]](https://images.dpchallenge.com/images_challenge/0-999/459/120/Copyrighted_Image_Reuse_Prohibited_303320.jpg)
Photographer found comment helpful.