The Face of American Resolve
by Turbotech

Comment by Kavey:
Critique Club


Initial thoughts
Emotive content, image seems very dark.

Composition/ Content
I like the off-centred composition and the way the face is cropped but not completely halved. Including the cap/hat and only a little of the shirt clarified that the man is a solder without losing focus on his face. Content is stark and uncompromising, which fits the title and is therefore clearly deliberate.
Focal point is confusing. There is just enough detail in the eye that I am drawn to it but not enough to satisfy so it is not the focal point it could be. I think perhaps the eye needs to be either wholly in shadow or a little more in the light. An alternative focal point might be the mouth but the highlights which are stronger on the cheek don̢۪t tend to encourage that. Therefore the focal point seems to be his nose and the highlights on his cheek.

Background
Clean black does not detract from the subject but also doesn’t allow the subject to stand out from it. This may be deliberate – it does bleed into the shadows well but does not work for me, personally.

Camera Work - Technical
Focus seems good on the face, a little soft on his shirt. Exposure and lighting are probably deliberate but just a bit too dark for me.
Digital Processing - Technical
Cant see any artifacts, seems fine to me.

Fits The Challenge
Yes, given the current political/ military situation in the US – perhaps there is a cloud hanging over the future or this soldier – he has the resolve – will he be called on etc. There could certainly be a story there.

Your Opinion On The Photo
The photo seems well taken – in that I believe it looks as it was intended to by the photographer. It doesn’t sit well with me partly because of personal politics and partly because it’s too dark visually for me.

Message edited by author 2002-12-06 13:58:03.

Like Days Through a Drinking Glass, So Are The Days of Our Lives
by Turbotech

Comment by goodtempo:
would have been better with a white background but very nice comp.

Like Days Through a Drinking Glass, So Are The Days of Our Lives
by Turbotech

Comment by justine:
Creative idea here. I like it. The rim on the first glass has a bad white area and the over all shot could of been a lot more sharp. Still I appreciate your efforts, and admire your idea. Justine

Like Days Through a Drinking Glass, So Are The Days of Our Lives
by Turbotech

Comment by Wes:
hehe that looks neat as you scroll down the page... For the picture, nicely done, the glasses seem to line up perfectly.

The Face of American Resolve
by Turbotech

Comment by BigSmiles:
That is a very nice example of low key photography. The only thing that would improve it is a little more detail over on the left. Very nice job! Congrats!

The Face of American Resolve
by Turbotech

Comment by Turbotech:
Well everyone. Thank you for the votes. I really appreciated them. I guess since the model in the picture was me, I did a darn good job of getting tenth. Hard to take a picture when you are in front of the Camera and there is no one to press the shutter. That is why the eye came out so dark. I was satisfied with the picture. :-)
TurboTech

The Face of American Resolve
by Turbotech

Comment by Arachnophilia:
very time-ish.

The Face of American Resolve
by Turbotech

Comment by IGJOE:
Having been a Marine myself, this is a very familiar look. Good comosition. Having one eye out of frame and the other slightly concealed was a good touch.

The Face of American Resolve
by Turbotech

Comment by ganders:
I do like this, but to me it's a touch underexposed. The visor on the hat throws a shadow over his eyes that's just too deep, so we're left with half an eye. I either want to see his eye properly, or not at all. Hard to explain...

The Face of American Resolve
by Turbotech

Comment by muckpond:
Dark, but fantastic!!