Self Styledby
posthumousComment by jasonlprice: Greetings from the Critique Club
My first reaction to seeing this photo is love of the great b/w tones. I am a big fan of well processed b/w photos no matter what the subject and this one is certainly well done. The curves adjustment and usm are perfectly applied for my taste.
I also love the bold shapes that you have included in your composition, but before I delve into those let me first talk about the story.
With photos that I critique I like to start by breaking down the story of the photo into its parts. Your main subject is yourself and your style (physically and photographically). You have created good separation between your main subject (you) and the supporting elements. The boldness of the wide black and white window frame on the right side does distract somewhat, but I like the shape so it is a nice element for my taste. When I view this portrait I do not see "clutter" (with the exception of the very bright window on the left) because the tonal value of your main subject, the placement in the center, and the framing help define it. The supporting elements of this portrait help tell the story of "you" and are also well used. I enjoy looking at all the "stuff" on the window ledge, the houses in the background, and the snow drifts. All of these items are in harmony with the subject and do not overpower it.
Now as far as the shapes that support the composition, I really love the overall “verticleness” of the composition with the bold window panes, your stance, and the trees in the background. The lines across the top and dark window ledge at the bottom provide anchors to keep you focused on the subject. Again the boldness of the right pane does attempt to steal the show here, but not successfully. I mentioned that the bright window on the left is “clutter” and what I mean is that it upsets the balance somewhat and is the only thing that tonally is not in harmony with the story. I think an 800x600 crop keeping your form in the center would cut out enough of that light to be more balanced.
I must say it has been a pleasure doing a critique where I didn’t have to worry about giving pointers as to how to score better! I really enjoyed getting deeper into your photo and "soaking" it up.
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