PAD B&W Day 2 Untitled
by noraneko

Comment by Artyste:
I don't think the grain really works to effect here. What it does for me is makes it seem like some over-compensation has been done for a lack of inherent sharpness. If you note the eyes, they look "scrambled" almost, lack detail, and the grain makes them look artificially over-sharpened.

One thing that I've noticed over the last little while is the 'tone-map' effect in B&W images. I don't feel that it works very well, as the conversions tend to *really* highlight halos in greyscale, and help to increase the overall feel of non-reality, or hyper-reality. While this can work in an artistic way, and is more a matter of personal taste, I think when it's applied to a piece that begs for a more traditional application, such as this portrait, it's the wrong way to go. (I'm not saying tone-mapping *was* used, but this definitely has the look and feel of some kind of tone-mapped/shadows-highlights work). Just something to look for. The haloing around the hair especially shows this.

I think this also begs more for a rectangular crop, but that's *definitely* a matter of personal preference.

Having said all of the above.. what I do really like about this is the pose and expression. A candid moment, an almost angry, wistful look on the face. We're left wondering what this child is thinking and feeling, and why they are looking off where they are. What is over there..

A good step.

PAD B&W Day 2 Untitled
by noraneko

Comment by jonfrommk:
OK for me if I am being completely honest the grain does not work, it makes a lovely portrait composition appear as if it has been taken on a very high zoom, the effect on the shirt is not that pleasing to the eye. It may be that you are caught between two stools here and you would have really needed to crank up the noise to clearly show that it was intentional (which I appreciate from your description it was)

Not a huge fan of graduated borders either

Please please understand this is probably being uber critical (as requested) the subject composition is great and you have got a lovely un-posed portrait feel to this

IMG_Day1Mr.Orange.jpg
by noraneko

Comment by jonfrommk:
Very nice piercing eyes, excellent capture

PAD B&W Day 2 Untitled
by noraneko

Comment by MAK:
Like this, some distortion going on around the subject but tha's all good too, well done

Lost at Sea
by noraneko

Comment by graphicfunk:
Lovely composition. Congratulations on your top twenty finish.

IMG_Day1Mr.Orange.jpg
by noraneko

Comment by CapeSail:
Novice or not, this looks very nice. The DOF really works for his face.

IMG_Day1Mr.Orange.jpg
by noraneko

Comment by Jutilda:
Excellent focus. I like this alot. You know what I'd do though? I'd use the sharpen tool at about 5 pixels and "paint" the whiskers. I"ve done that with some of my cat and dog shots and you'd be amazed at how it makes them stand out without looking fake. I'd set the opacity to about 15-20 % Might be fun to play with it. ;~D

IMG_Day1Mr.Orange.jpg
by noraneko

Comment by Jedusi:
I mcuh prefer this to your colour shot. In this the eyes really stand out and give the shot extra punch. Great shot.

IMG_Day1Mr.Orange.jpg
by noraneko

Comment by SandyP:
Catherine what a WONDERFUL kitty portrait! Those eyes! Wow! They jut jump right out at you. He looks like he's wondering what in the HECK you are doing, but there is such trust and connection in those beautiful eyes!

Sukoshi
by noraneko

Comment by poser:
I think you did great with this I liked the lighting.