Living On Faith
by
ShiiizzzamComment by Azrifel: ~~~~Critique Club Comment~~~~
*Composition (content)*
The composition is excellent. The frame is nicely filled, good balance between all the sides and corners. The diagonal portrayal of the lady not only makes room for the 'knitted cap' (that's as close as I can get in my native language), but also enhances the feeling that the lady shows satisfaction, happiness and pride.
The lines on the face of the woman are very interesting to look at, they tell a story (as does the clothing) and the reflection in the eyes is spot on, very pleasing in relation to the total picture.
As with most portraits, I think that the choice to use B&W was the right choice. Color might have made the background a bit distracting.
*Background*
Because of the wide aperture, the background is blurred away. Yet is still shows that the picture was taken on the street. The relation between the background and the main subject is clear, so the background enhances the subject. Choosing a blank or brick wall would not have been as nice.
The line on the road does not distract as it is supposed to be there (it is recognizable) and is almost parallel to the shoulders. In a way it even gives some depth to the picture.
*Camera Work (Technical)*
Again excellent. The focus is good, the depth of field (aperture) is excellent. All the important bits of the face are in focus. Sharpness is very good; all the lines on the face and a lot of other skin features are clearly visible and add to the story the picture tells. Softening it would have taken that away, so a good decision to do it as it is.
I don't know at which focal length this shot was taken and I don't know the portrayed lady, so I am not going to say anything about the relation between the focal length, zooming in and distortion of facial features. But it is important, so I'd advise all readers who don't know what I am talking about to read some tutorials on portraiture. This picture seems okay to me.
*Digital Processing (technical)*
Sharpening is very good (not too soft and no trace of oversharpening).
Balance between light and dark is good.
Compression is good (no jpeg artefacts)
*My opinion*
This is a very good portrait, with an interesting subject. The photo tells a story and shows emotion and as a bonus is technically very good. In this challenge there was only one that I liked more, but this picture deserved to win. Congratulations!
