Dear Mom & Dad
by quad1661

Comment by TooCool:
From the Critique Club:

I'm not really sure where to start with this critique. My eye is quite confused by elements of this shot. Your choice of such a narrow DOF makes the only object that is sharp the pen. However, the pen is so dark (little detail) and it's shape immediately forces the eye away from it like an arrow. When the eye follows the arrow, there is nothing there that can be accepted and acknowledged for what it is. You end up on a very shiny something that looks important but you can't really see it. Without the title I do not know if I would have figured out what this was.

I think that there are three fundamental problems here. The first and probably the one that detracts the most is the DOF. You simply don't have enough in focus. The second is a compositional problem. I just think that the angle that you shot this at is very awkward. I believe if you would shoot it from a higher angle you would have a more potent shot. For one thing, it would be obvious that the paper had writing on it and upon further examination would show the old school writing style and wording. The last problem is the lighting. It's simply too dark. The camera is trying to lighten up the scene and the result is the blown out reflections.

I really like what you are trying to do with this shot. I also think that it would be a great study type shot. Play around with the lighting. Play around with the camera angles. Move your subjects around. It's a studio shot. You have complete control. Play with it!

Yours
TC

Dear Mom & Dad
by quad1661

Comment by joek:
this image should be disqualified on the basis that the photographer loves and respects the cock

Dear Mom & Dad
by quad1661

Comment by hotpasta:
I like this shot...really conveys a great moodiness and an old era...glad you added the black border...excellent edit to sepia

Dear Mom & Dad
by quad1661

Comment by yantski:
I like it a lot. I would like to see some of the text clearly though just for interest sake.

Dear Mom & Dad
by quad1661

Comment by jent:
Excellent photo but I think a slightly smaller apature, with a slightly larger DOF would be nice.

Dear Mom & Dad
by quad1661

Comment by Count:
Nice shot, maj small DOF... fast lens? Hope you don't get pounded because of the DOF though...

Hardy Vegetable
by quad1661

Comment by Wallit:
Not abstract but a great macro shot.