Can you critique this? - DPChallenge Forums

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

03/09/2011 11:43:55 AM · #1

Hey everyone!
I'm new to the forum, and just learning about light. I took this picture of my daughter a couple of days ago using nothing but my camera and window light. Could you critique it for me and perhaps offer some advice on what I could do next time to make a more pleasing photograph? And could you tell me how to post my images on here too?
Thanks in advance!
[thumb]//www.dpchallenge.com/image.php?IMAGE_ID=939875[/thumb]

Message edited by author 2011-03-09 11:45:31.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

03/09/2011 11:46:51 AM · #2

Here's how to post a clickable thumbnail (Just use the image ID#, rather than the full URL):

And here's yours:

Message edited by author 2011-03-09 11:53:24.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

03/09/2011 11:52:38 AM · #3

The light makes this look more like it was intended to be a creepy looking movie poster. I would have thought it was lit with a closely placed flashlight and not window light. This light seems rather harsh and highly directional. Perhaps some curtains or a sheet to diffuse the light a bit could have helped. The eye is nice and sharp with plenty of detail. I think this shot can be either good or bad, depending on what you were desiring to achieve with it.

sjhuls

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

03/09/2011 11:55:29 AM · #4

This photo has some really great things going for it. Really great focus on the eye. I think the crop is a bit tight for me (I would like to see what this little cutie looks like) and the lighting is a bit harsh (blown out) between the eye and the ear.

I forgot to add what I would do differently. Because its a child strong directional light probablly isn't the best. I would go for more even light, you need a second light source for the other side. I like

yo_spiffs suggestion of toning down the window light with some fabric. But if you have the other side lit better you might not need it, because you can adjust your camera settings down a bit without the dark side getting too dark.

Message edited by author 2011-03-09 11:59:50.

03/09/2011 03:58:43 PM · #5

Thanks for your replies! I'm not really sure where I was going with it - I was just playing around with the light trying to learn. So, would a reflector have helped or would I have needed a stronger light than that ie. the flashlight? If I used a reflector which color would I use (gold, white, silver...)?? I'm so lost when it comes to this stuff.
I can totally see the creepy movie poster. Like Children of the Corn or something lol!
Thanks for your help with posting pictures.
I really do appreciate your feedback. After all, how can someone learn when everyone just sugar coats everything.
This is what she looks like by the way.

Message edited by author 2011-03-09 16:07:47.

MinsoPhoto

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

03/09/2011 04:14:12 PM · #6

A reflector is a great investment and very versatile. As far as what side to use it all depends on the look you want. The white is more natural and soft but doesn't throw a lot of light. The silver throws more light and it is a bit more contrasty and the gold I never use but would be good outside in the early morning or late evening to give a nice warm light. Did you take that other photo as well? That is very nice all around. I may have gone with a different crop but the bokeh and sharpness is excellent.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

03/09/2011 04:31:27 PM · #7

I did, and thank you! I'm still learning everything (including crops and composition) so I'm up for any kind of feedback. I heard about something called the rule of thirds so I was trying to place her on the "line" if you know what I mean. Am I misunderstanding the rule of thirds?

sjhuls

Canon EOS-7D

03/09/2011 05:22:37 PM · #8

Originally posted by Shanny403:

I think you may have cropped a bit too much off the bottom and left too much on the top. Also you could leave less negative space on the right side and still be in the rule of thirds. I've also found with portraits the rule of thirds doesn't always work the best sometimes they just need to be centered to look the best. Otherwise a really great photo.

bvy

Sigma DP1x

03/09/2011 06:32:33 PM · #9

As far as the lighting goes, I like it as is. Why? Because it doesn't look like every other baby picture I've ever seen. And I think it works as a baby picture, too, in that the curves of her lips and nose are carved out beautifully. Her eye is nicely illuminated. And the crop and the angle of her face are refreshingly novel, I think. Very good.

I can't quite bring myself to calling it creepy (she's too cute), but I can see where the close framing and very direct lighting might evoke that response. If not creepy, it certainly has drama, intrigue. In any case, it's as revealing as the best portraits.

But take what I say with a grain of salt. I'm in a weird minority as far as my tastes in and beliefs about photography, and I don't do a lot of portraits. I know what I like, and I do like what you've done. But it's you who has to like it.

Message edited by author 2011-03-09 18:36:02.

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

03/09/2011 09:16:04 PM · #10

Originally posted by bvy:

I agree. It's different, but different in a good way. I like the drama of the light, it adds and intensity to the look and the photo as a whole. But, fundamentally, it serves a different niche than other approaches. From a photographic standpoint, I very much like the photo, I think it's excellent. However, it doesn't fit into the niche of portraiture to me, which generally consists of the types of photos

bvy notes with even soft light and laughing babies. To me, there are portraits for the sake of portraiture, and there are portraits for the sake of photography, and they are different because the audience is totally different.

Also, remember that every rule in photography is meant to be broken (seriously). The key is breaking them at the correct times and in a fitting fashion.