DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Individual Photograph Discussion >> Is this a good picture...
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 20 of 20, (reverse)
AuthorThread
01/28/2007 07:34:19 AM · #1
Is this a good picture or just a good picture of me? I've realized that when I look at a picture I take of someone (or me), I decide if it's a good picture based on whether it flatters them (or me). But on DPC that's totally irrelevant. So that being said, is this a good picture of me? Is the focus too soft? How would you critique this in a challenge?
01/28/2007 07:36:49 AM · #2
Well theres a bit of a blur around the pictures but its not visible int he thumbnail and it doesnt affect the face. Smaller aperature would help.

The facial expression is ugly, unhappy. It kind of kills everything. Including me.

Smile maybe itll help?
01/28/2007 07:39:48 AM · #3
One thing to remember is to try and not have your subject front on to the camera. It becomes very defensive and too 'passport like'. The best way is 45 degrees...much softer and it gives the subject a better line...especially females.

The eyes in this image seem to lack life. I get the feeling the subject is bored.

The red lips is way to harsh for such an image. Try softening the colour.

I know this may sound harsh but I only say this to help you. There are other areas that I can advise on but I feel this is a starting point for you. I know you may be attached to this image sentimentally...that is good. But you need to decide whether you are taking the image for you or for others. If it is for you then ignore any other words and enjoy the photo. But if you take it for others than you need to take their word into consideration. Treat DPC as a client...and you will find your scores will improve...but so will your ability to handle different ideas and conditions.

Good luck.
01/28/2007 07:40:05 AM · #4
Thank you! Very helpful...
01/28/2007 07:48:16 AM · #5
I agree with Judi ... looking at 30 or 45 degrees to the right (the subject's left) for example and cropping in a tad on the left would have given you a much more dynamic and "rule of thirds" image.

I also agree that both the expression and lip colour look severe. Maybe a TOUCH more DOF (more closed up aperture) would be tad nicer.

Having said all that, the lighting looks very good and even.

Message edited by author 2007-01-28 07:48:57.
01/28/2007 09:07:39 AM · #6
Adrienne, I agree with the other comments given. I looked at your portfolio and much prefer the shots you have there((especially Dhyana) Keep going in that direction.
01/28/2007 10:13:37 AM · #7
How would I critque it in a challenge? Hmmmm... How bout if I did it as if I was on the Critique Club.

Don't shoot me, this is just my opinion.

I'd give you the ol' pat on the back before dropping the hammer.

Nice (means a 4 or 5 at most), standard straight forward shot but does not quite jump out and grab me.

Perhaps a quick tweak of the contrast would add some dimension, and a slight bit of guassian blur to soften the tones.

Some times we do want a pose that is not happy or joyful, but one needs to be careful when delving into the emotions that we try to portray. The viewer will see it however they want to no matter how you intended it to come across.

Again by softening the shot you could take it from Angry or Complacenent shot to a Pleading or wanting type emotion.

For me the shot looks too calculated (mechanical). I believe it is a combination of the Pose + Background + Crop that makes it rigid, almost like you are not happy to be there. The unflattering background does not work aesetically nor does it work as negative space. It is not white nor is it a vibrant color, it is just there an noticable.

Perhaps a tighter crop would bring the viewer back into the shot. Maybe tweaking Levels and Curves on the High side (go high key) would help bring some life to the background.

How would I do the given shot differently (notice I didn't say fix)?

This was just a quick edit but:

Tighter Crop (still not the crop I was looking for), Levels to add contrast, Guassian Blur to soften the colors and add ambience, levels to bring the background right up to blend with the Tee Shirt.



Message edited by author 2007-01-28 10:14:30.
01/28/2007 10:30:29 AM · #8
Aside from all the technical advice, she's wearing cool toned red lipstick (has a blue base) but she should be wearing warm tones. Using a proper shade will help correct skin tones issues as well - the cool red accentuates the color imbalance that kind of gives her a mild yellow/orangey tint.

Make-up can kill the best of shots!
01/28/2007 08:39:25 PM · #9
Thanks for taking the time to make your suggestions. For me, figuring out dpchallenge is like trying to put together a puzzle, your suggestions make it easier for me to figure it out! Thanks!
01/28/2007 09:01:46 PM · #10
A woman's smile and her eyes are perhaps her most important features.
A slight tilt of the head, a slightly less "mugshot-like" pose and any form of smile,
be it a hint or a full-blown smile, so long as it appears genuine, will go a very long way.
01/28/2007 09:58:47 PM · #11
Ok I am by no means and expert and there are a ton of ppl here on DPC that are great. That being said I will give you my impression.

Beautiful features!! You have a great face and lots to work with. The lip stick is way too dark, go for a more neutral shade. You have awesome green eyes so try a little darker color for lining to add a "pop".

The shirt collar is distracting and so is the comp. If you had a darker bg, and a different collar.

You are a beautiful woman way to go!!!
01/29/2007 02:47:28 PM · #12
I thought I would try it! I tried a little bit of a softer look, by lightening up the lipstick and making the background a little softer. I also took the blue tint out of the reflections in the eyes, as it was a bit of a distraction. Hope this helps!

[url][/url]
01/29/2007 03:05:40 PM · #13
Wow, Crystal ... that sure didn't hurt what existed any. Nice treatment.
01/29/2007 06:35:04 PM · #14
I tried a quick different touchup myself, let me know what you think.



I tried a slightly less subtle approach and went about the following adjustments:

Duplicate Background
Change Blend Mode to Overlay for contrast
High Pass Filter
Lowered Opacity
Liquify
Layer for Cheekbone Highlights (painted white, lowered opacity/feathered with gaussian blur)
Layer for Cheek Shadows (same as above but with black)
Darkened Eyebrows
Did layer of Surface Blur on low opacity
Painted back facial details
Selective Color Adjustment
New Layer, Blend Mode Soft Light
Painted back some skin-tones and color into hair
Sharpened Eyes

If you have any questions or comments feel free to post here or PM me.

Thanks,
Lee
01/29/2007 07:05:56 PM · #15
Sorry. I tried something too. The red lipstick competes to much with your lovely green eyes. But other than that, it is a pretty sp. You looked a bit lost so I made it so the background sort of started engulfing you. Also the high key effect minimized the camera right jaw line which looked asymetrical to me.


Message edited by author 2007-01-29 19:06:52.
01/29/2007 07:41:58 PM · #16
I love all the different variations. pcody's is definately my favorite. I'll try to rework it in that direction.
01/29/2007 07:42:21 PM · #17
I like your original. Why? Because it is real. I can look at your picture and to me it conveys you. If this thread continues, by the end of it you will have long blonde hair and a 38 inch bust. And green eyes. At the end of the day, the good photographers will still be taking great pictures, and the Photoshop gurus will be selling pictures of your kids on the back of the Loch Ness Monster.
01/29/2007 07:43:12 PM · #18
guess not...

Message edited by author 2007-02-06 19:26:40.
01/29/2007 08:18:44 PM · #19
Sorry, but I don't think it is a very good picture. The pose is too straight on. The expression is not pleasant. The little bit of teeth showing is not attractive. The bottom crop into the neckline is distracting. The background is dull. You have many good photos on your profile. I would reshoot this one.
02/06/2007 07:19:24 PM · #20
Hi, It's me again. Anybody want to give opinions on whether or not this is a good photograph?



P.S. I loved all the comments and suggestions on the last photo I posted. Thanks all!

Edit

P.P.S. I'll post comment for comment.

Message edited by author 2007-02-06 19:24:59.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 11:47:14 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 11:47:14 AM EDT.