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photoMILA


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Natural Light Portrait III (Standard Editing)
Camera: Nikon Z6
Lens: Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF Macro Lens for Nikon
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Date: May 20, 2020
Date Uploaded: May 21, 2020

 Shot in the back of the house,
where the light is amazing.
At times even soothing.
I don't know why I don't hang out
there more often.

Side note:
I just stumbled upon this article and video worth watching about the myths of rule of thirds which is static vs grid system which is dynamic.

https://petapixel.com/2017/08/16/masterful-photo-compositions-henri-cartier-bresson/

I checked some of my photos and lined up the Dynamic Symmetry to them.



It is fascinating and so helpful. Basically it means this: the edges of your subject(s) or parts of your subject(s) need to line up with the grid lines, especially with the diagonal ones, the more dynamic is the photo. The closer they are to the lines the better the photo. It is that simple to analyze.

Statistics
Place: 24 out of 37
Avg (all users): 5.6111
Avg (participants): 5.2609
Avg (non-participants): 5.8710
Views since voting: 212
Views during voting: 108
Votes: 54
Comments: 13
Favorites: 0

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AuthorThread
 05/29/2020 04:47:21 PM
Originally posted by willem:

I did not state hand under chin is a no-no or a hard rule. In this image I feel the fist with chopped-of fingers does not work, does not add and is even distracting for me. Also, meeting Dynamic Symmetry rules does not automatically make it a good image. Anyway, just my opinion, please use it in whatever way you like.


That was my logical answer to your derogatory drive-by criticism, which denigrates the site and all of us.
There is no other way to take it but condescending.

If you don’t like it move on. It does not add , other than put the photographer down by saying ‘I don’t like it’ or ‘it does not work for me’.

Anyway, the hand is not ‘chopped off’. It is a very inflammatory statement.
I wish that you would stop that kind of a talk in here. It does not add.
It can be done to you and any and all of your images. It is so easy to do. But it is also nasty.

Also, there is obviously a lack of understanding about Dynamic Symmetry. It DOES mean that the photo is a good photo.
The more points of importance on the subject lines up with the grid the better the photo.
Mona Lisa , for example has the most points lining up with the Dynamic Symmetry, then all if them.
You may not like the painting, the style, the painter, the idea of it all..but she really is the most perfect painting in the world.
And being a realist portrait painter, I was fascinated by it in person, as these things can be felt and seen.

Also nothing about Dynamic Symmetry is automatic.
It comes from sheer talent or intuition,
or careful crafting and skill. Either way it is as sure as gravity or perspective.
It is there, and can help us gage creativity and good art vs opinion and bias.

Please don‘t argue with me on my page and go and tend to yours.

Message edited by author 2020-05-30 00:04:24.
 05/29/2020 04:03:48 PM
Originally posted by photoMILA:
Originally posted by willem:
In a portrait, always consider what to do with the hands. Here it looks like she cut off all her fingers. Also would have preferred to see her eyes instead of ear. The image does not work for me.


Hand under chin is not a no-no or a hard rule. There are many photos out there, from those who dare. In addition to checking out the article I am suggesting (in post challenge note above )about Dynamic Symmetry there is nothing more dynamic than a hand touching face somehow. This is not a beauty shot. The hand is there as a natural prop, and not an asset. There is a difference. As for the way it angles, check out the videos or the same photo with the grid on it. It all works for what I intended it to do: theme, title and expression of the face all working in unison.


I did not state hand under chin is a no-no or a hard rule. In this image I feel the fist with chopped-of fingers does not work, does not add and is even distracting for me. Also, meeting Dynamic Symmetry rules does not automatically make it a good image. Anyway, just my opinion, please use it in whatever way you like.
 05/29/2020 10:08:10 AM
Originally posted by photoMILA:
Since you do not know what she looks like you don't really know that it is flattering.


Preach!

I hear so many comments like this, presuming to know the original photo and subject.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/29/2020 10:05:41 AM
I find the photo intriguing. i like the mystery of it, the closed hand as if it's holding a secret, the face and eyes pointed so far to the right that it even starts to twist toward the back.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/29/2020 02:43:10 AM
Originally posted by jim29028:
different pose than most, some good motion, the focus on her ear is a little distracting as I want it more on her eye, like the tight crop


Agree.
I can't believe you noticed the difference in sharpness.

No excuses, but as usual I was running out of time, and did not experiment with enough lenses.
I wanted a severe bokeh, and the illusion of motion with complete peace.


Message edited by author 2020-05-29 02:45:22.
 05/29/2020 02:31:19 AM
Originally posted by ytshuva:
I think this is very unique portrait.
the hand vs the happiness in her face are very confusing yet it made me stare at this long time..
someone said before..if you stare in a photo more then 2 sec, it must have something interesting.."


You are right about the hand. It appears contradictory and it is.
A fist is automatically dynamic and defensive, but look where it is pointing.
Definitely not where the smile and expression is pointing. Maybe to the outside world, maybe to anything other than the one or something she is looking at.

I tested this photo, by putting it as a desktop on my computer and never got bored or startled (in bad way) by it, which I always do with self portraits.
All other images from this shoot did that, even the 'prettier ones' and that's how I know that I picked the right one.
And sure enough, when tested with my new found knowledge about the Dynamic Grid I now know why.
Thank you for your comment. :)
 05/29/2020 02:17:17 AM
Originally posted by Lydia:
I love the idea of this. (Lydia)

Of what?

But, to me, it looks like she's punched herself with her fist and hit her head around, making her hair fly. (Lydia)

That's some imagination.

I wonder what kind of imaginary thought you'd have about this one form Irving Penn.

I was actually lying down completely peaceful in a gorgeous light with the sun rays peaking through the branches above me.
There so no pain or chaos on my face.

Then, we see up her nose (very clean!) from this angle. (Lydia)

Irving Penn did it. A lot. So will I.

She appears to be very beautiful, but this image does not flatter her, I think. (Lydia)

Since you do not know what she looks like you don't really know that it is flattering.
It is. Nostril and all. There were dozens of shots.
This was the expression I was looking for: peaceful, agreeable and hopeful, as if saying: where to now.

The colors and bokeh are wonderful.
(lydia)

Thank you. But this critique made me rethink whether I should stick around here.
If these kinds of critiques get thrown around, not helpful and frankly amateurish,
I am not sure I'll learn much.
Too bad, because I love the site and the idea of it.

Message edited by author 2020-05-29 02:35:40.
 05/29/2020 01:57:05 AM
I think this is very unique portrait.
the hand vs the happiness in her face are very confusing yet it made me stare at this long time..
someone said before..if you stare in a photo more then 2 sec, it must have something interesting.."
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/29/2020 01:47:07 AM
Originally posted by willem:
In a portrait, always consider what to do with the hands. Here it looks like she cut off all her fingers. Also would have preferred to see her eyes instead of ear. The image does not work for me.


Hand under chin is not a no-no or a hard rule. There are many photos out there, from those who dare. In addition to checking out the article I am suggesting (in post challenge note above )about Dynamic Symmetry there is nothing more dynamic than a hand touching face somehow. This is not a beauty shot. The hand is there as a natural prop, and not an asset. There is a difference. As for the way it angles, check out the videos or the same photo with the grid on it. It all works for what I intended it to do: theme, title and expression of the face all working in unison.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
05/27/2020 08:10:25 PM
different pose than most, some good motion, the focus on her ear is a little distracting as I want it more on her eye, like the tight crop
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/23/2020 12:02:55 PM
Good spontaneity
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/22/2020 03:16:46 PM
In a portrait, always consider what to do with the hands. Here it looks like she cut off all her fingers. Also would have preferred to see her eyes instead of ear. The image does not work for me.
 05/22/2020 10:25:28 AM
I love the idea of this. But, to me, it looks like she's punched herself with her fist and hit her head around, making her hair fly. Then, we see up her nose (very clean!) from this angle.

She appears to be very beautiful, but this image does not flatter her, I think.

The colors and bokeh are wonderful.


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