EDITED: 2 years, 2 months and 11 days later -->
LOOL , damn. this is one BAAD photo :-)
original details below :
hi all,
i've been looking around the house whole freakin' day to find something odd coupled, and voila ... :> ROBOCOP vs. BARBIE, i just wanted it to look this way like they meet in some alley and the "paladin" light is on him and she is some kinda bride of darkness -) ... it's cool for me but overall maybe not very interesting but it was the best i could pull out for this challenge, peace ...
File
Comment
Camera
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
X resolution Infinity
Y resolution Infinity
Date/time
Image
Image description
Artist
Copyright
Exposure time 1/60 s
F-number f/3.5
Exposure program Normal Program
ISO speed ratings ISO 100
Date/time original 25.2.2006 20:41:43
Date/time digitized 25.2.2006 20:41:43
Shutter speed value 1/60 s
Aperture value f/3.5
Exposure bias value 1.67 eV
Metering mode Average
Flash Flash fired, compulsory flash mode, red-eye reduction mode
Focal length 27 mm
User comment
Pixel X dimension 3456
Pixel Y dimension 2304
Focal plane X res. 3456000/874
Focal plane Y res. 2304000/582
Focal plane res. unit inch
Custom Rendered Normal process
Exposure mode Auto exposure
White balance Auto white balance
Scene capture type Standard
The first three parts of this critique are written based purely on examination of your photo. "Final thoughts" is written after reviewing your score, photographer's comments, and voter comments.
TECHNIQUE Several issues to talk about here. First is the obvious focus issue on the left. The robot doesn't seem to have an compositional reason to be out of focus. If it was intentional, it doesn't seem to me to work. Second is the very bright background behind the robot, seeming almost blown out, with the light level decreasing sharply behind the barbie. Barbie is quite well lit, and the exposure seems to have been perfect for her but not the rest of the photo. Then there's the awful shadow of his arm holding the gun. Looks like possible on-board flash. This would have worked much better, imo, with two or more light sources, giving a more evenly lighted, diffuse feel. I don't feel that the black/white conversion adds much to the composition either. It's not a bad BW conversion, it just doesn't feel as though it has any real purpose in the photo.
COMPOSITION Apropos of the subject of the challenge, it certainly is an odd couple. I appreciate the humorous aspect of the shot, but the technical issues really detract from the whole, as mentioned above. The composition is fairly centered. I think it might have been improved by having an interesting or more emotional take on the comp. For instance, Barbie with her hands up and back to the camera, with the point-of-view looking over her shoulder into the face of the robot. Or conversely, looking over the shoulder of the robot, into the joyously vacant stare of the Barbie. Either way, making the face the focus of the composition, and letting the other elements organize themselves around that focus. As shot, it looks a little too bland, as though it's an incidental setup on a toy shelf.
EMOTIONAL IMPACT It's a somewhat unusual picture, but toys rarely make for impactful shots unless they're truly stunning or breathtaking in some way. If this had been sharply focused throughout, with bright vibrant colors, it might have been a more attractive shot, but still probably not a true eye popper. For me, it doesn't really evoke much in the way of a reaction at all, it's rather bland. A more creative approach to composition as mentioned before, might have helped also.
FINAL THOUGHTS Your commenters were a mixed bag, but really offered some insight into how to improve the photo. I also can't help but appreciate the fact that you marked them all as helpful, even the ones that bordered on rudeness!. Your final score of 4.0 was probably a little disappointing to you, but I'm sure you can see the reason for it. Voters need to be hit over the head with impact and emotion. If that's not available, they need to have a steady dose of technical perfection. Failing those two things, low scores are almost certain. I also very much appreciate the fact that you wrote an excellent photographer's comment, letting me know exactly your frame of mind in shooting this. It makes perfect sense. Keep shooting. I looked at your profile and portfolio. You've got some great stuff, and a pretty good eye. I look forward to seeing more of your stuff in the future.
the more i look at this the more interesting it becomes. barbie is perfectly lit, perfectly in focus and the robot dude is horrible with the gratuitous shadow. quite like their personalities perhaps. the composition could use some space at the bottom below the shadow, so I'm going with unintentional.
Look...it's Babie and a scary robot-like thing. You obviously couldn't have known there would be so many. I think I'd like this one better if the whole thing were in focus.
Sorry but have to say this; BAD picture!
Off focus
Ugly shadow
Bad lighting (to bright on the left, to dark/gray on the right)
Terrible background
bad setup
Don't meen to offend you but hope it will get you thinking before next entering.
Nice idea, the background has a nice contrast changing from light to dark. Not sure about having the robot thing out of focus, maybe just a personal preference. Good luck in the challenge. Neil
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