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| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 32 |
Mar 18 |
Reply |
No, I don't think I did shadow reduction on this, but may need to go back and try it since others have correctly pointed out that the right wing still has a large area lacking in detail. I did try to brighten the feathers a bit, which might have created the halo effect that I also need to eliminate. It seems that all too frequently in my editing, I fix one problem only to create another. |
Mar 26th |
| 32 |
Mar 18 |
Comment |
This is a nice portrait of your model, and I agree that the way you've handled her face in the monochrome likely improved it. My personal taste would be to see the left side around her eye just a little bit brighter, I think. Certainly, you're right that backgrounds are a matter of personal preference, as is subject matter, clothing, use of filters, and essentially everything we as the photographer can control in our art medium. I cannot speak for others, of course, but I certainly do not intend my comments to be a "put down" or reflect negatively on anyone's efforts, skills, or abilities as a photographer or as a person. After several years with this group, it would surprise me greatly if that is what anyone else here intended, either. Of course, I have no doubt that there are times I have written things that were not as carefully thought out as they should have been, and consequently may have come across inappropriately or somehow caused offense. As someone who occasionally judges and is expected to critique images of others, I appreciate the reminders to think more intentionally about the language being used. You're right that "dreadful" is a strong word. In most portraits, I find that my personal preference leans toward more neutral backgrounds, although I realize others do not always share that preference. Even I occasionally find that in certain images, "lively" backgrounds do enhance the image. In this image, to me, the conversion to monochrome causes the background to appear more prominent in the monochrome version than it does in your color image. Thus, I agree with the suggestions to consider editing the monochrome version in a way that will make the background less dominant, whether that is through dodging, burning or other lighting effects or substitution of a different background. Nonetheless, as I always tell camera club members here when I'm judging, those of us who aren't professional photographers generally take photos first and foremost for ourselves. If you have a photo, process it in a way that you love, and don't wish to change it, then please disregard my suggestions about changes and leave it the way that works for you. That's the beauty of suggestions ..... we can take them or leave them. Although I certainly don't always agree with others' opinions in this group, I still find the insights and ideas to have value and to help me think differently about my own photography, even when I disagree. Thank you and the others here for your willingness to share your images and ideas with me. |
Mar 26th |
| 32 |
Mar 18 |
Comment |
What a beautiful cat, and I agree the image lends itself very well to the effect you've used. My only suggestion would be to perhaps add a bit of detail to the white fur on the right side above and below the ear, if possible. or at least darken them a bit. |
Mar 25th |
| 32 |
Mar 18 |
Comment |
This is an interesting street shot, although I too would get rid of the pole on the left. I think I like it cropped a bit from the top (or cloned, if legal for your use) to get ride of the curb, too, and that likely would result in a need to crop a bit from the right side, also. More light on the worker's face would help draw my attention to him and his work and separate him better from the street behind him, I think. Perhaps something similar to what Michael did with the lighting, although watch out that the plant pots don't get too bright and distract from your subject. |
Mar 25th |
| 32 |
Mar 18 |
Comment |
Isn't it crazy how many filters, presets, and other processing tools are available now? As others already have commented, if you play with this some more, it might be interesting in sepia or some other toning that would not create quite such harsh blacks around the building. Also, if you have a bit more room to leave around the shed, I think that would help. To me, there also is an interesting photo of just the door and some of the stained brick wall to the viewer's right that might lend itself well to tight cropping and detail enhancement there. |
Mar 25th |
| 32 |
Mar 18 |
Comment |
I like the subject and even the mannequin on the left side, although it might help to darken it slightly. On my screen, the worker seems to be picking up some of the same speckled pattern that is occurring in the flooring. Perhaps that is due to the difficult lighting situation? Would a despeckle or denoise technique applied only on the worker help with that, perhaps? |
Mar 25th |
| 32 |
Mar 18 |
Comment |
Apologies for the late comments. I'm unsure my internet connection will hold even now, as it has been down due to bad storms and flash flooding here last week.
Although I can see you've worked on it, the area around her hair on the viewer's left still blends in with the background too much for my tastes. I realize you almost certainly were trying to eliminate the distracting background there, but I agree this might work better to change the background and brighten the subject some more. I think I also would prefer the chin and lower face with a little less shine and some more cropping on the bottom. You might also be able to try a vignette or soft focus around the edges rather than cropping. |
Mar 25th |
6 comments - 1 reply for Group 32
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6 comments - 1 reply Total
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