|
|
Critique By:
Matej Maceas (K:24381)
9/5/2004 6:24:09 PM
Surely a modern DSLR is not considered limited equipment :-)
Some will also argue that the choice by the photographer of correct equipment, i.e. one that will not cause technical difficulties, should be a matter of course. Bringing ISO 25 film to an evening party would be the photographer's fault, not the film's ;-))) In this case, one stop extra exposure might have been enough (with a higher ISO setting if handholding were problematic).
Anyway, I checked the image in PS, the shadow underneath the bench can be opened up by a simple levels adjustment so at least the man's legs can be separated from the background. The histogram also reveals that the structure of highlights is a bit strange; there are some whites in the top right corner, but in the rest of the image there are only medium-light greys at best. Manual dodging/burning or selective area levels/curves adjustment might be a good way to deal with this.
One unfortunate thing that may also play a role here is monitor calibration. It always tends to annoy me when I view the same photo on three different monitors and see three different images. Not much can be done about that :-(
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
George Black (K:102014)
9/5/2004 5:16:50 PM
Sure, there are infinite possibilities, but what struck me in this one is the moment caught in the subject's wan profile with the reflection of the back of his head against the guys at the vending machine and the other figures at right--a small moment, of course, but a lovely and empathetic one that I believe warrants encouragement.
Technically, of course, your points are well taken. Consider also, however, that the shot was taken in very poor available light with rather limited equipment. I'm a big fan of technical excellence, but in circumstances like this, something has to give. And I'm glad Ben followed his instincts here--and that he used b&w.
Good observations, though. Thanks. This is one reason this site is valuable.
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Matej Maceas (K:24381)
9/5/2004 4:28:28 PM
I like this, the woman has an expression of curiosity, expectation or even apprehension that makes me wonder what she's looking at, whom or what she is waiting for. I agree with Ali about the train station atmosphere, enforced by the blurry, shadowy figure in the background.
The photo is surprisingly grainy (not a fault, quite the contrary) for a Delta 100, did you rate it at a higher ISO or give it some special development?
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Matej Maceas (K:24381)
9/5/2004 4:20:38 PM
George, why do you consider this "a telling decisive moment"? Is there something special going on in the photo that would have been gone if Ben shot it a split-second earlier or later, or five seconds earlier or later? I must be missing it.
I don't quite agree it's fine B&W, the tonal range is rather limited and important shadow areas are blocked up (e.g. the sitting man's trousers and shoes).
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
George Black (K:102014)
9/5/2004 3:35:47 PM
Well--another great street shot filled with empathy. There are some good observations from our colleagues; but I know that often, you get one shot, and so the prospect of different angles and settings is purely academic. What is valuable is using these ideas by looking at your own work and that of others with a critical eye so that next time, you have more in your aesthetic arsenal.
And--since you asked, I tried a different crop. Hope you approve.
--george
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
George Black (K:102014)
9/5/2004 3:21:31 PM
This is simply terrific! It is appropriate, of course, for the "People" category, but even better, perhaps, for "Henri," since it captures a telling decisive moment in fine b&w.(As Henri C-B is one of my idols, that is a big compliment.) The title also caught my eye. Wonderful to have a philosophy major on board! Keep at it . . .
--george
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Ben Johnson (K:140)
9/4/2004 7:11:29 AM
Thanks a lot guys - I really do appreciate the help (and honesty).
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Ray Heath (K:4559)
9/4/2004 5:52:41 AM
hi Ben, I pretty much agree with Matej, all those considerations need to be explored
always think "what is my subject?
how do I present it in an interesting and obvious way?
what is it about this subject moves me?
how can I do the above in a way that I am comfortable with? (considering, as Matej suggests things like comfort level/zone, but also equipment, film etc.)
you may never be able to create images like your personal heroes, but do you really think you have to, create images your way
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Matej Maceas (K:24381)
9/3/2004 9:56:26 PM
I think you would have to approach the subject from a different angle and compose differently. I can't tell you how to do it exactly, because I'm not familiar with this place and I don't know what your comfort zone in street photography is, but I will mention what I perceive as problems with the existing image.
Almost half of the frame is taken up by empty stairs which do not add much to the photo. All the action is taking place at the top and on the right, but the people present there have mostly been cropped off, and even if you had included their heads, they were all turned away from you, and subsequently from the viewer. Although there are exceptions, people's backs often tend to not be very interesting.
The railing could potentially act as a visual barrier between the figure (your title says it's a woman but this is not clear from the photo) and the other people, but currently it only acts to obstruct the view of those other people; it's too dominant in the frame, but it does not serve any clear purpose. Maybe from a closer and lower position the railing could be used to frame the scene; maybe it would best be avoided completely.
The dark figure seems to have been your main subject (the frame is literally centered around it), but as with the other people in the image, we are effectively facing the person's back. The image does not offer any face/expression to connect with. Additionally, as Ray mentioned, the figure is too dark, most of the garment is without any detail.
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Ben Johnson (K:140)
9/3/2004 8:29:01 PM
Ok, so - if I were to reshoot it - what changes would need to be made? Is the problem in the subject of the picture itself (as in - taken by any photographer the photo has no chance) or is it the technical side (perspective etc...)
Can you give me some more detail on how I would go about making this thing decent?
I really do appreciate honest criticism.
Ben.
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Ben Johnson (K:140)
9/3/2004 5:55:52 PM
Now THAT's what I'm looking for...
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Ray Heath (K:4559)
9/3/2004 1:59:11 PM
Ben, do you actually believe this image can be improved by cropping. I'm sorry to say that cropping, or not, is not the problem. There are several things wrong with this image, the figure is too dark and the perspective is wrong. This image has very little going for it, I would suggest reshooting.
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Ben Johnson (K:140)
9/3/2004 1:38:23 PM
I think the better question might have been: Does it NEED a crop...
At first glance I felt that it did - but I can't see how to do it - and I might just be second guessing myself.
While I do respect the fact that this IS my photo - this website is ABOUT commentary - and any would be appreciated!
Ben.
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
M. Leminski (K:1029)
9/2/2004 10:19:19 PM
well done
congrats
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
M. Leminski (K:1029)
9/2/2004 10:17:07 PM
Hi, Ben
I croped in a different way, but i dont suggest 'cause you do the work, you saw the woman, you do it all, so... thats your work, maybe someone will do it but i believe i dont have to "change" others work, its a respect for the effort and for the individual options.
Good work
Best regards
ML
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Chris Hunter (K:25634)
9/2/2004 9:40:40 PM
I really like the slight blur to this...it gives the sense of motion or falling, interesting work -
Chris
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Thilo Bayer (K:50358)
8/24/2004 11:07:28 AM
Dear Ben,
great b/w shot. like the strong geometry and the lighting lines here. a bit dark in the back.
good work!
take care,
thilo
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Jani Salvataggio (K:27283)
3/18/2004 3:20:11 AM
very nice shot!!!
regards
Jani
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Jani Salvataggio (K:27283)
3/18/2004 3:06:28 AM
great street shot!!!
regards
Jani
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Stephen Bowden (K:64141)
3/17/2004 1:56:36 PM
Super photo Ben
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Ali Shah (K:3)
1/16/2004 5:39:55 PM
The pose, grain and slight camera shake give it a train station aura, if you know what I mean. I like, good work!
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Rod McLeod (K:677)
1/11/2004 11:08:26 AM
Original composition with good detail and tonal range,nice capture,Regards,Rod.
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Marcos Duarte (K:15402)
1/10/2004 10:34:25 AM
Bonita composiçao , gosto de fotos geometricas.
A fumça contra o ceu ficou lindo.
Parabens
Congrat.
Marcos
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Ersin Tek (K:355)
7/7/2003 5:38:16 PM
good photo
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
William Abbott (K:207)
5/19/2003 8:33:25 AM
Overall I like this shot, my only thing is, it seems like the light on her face is a little hard, I assume direct camera flash? Also the roof on the house in the background, is slanting down to the left, makes the image feel out of whack, the angle of the woman goes off to the right, but the house angle goes of to the left, it sort of makes your eyes want to pull in different directions to the edges of the photo at first, they eventually make thier way to the woman, and folow the lines created by her, but it takes a moment, I think if you could have got the house roof line level, the eyes would have imediattely drwan to her. Other than that, I think the photo came out pretty good, nice work.
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Brian Warner (K:213)
4/15/2003 12:07:45 PM
Superb shot. I really like your depth and choice of angle. The lighting is well done - esp. for this environment. To shoot this with Delta 100, what kind of f stop did you need? What lens did you use?
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Ronny Van Eeckhoutte (K:12734)
4/15/2003 12:06:39 PM
Very nice work and very good B&W.
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Pierre Malo (K:172)
4/15/2003 11:47:36 AM
Nice urban shot, very original angle. It reminds me good times. (My flat station when i lived in London)
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Asli Yolcu (K:394)
4/15/2003 11:14:01 AM
good..
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
|
Critique By:
Ronny Van Eeckhoutte (K:12734)
4/14/2003 12:06:51 PM
Good work.
|
| Photo By: Ben Johnson
(K:140)
|
|
