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George Black
{K:102014} 9/5/2004
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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
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Ben Johnson
{K:140} 9/4/2004
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Thanks a lot guys - I really do appreciate the help (and honesty).
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Ray Heath
{K:4559} 9/4/2004
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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
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Matej Maceas
{K:24381} 9/3/2004
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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.
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Ben Johnson
{K:140} 9/3/2004
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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.
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Ben Johnson
{K:140} 9/3/2004
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Now THAT's what I'm looking for...
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Ray Heath
{K:4559} 9/3/2004
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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.
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Ben Johnson
{K:140} 9/3/2004
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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.
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M. Leminski
{K:1029} 9/2/2004
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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
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