dear portrait dgrinners...

Tessa HD

I'm in the finals of the Last Photographer Standing and am looking for your input on a two portraits that I took. Please offer your frank and honest opinions as to either of these could be competition-worthy. Suggestions greatly appreciated! Thank you, Tessa

urbanaries

The first one took me by surprise, what an unexpected and effective angle. Love it! The other is nice, too, although I'm bothered a little by the difference in sharpness between her face and his. Both are lovely shots in their own right.

Tessa HD

urbanaries wrote:

The other is nice, too, although I'm bothered a little by the difference in sharpness between her face and his. Both are lovely shots in their own right.

I agree - I already asked them if they'd allow me to reshoot. Now to find time in all 3 of our schedules!

thank you for your comments!

jeffreaux2

I agree that the first is a very interesting angle.

The second shot I like in theory, but as Lynne mentioned his face isn't very sharp. Another thing that bothers me is that I would like to see them interacting more. They each have a hand showing, but at near opposites of the frame. Something similar, but with their arms entwined, or hands closer together might have brought it together ...at least for me....even if their faces were both out of focus. A tad more light would have been nice for him also. As it is, her shoulder and arm dominate the image.

eoren1

The first is a cool shot at a different angle. I wonder what it would look like in black and white... The light on his right arm bothers me a bit as the shadow on the wrist almost makes the arm look disembodied. This may be helped with converting to b/w as would removing the distracting colors of his shirt.
Looking forward to seeing more of this in the finals.
E

Tessa HD

black and white

eoren1 wrote:

The first is a cool shot at a different angle. I wonder what it would look like in black and white... The light on his right arm bothers me a bit as the shadow on the wrist almost makes the arm look disembodied. This may be helped with converting to b/w as would removing the distracting colors of his shirt.
Looking forward to seeing more of this in the finals.
E

here's smugmug's processing of b/w: thank you for your comments!

NeilL

I'm enthusiastic about the first shot. If you can, grab the kid and get back to work! There is a lot of potential in the angle and the composition. I'd try to keep it not too literal, ie keep a lot of chiaroscuro for the interplay of planes (but not the shadow on his upper chest), but make the trumpet a real force! I'd like to see his eyes open and some light reflecting in them.

NeilL

Not enthusiastic about the B&W!

Awais Yaqub

i like the 1st one most

Jeff_Milo

I realy like the concept and angle of the 1st image, but for the finals it needs more. I would like to see a little different lighting. Make the turmpet really shine. If you can reshoot I might also suggets a wardrobe change for the child. Dres him up plike a blues musician; hat, sun glasses etc. Have some fun with it.

just my $0.02

zoomer

First shot has a creative angle. I like it better in black and white.
It does not really work for me as far as having much impact however.

Second shot does nothing for me. I can't get past all that blown out skin.

Of the two the first shot is far better to me.

If it were me I would try to improve the first shot, although the black and white version is nice.

Good luck with the competition!

jenweavernj

LOVE #1 - good luck!!

Tessa HD

Thank you all for your comments! I appreciate the input and have decided to work on the first one as a possible entry.