Untitled

I would love some feedback on this image such as B&W conversion,

composition. Many thanks

He looks like someone down and out who was sitting on a bench when a photographer came up and asked to take his picture.  The light is pretty harsh, his face is largely in shadow, a tree is uncomfortably close to his head, and the more interesting left side of the photo has been cut while including too much of the less interesting right side of the bench.  I wish I could offer more positive suggestions, but I haven't yet done this kind of photography.  I think getting better light is a first priority, followed closely by a more natural look other than posing patiently for a photographer who is standing above him.  My $0.02 that is given in a spirit of good will.

 

Thank you for taking the time to give your honest comments Stephen. All valid and taken on board.  I'm not a street photographer and I admit never having taken a strangers photo before so all good food for thought. I should have composed looser but I didn't really want to include the surrounds at the time - but in hind sight that would have made a little more interest.  Not to worry, there's always another photo opportunity.

By way of explanation, I didn't pose the guy, he is sitting exactly as I found him.  I was walking past and he seemed interesting.  We didn't converse at all, I just held the camera up and he looked at me so I took his photo.  I did ask if he wanted to have a look.  I showed him and he shrugged and I went on my way.

 

cheers, Lisa  

 

Lisa, this is the kind of photography I'd like to do, but for me it is really, really difficult.  I admire folks like you who can do so.  I think the hardest part is getting started; after that, one can work out an approach that comes most easily and results in the best photographs.  I have just never gotten started, preferring instead to stay in the safety of landscapes.

I take a lot of pictures like this, and I have learned that it helps to engage the subject. Talk about the weather, or whatever. A wider aperture often helps to eliminate background distortions. I hear very good things about the Canon 50 f1.8, which is inexpensive and gives wonderful results for images like this. Normally, I don't jabber about equipment, but I think such a lens would help.

Thanks Les.  I have the 50mm f1.8, I will try it out next time I am in the city walking around.  I don't know why I didn't think of it myself.  I enjoyed looking through your portfolio by the way.  cheers,  Lisa