Point & Shoot

This was taken with a P&S camera, so please disregard the image

quality issues and instead tell me: is it just a snapshot or have I

managed to capture something here?

Hi Tomek,

 

Well, first, IMHO, just because we might take a picture with a P&S camera, doesn't automatically cast the resulting image into the super amatuer, sup-par quality category. If we take an image using a pinhole camera, and we can sell that image, and/or it receives critical acclaim, then that pinhole camera has become a professional camera, has it not?

 

I think we need to remember that a camera is a tool, and if it achieves the results we are after, then it has done its job.

 

As far as this particular image is concerned, I personally feel that it's a step above a "snapshot," but not quite on top-drawer level either. I'm sure I will have my critics, but I think I would take this one through PS and do some straightening and clean up. This is not to say that a good pic has to be straight with the world, but I don't think the tilt in this one is providing any value add. You might try some other things in PS to give the image a higher interest level.

 

Or, since you seem to have this model (your wife?) always at the ready, you could try reconstructing the shot again, using more care with your approach. Good luck!

Oh no, I certainly wasn't deluding myself that it could be a "top-drawer."

 

Bet some PS would enhance the picture, but I'm not that good with it ...yet ;-)

Have played with it briefly, but wasn't happy with the results, so eventually posted a straight-from-camera 'original'.

 

As for attempting reconstruction, guess it wouldn't be the same: this wasn't posed, so it terms of how the image was captured, it would comfortably sit in the photojournalism category :P Having said that, I may draw on it in the future, when directing a model.

 

Merry Christmas!

-Tomek

 

 

Thank you Tomek... Merry Christmas to you too. While I am far from being an expert on PS myself, I had to take a shot at doing at least one rendition of your image. Let me know what you think.

 

Best,

Michael

Sepia seems to suit it, Michael! As you've suggested, straight lines look better too. On my screen it appears a tad too dark to my taste (localized dodging maybe or some curve or contrast adjustments?) and very grainy too, as if it was a print from a high-speed B&W film (so it more surprised than bothers me).

Hi Tomek,

 

Yes, I did a lot of little tweaks here and there, including some dodging, burning, sharpening, and adding a grainy sepia tone. This is just one of many possible renditions, so have fun with it and take it to your own tastes. Merry Christmas!

 

Best,

Michael

I think the power of the image is in her face, you could consider everything else as a frame for her face. the side of the image along her arm to the shoulder is straight enough, that if it were the photographer's intent, it could stay as it is, then the atmospherics, created by the elements tells the remainder of a story, to compliment the face. how would you rate your own image?

Very tricky, Carey: I don't think I've got enough distance -- don't know how aesthetic or original it is (would consider 6/6 to be rather generous though), but reckon you hit the nail on the head -- it's the model's face, or more specifically its reflection in the mirror, framed by the model herself, that makes this image.