new -- color & b&w 'The Cry'

'The Cry' is one of a large range of expressions shown by this artist

(tattoo) in Venice Beach, CA not too long ago. Not surprisingly, he

has appeared, I believe, in films, though almost assuredly in some

minor roll, but not for lack of talent in facial expression. Your ratings,

critique, and observations are invited and most welcome. If you rate

harshly, very critically, or wish to make a remark, please submit a

helpful and constructive comment; please share your photographic

knowledge to help improve my photography. Thanks! Enjoy! John

Good-day John

I like this image a lot, but I would like it all the more if but for one change, just a half inch or so more image on the top.  Though the primary interest is to be the man's mouth in cry, his face seems to be wanting without complete eyes (orbital ridge and/or eye-brows).  He also seems to speak with hands as well, that seems lost to some degree with this crop, particularly the complete gesture of his left hand.  It is only a guess on my part, but I supposed you cropped to this 2:1 format by removal from the bottom (concern over the blurred right hand or something else perhaps), and there really was no more in the original capture above the existing edge.  But I find this hard to believe to be the case with your experience, but things do happen.

Alas though, I may have it all wrong.  These of course have only been my opinions and other's may vary.  I know that you certainly have the portfolio and reputation to justify any presentation you wish to put forth.  Just by leaving my desired elements out, you have indeed increased my viewing time on the image, and that is certainly one of our desired goals.  But could this also have be had by more full features?  I believe so, the action and the vibrancy of this character seems to hold his own, he demands notice.

Nice work at a 5, but in my humble opinion you may have been just a half inch away from a 7, definitely a 6, at least by my rating.

Best regards...

-Dave

You are mostly right on.

This is a miss -- a near-hit, held back for some time because it was not a 6 or a 7, but close.

I finally decided to work it up and because of the color and the expression, I decided to post it anyway, ratings be damned.

The guy's a gem, and I have other photos of him with good expressions - maybe 6s, but this expression is priceless, however the framing, even if it's 'off' by a fraction.

I'll look him up again when I return to Venice; he likes the camera and the camera likes him, I'll show him this, and ask him for some more exposures; and I think he'll comply. 

After all, it only takes a couple of minutes, then we go our separate ways.

Really, I only take a minute or two with a subject, and sometimes something like this can 'take off' - it sometimes surprises me, so I post 'em and take my chances. 

You can't get surprised if you're too conservative, but run the risk of a bunch of '3s and '4s, which is a risk I'm willing to take -- I'm not too hung up on high rates or any sort of 'great reputation'.  I'm just a guy who can miss a shot, but just barely and is willing to share it, and admit it's a close miss, but sometimes raters and critics don't accept what I think are misses are actually misses, and they may rate as 'hits'.  Go figure.

That's what critique is all about, and why I keep getting surprised (both happily and sadly).

I'm pleased you took a chance with your critique . . . . . yes, I'm wearing no clothes.

Or framing this photo just a little 'off'.

But I know in critique people will spot and comment on such things.

Still, I LOVE his expression.  For me that excels.

I'll be back to look him up with I'm in Venice.

And thanks to you for commenting honestly.

john

John  (Crosley)