Change?

Hi Tony,

Thanks for sharing.  I do applaud your social conscientiousness so don't confuse the photo critique with the subject matter.  What initially drew me to the image was the extreme forced focus.  I think you've done that in post production (nothing wrong with that per se) but the reason one should do that is to bring viewer's focus to a specific point, much like a vignette.  As a viewer, i'm confused as to what i'm supposed to be looking at.  The strong diagonal leads me to look down the empty street rather than the man.  Half of the man is blurry and that takes away from him.  The distance from the subject and lack of seeing his face is also not conducive to building an emotional connection.  I like the direction you're going here, but try to use the effects more sparingly and try to make a real connection with your subject.

--PatrickD

Mr D, I will say it again, the best critique I have received on this site, thank you for your valuable impute. Instead of giving change, I will make a change.

This project is totally different from what I have been producing, radically different, this is my first attempt at this look. I have been a member of PN for less than a year and the inner action for me at least has been sparse. So I studies the site and found that the most activity is generated on reciprocal critiques and  images of a certain look.

So from your helpful critique and the few clicks I got on the other image posted, it was a productive day and I feel strongly with in this site, I am heading in the right direction.

Thank you ever so much

Tony B

Hey!  Thanks for the feedback!  I truly love photography and enjoy critiquing.  I am a HUGE fan of the depression era photography of the FSA (Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Gordon Parks, etc.)  Though my personal style is different, they have influenced my photography greatly.  These folks pretty much set the standard for social commentary photography and i don't think it has been replicated to that greatness since.  I definitely suggest studying their style both photographically and professionally for inspiration.  There's also another book that i found called "the last photographic heroes" that covers more contemporary street/social photographers.  If you're just getting into this style, definitely try to be less voyeur from a distance and really engage the subjects.  Go with shorter lenses so you really get physically closer; try using a tripod or a waist level finder so you don't put the camera between you and the subject...make eye contact when you pull the trigger.  I love shooting portraits with the large format because i stand beside the camera when i shoot rather than hiding behind it.  I can't wait to see the progress of your journey.  

--PatrickD

Grreat stuff Patrick, great advise, thank you, send me your bill.

My invoice:  Pay it forward.  I had some great help when i was (and still am) learning the craft.  Give good, thoughtful feed back to others.