2 Generations

Is this a massive crop? The quality (resolution) of the image is pretty poor, and the composition is not strong enough to overcome this defect to my eyes. The concept is quite good, although perhaps a little cliched, but as the execution is poor, the picture is rather weak. I feel this is a case where Capa's dictum applies: to paraphrase, "if the photo is no good, it is because you are not close enough".

Agree with Robin on the poor visual look of the photo. It's a sweet moment and the composition, including foreground branch and leaves which provide character and a chance for depth, is interesting enough and considered. But it comes off as one big digital artifact, whether due to severe cropping or over-sharpening or some combination of the two.

I find it a heart warming scene, worth cropping from a larger frame and posting on PN. The cropped composition is good. Somehow, it reminds me of old BW movies. I agree, the PP work was done carelessly. Besides the sharpening artifacts, large amounts of cloning artifacts are visible in the darkness of the room. The photographer also seem to have corrected for some camera shake in PS, which may be one reason for the sharpening artifacts. I recommend going back to the original file, and taking time, redo the post processing. Besides the initial positive reaction, I am not sure if there is enough to discuss for a week here. The artifacts affect the mood, presentation of the image, since they interfere with the expression of the old lady, which is a key element in the photo I think. I like the tree branches, because they seem to symbolize the distance between the viewer and this personal scene.

It's hard to get a good sense of sense of any possible oversharpening while viewing on my phone, and I definitely can't tell if there are artifacts within the doorway. Will have to take a look on my computer. But my first reaction was a fairly positive one; I like the shapes hinted at the within the darkness, as well as the suggested (left somewhat to the imagination) expression on the child's face. The woman's arm seems similar in texture to the wood near it . Not sure about the composition; I can't decide if it's simply meant to look like a snapshot, or is simply not well thought out, with all the shapes partially intruding into the frame.

To me, the oversharpening significantly distorts the face, giving it the appearance that Hollywood makeup artists achieved in Boris Karloff's mummy films. Along the lines Supriyo suggested, I suspect Erik possibly could achieve the image's emotional potential by going back to the drawing board.

Quality is poor but the scene captured is very unique and well taken.

[[show-photo-18453380]]

 

I fully agree with all comments - it is poor.

I hereby try to rectify this with a the original in color, as the conversion and my post-processing damaged the photo.

They are relatively far away and I used 200mm and only 1/90" - the attached is cropped

Thanks for posting the original color. It does have potential if you take care in converting to b/w and post processing with more subtlety. Might make a good practice piece to hone the b/w processing skills. It could look really great.