Listen Up!

.......

Nice shot, great high key lighting. I don't like that shaded border. 6/6

Supprising composition Howard. I like it. Wonderfull candid and the high key does the job.

nice composition.

A face with personality and interest. Nice composition and presentation.

Howard..a wonderful capture. You captured his open mouth and intense stare just perfectly. Rick

So I pondered this one a bit. Something about it worried me a bit. It wasn't striking a big chord. So I went back to your High-key images and started to go through them. Then I made a list of my favourites which are:

1st place: Stopped at the light - big story, lots to look at, plenty contrast. 2nd place: Face of the homeless. Brilliantly taken, lots of contrast. 3rd place: Over the edge. Just such amazing detail in the wood. Masterful dodging around the edges. 4th place:Inspector Clueset. Lovely contrast and again the dodging just brings out that something extra. 5th place: Strawberry Shortcake. oodles of contrast and attitude. 6th place: Look at me; Abandoned sign, Retrospect. But does it really matter? They're all just so detailed. So now, back to Listen Up. Don't get me wrong, I like the shot - immensely. I just think the treatment is lacking a bit.For example, I think that both his jacket and cap could perhaps do with a tad more burning - just to make it a bit more dramatic. It's just lacking something - maybe more contrast, a bit more curves adjustment. Maybe some dodging around the edge of his shoulder onto the jacket. I'm thinking aloud here! Help me Howard, you're the master!

Kind regards.

 

Warren

 

 

Any difference to your eye?

I prefer the second version. The background isn't as white though. I'm going to be really interested to see what others say (especially Kim).

 

Warren

I just didn't take the time to white out the background. Got some feedback recently that my images were too sharp. This softer submission was a reaction to that feedback. You, on the other hand, prefer sharpness which brings out detail.

Yup, I think it's a matter of personal choice. Agreed. To me, soft is nice but I do think the sharpness is something very unique to your work which you do very well without it being harsh on the eye or looking amateurish. We live and learn!

 

Warren

I prefer the loaded softer version whcih softens his features, make him more approachable. As usual, a great portrait.

Howard, I like the composition, and the b&w presentation. I do like the revised contrast better as it leans more toward a drawing-like effect (just a bit more feathering eraser tool would further add to the drawing-like effect, IMO.) All in all, another nice addition to your wonderful people/high-key collection. ^_^

Howard,

 

This is one of your better crops and I have no idea why I like it so well - just do! The detailing is not nearly as complex as some of the others you have done, but the crop makes up for it.

 

Regards,

Dick

I'm with Warren and like the sharper version, too. It has more of an edge to it, I think. I wish the glare on his glasses wasn't there, however. I'm having trouble getting past that. Interesting crop and this is definitely a "Howard" candid shot.

Sorry it took me so long, trying to catch up! What I like about this is the gentle curve of the collar on his jacket and the curve and angles of his hat. There are so many gentle curves, in the face, chin, mouth, eyes, nose, etc. Not any really sharp angles at all, with exception of the whiteout triangular area on the lower third right. As for sharpness, you know I love both sharpness and softness, so.....my opinion is I would selectively sharpen some areas and leave the rest alone. Eyes being sharp. Super compositional crop.

Hi, Howard. Love this shot. Reminds me of my dad! I tend to like the softness and shy away from sharpness when it comes to people. Although, with your pix, you seem to make either way work just fine! Leslie