people and portraits Maggie and Bryanna Explore Tidal Flats

Comments, ratings appreciated on cross-processed shot--grainy effect

is intentional. Does it work ok?

This is obviously a well thought out photo made to look like a vintage family snap. I like the lighting and even the vingetting (It ads character and frames the subjects). It deserves more than a 3/3.

I agree with the previous comment. My only thought is that this image by itself does not hold well. In a series of images I think it would stand. If this is just an experiment to learn how to get a certain look that is just as well to. What fun is photography if you can't break all the rules every now and again?

 

On another side the softfocus and colors give me the warm fuzzy feeling that I get looking through old family photos. It certainly looks like someone's family snapshot from the late 70s or early 80s. If this really interests you then please continue shooting in this style and keep posting. What good is a photograph if it doesn't provoke feeling?

Out of date film is perfect for this type of experiment! As others have already stated, this has a vintage feel to it, and I like that. Broken down to just color and form, I also think this works. The placement of the bright red against the other more muted colors is graphically very strong. I'm also quite fond of flat landscapes and anything tidal. What I think would help this image is if the foreground figure (Maggie?) was more in profile. Also, the hot spot on her right shoulder is mildly distracting. Do you have any more like this? I like the "feel" of this shot.

 

PS. The bent over figure and her reflection is also quite nice.

Perhaps the best way to draw attention to the technique is to approach all the other aspects of the shoot as you normally would. Having the horizon line bisect her head and especially including the large shadow that obliterates the water in the FG draw my eye more than the interesting lighting and focus ideas.

4/4

Keith, Kris, Laurie, Carl--thanks for your comments. This is an attempt to get a different look using cross-processing and old film. I plan to do more.

 

Kris, your idea about the series is good. I think this technique would look better if presented as a group.

 

Laurie, you're right about the shoulder being hot, but I'm less concerned with that in this shot than I normallly would be.

 

Carl, I agree that the scalping is not a good idea in general, though I don't think it's as crucial as you do. Dark area at bottom right doesn't bother me, either. The attempt here is at a looser, relaxed style. As I post more of these, I will, however keep your comments in mind.