beno_t_marchal

It's a lovely idea. There's a lot of potential in this photo... and so I find the two flaws very distracting: the dad head is right next to one of the background tree and I'm like... hmm what's that growing out of dad's head?

 

The photo would also be stronger with some separation between the two silhouettes. They touch at the boy head... alternatively have the boy hold his dad and make it one silhouette.

 

If I were you, next time I'd pay more attention to background distractions and making sure each silouhette is well isolated. In the meantime, I'd photoshop the tree out.

 

I took the liberty of removing the tree in Photoshop (not a perfect job, I left the reflection) but it illustrates what I find distracting.

--ben

As Sanja said. Very good work.

This is from an improvised session to try my new D200. It's window-lit with a reflector, what

do you think?

 

--ben

I realize that it is late to post on this subject but my workload means I did not had a chance to post earlier and I'd like some feedback on this shoot.

All and all, it proved a very frustrating session because Sophie would not cooperate until she moved right in the front of the Christmas tree. Unfortunately it limits the separation from the background and break havoc with my lighting (the light that hit her from the right was supposed to illuminate the tree only).

I lacked time to reshoot so I had to make by with this. In hindsight, I should have shoot her in front of a plain background and composite the tree and gifts in Photoshop.
Please critique and comment. Thanks

--ben

I like the out of focus too.

However I have a problem with the boy on the right. It's not a problem that only part of their face is showing but, for him, I think you've cut too close to the eye. I can just make out signs that the eye should be there and therefore it ends up being disturbing... almost creppy.

This is not a problem with the other boy because you cut more of the face and it's pleasant.

 

The solution I would think is easy: crop some more. I tried holding a piece of paper over the screen I found that removing just a small slice on the right turns it into a very charming photo (at least to my eye).

 

This is a very subjective answer. Others may not be bothered at all. I think you have an interesting formula here but it will need some tweaking.

It makes me smile.

Excellent.

I like both frame and content :-)

Very good use of panning. Well executed and pleasant model.

Very, very good. The plain background really helps, excellent idea using a portable studio.

Very original.

Many congratulations, she's lovely.

Sorry but I'm completely missing the point.

Very good.

Excellent, I first thought it was a toy! You have a photo they will treasure for years.

 

Maybe a tiny crop on the left end side would balance it better.

I too would try without the hose...

A lovely idea but the execution could be improved. I would like to see more light on his/her left eye. The contrast between the lively right eye and the dead left one is... very unpleasant to me. A mirror or a small reflector to add a catchlight on the left eye would turn this shot into a winner.

Excellent and the colors complement each other very well. The silouette with the red kite is working well.

 

--ben

Excellent. Good timing

 

--ben

At first the chain is distracting but then it grows on you... Interesting composition.

 

--ben

Cute. A welcomed twist on the hand cliche.

 

--ben

I had great fun with a photo of Sophie and this old camera when she was 2 months old. So, after she turned 8 months old, I decided to organize another session. The two shots show how much she changed: she is very active now.

Anyway, I welcome comments on the lighting and anything that needs improving in this shot. Thanks!

--ben

Very good.

Interesting pose. The light is a little harsh but it suits her. However what is this very distracting thing between her feet?

 

It spoils the image because my eyes always return to it. Very distracting.

 

--ben