sprouty

If this is a straight shot of a reflection then it is too good for words. If not and it's some kind of manipulation...well then, it's still too good.

sprouty

This is great, lots of contrast, nice lines (shape of the nose and lips) but still gritty (lipstick and hair). Maybe crop some of the dark space on the right?

BTW the almost all of your shots have a very personal feel to them.

sprouty

I realize your post-processing was intentional, and I'm a big fan of contrast, but...I really feel this is one of several of your shots that would be stronger with less digital artifacts.

sprouty

I think you were fortunate, they serve to isolate the subject. I also think that framing the building and clock so that the hands of the clock provide the horizontal and vertical reference points was inspired.

sprouty

I much prefer this over the intial post. The blue color on the original seemed out of place and it was confusing (to me at least) as to whether or not I was looking at sky or water. With this crop, the continuity of the dunes isn't broken and I think this adds to the sense of depth.

I also would have possibly liked a little more foreground but I have to say that your choice of color for the frame/matting makes that much less of an issue.

I have to imagine this would look tremendous if it were enlarged. Well done.

sprouty

Have to agree, this is really interesting. I just wish her face was a little brighter.

sprouty

Ah yes, it makes sense now at least.

Thanks,

sprouty

A couple of comments to perhaps further discussion...

The railing: As a compositional element it may be fair to question its need, though thematically it adds to the concept of "they meet and then time stands still" (if one can be so presumptuous as to assume another photographers intent). The diagonal line leads up to them and then abruptly stops. It also however, serves to slightly unbalance the picture, in my mind. Could it have been eliminated? Well Im not so sure. Given the focal length it may not have been possible to readjust the perspective and still capture the same/similar picture. And certainly from a purely functional perspective it was essential; it literally supports the two central figures and allowed them to remain stationary long enough for the photo to be taken. Without it there most likely would have been motion on their part and there would be no need for this discussion, as the print would have probably ended up in the trash. So again, maybe this really was the best that could have been done given the situation as it unfolded.

Motion Blur: No comment on PhotoShop. I choose to accept the photographers word until proven wrong. Besides I also find no contradictory elements. I think many of us assumed that all the motion of the background figures was occurring from the left to right. Where in fact the right hand figure may not have been walking at all. To my eye he may have been standing there, rocking back and forth, hence the blur below the shoe as opposed to above. As for the missing lines between his legs? Well I dont know enough about trains to know if those lines are continuous or interrupted at certain points, by flat panels.

As a side note, and possibly off topic; Doisenau's The Kiss (which was faked anyway). Really? I thought it I had read that it was posed, but was it actually claimed to be a candid?

As for a proper critique, I could scarcely begin to do better than a few of the others have done above, but just to be clear, I find myself in the same camp as others who feel this an "OK" shot, yet not perfect, but it does appear to show a tender moment and that has to count for something.

Sprouty

Heather, what is the white dot to the left of the model's nose? I like the shot, but am distracted by this one element.

sprouty

I agree with Chris. I would lose the toy figure, simplify the background elements, leaving just the brick wall and the drapes, and try again. And while you're at it maybe just a bit less exposure. You're on the right track and could have a nice shot but the toy figure reduces it to something less somehow.

sprouty

At least thats what I see. This is a great shot and may be your strongest of several excellent takes on this theme. Interestingly, from the thumbnail I couldnt imagine what this was, and only upon closer inspection did the forms reveal themselves. Now that I do recognize them I find a very harmonious picture: the style of glasses, neon colors, and the dark overall tone all contribute well to the atmosphere of the picture. I really cant find a single element to criticize; in fact I find the red edge at the bottom even adds something, (perhaps as a color boundary). This is a very strong composition and is way outside of what I am normally drawn to when shooting. Very well done!

Stephen

this is outstanding. The colors are incredilble and very complimentary. I looked through your portfolio and if this is the direction you are going with your flowers then I would humbly suggest you are on the right track. This is way beyond your other shots.

sprouty

I might "lose" the feet above her head as it draws attention away from sneeky Pete. But even so the shot is great.

sprouty

Wonderful stuff. It certainly offers a fresh perspective. It must make picking up prints feel a little like Christmas, never knowing exactly what you're going to get.

sprouty

I like idea of this shot, a lot in fact. Her relaxed pose, the slit of her dress, there is a lot that works here. But there are a couple of things...I wish there was a little more of her face to show her expression, the shoe competes for attention with the main element (the tatto) and maybe a little less of the towels and general "busyness" of the background elements, especially around her hair. I'd shoot this same model again, it's very sexy in an understated way.

sprouty

... there is just so much tension. I do think it would benefit from a bit more sharpness, but I'll trade sharpness for getting the shot anyday. Well done,

sprouty

This immediately caught my eye. Rich texture, and color, it must be a wonderful print. I slid it around on the screen a bit and my only comment might be that I prefer it with a small portion of the white at the top cropped. This brings more of the color up to the top. But of course I'm just nit picking, excellent work.

sprouty

About the cropping, it works. I would have liked a little more detail/less contrast in the chin. This is a good work either way though.

sprouty

Before I read your comments I had two thoughts: the first was that the lighting is superb. I think you made a lot of great choices here and my hat is off to you for a great shot. The second thought only came to me after I scanned the picture for a bit...I suddenly realized that one of the best elements of the photo is the dark sky. It lends an ominous feeling, and I can't help but imaginge the photo would have been weaker if it was lighter. Good choice again, it all works.

Just as Philip mentioned, the color caught my eye, deep and rich, very vibrant. But after that, what? I think you need head towards either more abstraction or less. Light it softly from the front maybe or at a low angle or force an odd perspective. If you can re-shoot this I'd suggest trying a few more shots, there could be something here.

Good luck,

sprouty