"Boy in the Corner"

still a good one

Preface: I feel a little lousy for picking on 2 of your lesser images, that I thought I would critique one of your better ones :) See, I'm not evil.... yet. [b]Composition:[/b] Not the most perfect composition. But pretty nice. You helped that a lot by the tight crop. You don't seem to want to move anything off center (I don't understand that), but the highs and lows in this image really pull the composition out. A perfect composition in my opinion would have taken the focus off of the subject. Which is why most portraiture is commonly centered. [b]Creativity:[/b] The creativity is low here, simply because this is a cliche portrait. Not that that is bad mind you. Cliche is extremely useful when you what to project a particular style or professionalism. [b]Subject:[/b] Children make great subjects. In a way, photography of beautiful subjects is kind of like cheating though. When your subject's beauty is considered more important than your photo, you're in trouble. You no longer are the artist, but merely a recorder. Not good. However, I'm not condeming you, rather I'm just rattling off. I understand why you took this photo, and it is technically well done. [b]Technical:[/b] Here is where I shall sing your praises. The single source lighting is a wonderful tool, thank you for taking advantage of it's quality. If by design or mistake, the clothing choice is also a benefit here. Great texture that takes advantage of the strong direct light source. Helping to create strong highlights and shadows. This by it's very nature gives depth, and depth is what makes one believe this is 3d, and not a flat image. Even the hint of texture on the wall and the ruffled hair give great contrast to the smooth childish skin. Not only have you captured eye highlights, but also on the lips! [b]Image Quality:[/b] Again, you could use a little sharpening and maybe crank up the contrast a little more to take advantage of what you have already started with the lighting effects.

I won't complain if you turn evil LOL! This is the best! Thank you!

This was another entry to the fair, in the "color human or animal portrait". It did not place at all. I am a bit dissapointed in a way, but I have my eyes open wider now, and can see some obvious flaws. I wish I had not cut off the top of his head, and the light on his sleeve is too blown out. I also wish I had his hands all the way in there! Up to now, I had really thought that this and a select others were my best work - now with some help from The Critic, and a few other sources, I can see the room for improvement!

Well Becky, for all the times I have seen this pic I never noticed the top of his head being cut off. I never make it past that gorgeous face! I would make a terrible person for critiquing....I think I just see the best in everything!:)

Awww.... I was just looking through some old stuff here bec & look how little Shane is!!!!! eep. They truly do grow too fast.