Marc, I agree with you up to a point. As I said to Danie each has his own style. Also critique is a personal thing. Each has his own concepts on how things must look. When you explain these then it is useful. Bland comments like get your own style say nothing. I appreciate your comments (even if I don't agree with some of them) because you explain exactly waht you like/dislike and what you think should be done. Anyway I don't want to turn this into a discussion forum, so I will end it here.
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Marc Gougenheim{K:5398} 11/30/2002
Hi Dimitri... I think the first comment you had was actually quite constructive. Not all comments are constructive in the same way though... I think this comment was simply an invitation to more creative portraiture, what ever that may be, which will be your own choice in the end. This picture shows me a person, and yes, it is quite good technically, but a portrait needs to show us more than the person's face...
A few details now... This harsh contrast in the background detracts from the person - especially this line that separates shadows and over-exposed area. Then I don't think the should is right here, nor is the strap of the bag... What is unimportant should disappear rather than over-power the main subject.
The expression was kind of interesting but you need to watch all corners of the frame. One may rate this picture a 3 or a 4 based on technical merit, but to the person who rates it lower, I think it just means that the expectation about artistic matters is just higher. Let's be honest: the picture isn't good, and therefore any honest critique will be useful to you. Emphasis on the person, and attention to details are the key, and will determine a photographer's approach to a subject. your subject in the end has to look special - I think that's what the first critique was trying to tell you. Best regards.
Danie, each one has his own style (or doesn't). Thank you for granting me the skills. I am curious though whether you are rating the picture for the whole portfolio or on it's own merits as a portrait (maybe if I chop part of the head off it will be more to your liking). I post in this site to get constructive critisism and to improve my skills. So I would appreciate it if I got some.
Dimitri, you have to find a certain style for your pics to come out more spectacular. I think you have the skill, you just haven't fould your 'style' yet. Keep posting...
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