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2.61 - "Solid" 

-Cosplay Photograph-
Lara Croft cosplayer by Rachel Reeter

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2 Comments

I see what you were going for, and I do like this type of location, especially for a Lara Croft cosplay. However, there are 3 elements that I think would benefit this photo:
1. Most importantly, straighten that horizon, it's something that's massively overlooked and will help bring your composition together. rarely should a horizon not be level.
2. Be aware of the composition of your surroundings. Like I said, I like the location, but don't be afraid to get creative. She seems far away, almost disconnecting me from her. This makes me feel like an on-looker, especially since she's not making eye contact with me. (Which is fine, that's actually an element that isn't used very much in cosplay photography from my perspective.) since I'm disconnected as a viewer maybe try to make it seem as if this is the perspective of someone else, throw some leaves in the foreground. Make the on looker seem hidden or maybe experiment with perspective; get in a tree or low to the ground. This also segue's into my last point.
3. If the aforementioned situation wasn't your intent with this photo, then bring your subject in closer. Portraits in landscapes are mighty tricky, if they're too close, the surrounding landscape is easily lost in the narrative of the photo, and if the person is to far away in the landscape, they can easily become the non-dominant element within the photo. To strike this balance is extremely tough. Lara is a dominant character, connect me with her more as a viewer. You have two options with this. Either bring her a bit closer making her dominate the photo and causing the landscape to become an element that supports Lara. Or, refer to #2 and use composition whereby causing Lara to retain her importance within a dominating landscape. You can do this a number of ways such as framing or leading lines. I hope this helps and I look forward to seeing more work from you.
-Cheers

Since the OP didn't bother replying, I just wanted to let you know that your in-depth comment is awesome. Excellent critique.