I’m in need of in-depth critiques of these portraits. Subject is a friend of mine working in a glassblowing studio hot shop. Please comment your thoughts. What draws your eye? Does the editing get in the way? Is the editing too light? Is it an interesting composition? Minor tweak or full-on overhaul? All criticisms appreciated.
I use my Canon Rebel t3i with the kit lens. Thank you for your comments! This is extremely helpful. I’m excited to implement those changes!
First of all, bravo for putting your photos out there to be critiqued.
All three photos look technically sound as far as exposure and focus. The editing seems to be ok. You could maybe dodge and burn a little bit to help draw the eye to where you want it. But I am a happy to see photos that are not overdone on the editing.
I find the hose that is vertical through the subjects face in the first photo distracting. I think it feel better if you were able to slide to your right and use that vertical line to frame him? I see there is a bright furnace behind him that could potentially pose some exposure issues.
The second photo has a horizontal line that cuts the subject’s arm which is distracting. A clearly defined subject would be helpful as well for the composition.
On the last one, I think if you took a couple of steps to your left, I think you could create some depth to the image with your buddy becoming the main subject and the “blower” (sorry I am not sure what he would be called) would be a supporting character.
I hope you find this helpful. If not, please let me know, I’m accepting of critique of my critiques!
I agree, this is a wonderful critique. I’ve been staring at the photos so long, I didn’t even notice the lines cutting across my friend. Luckily I can do a reshoot this weekend and these notes have helped immensely!
Is this shot on film. The other comments answer as if it was. We live in a world of publishing which says: Show us 1,000 -2,000
"Great Photos". What you are asking is if you can do something with them. Go to a local newspaper, with an article about these people and see what they say. I don't think other photographers are the best people to ask.
I owned a gallery in NYC, and I know how things work. Also, as a tip. I always shot a straight on portrait of everyone in my project of photographing artists, collectors, curators,
like ID photos. If they become famous or just well known the simple portrait will have more value in the future.