Personally the top image has the potential of a really great pic as all the visual ingredients are there; really great subject, good location, good colour good light......but the image we see here, IMO, is a bit confused with the main elements at odds with each other.
The dog looking out of frame almost works, but is negated with lack of eye contact with the cowboy, the open doorway is good but the angle the photograph was taken at, in my opinion prevents it from all working together. If the wall bottom had been parallel with the bottom of the frame and the cowboy had been just glancing up, with the dog looking out of frame I think this would have made for a stronger composition. If you like cowboy subjects have a look at these: https://www.worldphoto.org/sony-world-photography-awards/winners-galleri...
For the first image, looks like a random candid shot of a cowboy scratching his hand.
What I would have done:
1. Had him look the same direction as the dog, while holding on to the dog's collar.
2. Moved him (and probably the dog) about a foot to about a foot and half to camera right that way his hat isn't covering the sign/poster. This would keep him a little more isolated from distractions while keeping more context on the shed/working area.
3.
---a. Maybe not have so much of the opening. Crop a little more so there's just enough you can tell there's an opening and see the equipment.
---b. Or, shot straight on (no angles and no opening) and used the steel as the background.
4. Remove the pen from his pocket. It doesn't really go with the cowboy theme/look. :)
For the second image:
1. Watch the backgrounds. For instance, there's a pole sticking out of his head. You could also crop into the hat some.
2. Show more of the horse for context. I found the below image online that looks similar to what your photo could be. More or less.
I'm really responding to the "anonymous cowboy" vibe by framing out the eyes. May not be for everyone, but I like it quite a bit.
Thank you! Not all cowboys want their photo taken.
Personally the top image has the potential of a really great pic as all the visual ingredients are there; really great subject, good location, good colour good light......but the image we see here, IMO, is a bit confused with the main elements at odds with each other.
The dog looking out of frame almost works, but is negated with lack of eye contact with the cowboy, the open doorway is good but the angle the photograph was taken at, in my opinion prevents it from all working together. If the wall bottom had been parallel with the bottom of the frame and the cowboy had been just glancing up, with the dog looking out of frame I think this would have made for a stronger composition. If you like cowboy subjects have a look at these:
https://www.worldphoto.org/sony-world-photography-awards/winners-galleri...
Thank you for your critique. It is much appreciated.
For the first image, looks like a random candid shot of a cowboy scratching his hand.
What I would have done:
1. Had him look the same direction as the dog, while holding on to the dog's collar.
2. Moved him (and probably the dog) about a foot to about a foot and half to camera right that way his hat isn't covering the sign/poster. This would keep him a little more isolated from distractions while keeping more context on the shed/working area.
3.
---a. Maybe not have so much of the opening. Crop a little more so there's just enough you can tell there's an opening and see the equipment.
---b. Or, shot straight on (no angles and no opening) and used the steel as the background.
4. Remove the pen from his pocket. It doesn't really go with the cowboy theme/look. :)
For the second image:
1. Watch the backgrounds. For instance, there's a pole sticking out of his head. You could also crop into the hat some.
2. Show more of the horse for context. I found the below image online that looks similar to what your photo could be. More or less.
https://jubilee-live.flickr.com/65535/48714783531_01eaa42e6d_b.jpg
Thank you for your review. I do need to work on my backgrounds.
Thank you! Not all cowboys want their photo taken.