The Enlightenment of the Laughing Buddha !

[chiraghb]

This is an unedited picture .. the light source being a torch light !

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/chiraghrulz/FotozByMe/photo#5169116713416477570"><img src="http://lh5.google.co.uk/chiraghrulz/R7xkQ4G5S4I/AAAAAAAAAug/eUzjDRfdfAs/s400/DSC03977.JPG" /></a>

EXIF
File name: DSC03977.JPG
Camera: SONY
Model: DSC-W5
ISO: 100
Exposure: 1/4 sec
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 7.9mm

[clockdoc]

I am happy to see some experimentation with other forms of light. How large is the original subject? As shown, the image is lacking shadow detail. Was it possible to use some reflectors or even use a longer shutter speed and move the light during the exposure. For example by stopping down 5 stops (f/16), you could be shooting in the 8 second range and splitting the exposure between the downward angle as shown and a little more direct light to open up the shadows. I am not sure why you cropped it as you have but it appears unbalanced to my eye.

[considerphi]

Hi this is my first critique here so let me know if I'm breaking any rules or anything. I like the choice of challenging lighting but like the above poster said, too much of the statue itself is lost to the shadows. That's a hard one to fix without losing the contrastiness of the image though.

About the crop, the fact that he is facing left but then the image immediately stops bothers me. I would prefer he be given some room to look into.

[Not Too Shabby]

nice shot i think the light works really well with the little buddha statue. well done i hope he brings you luck :)

[jiminyClickit]

chiraghb,

Illustrating the difference brought about by placing your subject in a better position, and with some reflected light to give more detail:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2287498162/" title="BuddhaX by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2275/2287498162_a2d6959fcc.jpg" width="391" height="500" alt="BuddhaX" /></a>

[peeperita]

nice save on the edit, jim.....

peeper

[chiraghb]

nice edit jim.....but I feel a pitch black background gives a sense of depth to the image ... anyway...great edit...noted.....
What should have been the ideal EV for taking this picture ?