Flood - Aftermath

[cipoet]

Dear All,
i took this shot about a month after the disaster in Jakarta

It's a picture of a lady, Mrs Sopiah, one of the flood victim, scavenging bricks, woods and other goods, that is left after the strike.

Her house was destroyed and drifted away during the flood.

Now, I need your opinion guys, does this picture tell the story ? Does it have the 'emotion' ? The feelings ?
What do i miss in this picture ? Rules ? Composition ? etc.


other photos can be found here, well, it would be nice if you guys can criticize my shot over there too, but that's if you wouldn't mine



Need feedback

Thanks !



PS: My deepest condolence for the people in Adelaide, Australia for having the same disaster recently

[jiminyClickit]

cipoet,

Tough to answer. If original is this dark, I might not see what you describe, or Mrs. Sopiah herself. If the devastation was behind a closer image of her face, or if she were piling a lot of items in an obvious "gathering," more than here . . . it's tough because it's a moment, no way to ask her to pose, no time to get "in her face." Have you tried cropping closer to her?

[wulf]

It is an interesting picture of the devestation but doesn't highlight Mrs Sopiah - she is dark grey against a dark grey background and just blends in too much. I think some of your other pictures in the series are better, giving a more obvious subject.

Wulf

[Rae]

I most likely should not be commeting as I am new to photography. However, I agree that Mrs. Sopiah blends in and is thus nearly lost in the photo. Also, when first viewing the photo, the definite difference between dark and light (directly in the center) makes the photo appear to me that it is two photos butted together. Just my first impression. I like the idea behind the photo as it does show the devastation which occurred. Nice series of such a sad event.

[wulf]

Originally Posted by Rae

I most likely should not be commeting as I am new to photography.

No - commenting is a good idea, as long as you discipline yourself to explain why you like or dislike certain aspects (as you did). Through analysing and expressing your reaction to images, you gradually develop the ability to make good judgements when taking your own photos.

Wulf

[Saralonde]

The thing about disasters that make them so horrific are the people that are affected by them. In most of these shots, there are broken buildings, but you have to search for the person. Picture #5 showed the woman close up, but she looked as if she were just talking and perhaps tired; I could not see the anguish that the event must have caused. As pictures of material destruction, these were good. As pictures of the woman whose life was upended, they lack the emotion needed. I think you need to compose the shot in such a way that she is the subject, with all the destruction around here as important, but still just a supporting player in the story you want to tell.

[cipoet]

Guys, thankyou so much for your comments

It helps me alot in improving

Rae, i'm a first timer too, and your comment on mine helps me improve, thanks !

Hmmm little bit out of topic....you guys know about Jim Nachtwey ? i hope i can take good pictures just like he does