The Bassist

[freakdiver]

ISO400, f2.8, 1/50s shutter, +1.0ev Exposure, Nikkor 28 f2.8, handheld

manipulated in PSCS2 - Desaturated, Curves & Levels.

Tell me what you think

[hoges]

nice shot but maybe more detail in the face may give more impact

[Through the Veil]

I like the compostion. IMO the desaturation has been overstated, causing loss of detail (especially around the face) that would probably enhance the photograph.

[deck]

IMO I like the the face as it is, what I would want to look for is more detail of the guitar body...

[wulf]

I agree with the comments about the face - a little more detail in there would be good. It might also be an improvement to have a bit more motion on one or two of the strings - it looks more like they are being held rather than being played.

Who is the bass player?

Wulf

[freakdiver]

Thank you guys...

I have so many photos of him, and thinking about uploading the rest pretty soon.

I like this photo so much because of the mystery and darkness behind it. i guess, photography is so subjective!

he is a local bassist from a local group called Butterfingers (www.butterfingers.com.my). they play grunge/alternative/post rock music.

[wulf]

Corrected link: http://www.butterfingers.com.my/

I wonder if the response would have been different if you had called the picture "Bass Monster" rather than "The Bassist"? Sometimes, the title can make a big difference to perceptions.

Wulf

[Saralonde]

I agree with the subjectiveness of photography. As with all forms of art, it is open to the interpretation of the viewer. I like his face in shadow, not knowing exactly who he is. If the title was "John, the Bassist" I'd have to see his face. As just "The Bassist" the lack of detail on his face makes the subject of the shot the idea of a bassist, not a particular person.

Hope this makes sense. I have had a bout of insomnia lately and I'm not always sure I'm thinking (or typing) with clarity.

[hsroxas]

Yes, photography is indeed extremely subjective.
This diversity makes the field interesting as it opens up a lot of room for learning and new ideas. When we shoot an image, we try to capture a feeling or an emotion. If the shot turns out the way we intend it to be, a certain amount of satisfaction sets in. If others see it the way we do and the way we want them to, it reinforces our style.
I have admired so much freakdiver's KL Beggar and have formed in my mind an image of his style. In the case of the bassist, despite the stark contrast of light and shadows, I miss the sense of motion he successfully captured in the KL Beggar.

[freakdiver]

Wulf & sara: yes, the title does make a big difference in the way we translate the image/photos we are seeing. At first I wanted to incorporate his name into the title but i decided not to since i was trying to achieve the mysterious effect.

hsroxas: thank you for you honest opinion. granted, my style is ever changing. in fact, i tried to switch from one style to another on location; i.e. i tried to be versatile. but i do get what you are to say and your comments will be taken positively. I have to improve alot in terms of my style, composition and so on and so forth; and your comments are so valuable. thanks.