What's wrong with this photo?

[Manda]

I thought this photo was a keeper ... until other ppl fed back that it isn't

Is any one brave enough to tell me what wrong with this photo.

Thanks - it's the only way I'll learn.

[Ovidiu]

Hmm. It looks a bit disturbing but that's not it. I think is the crop that makes the photo lose its message. It took me a while to realize that there are 2 legs ( am I right? ) and also the photo is so sharp that you can see all the skin imperfections. To be honest with you...I dont get the message in this photo. Great from a technical point of view..but...what is the message?

[neilwood]

Thats the problem i get have with it. I just cant seem to figure out the theme apart from 2 legs with bracelets. Maybe a wider crop to give some reference would help.

[jiminyClickit]

Manda,

If it were part of a set, also showing a group of similarly adorned individuals, someone putting them on, maybe a side view of someone with arms wrapped around legs as they sat on a bench.

As previous posters suggest, context would help. It is an arresting image, as suggested almost too good!

[Nathan deGargoyle]

Looking at it in your flickr stream gives some context (if only for the title "Hill Tribe"). Otherwise it could be a little girl somewhere in the Mid-West wearing her mom's bangles on her legs. Sometimes the image is everything, sometimes you need a context.

[Manda]

Thanks so much for all your honest replies - I think they were bang on.

Some times you can't see the wood for the trees.

[ihbryant]

I think that almost symmetrical photos that aren't exactly symmetrical will always seem somewhat jarring. If you can pull out a little bit and offset them some, it might be more effecitve.

Ira

[Austde]

Originally Posted by Manda

I thought this photo was a keeper ... until other ppl fed back that it isn't

Is any one brave enough to tell me what wrong with this photo.

Thanks - it's the only way I'll learn.

I think I must be on a steep learning curve because I think this pic is spot on.
I cant see the technicals because I am left looking and thinking what is she wearing and why and the soure bits on the skin etc etc.

To me a pic that leeves you thinking is more important than if its technicaly good or not.
I did'nt look at it technical side, I have a lot to learn...