Need Help on Candid

[RecceDen]

I took this candid a couple of days ago of some gentlemen playing chess in the park.

I have cropped the shot but the it remains as SOC otherwise.



I have no Idea where to go with this shot now.

Do I go Black and White?

What PP should I be looking at?

or

Should I just leave as SOC

Exif DATA:

Exposure : 1/600 at f/6.3
Focal Length : 55mm
ISO : 100
Flash : Did not Fire
Exposure Bias : 0EV
Exposure Program : AE
Metering : Multi Segment

[jpitz31]

First of all, What goal do you have with this image? Where you go depends on what you the photographer saw with this shot. The image is a bit under exposed. Also the image looks a bit flat, because everyone is in the shade. On of the goals of photography is being creative with light and shadow to give your image a 3 dimensional shape.

Learn to use light to shape your images. Use some flash and some fill cards or reflectors to shape the light. Get the flash off of the camera and be creative. If you just want to shoot available light, you still can use reflectors, or wait for the sun to be in the correct location.

Really lean to control the exposure in your images.

Thanks

Joe

[RecceDen]

Hey Joe, Thanks for the reply.

The gentlemen in question were having a very fast game of chess, well fast compared to how I play. When I arrived close by the gent on the right with the dark blue top had just won a game. I would like to portray the concentration that is being shown by both the players and the on lookers.

You are right about the shade. I think they chose that little area to be out of the direct sunlight as it was approaching mid day. I will have to look for more natural means of lighting my subjects up as when I walk about the local area its just me and my D3000.

I must try and do my walks later on in the afternoon.

Because it is flat and under exposed will some PP work help Improve this?

Den

[jpitz31]

Post processing will help only a little, You can boost the brightness and reduce the shadows. But you are limited. It is best to try to get the best image possible in camera.

Carry a fold up reflector with you. I always carry one with me. Have someone hold this for you as a fill reflector.

Keep on shooting

Thanks

Joe