Singer at a small concert

[SJH Foto]

This is a photo of a singer who released a couple of CDs locally.



I think it stands out and is vivid, but something isn't quite right. Is it the sharpness? It looks over-processed to me, but I hardly did anything to it. I think it might need sharpening, but I'm not sure.

EXIF is Canon 40d 50mm f/1.8 ISO 640 1/250sec flash fired

[zetson]

It doesn't look particularly unsharp me, but can always try to sharpen it to see if you feel better about the photo. Photos do very often need a little sharpening.

But, the colors looks great now. Nice and warm.

[inkista]

Your focus is off. The wide open aperture gives you a very narrow depth of field, so focusing is critical. In low light, the EF 50mm f/1.8 often has problems getting accurate autofocus, so I'd suggest trying to use manual focus or stopping down to get more depth of field. With a flash, you don't have to use the aperture wide open like that, unless you want to use a very fast synch speed to black out the background.

Secondly, the flat-on flash isn't the most flattering. If you were using an external flash instead of the onboard, bouncing would have given you a more naturalistic light. With an onboard, it's more difficult to get a softer light, but you could have tried to diffuse the flash somehow.

[private]

I know you cannot take the picture again, so this is what I would suggest. Because my eyes are drawn to the light in the photograph - Iwould could clone out or subdue that light somehow you might be able to get the focus on the singer. I would also get rid of the distractions (wine glasses on top of the speaker) and the thing (I am not sure what it is) above his head - near the window.

And like zetson said - I love the warmth of the colors.

[jdepould]

You focused on the microphone. Also, it's not a very good moment, he's looking down, not singing, looks like his eyes are closed.

[waffles]

The microphone is in the guy's ear. Doesn't that hurt?

Part of the headstock is cut off. Not enough to make it ok either, it's like cutting off the end of a finger or something.

The flash really hit the amp, and I can't stop looking at it.

Next time, see if you can shoot from somewhere where the microphone and microphone stand won't be between you and the subject. And get them looking at someone as opposed to the floor.

[SJH Foto]

I have shots of him singing, but he liked this one because he doesn't look "goofy" (in his words)

You are right, I should have stood somewhere else.