I love dark and broody, but is this overkill?

[suefoley]

I know is some cases its all down to personal opinion, but I wonder whether this shot is just too dark?

There's something that I feel really works, but this is a shot of my son...so it becomes a little difficult to critique.

Any thoughts, comments are appreciated.

Noted that the border doesn't work! Have had feedback on that for a previous shot. Will throw questions on getting better at that to a different forum.

Thanks all!

Sue

[Kate1]

As someone who is learning myself - and with no real idea of what is a good technical photo - I like a lot of photos that 'critics' don't. I like this one! I wouldn't call it dark and broody though - his expression and pose as well as age and what I assume is his background means he probably couldn't be dark and broody unless, well unless he was a dark and broody 15-year old boy! (Which he isn't far off....). To me what the lighting does is soften the picture and give an intimacy to it. I ike it a lot.

[Benji]

I am a critic! We are looking up into his nostrils. Straight on or a slightly higher camera perspectives will prevent this. The main light was too low. The main light shadow is running horizontally across his face. It should be running downward, and the main light catchlight should be at 11 or 1 o'clock positions in the eyes.

Benji

[Kate1]

You're an excellent critic Benji. But your comments scare me - most of what you identify as a problem wouldn't occur to me! Makes me realise there is sooo much to learn ......

[kgb224]

Outstanding capture shared by you.

[suefoley]

thanks benji for your honest advice. kate1 is right...it's quite daunting when starting out. lots of fun to play around and see what works though. i do find it difficult when the subject has a personal attachment...

benji - if you're still checking out the forum, can I ask your thoughts on how dark the overall shot is? if the lighting was coming in from another angle, and the nostrils out of sight...does the brightness/contrast still work?

[windrider86]

By including you exif info (asked for in the guidelines) we can also offer you alternate camera settings