What’s Your Preference?

anniehun · #1 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 07:10 PM

I always wondered about this one. It is a candid shot taken at a little street cafe. It just told me a story, so I could not help capturing it. I wonder how do people with more experience look at it. Please critique my shot, I am open to hear about all aspects. Thanks a lot!

From Venice

ISO: 100
Exposure: 1/100 sec
Aperture: 5.6
Focal Length: 200mm
Flash Used: No

LeeR · #2 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 09:33 PM

The shot is lovely; I wouldn't change anything about it. Don't listen to nonsense about The Rule of Thirds or Fibonacci's Sprial, just leave it alone, It works.

private · #3 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 10:15 PM

The only thing I would do is clone out the white spot on his hat. Its a lovely photo, makes me want an espresso!

FocalFrenzy · #4 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010, 01:59 AM

I agree about the white spot. Lose it, and you've got the perfect shot.

TylerGS · #5 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010, 02:10 AM

While I wouldn't be classified as someone with more experience, I'm going to comment on the photo anyway. It tells a wonderful story! I don't know what you saw when you snapped the photo, but I see a wise man who can take a moment in this busy life and enjoy the small, pleasant things. If only I could capture stories in photos the way you have done here.

Surprised · #6 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010, 03:45 AM

This is an amazing image. I don't know much about the technicalities (save to say I agree about the white spot and, having enjoyed staring at the picture for around 10 minutes, the blue at the top is becoming very slightly distracting)... but this picture says so much in so many ways. The guy is almost certainly retired from his age and his casual attire; he seems to be alone -- unlike the two women in the background, who seem more formally attired -- probably they are taking a break from their office jobs. So immediately you have gender issues coming to the fore; and you have thoughts about companionship -- the two women have each other, he has no-one; and you have issues about time (he has enough to stop and stare, they do not), and work/retirement, and...

Wonderful, wonderful work. I salute you.

SusanH1970 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010, 03:56 AM

Agreed that it's perfect as is, but before I read the other critiques, I noticed the blue line above him which I found mildly distracting. If you can get rid of that, it's perfect. Love this!

anniehun · #8 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010, 07:52 PM

Thanks a lot, Guys! I learned a lot from your comments/critiques. The reason I wondered about this shot was that I - long time ago - posted it, along with 2 other shots, as a series - to SYS. The thread got a lot of positive comments and the most views in my DPS history, and I myself loved it too. However, I was curious as to people just happened to be extremely nice to me, or it is really good. Also, I wanted to know what to try to do different technically, if something like this occurs next time... as I am lucky enough to wander around and take candid shots like this quite a bit. Of course, when shooting street shots or travel shots, you don`t have much time to play around with settings, but that`s what image editing sofwares are for, right? Anyway, again, appreciate your input alot! THANKS.