My Friend's Sister

[NickS]

Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T1i
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/800)
Aperture: f/1.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

I was wondering if I should crop some of the left side. It looks a little out of balance to me, but I wanted a few other opinions. And if you see anything else you think I should change, feel free to mention it.

Thanks!

[BigFuzzy]

Really really nice emotion and feel to this image. Love the non-eye contact and the subdued colors.
I do think that I wish that the space on the right had been on the left. I always like to leave extra space in the direction the subject is looking (or moving). Since that's not possible, I'd consider trying a square crop.

Still, a great shot, but I also feel it feels a bit 'off' and unbalanced.

[Niresangwa]

Agreed with fuzzy, it would have fet easier to look at had the dead space been on the left as opposed to the right. Having said that, and if the orignal image doesnt allow such a cropping, were it me, i'd take it further and try and instill more claustraphobia by tightening the left and bottom. It would be a jarring composition which may put off some viewers, but to me, if the image can provoke any reaction, even discomfort its doing its job. right now that face could convey anything from peace and serenity to hopelessness and surrender, depending on where you place the subject relative to the frame. thats a pretty cool thought

[Swisstony10]

Although I'd normally go with the other posters and have the dead space in the direction the subject's looking, I really like the way the space is behind her. It makes me think that there's something away to the right that she's turned her back on, something that has caused the slightly distant and morose expression on her face. Something has upset her, or made her sad - maybe she's just said goodbye to someone she cares about, and won't see them for a long time, or maybe never again.

I really like the composition and the crop, and the mood that it creates, and for me, the exposure adds to that. In my opinion, any change would alter or lose that mood, and I like it the wa it is. It's a thoughtful and sad image (regardless of whether she was actually sad at the time). It's not like I'm particular fan of pictures of people looking sad or upset or anything - I wouldn't poke a child in the eye or tell them a puppy had died just to take a picture of them crying - I just like the way this shot is moody in a slightly melancholy way.

Russ.

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by Swisstony10

It's not like I'm particular fan of pictures of people looking sad or upset or anything - I wouldn't poke a child in the eye or tell them a puppy had died just to take a picture of them crying

Then, sir, I must question your commitment to the craft...

[SuperDan]

Originally Posted by Swisstony10

Although I'd normally go with the other posters and have the dead space in the direction the subject's looking, I really like the way the space is behind her. It makes me think that there's something away to the right that she's turned her back on, something that has caused the slightly distant and morose expression on her face. Something has upset her, or made her sad - maybe she's just said goodbye to someone she cares about, and won't see them for a long time, or maybe never again.

I really like the composition and the crop, and the mood that it creates, and for me, the exposure adds to that. .

Russ.

Totally agree... its a stunning image to me

[Swisstony10]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

Then, sir, I must question your commitment to the craft...

I didn't say I wouldn't tell a child that Father Christmas doesn't exist...

[NickS]

Thanks a lot for all the feedback! I really appreciate it.

[tasmo2]

wow I really love this photo!!! I think you nailed the mood here! I typically also leave space in the direction that the subject is looking, however I love it this way. It looks like someone just shut the door and she just turned around to leave.

[Mso]

Don't touch the photo! IMHO it is wonderful they way it is. I like the dead space to the right and agree it makes it look like she is turning away from something that worries/distresses her.

Great shot!