candid portrait for critique

[JanetteCox]

Hi

I am a level 3 City and Guilds student, just putting my final portfolio together. This is one shot I'm considering using.



I'd be really grateful for some feedback - I love the shot but I am biased as its' my niece! I'd particularly like some critique regarding the processing.

[Paul Francis Photography]

Cute shot, I like the sense of curiousity and danger but it is over processed making it difficult to notice the child standing out from the fence. I also didnt realize that the wood you see in the bottom right corner is a reflection until I looked at it a few more times. I think showing more of the water would have made it more dynamic and interesting, especially if her reflection in the water showed. Also, while tilting the camera for a shot can make it more interesting, my personal, general rule is that if you have to tilt your head to view the shot, then there is too much of a tilt.

[windrider86]

Please be sure to get familiar with the guidelines that are posted at the top of each page. Included in the guidelines are certain criteria that you will need to fulfill to post in the critique section. Please look them over and then edit your post accordingly. Thank you!

If you need help just holler!

[LeeR]

Without seeing the rest of your portfolio, this appears to be a good choice for you. I don't care much for selective color but you have used it well here so it doesn't come across tacky and artificial.Keep in mind that our eyes are naturally attracted to the area of highest contrast, which in this image is just below where you want it at the bottom board and the water line. A bit of burning and dodging should do the trick and help us focus where you want.

[klam]

I like the tone as it gives a warm sun set feel. I too think it's tilted to much.

What is a level 3 city and guild student? I would like to know

[Niresangwa]

Agree with comments above, there isnt enough initial contrast to draw attention to the girl. The composition is a little uninspired also to me.

I do however really love the overall tone of the image. Very warm and nostalgic, and not over processed.

The major problem is that canvas rotation. it's way too extreme, adds nothing to the image, and makes my eyes hurt trying to look at it.

If you have extra space in an original version, play with some different compositions, and definately lose the rotation. Keep the PP treatment however!

[JanetteCox]

Thanks all for the feedback, I forgot to add the shot details - apologies, will remember next time.

The shot is the whole shot and hasn't been cropped, I did have another that wasn't tilted and showed the reflection of the tree in the water but it wasn't as dramatic as this one. I did try rotating it back a bit but lost too much of the view I wanted to show. I will have a go with a bit of dodging and burning improve it.

City and Guilds is an examination board and I have already completed level 1 and 2 and am just about to complete level 3. I need to submit two portfolios of 10 images. The rest of the images for this set can be found here:

Flickr: janette.cox68's Photostream

I have yet to do my second portfolio so am taking a look at some of the weekly assignments for ideas.

Many thanks again for all the feedback, its really helpful to hear other peoples opinions - I look forward to posting my next image