Man in thought

[voltageek]

My friend Senanu is an actor and needed some pictures for his fan page. I was trying to convey in the images was a feeling of contemplation, of calm.
1. Does the composition and lighting help put that across?
2. Would it have been better if I had used a narrower aperture so that not just his face was in focus or is good the way it is?



Exif
Exposure - 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture - f/2.8
Focal Length - 50 mm
ISO Speed - 1600

Shot with a Rebel XS & 50mm f/1.8
Light source was a desk lamp stuck in an empty carton, camera left.

[peeperita]

i love this low key portrait.....with that iso, i assume it was natural lighting....and the warmth from it wraps around his skin as beautifully as the shadowing does.....

kudos, sir...

i think you're on the right track about the depth of field......it gets a little too soft to suit my taste for a man's portrait......and sice this is so important to your client's work......i would suggest a reshoot under a bit brighter lighting to give yourself a bit more wiggle room with your shutter to accomodate a smaller aperture....

this is an arresting image and yes, it does convey contemplation with that pose.....

peeper

[voltageek]

My thanks for the feedback.

Like I did say, the light source was a lamp in a cardboard box(no, seriously ) . I'll probably be hanging out with him this coming weekend so we'll get to try again. Hopefully, I'd have my lighting kit by then and have some extra flexibility.

[desai.hirak]

very nicely done.. consirdering that u didnt use any professional lights... i would not close down the aperture. Focussing the face gives depth to the portrait and makes it more meaningful, it would become flat if everythng would come into focus.. nice shot!

[dbevisjr]

I would have to agree with desai.hirak on this photo. For the feeling you seek to capture the face is a key element (in my humble and inexperienced opinion). Extending the DOF to bring his arm and bulging bicept into sharper focus may lead the eye to a different element of the photo at first glance. The first part of the photo I saw was his relaxed face and closed eyes. It doesn't get more calm than that. His head resting against his raised hand says "deep in thought". If the first thing I see is his muscles I will most likely think "strength and power". I think you did a magnificent job on this photo.

[Sterling]

For me, the gesture of putting the fingers to the bridge of the nose does not indicate calm but just the opposite, frustration.

[Ms Byron Bay Photography]

I agree with the "feeling of frustration". Beautiful picture!

[voltageek]

Thanks so much for the feedback. Very much appreciated.