Help on Graduation Shot

[oldguyrich]

Please tell what is good or bad about this shot.
shot at 1/100, f#.8, spot metering, iso 100
thanks

[MrJones]

I think it's a bit flat. try bumping up the contrast and exposure to get some life into it.
also, taking the photo with a wider aperture would have blurred the background and would have given you better background / object separation.
it's not a bad photo, actually quite good but it has the potential of being a great one!

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by MrJones

I think it's a bit flat. try bumping up the contrast and exposure to get some life into it.
also, taking the photo with a wider aperture would have blurred the background and would have given you better background / object separation.
it's not a bad photo, actually quite good but it has the potential of being a great one!

I, again, agree fully with MrJ... These sorts of shots work really well if you use a wider aperture (small f number) and on top of boosting contrast a bit, I'd also like to see it a bit warmer as it feels a bit 'cold'. It's my opinion that these sorts of outdoor shots feel better a bit warmer.

[JoanieA]

I like it, although I would probably warm it up a bit and add some contrast. Also, I would probably have the subject turned a little in the future. The straight-on with the legs open slightly isn't very flattering. Maybe if you were looking down on him a bit instead of straight-on? And a little emotion would be nice as well. But I really like the quality of the shot, nice clarity and I don't mind the f/8 in this shot.

[oldguyrich]

ok, I have added contrast, and warmed it up...some... am i closer? I know it is all subjective, but you guys have seen success a lot more than i have...

[oldwolf]

I like your edit although the right side of his face seems a bit blown out.

[oldguyrich]

yes, old wolf, the right side is blown out.. but that happened when i added more contrast...not sure what to do about that....

[pix_e_l8]

Not sure if this is any better, but another view. I also rotated it to bring the waves a little closer to level, so had to crop it a bit. Nice shot!

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by oldguyrich

yes, old wolf, the right side is blown out.. but that happened when i added more contrast...not sure what to do about that....

Work in layers and erase that area of the cheek with a low opacity eraser brush until it looks right.

[MrJones]

tried working on it a little, this is what I came out with:
contrast, brightness, layers and a bit of playing with the colors.