My friend rocking on stage.

[GaryC]

I am just looking for some basic critique here. Anything I could have done to overall improve the shot, I am really happy with how it turned out but again, I am sure there is always room for improvement.

Also I have never had any prints made of any of my work. I was thinking about this being my first, as a christmas gift I am thinking about getting this picture framed, I will sign it (after all it will be my first print ever) and give it to my friend in the picture. If you guys think its not much more than mediocre, than I might rethink that. Any advice on this pic would be awesome folks

[sheila3]

K not a pro here so just my personal opinions. First of all I like how you captured him. He is lost in his music. However I think the shot is a bit dark or mayb needs some contrast? And I think there is a bit too much space behind him. I find the fence distracting. But nice job overall. Keep shooting.

[Amanda0102]

Not a pro either, but I like it a lot - the fact that it's so dark adds to its mood/emotion. It's perfectly clear and interesting.

I'd print it on metallic paper. And whether other people think it's professional or not, I'm sure your friend would love it as a gift.

[MrJones]

to tell you the truth, I like the pose. as Shiela mentioned he seem to be deep in his music and that's great that you've been able to capture it.
what I don't like is the lightning and the composition. it is just too dark and the observer really have to look hard to capture the details of the guitar player. while sometimes that could work, it bothers me that the background is actually brighter than the musician himself.
composition wise, he is facing left and you've positioned him on the left side of the photo. while sometimes it works, in this case there is a lot of busy space behind him which captures the eye. which takes me again to the busy and distracting background of ropes and fences.
in my opinion, you could have positioned him or position yourself accordingly so he was to the right of his amplifier thus capturing him on the right side of the photo and leaving a background that is music related.

[kristenh]

while i agree that it's dark- it also conveys a mood and it's kind of neat the way his face is lit. what about doing a vertical crop that leaves him some space in front of his face and ends right at his back shoulder? (i don't know how people take photos posted here and mess with them; if i could, i would).

[Eileen D]

Originally Posted by kristenh

(i don't know how people take photos posted here and mess with them; if i could, i would).

Kristen, if you right click the photo and choose Save Picture As . . . , you can bring it into your photo program and work with it.

I agree with your suggestions about the cropping since the right side of the image doesn't seem to add to the overall impact. As for the lighting, I like it as it is. We can certainly see him clearly and the darker light adds to the mood of the photo. It will be a great gift to your friend, Gary!

[GaryC]

Thanks all, Yes I had thought about the direction he was facing but the way the set up with the PA and fences were set up I would have had to be in the PA speaker to get that shot. What about maybe adding a little processed lens blur in the back. The shit he was wearing was really dark. I liked the mood and lighting. thanks for the input though. Metallic paper it is. Hey my first ever print even if not amazing, maybe it might be worth something one ay (and all it takes is either him or I to make it lol!)

[TMorris]

This is my humble attempt. I love the shot. Not so much the composition, but I understand the limitations when you're not the one who is supposed to be at the mic.

[GaryC]

I like your crop I had thought about that but I liked the space I never paid much attention to the background until you all pointed it out lol I might make some mods to it yet