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Old 03-05-2011, 09:43 PM
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Default Lily and the ugly dolls - question about composition and colors

These are two photos I took some time ago of my daughter. I used to like this first photo, although I was never sure about the scarf over her face.

Lily and the ugly dolls

After some discussions on DPS now I wonder if this second one is actually the more interesting picture. I really like the look on her face, she seems to be daydreaming and relaxing. Which one do you like more?

lily and the ugly dolls 2

I also would appreciate some thoughts on the colors. So far I have done only minimal PP - and clearly I must have made the colors on the first one more vibrant. I am just starting to work with Lightroom (I am actually still on the free trial). On the bottom one I should also get rid of the triangle on the right side, but don't want to crop it since it cuts too much into the ugly doll. I am sure I can photoshop it out, but don't yet know how to do it. And after some input from DPS people I guess I also should take care of the wrinkles on the couch.....oh mei....so much to learn.
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Old 03-05-2011, 10:46 PM
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They're both good, but if I had to pick I'd go with number 1. Her eyes are very engaging and I like the scarf. It appears to be a tad underexposed (on my laptop anyway). Also the orange bird doll is distracting and pulls my attention away from your daughter.

The second one has better exposure and I agree that it has a more "daydreamy" feeling. Again, the orange bird needs to go. The "triangle" in the top right corner should be corrected, but I could live with the wrinkles.

I won't comment on the color because my laptop isn't calobrated and I know that the colors on it are off.

Overal they're both good shots thanks for sharing.
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Old 03-06-2011, 02:07 AM
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From a compositional standpoint, the first is clearly the stronger image; but also it has a much stronger emotional quality. It is hard not to feel the undercurrents of both the innocence of childhood and the allure maturity, a hallmark of this age. I have a feeling that in time this will become a treasured possession.
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Old 03-06-2011, 02:47 AM
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Both good, however #1 is my fave.
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Old 03-06-2011, 03:32 AM
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I have to agree with all above. #1 is my favorite. I like the scarf and the look in her eyes.
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Old 03-06-2011, 03:40 AM
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I think #1 is definitely the stronger image, primarily due to the eye contact. That said, I think it wold be even better if cropped tighter......around the lower elbow and the orange pterodactyl (or whatever it is)...
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Old 03-06-2011, 07:17 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ctcook View Post
They're both good, but if I had to pick I'd go with number 1. Her eyes are very engaging and I like the scarf. It appears to be a tad underexposed (on my laptop anyway). Also the orange bird doll is distracting and pulls my attention away from your daughter.

The second one has better exposure and I agree that it has a more "daydreamy" feeling. Again, the orange bird needs to go. The "triangle" in the top right corner should be corrected, but I could live with the wrinkles.

I won't comment on the color because my laptop isn't calobrated and I know that the colors on it are off.

Overal they're both good shots thanks for sharing.
This is great feedback, thanks so much. I love the orange bird, but I get your point - it seems a radical idea for me to remove it, but it's certainly an option that never dawned on me. Again - thanks a lot!!
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Old 03-06-2011, 07:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LeeR View Post
From a compositional standpoint, the first is clearly the stronger image; but also it has a much stronger emotional quality. It is hard not to feel the undercurrents of both the innocence of childhood and the allure maturity, a hallmark of this age. I have a feeling that in time this will become a treasured possession.
Thanks a lot Lee! Your comment goes way beyond technical advise, I can't even find the words for what it is, but I very much enjoy it.
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Old 03-06-2011, 07:22 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RichardTaylor View Post
Both good, however #1 is my fave.
Thanks Richard, kind and straight to the point, much appreciated!
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Old 03-06-2011, 07:23 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sheila3 View Post
I have to agree with all above. #1 is my favorite. I like the scarf and the look in her eyes.
Thank you thank you thank you Sheila
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