Composition input needed...

[Dennismc]

Hello, first post in the critique section. Diving in head first..

This was shot with:

Nikon d3100
55-200 Non vr Lens handheld.
1/80
f/5.6
Iso 100
Manual Mode (yup went full manual)

I am looking for input on the overall composition of the shot, I am not sure if I am leaving to much room to the right of the image or if the old railing is actually helping lead to her by leaving it all in there. Any other comments welcomed as well.

EDIT Also this is almost SOOC, only bumped the exp 1 stop...


DSC_0113 by Thezaphod042, on Flickr

[commongrackle]

I feel like your composition (and the true subject) suffers in order to get some interesting texture/background into your photo. You've got part of her upper body and a knee...the photo should be about the subject, but she's mostly cut out of the photo. Since she is (supposed to be) the subject of the photo, it's not really necessary to have the railing "leading" to her. Besides, our eyes are now drawn to the awkward positioning of her without the railing.

[Dennismc]

Thank you. How would cropping it tighter and cloning out the knee work?

[commongrackle]

Give it a shot and see what you come up with. Maybe if there were more of her in the photo, but I don't know about that awkward pose/angle of the shot as is.

[shauncunninghamphoto]

Hey Man

I love the setting and your subject and the overall color tone. Nice work! However, I do agree with commongrackle that the composition and your subject suffers. You have to ask yourself, what am I trying to convey? Are you trying to show what an interesting location you found, or is your purpose still on your subject? That should determine your composition.

While rules are there to be broken in the interest of creativity, it's important to know how the rules are applied "first" - before breaking them. if you're ever unsure about your composition, stick to the rules and then go from there. In my crop below, I applied rule of thirds and placed your subjects eyes over the top right golden mean point (The Rule of Thirds and The Golden Mean). I believe it draws attention to your subect and primarily her eyes. The background now complements the shot, rather than becoming the purpose of it. Working from here, you could adjust the crop to your own liking, bending and breaking the rules a little in the name of personal creativity.

The downside of this crop is that in drawing attention to your subject's eyes, it's clear that her right eye is out of focus. Unless you're looking for some other creative look or another "rule breaker" always try to make sure your subject's eyes are in focus. Choose her eyes from your AF points. The feathers under her chin are also a little distracting to me. If I had to br critical on the lighting, I would say that the shadow on the left hand side of her nose (where her nose meets her face) is a little heavy. Perhaps a reflector would've avoided that.

Other than that, great location, pretty subject, great color tone, nice even lighting overall.

Shaun

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