Sister, on the beach

[StacyT]

My sister came down to Texas from Washington and we did some pictures. I am a hobbyist photographer, and LOVE getting feedback so that I can grow and become better with each shot I take.


115 by stacytoddphotography, on Flickr



Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 55 mm
ISO Speed 800
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
Orientation Horizontal (normal)

[kevingeary]

I like the composition and toning. I assume you got a variety of shots. The only problem I have with this one is that it's not very interesting. It's a great shot that can compliment another closer up shot, but viewed by itself comes across as boring.

Like I said...I'm sure you got a variety...so that's all I can give you on this one without seeing others.

[StacyT]

Thanks very much for the comment.

[kvetcha]

I think it's a really nice shot. The palette you went with is warm and inviting, and the vignette/color burn adds a dreamlike quality that works well with the hazy background. Perhaps it's not a shot with high general appeal, but I think it's a really nice portrait, and something that would look great around the house.

That is, if it were me in there I'd want a print.

[Niresangwa]

Hey Stacy...

...overall I like the shot.

The composition is interesting, good use of negative space, which I'm always a fan of, and a nice collection of features. The pier in the background is an especially nice touch when the left side of the frame is so loaded. The juxtaposition of a single horizontal line works well to balance the verticals.

The toning is more pleasing at first glance than it is when you look at larger versions. Overall, a good choice, and I'm partial to the warmth, and the pink tone works. The green/yellow of the vegetation doesnt quite line up with it though.

Coupe of points however.

Firstly, why did you go with ISO800? It seems that the conditions were bright enough not to go that far, and it had a couple of consequences.

It added a lot of grain to the shot at closer look, which can be a good thing, especially when you're trying to create a softer look as you did here. Unfortunately once you added the processing, it was exacerbated and the detail you lose with higher ISO's was amplified.

Secondly, how did you process this? Did you use an action/preset? If so there may have been ways to get the tones you were after without using the actions... actions, especially those that boost the saturation, can wreak havoc with images shot at higher ISOs.

The obvious contrast jump has the effect of almost making the model seem added afterwards, because you lost any dynamic lighting you may have had on her features and limbs.

Hope that helps!

[StacyT]

Wow! Great info! Thanks so much.

I did 800 because it was actually a very dark and coudy misty day. Not an ideal picture day. My camera was covered with plastic! lol.

I did use an action. I am still trying to learn photoshop techniques without using actions. I would love to do it all myself.

Thanks for the great comments! Very helpful!

[autofocus]

Stacy, I also like the shot, the tones and the overall mood of it. The only thing I'd like to see is maybe a slightly tighter crop. Some off the top and a little less off the bottom, but try not to cut off any of the pier in doing so. But I think the image will work either way...and I do find it interesting. As they say, a photograph should tell a story, and provoke some thought. For me, there is a story here as she wanders down a lonely beach by herself. (maybe many stories) Nice job.

[StacyT]

Thanks so much, I will see what a different crop looks like!

[StacyT]

Here is the crop


115CROP by stacytoddphotography, on Flickr


But with the ISO so high, i think it is too grainy :-( But I do like the crop this way as well.

[kvetcha]

I've found that b&w can often rescue a grainy shot, if for no other reason than it's part of the aesthetic. Might want to give it a shot.