Watching

[Fuzz62]

Camera Samsung GX10
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/350)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 160 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

after cropping an image to the eyes (doorways assignment) it made me look twice at peoples eyes, more so when they are not particularly doing anything.

hows the composition / pp on this shot?

i aimed for the far eye as i noticed the long eye lashes and i thought they made the shot (they are my focal point), i added a warming photo layer as when i did a true sepia i couldn't get the contrast with the shadows how i wanted. i then erased the layer to reveal the colour within the eye.

[graciousness]

Hi there,

First thing I noticed is that border - I don't think it's doing your photo any favour. It makes it difficult to look at the photo when the border is so distracting and doesn't do anything to frame your subject.

There's also the orientation - it's a bit too long. I find that this panoramic orientation doesn't work for the photo because the depth of field is so narrow already that it feels too cramped already. There's also nothing on the left that requires lengthening the view on that side.

I do really like the idea of this and technically, I find it ok. The problem is that in leaving the left eye out of the focus/definition of the image, the whole thing just seems out of balanced. My eyes want to see her other lovely eye but can't. It's left in the 'dark.' It's also not a pleasing thing to see, leaving her other eye in such a way that it seems also there's something wrong with it, when we know that it's only left out of focus.

I do understand your vision and that is, keeping the focus on those beautiful, long eyelashes but I'm wanting to see more.

If you could redo this photo, I would leave her other eye within focus, have her on the right side and leave negative space on the left side so that it indicates the space of where she's looking at. I'd also take the photo from just a little bit more lower perspective (not a lot, just a little down more) so you can see more of her iris/pupil.

A nice photo and what a great experiment.....I hope you do it again!

[Fuzz62]

thanks for the input

I agree the shot without the border is better, i think the main reason behind using it was to try and take the emphasis of the right side of the picture and rescue my attempt.

The shot is cramped on the right (left eye) and i was worried it looked that way, but unfortunately it was shot that close and not cropped .

If i open the shot to show more of the face how far would be "enough" to keep the emphasis on the eyes and not the whole of the face, mid forehead to base of nose?

when you say the negative space, would the space still be ok with a similar bokeh or bring the background into focus a little more to show what the eyes are watching?

[graciousness]

Originally Posted by Fuzz62

thanks for the input

I agree the shot without the border is better, i think the main reason behind using it was to try and take the emphasis of the right side of the picture and rescue my attempt.

The shot is cramped on the right (left eye) and i was worried it looked that way, but unfortunately it was shot that close and not cropped .

If i open the shot to show more of the face how far would be "enough" to keep the emphasis on the eyes and not the whole of the face, mid forehead to base of nose?

when you say the negative space, would the space still be ok with a similar bokeh or bring the background into focus a little more to show what the eyes are watching?

I think you'll need to play around with different angles on this one, then you can answer as per your vision and taste as to what's the best one. I do understand that a wider perspective (with more of her face) may deter the focus away from the eyelashes, but then as it is, it's a little tight. Why not try doing both eyes in focus and see what you get?

In regards to negative space, yes, similar bokeh so the background is not distracting and the details of the eye/eyes aren't lost. You can also try other angles perhaps of her looking up (negative space on top, too, plus you can play with having both her eyes and forehead on the lower portion of the photo), etc. So many possibilities!

Hopefully, she loves being your model and will give you enough time and patience to take all the angles you need.

Cheers and I hope this helps!

Grace