Strolling the streets

[ang1995]

I took this picture awhile back while my uncle was doing a music video and I had to take a few pictures. I really like is and I know that it needs some help with the lighting but I'm not sure what it needs. Any advise would be great!

[ang1995]

Here is the Exif Data

Exif Data:
Camera: Cannon Rebel XTI
Lens: Cannon EF 28-138mm
Exposure: 1/400
Aperture: f5.6
Focal Length: 38.0 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Flash: Off, Did not fire

[ChrisAdval]

Originally Posted by ang1995

I took this picture awhile back while my uncle was doing a music video and I had to take a few pictures. I really like is and I know that it needs some help with the lighting but I'm not sure what it needs. Any advise would be great!



Exif Data:
Camera: Cannon Rebel XTI
Lens: Cannon EF 28-138mm
Exposure: 1/400
Aperture: f5.6
Focal Length: 38.0 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Flash: Off, Did not fire

The photo feels a little soft. The lighting looks fine for the concept that I'm seeing, but I don't understand why you have the shutter at 1/400th, if the photo is too bright to make it darker by the shutter you should make the aperture higher since most of the photo is not the person in the shot so it would benefit to get the surroundings (the building) sharp as the primary subject (the person).

[Chip]

Very nice concept, Angela. I like it, too. I enjoy the setting and that you captured him playing, not just standing.

Here are my thoughts about what could be possible improvements, especially if you can re-shoot.

1) Get closer. The comp now is guitar player dwarfed by big, cool wall. If you fill the frame more with your uncle, we'd be able to focus more on him while still having some wall for interest and context. Along those same lines, I don't think the sky adds much to this photo.

2) Eye contact. He doesn't necessarily need to be looking right into the camera, but being to see his eyes (maybe having him look straight out?) would help us get a better feel for your uncle.

3) Lighting. Shade is often fine, but the lighting in this shade seems to have no real direction . . . which make the lighting a bit flat and uninteresting. Any way to re-shoot in the same spot, but when the sun is bouncing around a bit more? Maybe earlier in the day, maybe when there;s a big white truck to use as a reflector, etc?

4) Contrast. In post, maybe bump up the contrast a bit, to bring out the texture in the wall. (It may be tough to bump it up too much, though, without making his black outfit too black, unless you selectively increase the contrast on all but your uncle.)

Good job.