Amazing Model Yvette Lopez

[ElCapitan]

Just looking for on overall critique. No questions in particular but would like to get opinions on what people think. What works and what doesn?

EXIF:
Canon 5D MkII
Canon 100mm f/2.8
100mm
1/400
f/4
ISO 3200
No Flash



Larger version: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6144/...c963cc15_o.jpg

[ttosifa]

I'm sure others will chime in more about the composition and stuff.

The VERY first thing I noticed is that you clipped the red channel pretty comprehensively on her right side of her face. Caucasian skin (or near-Caucasian as the case might be) registers a lot of detail in the red channel, so a lot of detail is missing on her right side. It's difficult, for instance, to separate the right side of her nose from her right cheek.

I am guessing that her skin was overexposed by at least 1/3 stop, probably 2/3 stops. That being said, the lighting of the background and the bar is rather good, IMO. If this is a flash picture, you could simply dial down the key light. (Oops, just read no flash.) If natural light, then this might be a case where you need a scrim or something to block the light on her while keeping the remaining light the same.

Having her look outside the frame away from the negative space is puzzling (not in a good way). What's she looking at? If she had been looking at the camera, she might have become sultry (good) and it might have reduced or eliminated the overexposed skin (even better).

Also, I think the background is leaning a bit rightward. Rotating counterclockwise about 1.6 degrees gives the background more of a comfortable feel, but ruins the crop.

Finally, in the large version, the focus seems to hit her hair on the left side of her chest (I was just checking for focus, honest!), not her eyes.

EDIT: Rereading this, I just wanted to more clearly say that I love what you did with the background here. Maybe you vignetted it a bit, but nice job if so.

[Doug Sundseth]

I think your key might be just a bit hot, but not out of the range of post.

I think you might benefit from a bit more complexity here. Perhaps a gobo to drop a moderately complex shadow across the model and the set. Or maybe another glass or a bottle of beer or even a coaster on the bar.

FWIW, I think the model looking out of frame works well here, and it looks like you've got both a good connection with her and good timing on the shutter.

The story you're telling in this photo is compelling and evocative. I really like this.

[ElCapitan]

First I just want to say thanks for responding. My initials reaction to critiques is to try to defend why the image looks like it does, but I have to remember I am always trying to better my skills.

A little background on the image: I work as the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops. So when we work with models, I can only take shots when the participants are on break, changing gear, or reviewing the shots they just took. That said, I don't expect my shots to be perfect. Sometime I get attached to the moment, and really like the shot.

I'd say the exposure wasn't off, but just suffered from not having a well placed reflector or fill flash. These are things I plan on working on between seasons at the workshop.

I can see some not liking the model (the awesome Yvette Lopez) looking out of frame. For me, I like it. The way she is standing with the one arm on her hip and the empty shot glass, it looks like she is pissed that some guy stood her up.

As a general comment on both responses, it was literally me, my camera and Yvette. Perhaps I should have put that in the first post so people could base it off that. But on that note as well, I want to know what needs to be added, so that when I do have the time and dedication to my own shoot, I know what to do.

Again, thanks for responding.

[Bruce A]

My only critique is the extra warmth on her cheek. I also like her pose and I think the story justifies her out of frame gaze. Personally I don't think anything needs to be added, the empty glass says it all. Beautiful model and shooting.

[Ridgetop]

Overall I like what you did with this. I too have some issues with the exposure on her face but it still a nice capture. Someone mentioned the bar needed something more. I think with her looking outside the frame I would have added a second glass that was still full of whatever drink you wanted to have. That way your missing boyfriend mystique would be given a little more power (she drank her shot while waiting for him or whatever). That's a lot of negative space in the upper right and not sure if it works for me, but that's neither here nor there.

[ElCapitan]

Thank you for all reviews. Here is a slightly updated version. I used shadow/highlights to tone down her face. How does it work?

Before


After

[Matthew_Scullion]

Just my two penneth worth ElCapatain. Firstly I think it's excellent. If I was to change anything however, I think I would take the glass out - I think it looks a bit like it's just hanging out there and is, for me, a little distracting.