Street musician

[samutsim]

Hi guys,
I had a chance to visit San Francisco Chinatown and tried out street photography/photojournalism for the first time. I like this shot overall, but I have a feeling there is something missing. Beside the obvious, how could I make it better here are my questions:
Does the composition work? What could I do differently to make it more interesting?
Is the lighting okay or does it look underexposed?
Does the BW conversion work?
If this was your shot, what would you have done differently?



EXIF:
Exposure 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 90 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

Thanks for looking and helping out!

[samutsim]

Is it really THAT boring of a shot??

[Jblackjr]

I really don't know anything about photography as I am a complete noob. With that being said i cant help but to feel that this picture needs color. I look at it and see the clothes, the two toned wall in the background and think about the mahogany color of the violin and I just want to see all of that. But take my opinion with a grain of salt.

[Weird Girl]

I would have shot it so that the white wall by his head was the background instead of those doors with words right behind his head. I also wish his legs were completely in the picture or you could crop it more to look intentional. There is not enough space for him to look into on the left side of the frame but instead it's behind him. I am not sure what the original looks like but is there a way to still use the rule of thirds but have more space on the left? I am new to black and whites so would be interested in seeing the colour version as well.

[samutsim]

Originally Posted by Jblackjr

I really don't know anything about photography as I am a complete noob. With that being said i cant help but to feel that this picture needs color. I look at it and see the clothes, the two toned wall in the background and think about the mahogany color of the violin and I just want to see all of that. But take my opinion with a grain of salt.

Originally Posted by Weird Girl

I would have shot it so that the white wall by his head was the background instead of those doors with words right behind his head. I also wish his legs were completely in the picture or you could crop it more to look intentional. There is not enough space for him to look into on the left side of the frame but instead it's behind him. I am not sure what the original looks like but is there a way to still use the rule of thirds but have more space on the left? I am new to black and whites so would be interested in seeing the colour version as well.

Thank you so much for your feedback. After your comments, I looked at the color version again and I agree with you about the color looking better. I cropped it a little more from the legs, but I didn't have any more space on his left in the sooc image. I thought giving space on the right made it a little more interesting than making him the center. Here is another edit. I brightened his face a little and increased the exposure some. Let me know what you think.

[Elmo]

Here is my take . Before I say more it is a good start toward traditional street photography, keep at it. Next most people do not have a real appreciation for good street and IMHO most of what is called "street" are only snapshots.

As for your image my first thought is what is the location all that is shown is a door. I feel more of the background is in order for the viewer to make an association with a similar type location. As for the door, it is directly behind the subject and adds clutter directly behind the subject allowing the subject to blend in with the back ground. A few steps to the right or left and a wider field of view would have sure helped.

The exposure seems ok but the lighting appears flat and adds no drama. And yes I look at tons of my images and say what if, but that is how I learn.

When I hit submit I noticed your color version. for me B/W is much better especially as you forced the image into over exposure. The B/W version has a lot more drama than the color.

Also what have you told us about the man? Is he advertising musical instruments are does he supplement his income as a street musician?

[samutsim]

Originally Posted by Elmo

Here is my take . Before I say more it is a good start toward traditional street photography, keep at it. Next most people do not have a real appreciation for good street and IMHO most of what is called "street" are only snapshots.

As for your image my first thought is what is the location all that is shown is a door. I feel more of the background is in order for the viewer to make an association with a similar type location. As for the door, it is directly behind the subject and adds clutter directly behind the subject allowing the subject to blend in with the back ground. A few steps to the right or left and a wider field of view would have sure helped.

The exposure seems ok but the lighting appears flat and adds no drama. And yes I look at tons of my images and say what if, but that is how I learn.

When I hit submit I noticed your color version. for me B/W is much better especially as you forced the image into over exposure. The B/W version has a lot more drama than the color.

Also what have you told us about the man? Is he advertising musical instruments are does he supplement his income as a street musician?

Thank you so much for taking the time for such a detailed feedback. I am going to keep your tips in mind when I shoot next time. My original feeling was the same about the BW, that it adds more drama. But given the critiques, I thought that maybe it is a little dull and dark. I don't think I can improve this particular image any, but I will try and take better shots next time! Thanks a lot!

[Elmo]

You are headed int the right direction. Keep it up, you will be surprised what you learn about people and that will improve the story your image portrays.

[Weird Girl]

After seeing the colour version, I like the black and white better I think you are on the right track to get it even better next time!

[samutsim]

Originally Posted by Elmo

You are headed int the right direction. Keep it up, you will be surprised what you learn about people and that will improve the story your image portrays.

Thank you! Your tips were actually what I was looking for. I will read up some more "how to's" before venturing out the next time!