A man who juggles and rides a unicycle

[EMansfield]

I took this photo last week for my university's yearbook. I would like to know what you think about the contrast in the photo and if it defines the subject well (or not). Also, if it's not too much trouble, what do you think of the concrete he's standing on.

Thanks, EMansfield

EXIF: ISO 200, 1/60s, f/6.3 using Canon 18-55 kit lens on 40D. There was a Vivitar 283 lying on the ground pointed at the subject's face; it was at low power (maybe about 1/64). The photo was subsequently processed through Photomatix3 and was cleaned up in photoshop.

[cherrygirl]

If it were me, I would have looked for a little different angle than just straight on. With all those props, you could set up a really interesting shot. Other than the shadow on the wall behind him the shot is OK but I really do think you could have played around with different set ups for a really cool shot.

[EMansfield]

@Cherrygirl, I agree that it's a fairly run of the mill shot for what seems like an action packed subject. Unfortunately, it was the best compromise I could find to highlight both his juggling and unicycling hobbies. I took a bunch of action shots, but in 90% of them the subject didn't look at the camera, because he needed to focus on watching the flying clubs. Also, I did get a shot of him riding the unicycle while juggling, but I felt that given the amount of negative space around him, it was too difficult to see his face. I'd like to hear any suggestions people have on how to pose a juggler. Thanks.

[rick020200]

First off, I don't think his lack of eye contact with the camera while juggling would be a problem in an action shot. I'd be interested to see the best of your action shots.

I can see staging the shot a bit to help with back ground separation. Have him standing over the unicycle so that it looks like he's on it, but he's really supporting himself on a ledge or something. Then go with a low, wide angle, looking up to hopefully get him, the uni, and the juggling pins in the air, sky as the background. In this way you can get a bunch of shots without the threat of being run over. You just gotta trust that he's not going to drop a pin on your lens.

Back to your original question, I like the shadow and separation, but I find the shadow from the bill of his hat just a bit distracting and more interesting than the rest of the pic. Odd what the eye focuses on, huh? I might have tried for a higher flash position, gelled orange to simulate a sunset. This, of course, would have put a shadow on his eyes. A second fill from underneath (your original position) would have helped, or just having him turn the hat backwards, if he was open to that.

This is a very challenging subject indeed.

[lputman]

I like the shadow on the wall and would have played more with that.

[cherrygirl]

'First off, I don't think his lack of eye contact with the camera while juggling would be a problem in an action shot. I'd be interested to see the best of your action shots.'


I agree. I don't think you always have to have eye contact with the camera, especially when telling a story like you are doing in this photo. Don't get me wrong...I don't think the photo is bad, I just think it has lots more possibilities.

I think the other recommendation to play with the shadows would be very cool.

[EMansfield]

This is the edited riding while juggling shot. It was taken with a 70-300 at 1/500 and f/5, so around 200mm.


I know that I zoomed a little too tight on this one (35mm, f/6.3, 1/125s)


Here is another angle; I don't like this one as much because of the strong lines leading your eye off the page. I avoided dead center because of reflections off the metallic background and that I couldn't position my camera at the same position as the flash.


Thank you for all the helpful feedback!

[cherrygirl]

I like the first two! Much more interesting and they show just what he does! I could never ride a unicycle and juggle!