Portrait of a grandfather

[Kate1]

This is the edited version, after taking on board people's comments.
Camera: Nikon D5000
Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/11.0
Focal Length: 55 mm
Focal Length: 55.0 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash

[SandeeWig]

Hi Kate, and welcome to DPS.

I'm not a pro, but, like everyone, do have an opinion, so take it for what it's worth.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the crop...cutting off the top of his head and bottom of his chin pushes my eyes to the center of the frame, where I land right on his nose and the oxygen tubes. I feel like this takes away from the portrait of the man, and forces me to focus on the fact that he is sick.

I'd like to see more of his face in the frame, with his eyes on the top third line (slightly lower than where they are now), and possibly even a portrait orientation, instead of landscape.

I hope that helps.

[Kate1]

Hi Aimee, and thanks very much for the feedback. I'll try re-doing the crop so there's more his face in the frame. I think you're right about the sick bit. I didn't want to shy away from the fact of his health but it's another thing to put it front and centre, so to speak. Thanks.

[mitchgreene]

I love the tight crop, but I think I'd like to see a little more of his chin. I like that you weren't afraid to crop body parts and didn't crop at joints. If I were to draw a bull's eye in the frame it would be nearly centered on his nose. By lowering the frame to include the chin it moves the primary subject out of the dead center.
The story this shot tells is of a sick man, there's no reason why it shouldn't be prominent, just not dead center. nice shot.

[Kate1]

Thanks a lot for this. I'm happy you think the tight crop almost works. I'll rejig it to move the centre of the frame a little.

[moirdo]

Hi Kate

I personally love the crop. This portrait conveys sickness and great strength at the same time. Anytime you have an emotional contrast like that you instantly have an interesting picture.

I feel the exposure could be tweaked but other than that ....keep up the good work.

ps hope grampa is doing well.

Doug

[Kate1]

Thanks Doug. Lighting/exposure is something I find challenging. I guess it's what photography is all about though, right? Grandad is doing well, for a 94 year old!