I am shy. I start my post this way to give you some understanding of how difficult it is for me to approach strangers and ask them if I can take their picture. When I say I am shy, I mean- it goes beyond ordinary shyness... I can barely handle answering the telephone, never mind going out into a public situation. If it weren't for sheer determination and courage, I would be a total recluse. So- these photos are a triumph for me, if only because I was able to gether up my courage and approach a total stranger, ask to photograph him skating, and then develop a connection with him that went beyond the photo session. I really love people, love to connect with them... I am just scared by them most of the time... but I am so proud of these, if only because of all of that.
Would love "any" constructive criticism (I can take criticism
, that's why I'm here, LOL), and any advice about shooting in this kind of fast-moving situation. I had my camera on shutter-priority mode, which I have been loving for street-photo situations where I have to hand-hold. Keep in mind I am very limited by my camera... a fish-eye lens would have been fabulous here, but I still have only my trusty point-and-shoot. Whatcha think?
Simonzphotoz
Blue, firstly a huge congratulations for plucking up the courage, what an amazing achievement.
Image no1, for some reason I like this, but can't work out why, I'm guessing that you were after a picture of his tattoo hence the reason his head is half missing. Its sharp and the colours are good, a tighter crop might have been an idea.
no3 isn't for me, its a little frozen, perhaps using a slower shutter speed to give a little bit of motion blur would have improved it slightly, not sure.
no4, has potential, I like its simplicity, however for me the composition isn't working, perhaps croping the bottom area of concrete off and sitting the board more on the thirds would have helped, and the small shadow is a little distracting.
No2, love it, punchy colours, slight motion blur and the quirky angle make it a good shot.
hope thats not too harsh...
creators
A huge well done from me too, Blue. As a socio phobe, I really understand. I agree with Simon's crits. No 2 is the punchy one, like it a lot.
Blue
Thanks a lot for the comments- not harsh at all, Simon, that's what I was looking for. You guys confirmed what I was feeling... the punchier ones look that way because they were slightly out of focus to begin with, so I flooded them with contrast in photoshop to see if I could save them. But looking at the group as a whole (there are more, about 15) the high contrast imagest look the best. I think the subject matter calls for the extra drama.
Thanks! (And sorry for the little monlogue at the beginning, sometimes I get a little carried away... )
hil26
Think Simon said it all - well done on plucking up the courage to ask permission, not something I have been able to do
derek
Well done. I also like the first one - it's striking. That tattoo looks quite new? Bit sore maybe. I like the turn of his head too, gives the photo a certain edge.
)