What they do – 1

[KjetilNorway]

March 9, 2011 at 9:53 pm

Some of my first attempts at a series, trying to catch people doing “what they do”

Found this man drawing at the Russian culture week.

Caught this man while tending a book stall in temple bar.

I am looking to improve, so please do not hold back.

[clami79]

March 9, 2011 at 10:33 pm

i’m no expert but i really like the way you processed the first image. it really adds to it. only thing i would change would be having the whole arm & elbow in the frame.
good job

[KjetilNorway]

March 9, 2011 at 11:04 pm

Thanks Claudio
It was an on the spot decision, I had the choice of keeping the full person or getting closer for beard and facial expression.
I think this engages the viewer more, on the other hand, you might get the feeling that something is missing.
Something to keep in mind, thanks.

[davedunne]

March 10, 2011 at 3:51 am

I like these but the to me first one shouts “I have been processed on a computer!!!!!!!” which takes me away from the subject.

I’d like to see #1 without so much PS.

[KjetilNorway]

March 10, 2011 at 11:25 am

Thanks Dave.
I see what you mean, I my self like the “naturalness” of the 2nd picture.
The 1st is though what I was looking for when I went out that day. I wanted to find someone with rough features and wild beard/hair, and boost it.
I did however never consider keeping it natural, so will go back this weekend and try to go down that avenue.
Thanks for your feedback.

[DanB]

March 10, 2011 at 2:00 pm

Great shots and good effort on the first image, Kjetil.

It is obvious what you tried to achieve there. The character’s beard is “a signature” that is worth highlighting it.
The edge glow is a strong portrait feature. Maybe the surrounding background is not helping this type of processing.
For that reason, the second photograph is much better.

Just my thoughts.

[KjetilNorway]

March 10, 2011 at 8:12 pm

Thanks, and yes you are spot on with my idea.
I did not like the dark background when I shot this, but it’s hard to get a subject to move, I was stalking him a bit ;-) But didn’t get a better shot.
I still like the result, but I agree that with a lighter background and more distance to that background, and/or a narrower DOF would have improved it. Perhaps a bit better location spotting would be the lesson.