Bull Rider: Christiano

[bspeed]

4x5 HP5+, Rodenstock 150mm Sironar N, Pyrocat HD.

http://bryanspeed.smugmug.com/photos/500514141_g2LSN-XL.jpg

[mikerz]

I like this shot's personality, but in this case I think that the tilted lines of the metal wall really detract from the subject's presence.

[Steve M Hostetter]

pure guts and determination, a true showman.! I agree with Mikerz, the background would be perfect without the sign..

[focalplane]

I think the background is PERFECT except for the fact that things don't line up i.e.. the seam running askew down the left side is distracting but the word "bull" is very important to this photo. If it were not there I would say it is too much like Avedon. Great shot bspeed--!

[bspeed]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. Always open to critic and help.

It was my intention to use white seamless paper for a background, in a location where the sunlight hit the paper.... But the wind was too strong, one attempt and I had a "big white flag" blowing :)

The riders, three of them, wanted the sign..lol. Film is cheap enough, so I did as they asked.

I was quite suprised to see how unlevel that building was.

[venchka]

Very good. If the building isn't level, go with it.

I see a long term personal project in the kindling stage.

[darr]

I hope you do not find me rude, but I love your pic and thought I would add my 2 cents ... in styling that is:

24470

I did not play with the perspective, just cropped; added some tonal contrast, and a tad of sepia color.

[Frank Petronio]

If it is a scanned image the amount of distortion you have to do the straighten out the background would not significantly damage his face. Trust me on that.

[bspeed]

Looks nice, Darr; I dont mind at all, I'm flattered actually :)

your edit make the lines straight..! how ?
other than curves and such, I dont know a lot of PShop. I had grid lines turned on, just to verfiy to my eyes he was standing straight.

I just recalled, that I hade left my bubble level at home that day. guess I need to glue one on my toyo !

[darr]

your edit make the lines straight..! how ?
other than curves and such, I dont know a lot of PShop. I had grid lines turned on, just to verfiy to my eyes he was standing straight.

It is not 100% straight. The perspective would have to be played with a little. I used the crop tool and then the transform tool to rotate in PS to help straighten it out some. The building itself may be off (settling, etc.), and then the horizontal lines would only emphasis it if this is the case. I think you have a real strong image and it made me want to play a little. :)

Glad your not mad at me! :D

Kind regards,
Darr

[Liz Allen]

I think the image is perfect the way it was shot!! The asque lines and off angle on the side of the sign make the whole image a little off or tilted!! He looks tilted too!! But do you think the world looks straight from on top of a BULL?? The image works that way it makes you feel a little OFF or distraught. That really makes it work!! A man standing perfectly straight in his bull riders out fit just is a nice image but adding the awkward feeling of the background makes it disturbing.. That is GOOD.. It makes the viewer feel the disturbing feeling.. I think for this image & subject it works perfectly. Liz Allen
http://photosplatinum.com

[venchka]

Like I said, take the building the way it is.

[bspeed]

Point well taken, Liz. When I am at the Bull riding arena, they are practicing. Meaning I am around the chutes, etc., and with my 35mm, I prefer the action of the arena area, better than the actual riding. :)

[Steve M Hostetter]

i seen a rodeo he looks the part