Request for critique (or a simple poll about a specific image)

hi arkady

for someone who is not used to taking portraits with a large format camera
of people who are nervous infront of the camera, it worked out nice.

"traditionally" less room above the head, more brightness in the "key" light
less-busy background, maybe more contrast ...
but sometimes rules are a good framework and sometimes best broken.

when i did newspaper work i had to photograph people who hated being infront of
a camera. one thing i learned to do was set the camera up on the tripod,
focus (more or less ) and small talk with them,
away from the camera so they forgot it was there ..
and then when they were relaxed enough i made the photographs.
it takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, you figure out how to blab
while you are getting the camera set-up that even though they are nervous
that you are photographing them, they are relaxed enough to let their guard down.

sometimes opening the reflector and having it smack you in the face,
or making a fool out of yourself works well to break the ice as well ;)

not sure if this made any sense ..


john

I believe majority spoke the reasons why I'd be unhapy with this shot. Meaning original picture. There is one excellent compositional picture made by Scott, it gives way better feel. Tonality and softness is also questionable.

It is my personal opinion.Please don't take it personally.

I'd be happy to have this photo taken of me. For one, I can't smile good at all.