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DPChallenge Forums >> Challenge Results >> Help me understand (Backlighting Entry)
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Showing posts 1 - 9 of 9, (reverse)
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09/19/2012 07:45:15 AM · #1
Hi all.

I'm very surprised to see my Backlighting Entry score so low. This was a photo I was expecting a high 5, or possibly low 6 on, but ended with a 5.1 (much of the week it was in the 4.x range). Normally I can see what went wrong, but in this case I'm just not seeing why the shot is so far below average.

Can you help provide some feedback? I'm thick skinned, so don't hold back.



Thanks!
09/19/2012 07:58:12 AM · #2
Hi Mike, can understand your disappointment. To be honest, I liked your submission quite well, gave it a 7. The only thing I was not too keen about, was the positioning of the subject (quite central), leaving two large parts of white sky on both sides. But even with all that light you managed to show details quite well, focus is ok and the flares are contributing to the atmosphere of the image.
I'm far from an expert on this subject, I hope you will get more feedback on this one. Good luck.

Message edited by author 2012-09-19 07:58:49.
09/19/2012 07:58:44 AM · #3
i love sun flare portraits. i didn't vote but would have given it a 7.

that said, this is more of a candid than a portrait and candids, unless your name is jagar, dont do well here. in addition the sunflare isnt overly appealing and in fact its mildly distracting. since it casts an odd shape on the models head, to me its more appealing if the flare casts a glow behind the head and not envelops while maintaing the nice flare artifacts extending to the foreground.

im a big proponent of the third rule for candid portraits, which you didn't follow here, the models head is kind of off center in no man's land.

Message edited by author 2012-09-19 07:59:55.
09/19/2012 08:04:36 AM · #4
Hi Mike, I'm not overly analytical when I vote a try to stick to the feel/emotion the picture triggered I voted a 6, I really liked the back lit hair around the neck and fringe, and whilst I believed you intended the sun flare and achieved it well, that part of the image left me wanting to have seen more of the hair back lit rather than washed out so I would have probably scored it 1 or 2 higher if there was less sun flare, but it is your vision and capture and a very plesent image
09/19/2012 08:20:00 AM · #5
Personally I'm not keen on the background clutter. To me has an air of snap-shot rather than considered composition.

I do think you got the flare just right as it's not obstructing her face.

Kevin
09/19/2012 09:09:53 PM · #6
Thank you all very much for this feedback. It's much appreciated.
09/19/2012 09:38:57 PM · #7
This is going to seem harsh, so I apologize in advance. :)

I think the flare is awful. I'm sorry, but it just looks like a green and pink bald cap on the top of her head. Usually I'm not nearly so blunt and try to be a little tactful -- but the reason I'm saying this is because I think you really missed an opportunity. Your wife is truly lovely. What a beautiful smile, and lovely profile.

But what you missed is this: Look at the color on the fringes of the hair. She has the color of hair that is truly gorgeous backlit. Yet we only see a tiny glimpse of that, and instead we see a greenish blob. I forgot to vote, but it would have been a 4 from me because of the placement of the flare. :(
09/19/2012 09:45:48 PM · #8
Thank you Wendy :)

It's not harsh, it's honest. That's what I like most about this place.
09/19/2012 09:53:15 PM · #9
I really like sun flare shots but in this case its too pronounced and overpowers the subject. Rather than the typical flare, there is a mix of reflections hovering over her head.

Now, what I really love is the nice amber glow and if the flare wasn't overpowering I think it would be more of a feature as you would expect in a back-lit shot.

Finally, the subject is a bit flat to the background lacking specific depth. If you look at the 9th place finished (The Listener), no flare, but the contrast is well pronounced giving definite depth.

Now, with all that said, there is one image which scored higher which goes a bit beyond what you have done. You commented on that one actually so I can understand why you are questioning the score.
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