Tough Guy
by smithma

Comment by glad2badad:
Greetings from the Critique Club

First Impression

Probably a fun kid trying to look tough for this pose. A bit awkward.

Looking Deeper

Feels very staged and contrived rather than natural and catching a 'moment'. I know people do this kind of work in studios all the time - can't be easy! :-)

Part of what gives me this feeling is the glasses. They don't seem to fit the 'tough guy' demeanor attempted here. The other item is the shirt not laying flat around the neck/shoulders area grabs some attention (at least for me). The eyes also feel 'lifeless' because they are looking away from the camera and are hidden by the glasses. No 'sparkle', no connection with the viewer.

From a technical standpoint I think you did a very nice job. Good focus and clarity. The lighting seems about right, and you handled the glasses (no glare) very well. Compositionally everything in the photo is placed comfortably for viewing.

I didn't vote on this, but I can easily see how many looked at it, said "ok", hit the 5 and kept on going.

You may want to consider posting this photo in a forum thread also. This site has some great portrait photographers as members and I'm sure you'd get some useful information/tips.

Questions? Feel free to send me a PM. Thanks!

Contort
by smithma

Comment by tnun:
Most impressive are the hands, the fingers. You draw with your body. Light is good. The greater obscurity on one side is balanced by the lighted shoulder on the other, IMO. (If you were to do anything to this amazing shot, I would think about that faint triangle of light on the right forearm, and just maybe a little "arranging" of the lint on the floor - I don't mind it because it gives texture. I AM leary of all the centering advice - it would throw off the balance of light in dark in the picture; besides I think you had a sense for doing it the way you did).

Contort XIII
by smithma

Comment by Melethia:
An intriguing pose and very well lit. You've got a nice series going.

Contort XIII
by smithma

Comment by Sonifo:
This leaves me wondering how you took this shot? I like the perspective and the pose you have. Are you balancing on your toes or sitting on a chair?

Contort XIII
by smithma

Comment by trevytrev:
Nice perspective with the over the top composition. I also like the cropped used to give some space in front of yourself.

Contort XIII
by smithma

Comment by twmax:
This is very good. I'm trying to figure out how you lit this...was it with a flash from the side, or just a light? I am guessing flash because it's so sharp for a 1/40 second exposure.

Contort XIII
by smithma

Comment by SandyP:
the lighting on this is exquisite. I'm so impressed that you did a self-portrait from this angle. Very fine art.

Contort XIII
by smithma

Comment by Ken:
This is a really strong shot, and the lighting and negative space seem to imply something; perhaps the model is feeling lost or isolated.

Contort XIII
by smithma

Comment by Stiger:
Very interesting. Love the top-down perspective. And looking through your portfolio, the entire series is really good.

Contort XIII
by smithma

Comment by undieyatch:
Editorial style crop, shaped for the story - black back w/subject off center, a view from above the figure floating tight to the borders, the torso and hand pushing to the edges. Very good and interesting light creating elegant, beautiful form.