Was experimenting with these shots in a wing mirror on the last night of the hope challenge, when, to my surprise "framing" came up as the next challenge. I considered this extremely serendipitous, so I grabbed my camera and re-did the shots so they'd fall within the date of the challenge. Also, although I doubt anyone will get it, or care, this is a *literal* translation of the topic description: "Capture an image where the foreground subject frames the rest of the image."
I, the photographer, am the foreground subject, and I, the subject, which is also the "rest of the image", am being framed.. by myself. Anyway, I thought it was clever. We'll see how the voting goes.
Thank you very much photom! Excellent critique, and I agree with all of it! :)
As for the backdrop, I'm still working on purchasing decent ones (this was a shower curtain, all I have). I chose the orange fleece so that it would be a complementary color to the blue, and while I figured most voters wouldn't "get" it.. I personally love the color combination. But your comments have started me thinking on what could have worked better.
I tried to get down lower in the mirror, but it threw the 3-way perspective off far too much, and I *do* wish it had been advanced editing. However, I've heard "spend more time working on your work area/setup" a lot lately, and that's something I'm trying to take to heart. A good cleaning of that mirror (instead of the cursory wipe-down I gave it) would have helped a lot.. something I simply didn't notice until now.
So yah.. a lot to think about, and to work on, and I'll be doing both :)
Again, thank you for taking the time, It's hugely appreciated!
This image has become my new user icon now though, because.. while not flattering to the masses.. has become a personal favorite (especially when sized down to 120x90.. lol)
Your image "Doppleframers" probably didn't finish as high as you would have liked - so let's see if we can "analyse the voters" a bit.
First as you know from my comments during the challenge (mine and others), there are quite a few places where advanced editing would have helped. (Note the white spots to the left of your ear on the left side (and right side) for example.) But - on the same note - could it be that there were actual spots on the mirror that should have been removed? I guess I am saying that we should inspect our props after a shot or two to correct these items if possible.
So - let's forget about editing for a moment. From a composition viewpoint - note the top of the "right-most frame" and also the "left-most frame." Both have areas that detract and should be cropped out... but if you did that it would cut off your head in the main frame. Could that have been corrected by being a little lower in the mirror?
(The top of your "main" head is probably too close to the top of the frame already.)
Could you have used a different background other than the blue (that didn't have the vertical lines?)
Not to criticize your choice of costume, but I do think voters would have reacted better to a different (and brighter-colored) shirt.
I discussed lighting a bit in my original comments as did another commenter.
Other items that may have cost you a point or two here and there: a) The title probably confused some voters. b) Some may not have grasped the "frame." Some voters are VERY literal about the challenge write-ups.
Looking at your voting pattern, a large group of voters gave it a "5" - which is average. I am really curious about the "1" and "2"votes and expect they are from voters who felt the image didn't meet the frame requirements. My biggest concern is the huge group of "4" voters - they probably felt the challenge was met but were not excited about the image at all. But we will never really know. (I gave the image a 7 in case you were wondering.)
In any event - you are on yor way - and have proven you have a creative mind. Just keep shooting, develop some workflows for setting up your ideas, then executing them.
Try to analyse your own images as if you were a memebr of the critique club. Study the winners, the masters, and images from older challenges. It is well worth the time.
I expect your scores will begin to start climbing - and will result in higher and higher finishes.
A unique approach on the challenge. Haven't seen many self portraits. The threesome is clever. Exposure is right on, but the slightly hot spot on the hand keeps you from the eye. It would be far better if there was a bit more light on the eye - and less on the hand. Overall a really strong submission but would score better if you were allowed to use advanced editing techniques.
Interesting shot and idea...getting creative with the camera I see...Glad to see that folks are. Hmmm, I'm sure you can see what I see that are problems with this shot....I know it hard to position the camera where you get your self in there...However, I see the top of your backdrop, not good....I would try to work on perhaps finding a better angle...or much better..get a flat black backdrop and turn off any background lighting. As well, be sure that a your backdrop supports are enclosed with the the fabric....Oh, don't forget to clean off the mirrors....Hmmm, maybe you don't have great lights to work with...(I I don't)....perhaps a nice use of a home made "softbox" along with a directional light added....However, overall I thaink you heading in the right direction and allowing the viewer see a new perspective of things..Good luck.
Add photograph to your favorites
Add photographer to your favorites
Photographer found comment helpful.
