TheStarvingArtist

I have received a lot of comments on how I cropped the first image of Crystal, and I agree with all of the critique you guys have given me about there being too much negative black space. I did several crops, and when I cropped out more of the black space it seemed to lose something, I don't know if it was her posture as she leaned into the umbrella or something else. I like the image because I find the profile of her face very pleasing to look at. And for some reason I am more drawn to the image I posted here:

Previous image http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-399371-1.html

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice--and better. Good job.

I might add that this is my kind of umbrella photo. It's far and away better than that red thing some folks keep sticking here and there.

Armadillo Loc: Ventura, CA

TheStarvingArtist,

Negative space is best used to assist framing and composition, to let the viewer guess what is hidden behind the space. In this image the negative space, being the shadowed hair, has positioned the model to be looking into the frame left to right. The appearance of too much negative space can be illuminated with careful use of fill lighting on the hair. Not so much to negate the negative space, but just enough to provide subdued details in her hair.
From the leading edge of the hairline, back to the edge of the left frame, carefully crafted graduated fill lighting to allow natural appearing shadows to descend into darkness at the back of the hair.

Michael G

kd7eir Loc: Tucson, AZ

Both excellent photos. Intriguing model - I would love to see more of this series. I personally like the negative space in both photos - it just seems to make the photos more interesting - the fade from the black, across the model's skin and hair, and into the umbrella is very interesting.

trc Loc: Logan, OH

TSA,

The decrease of negative space makes it much more appealing to me as I suggested on your first one. Now, I would have her look just a tad more toward camera to decrease the whites of her eyes a tad (too much IMHO and is the brightest spot in your image, hence, my eyes go there immediately and is distracting) and then I would add just a little fill light onto her chest particularly under her long flowing hair camera right) with a low setting on the flash of your choice, or, just add a little fill by using a neutral/white reflector - but not too much! Throwing a little light on her beautiful hair (accentuating her hair a tad) would make it a much more interesting image and contrast with the black space you have on camera left. If you give it another try, please post or PM me so we (I) can see how it turned out. Thank you.

Best Regards,
Tom

TheStarvingArtist

Thanks Tom and kd7eir ,
When she wanted to do this shot I didn't like the idea, and didn't care much for the pictures when I saw them in the camera preview. After I pulled them up on my computer I fell in love with her profile. I have tried this again with another model but not with much luck. If I give it another try I will pm you when I post the results.

trc Loc: Logan, OH

Thank you STA - I will be looking forward to seeing them in the future.

My Best To You,
Tom