Thurber Mingus

Delving a bit further into this critique, I don't see these issues as technical problems, rather artistic choices. The photo (and the first one I posted) fulfills what I set out to get on camera. The point of the shot is to focus on her eyes, not the instrument, therefore the depth of field. The top was specifically chosen to complement the colors of the instrument and overall color grading and the texture to complement her hair.
While I won't reshoot this in order to "correct" these issues, as what I got was basically what I was looking for, I DO appreciate you taking the time to weigh in on it.
Thanks again :)

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I understand your point of view. Of course, my critiques are no carved in stone or some kind of laws or rules that everyone has to adhere to or agree with. O offer suggestions, advice, and suggestions based on over 50 years as a professional photographer where I have to pleas clients, aesthetically speaking, just about every day. Folks are free to take my advice, under advisement, act upon it, or totally disregard it. In this section, I try to avoid "ata-boy and ata-girl" comments and provide and encourage honest opinions. Technical and artistic choices sometimes blend, merge, or conflict.

After all is said and done, YOU are the photographer and YOU are the artist and if YOU achieved what you set out to do, and you are, in a sense the only "client" an a given image, nothing more needs to be said.

Personally, I feel that critiquing, offering, and taking critiques is a powerful learning tool in photography. When I first started you in the business I fervently sought out critiques of my work from my teachers and the senior photographers where I worked and BELIEVE ME- di I ever get them. Those folks used me for a "punching bag" and my work for kindling for a photography fire! Some of it was hard to digest but did I ever learn fast. This does not mean that I conformed to everyone else's style or follow every "correction" to the letter, however, I learned the basics and principles as a foundation to building my own style.

Many of the folks on this forum don't respond well to criticism and perhaps that is why this section is not heavily trafficked. Many just want nice comments. I can do that too and just take the attitude "ask me no questions and Ill' tell you no lies" but that won't help anyone improve their work. Some even specify- "do no critique"! Not everyone wants to carry on an ongoing "workshop- like relationship and try different angles and approaches.

The resource is here for folks who want to engage. Otherwise- less work for me !

Thurber Mingus

E.L., thanks for the quick reply. I came to this section specifically FOR the honest critique of technique. I'd love to learn more about composition, complementary colors, leading lines, lighting techniques etc. The other subsection of this forum I participate in is horrible in this regard, often more of either "atta boy", "that's awful" or just comments about the attractiveness of the model. There is no moderation.
I'll post another soon, and I'll welcome feedback. Thanks

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Looking forward to your participation!