Candid photos: The first image is a technical disaster in that the focus is not sharp, exposure is lacking detail, so on and so on but every time I look at the picture a smile comes to...

steve1oshea Loc: Reading, England

The first image is a technical disaster in that the focus is not sharp, exposure is lacking detail, so on and so on but every time I look at the picture a smile comes to my face. I like it.

Image 1 A young Rudolph Valentino

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Image 2 My sister-in-law

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Tom DePuy Loc: Waxhaw, N.C.

steve1oshea wrote:

The first image is a technical disaster in that the focus is not sharp, exposure is lacking detail, so on and so on but every time I look at the picture a smile comes to my face. I like it.

I love the photo of your sis-in-law....great job

steve1oshea Loc: Reading, England

Tom DePuy wrote:

I love the photo of your sis-in-law....great job

Thank you Tom :thumbup:

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Well I think both very nice, and well done Steve!!
Erv

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

I can see why you like #1.

Instead of telling you how great #2 is, let's actually be honest here. It is not so good. That blowout bright area to the right tricked your meter into way underexposing her face - it is also a merge with her hair.

In 99.428% of images of people, the eyes need detail. Here, we have what is know as "raccoon eyes"- deep, dark sockets with no catchlights. A bit of fill flash would have done wonders.

Contrast is also really flat - a levels adjustment would help a lot.

Focus also seems off - I don't know, it is just soft - eyes need to be the focus point but I cannot tell.

This is one really attractive lady - go try again.

steve1oshea Loc: Reading, England

Erv wrote:

Well I think both very nice, and well done Steve!!
Erv

Thanks Erv.

Baz Loc: Peterborough UK

We all have pictures like that. Focus off, exposure out, cropped wrong etc. but the mental image it evokes is what is important. The connection between the subject and the photographer, that probably never can be repeated. Those photos are not for the wall, but for the quiet moments, for me time.

waltchilds Loc: Central Florida

Steve, I also like number 1 even with its problems. Very nice capture.

#2 is a very attractive lady and I love the pose, however, CaptainC has pointed out some good pointers for improving this shot next time. If you shoot her again be sure to let us see the improvements.

steve1oshea Loc: Reading, England

Erv wrote:

Well I think both very nice, and well done Steve!!
Erv

Thanks Erv

steve1oshea Loc: Reading, England

CaptainC wrote:

I can see why you like #1. br br Instead of telli... (show quote)

Thank you for taking the time to help me create better images, I really do appreciate it. I will take on board what you said and act accordingly. Many thanks

steve1oshea Loc: Reading, England

Baz wrote:

We all have pictures like that. Focus off, exposure out, cropped wrong etc. but the mental image it evokes is what is important. The connection between the subject and the photographer, that probably never can be repeated. Those photos are not for the wall, but for the quiet moments, for me time.

Appreciate your comments Baz

steve1oshea Loc: Reading, England

waltchilds wrote:

Steve, I also like number 1 even with its problems. Very nice capture.

#2 is a very attractive lady and I love the pose, however, CaptainC has pointed out some good pointers for improving this shot next time. If you shoot her again be sure to let us see the improvements.

:thumbup: