Evan Baines Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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Chuck,
I've looked at this one a bunch. In my view there are a lot of good things going on here, but there are some things that hold it back. I think its well composed, but the posing is a bit forced... if that makes any sense. The triangle shape of the heads and the leading line of the daughter's arm leading to mom are great... but somehow this doesn't look relaxed or natural. Especially the girl camera left, it doesn't feel like she would be that way except for the photo. I think I feel that way because of the aggressive lean and what almost looks like shortening of her neck... combined with the lack of facial compression (which is flattering, but also makes her look like she's holding her face there not snuggling in). Mom's face is a bit hidden, as noted above.
The whites are also very hot. This may be one of those contrasting-center-of-interest situations where with a black background, darker clothing would be more helpful for ensuring the subjects' faces are the most different in frame. Its not a hard and fast rule, but the high contrast between black and whites here creates a starkness that runs counter to the gentle familial embrace that I think was intended. In fact, I would argue that 50% or more of the "harshness" of the lighting described above is actually a result of the starkness of the contrast in the image. High contrast = drama and graphic power, soft contrast = richness, gentleness, softness.
I hope this helps. Some of the other points above are also good, but what I really see are some small issues that counter what I feel was the intent of the photo, keeping it from being the best version of itself.
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