Hello all -- I've been reading these forums for quite some time now and thought I'd finally join in. Here's a shot from a session today for a local band. I don't like the smirk on the guy on the far right, but other than that, give me your thoughts on comp, exposure, lighting, etc. Don't hold back -- I'm here to learn. Thanks!
Tell us the image capture details. focal length, shutter speed, aperture, focus mode, camera, etc.
To me the photo looks too soft and seems to have been over sharpened to compensate. I suspect a slow shutter speed because there is no sharp part to indicate a mis-focus. Otherwise I assume it was a very small crop from a large photo. I'd have more of an idea if you had posted the data
The two guys on the right are looking "at us" which is good. The guy on the left is looking at something else but at last we can see what it is (his guitar). That's ok too. The other guy is looking out of the picture and drawing our attention away. That's bad. I think. Hey, it might be arty but it's generally not recommended.
The contrast is too high too - the black shirts are way too dark and featureless - and the colours over saturated. Did you get the white balance right ? and are you using a calibrated and profiled monitor ? These effects may be deliberate but I can't know that.
Have you considered why you left the cable lying on the floor ? It would look almost useful if it was plugged into the guitar but otherwise is just a distraction.
Take no effense at my comments and try to appreciate that even though I'm trying to be helpful I could in fact be wrong Even if I'm right that doesn't mean you cannot or should not break the rules to do whatever you want.
Hi Alan -- thanks for the comments. That's exactly the type of feedback I'm looking for. I think the issues with sharpness (at least partially) was introduced in post processing. Looking back at the original, it looks quite a bit crisper -- although I'm not sure why, i'll have to check on it.
Details:
Lighting - 500W strobe camera left with white umbrella set to almost 3/4 power; 500W strobe camera right with 48" softbox set to 1/2 power, On camera speedlight pointing backwards at slight angle bounced off ceiling and back wall
Focal: 18mm
Aperture: f/4
Shutter: 1/30
ISO: 200
Metering Mode (although it doesn't matter much with this setup): Center weighted taken off the face of the guy with the red tie.
No exposure compensation
The cable on the floor was removed after this shot when I saw it... but actually liked it in this shot. One of the guys said something like... "yeah, it kinda shows we're here, but not quite plugged in to the world yet"
My first thought was "shouldnt that cable be plugged in" and then what is that guy looking at? and then why is that guy making fish faces. in the end I couldnt get my eyes of the fish face. I dont mind the smirk you talked about, and I can tell the fish face adds character to a shot which is obviously about instilling some character into the bands persona. in the end, I think the guy looking so far off the screen is the biggest let down, followed by the cable on the floor.
That being said. both let downs are in the eye of someone trying to critic a photo based on generic photographers rules, and if they like it and they think it is "them" (regardless of how plugged into the jargon they are) then it works.
I think it is sharp enough. I don't think I want to see them any better. :-))
But clip the window off the right end, anyway.
Does anybody remember the "Dead End Kids?" These look like they stepped right out of the screen of a movie titled "Mean Streets.." Just funnin'
Overall I like it - I think 4 band members in an informal setting would each be doing their own thing as depicted by the way they're sitting - I can't imagine 4 bumps on a log staring straight into the lens
I'd try to tighten up a bit and clone out the cord, as well as either clone the plastic jug and window frame or crop them out...
For me, it's got personality and a bit of an 'attitude' - particularly the smirk - which holds my attention.
Can I just say that it would be in the interest of the redhead to have a tiny bit of touch up done for his acne? Every rock n roller wants to draw in the ladies. Zits dont do it. Im not saying glam him up, just help him out. Just a thought.
