Post workshop image critique for Ian

This is Ian's submission for his post-workshop critique. We offer this to all attendees as it really adds value to the workshops to have the final results thoroughly analysed.

workshop version tones pose planned Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

Perfect. Loads of great definition, detail, highlights, shadows, well held tones. I even like the square crop.

workshop version tones pose planned Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

Again lovely. It is slightly murky, maybe a bit of added lightness and contrast?

Can't tell at this size, but I am a bit concerned about the eyes, it looks like one is closed and the other is open. I know she's looking down...

On any picture if the eyes are not right the rest of the picture doesn't matter.

workshop version tones pose planned Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

Normally you would get a ticking off from me for the hand squashing the face up - but it works well.

The flesh tones are very dark though, I would be pretty sure they can be brought up with losing the essence of the image.

Harriett Langley model, workshop version tones pose planned Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

Looks a bit dark and a bit yellow. That should tweak up fine and will make a lovely portrait.

Harriett Langley model, workshop version tones pose planned Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

Like the angle and direction here. Fundamentally it's too dark, though I'm sure it's fixable.

This was probably shot as things were happening, rather than being planned. Pre-planned version of this would have been better with more contrasty lighting, more careful light placement, cutting down the white at the base (or swapping for a different background)

workshop version tones pose planned Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

Look at the eyes, she looks cross-eyed.

It is too dark, and lacking a bit in punch. I would be tempted to go the other way, bring the lightness up and the softness, reduce the contrast. There might be a really nice pastel image in there.

With this kind of pose the legs always look difficult, try and landscape crop across the face and hands.

workshop version tones pose planned Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

Is this a wide angle here !!!!! Actually I don't object since it has an artistic purpose.

I understand where you are going with this treatment, but it also introduces some problems, look at the feet and particular the fingers - they are almost black. It's also made the very faint tan lines on Sharon's hips much stronger.

The elbows also look particularly weird, like the arms are bent the wrong way.

This is one of those shoots were a bit of study, trying to capture the "right" version of this shot would really pay off. There is a really good idea there, the distortion, the pose, the light, but it warrants more exploration and care than the workshop environment allows. Just be sure that you are not shooting too quickly and paying attention to all that you see before you start firing.

OVERALL:

A good set, good variety and I like the ideas you are presenting.

I'm a bit concerned about the relative darkness in all the images, you may want to turn the brightness of your monitor down so you bring up the levels just a bit lighter.

Your control of tone in the monochromes is very good.

 
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Leah Axl model, workshop version tones pose planned Simon Q. Walden, FilmPhotoAcademy.com, sqw, FilmPhoto, photography

I run regular workshops for beginners and experts alike. I like to run a mix of styles and types. Masterclasses, portfolio builds, technical and artistic sessions available.

Current courses available.


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