Hit, Miss or Maybe

[greypoint]

Not an original idea but might be of interest as a way of getting feedback. The general idea being to post a picture you're not sure about. Others can then vote Hit - say what they like and add any ideas for improvement. Maybe - like the general idea, but room for, suggested, improvments. Miss - does'nt work for me, I'd delete it and try something else! The owner of the picture agrees not to be offended

So here's one to tear apart for a first go

[Graham]

    Well for me it's not quite a hit but it's much more than a maybe.
   I like that;
                 a) None of the three subjects intrude in the others space.
                 b) The only subject you have a full view of is the one facing you.
                 c) The human subjects are anonymous.
                 d) All three are faceing in different directions and at 90 degrees to each other.
                 e) You can see just enough of the humans for them to contribute to the image but not dominate it.

    Now then.
                 What's the crop all about? Loosing about half of the dead space on the right and about half along the bottom would be a huge improvement. (I think I'd also loose the gully on the left.)
                 There's been quite a bit of debate about what makes a good subject for mono "conversion". Now I don't go along with the notion that "If a pic doesn't quite work then see if mono helps." (So don't shout at me Abbers!  .)
                 I see four ellements in this pic; The dog, the two people and the curve of the pavement. The colour is'nt contributing anything so it should'nt be there.

   This is just my oppinion remember.  
                                                               Graham.
PS  I wish I had taken it.

                 

[Eileen]

Darn! Graham said it all for me. My two main thoughts on looking at the picture were that it would benefit from a crop and being monotone (or at least losing the coloured grass in the pavement cracks). I'd like to see it again when you've done that. 

[jinky]

A maybe  for me too! Much of what I would say is already stated - crop, black and white version etc. I also think it might benefit from a bit of blur on the human element to bring out focus on the dog giving an air of slight detachment from them and a feeling of " I`ll come with you then". 

Wow just seen the spell check for posting on this site - great idea. I don`t know if I have some dodgy keys full of muck or my hands are quicker than my brain sometimes (slow and ultra slow !) but I`ll be using that.

[Simple]

OK, a maybe for me too, perhaps that is the easy way out.
I think it is nearly a hit, and I say that because I go against the grain here, and would not crop the image.
With the "lost" space you achieve several things.
1. It is easier to focus on the three objects as one in the picture. The eye does not roam around. Perfect on a third intersection.
2. It creates more environment. Placement of the subjects on a big wide pavement.
3. Feeling of vulnerability. The dog has turned away from the people and is now on its own looking into the wide open (harsh) space of the world.

If I would criticise the picture I would say it would have been better if the camera was more at eye level with the dog, to enhance point 3 above.

A different view is a different perspective.
Simon

[greypoint]

Thanks for feedback. The picture is already cropped - I tried 2 or 3 versions, more foreground, less foreground etc. I agree it could have been much better taken from a lower angle. It was a quick snatched shot when the dog stood still and gave the opportunity. Then a case of whether to use or discard [the dog by itself was too small to make anything of]. I'll have a go at monotone etc. and re-post. I'm never quite sure where the line is between quirky and 'oh dear you've cut the heads off'! Sometimes I think it works like with the little boy and his dog

[greypoint]

Anyone else have a shot you're not quite sure about? Start another thread headed Hit,Miss or Maybe with the title of your photo and let others give their opinion.

[Oly Paul]

Hi Sue, I have to admit I agree with the consensus about a crop and black and white.

While saying that I have to admit I like it and it is the kind of image I would have been specificly thinking about taking in B&W with a veiw to post editing.

The say a pic is worth a thousand word ,but not sure if you would object to me posting your image altered.

[greypoint]

No problem - I just click the shutter button and then crop and proceed to ruin the results with rubbish processing. Always happy to have someone do it better

[Oly Paul]

No problem - I just click the shutter button and then crop and proceed to ruin the results with rubbish processing. Always happy to have someone do it better

Or worse depending on your point of view, but here it is for better or worse. 

[greypoint]

Nice work - I like the way the dog stands out.