Doughboy

[gahspidy]

I don't usually shoot statues and monuments, but I do admire MB1's subjects.While on a photo venture with some friends to Rhinebeck, N.Y we came across this statue of a WW1 doughboy done by sculptor Allen Newman. I was really taken with it's detail and overall charm and was drawn into capturing it.
The town of Rhinebeck has dedicated it to all our Veterans of Foreign Wars.
I tried my best to get the essence of it,
What do you think?

[jetrim]

Gary,
I really like the way the background creates an oval placing further accent on the subject, and the angle of the sun does quite a bit to show off the detail in the statue. Nice work.

The only thing I don't like, and it is a very minor nitpick and obviously unavoidable, are the house rooftops in the trees at the bottom.

[Shebang]

I am learning much from studying posted pics in an attempt to analyze and critique and from reading the critiques of fellow posters. I didn't see the rooftops until jetrim pointed them out.

Being able to see the eyes would be the only thing that would improve the shot IMO.

[Ron Kruger]

I like the angle. It and the clowds and the B/W do capture an "essence" of sorts. If you would have increased the angle just a bit by getting lower, you could have lost the house tops.
Concentrating only on the subject is one of my liabilities. Over the years, I've taken a lot of excellent photos that turned out to be only good once I've had them processed, because I didn't notice some distracting detail in the background or along the edges. The problem is I always get in too big a hurry and snap the shutter without giving more thought to details.
The truth is, I still do this occasionally, even though I know better, so don't let it bother you. At least you can go there and reshoot. Most of my shots can't be repeated.

[susaan]

Would not change a thing-
Shaded eyes add to the shot for me,the rooftops are only a minor consideration after the initial impact,which was strong enough,I hardly noticed them.And his home IS distant,if you need to justify their presence.
-Also like the tones and angle,a winner,Gary !

[armywife1984]

I didnt notice the rooftops until Jetrim mentioned them. This is a great shot. The shadow across the eyes give him an anominity, as in he could be any soldier anywhere. I really like that you shot him from an angle instead of head on. You gave him dept and layering. seeing only the bayonet on the barrel of the rifle instead of the whole rifle . Even through the photo im moved by the statue. I like how hes not at military attention, just kinda hangin out. Hes approchable, yes that sounds kinda silly considering hes a statue.

[mindikollphotos]

I like everything about this picture. I like the shaded eyes but he does seem to be encased in more shadow above the shoulders than anywhere else in the picture. Maybe a slight adjustment to the contrast in that area only. I wouldn't say I like pictures of statues, but I like this one.

[gahspidy]

Thanks everyone for your time to comment and lend me your thoughts.

The houses visible in the trees actually appealed to me, although I could have easily removed them in post processing. What I was concerned about avoiding were the tops of the cars in the parking lot right behind the statue.
I wanted to catch the angle that best showed the casual stance and demeanor of the subject. I had hit it from many angles, but this one best brought out that stance that caused me to stop in the first place.

I appreciate the different points of view here and welcome your observations.

[starriderrick]

VERY nicely done,Gary.

Great angle,lighting,tones.The mystery of the soldiers face face works, adds to the mood. :thumbsup: Superb work from you...as usual.

Rick