Faces

I've found that I like to find interesting faces to photograph. The first of these was when I saw an old lady standing at her doorway in Sicily, cursing a Rock Music festival that was going on right outside her door. She stopped shaking her fists before I ahd my camera ready.

The other was taken on a miving, not well - lit NY subway. I know the focus is off, but I wonder if there is a way to fix this?

I like the first one very well, her proportions to the rest of the frame, the colours, the look on her face. I really like it overall !....
As for the second, I will let the real experts answer the photoshop, I am still trying to master the unsharp mask filter (try to experiment with it, I have no clue how to work the paramters yet, it is pure trial and error for me).
As for the picture you were trying to shoot: I LOVE IT !!... I was just talking about this to someone on the weekend. How I think we are blessed to live in a part of the world where everyone, regardless of their income level, or life style, can just pick up a book and read. This is a great blessing, and on a personal level to me, it hit a sweet sweet spot !.. thank you for it.

Hey,
Both of these images have very good subjects, but I think both have their own faults. The first is the better of the two, for one thing it is very sharp and the lighting is good, but what I think would have made this a better shot is if you had stood back further or used more of a wide angle lens so that we can see the womans feet and full doorway she is standing in. I think it is good, but would have been better had her legs not been cut off.
The second one the subject is good, but the image is too blurry for any salvation.Editing programs can do alot, but an image has to have a good foundation to start with. Also the body to the right of you in the way could have been removed or cropped and the color cast could be fixed up in a photoshop, but the blurry image I think is beyond repair. But still nice images nonetheless because of the interesting subjects. Good eye for a shot. ( of course these are just my opinions and nothing more )

I agree with Gary's comments about my pictures. I have been kicking myself for quite a while about the 2nd picture, that I had the focus off. I was trying to take the picture on a crowded, moving subway, and rushed it too much.
With the lady in Italy, I did not even have my camera out when she started her screaming from the doorway. I'd like to ask about your comment on the feet - as a Newbie, can you please explain why you think that might have been better? Also, I may still have a version where the full doorway is shown that this was cropped from. Am also wondering if converting to B & W might be good? I may try it.

Thanks

B&W would work great on the first shot , I think. About cutting off the feet, I've seen lots of these type of shots and they alsways seem to be more effective when we can see the entire subject in her surroundings. I would love to see the other shot you said you have that is not cropped so tight. But it is ok like this, it is just my opinion that it would be better from a full view. Try posting the other one on this same thread and see what everyone thinks.
That other shot may be hard to come by again as they are banning all picture taking in the N.Y transit system. Of course, it would be hard for them to enforce it but could face a huge fine if caught.