Hide and Seek

I really liked this shot. What do you think?

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikzen/2921868082/" title="Hide and Seek by erikzen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2201/2921868082_0048a4f632.jpg" width="390" height="500" alt="Hide and Seek" /></a>

Awesome shot. a bit too big for my screen, had to scroll to see it all. I think it's a bit tilted to the left. look at the top left, the building wall and you'll see the tilt.

I think the DOF is right on. The composition is good, the thing that bugs me is the buidlings though. but u can't do anything about that. we live in a concrete jungle, u gotta get out of the city to escape those! over all, i really like the concept and the way you captured this.

I agree this is a fantastic shot. I also agree that you need to rotate it about 1.5deg. to the right. The building doesn't bother me, as the steel "trees" mirror the the real trees. Great job!

As the others have already stated, excellent shot.

One very minor suggestion is that you could dodge the face a touch to being it out more.

Roger

Thanks for the comments. I uploaded a smaller photo but you can follow the link to the larger size. I also rotated it slightly as suggested. It definitely looks more balanced.

When I get a chance I'll try lightening up the face.

I like the edit. works pretty well. I also like jetrim's comment about the steal trees, i didn't see them as such earlier, but after reading his comment, i like them in there mirroring the other trees. very nice shot.

What do you think about the first tree, is it distracting or does it add to the picture?

What about the concrete stairs, do they distract, add or are they neutral? Personally, I like the first tree. It adds depth and perspective. But I'm not thrilled about those steps although I could make a case for them. The angles kind of mirror the angles of both the real and artificial trees. Also, the spot where the two different angles of the stones converge is approximately the same spot as where the boy is.

I like everything but the first tree. I would take that out. Otherwise, nice shot.

CF

I tried cutting out the first tree. I'm torn over which one I like better. I like the boy being so far away and small. He is playing hide and seek and he should be less visible in my mind.

On the other hand cropping out the tree does make a better picture even if I think the "message" is lost.

I did this online with some crude editing software. When I get home I'll try editing the original and adjusting the lighting on his face.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikzen/2924142325/" title="Hide and Seek 2 by erikzen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2166/2924142325_c50b5c4b5a.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="Hide and Seek 2" /></a>

hey erikzen,

Honestly the first tree never bothered me. It just adds depth to the pic. Especially since it's darker and out of focus. The light hits the 2nd tree and on. The foreground is a bit unnoticed and for that reason, it realy never bothered me one bit.

Your fix is much better. While the foreground tree defined the DOF better for the shot, I feel it was too much tree. Overall, I want to see deeper contrast in the shot as well as a little more detail in the face.

-m

OK, here is my "final" take on this shot trying to implement all of your suggestions. Please let me know what you think.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikzen/2926034002/" title="Hide and Seek 3 by erikzen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2926034002_9125eed26c.jpg" width="382" height="500" alt="Hide and Seek 3" /></a>

I personally like the darker face, it helps to "hide" him and keep the message.

Stick a fork in it, I think it's done :thumbsup:

I respect that.