Rally

[payn817]

Posted these in viewfinder too, but am hoping to get some feedback on them. This is my first time trying PJ work, they were taken at a rally today.

Thanks in advance.

[Didache]

Hi there ... I am not a photojournalist either, so I speak purely as an "amateur" in this field. I think the strongest of the pics is the last one (the one with the small flag against the out of focus larger flags in the background). It's cropped tight and I think that one is a keeper, especially with the Mona Lisa smile she has and th elight falling as it does on her face. I think the other two are a little "static" if you know what I mean. Rallies are (or can be) emotional events - it seems to me that the photos which would really work would catch something of that - anger, distress, tears, whatever. As it is, those other two pics strike me as kids who just had a flag put into their hands with no understanding or emotional involvement on their part.

But I do like that last one!

Hope that helps
Cheers
Mike

[Alison]

The 1st image has too much going on in it for me.

The 2nd is my favourite.
The flag is clear against the out of focus girl.
The other girl is totally in focus, something I can't seem to crack. And you want lessons from me?!
It's an amazing image Payn.

There's just something not right about the 3rd image IMO. Can't put my finger on it. Maybe it's the composition, I don't know.
However, I love the lighting shining on her face. It's a shame the woman wasn't showing a little more emotion in it. I think it's more of a squint she is showing us there.
It would have been nicer to see a little more of the flag too.
But these are all things beyond our control.

[payn817]

I appreciate your thoughts on these.

Didache, I am not a PJ either. As I recently stated, the local paper editor wants to speak with me, so I tried to see if anything could come about here. Unfortunately, there was no real show of emotion by the crowd gathering there. Of course your thoughts help. The third is also my favorite.

Alison, it's just a really shallow DOF. There was only a couple feet (at best) seperating the two girls, so I opened all the way up. What I love about your portraits is your ability to handle light. I have yet to get a flash, or any lights for that matter, that may change today.

[Loupey]

Hi, Payn - I think you did a great job in your first foray into PJ :thumbsup: These and the others in the VF forum are great.

One advise about PJ in general - each individual shot should tell a complete story without any accompanying description, title, or other photos. While I like how you captured the 3rd image, I feel that the first one tells it more clearly.

The only "critique" on that first one is that it is too tight. Had you had their right arms/hands holding their hearts showing more clearly, this shot would have been FANTASTIC. There is plenty of emotion there (in their body languange). Crowds can be tough to work among - great job!

[payn817]

I get what your saying Loupey, and thanks mucho for the advice. It's tough going from macro/wildlife to environmental candid portraits, etc.

Just as a side note, if I get the job, considering how much I learned from you recently, I'll have to buy you a beer.

[Loupey]

Payn, I’ll let you in on a secret – shooting PJ and shooting wildlife are one and the same. The main subjects are still animals.

Think about it – we all know what lions, tigers, and bears look like but we don’t want to see them close up all the time. It’s how they interact with their surroundings and other creatures that tell the story. Same with shooting people. The same “rules” apply. The moment you see and apply that association between the two that will be the moment you will feel that you reached another level.

Shooting people and shooting wildlife will become second nature to you.

As for the beer, I will hold you to it! :thumbsup:

[Don Schaeffer]

I like the last one with the dramatic shadow framing.