Sad And Blue

[Overbeyond]

Welcoming your opinions on this.
Tom

[GB1]

Very nice shadows and lighting. I like the mood of the shot. The only thing I see that could be a bit better would be if there wasnt anything else in the distance in the center lit area... that little bit of stuff happening there is somewhat distracting to me.

[Coastal Flyer]

You have really captured a fine moment in this shot. The image is sharp, colors are perfect, the exposier under what I presume is very difficult is right on. My eye went to the background however, and I spent more time wondering where you were and what the stark color contrast was than the real intent of the photo. Other than that I like this a lot.

CF

[Overbeyond]

Thanks CF and GB
The common sadness of the three faces was what always attracted me. The blue area equated with the sadness so I was never distracted by the goins on beyond the blue area, other than it being the source of the shaft of light. But since you have mentioned it, my eye is suddenly noticing what you see as a distraction and indeed you have very valid observations.
Any suggestions as to what could be done to lessen the distraction without effecting the blue?
Tom

[readingr]

Tom,

I agree with the others but the dark area also distracts me. I would try and blur the blue are and the dark area so that what is there becomes irrelevant to the main focus of the picture.

Roger

[GB1]

It's funny, my critique was stricky regarding the photo elements. I never really noticed the expressions of the people in the paintings or sculpture. The sculpture does seem very expressive, now that you mention it.

Other than mask the middle lit-up area and tone it down via PP, I wouldn't know what to do. I'm not sure it's a flaw - the blue does seem soothing... just the center lit area (and above) seem a little bright.

[gahspidy]

Tom, you have a keen eye for framing up and composing a shot. This is a fine composition,and although the outside area in the blue light does distract a bit, it's not so bad that it needs anything to be done about it. However, it would be easy enough to apply a gaussian blur to it. The colors are soothing and goes with the "blue" mood that the sad faces induce. Fine image.

[Overbeyond]

Roger, GB and Gary; Thanks for good words lads and very valid critique.
I have coloured in the hot white light to match the blue and then applied the blur as suggested. All round a better result by far. Thanks for your help on this.
Tom