preggos

[adina]

Working on something a bit different for this type of thing.

[opus]

Adina, I like the concept, but in this particular shot I don't like how the light seems to eat away at the pregnant belly. The belly is the whole purpose of the shot, but what I see instead is the faded surface of her dress in front of the hot, hot background.

It could be an easy fix with a bit of burning. I'd also like to see her face lit up just a bit more too.

[drg]

I agree about the face, it needs to be seen a little more. You might consider just blowing out the whole door frame so no doormat or shrubs are visible.

Like the concept a lot!!

[ken1953]

I really like the concept, I would like to see the carpet and not the floor or vice versa, but not both. If you could figure out how to crop out the floor, I think it would be less distracting from a great photo. Maybe a tighter crop on both sides of the door????
Ken

[Asylum Steve]

Working on something a bit different for this type of thing.

Ok, a bit different is sorta vague, so without knowing exactly what you were going for, it's hard to figure if you've been successful or not...

Now, on my monitor, this appears very close to a pure silhouette. But I'm not sure that makes the best shot.

I think a strong backlit effect would be much better, but for that you need to make two changes. One, the bg should not be so hot. Meter it normaly, then open up no more than a stop or two. Two, the subject needs more detail, which you get by giving it a bit more light.

A reflector is the easiest solution, which will still give you the rim light that looks so cool, or use something like a soft-edged spot on her face or upper body. That creates a more dramatic and edgy shot...

The floor showing doesn't bother me. If anything, it gives a nice subtle asymmetrical element to go with the open door as compliment the symmetrical doorway arch.

[MJS]

A day late and a dollar short again. Steve beat me to it.

[adina]

a bit different refers to something other than a shot of the belly with the hands making a heart around her outie belly button.

I've re-photoshopped,but it's on the desktop, and I am laying under a pile of blankets in my bed with the laptop, so it will have to wait.

Thanks

[walterick]

Awesome idea here Adina, I love that you're pushing off the norm!

I think the silhouette is fine, more detail in the face isn't necessary in a shot like this imo.

What I do think it could benefit from is a cleaner environment, ie crop out the lightswitch, open the door all the way, and remove the carpet. Otherwise, I love it

[ken1953]

OK...each person's opinion is just that, his/her own. However, I need to understand something.
1. Some people want more detail in the face, others say the silouhette is ok.
2. Some say get rid of the some of the fringe stuff, such as doormat, floor, carpet, lightswitch...etc.
Adina has a great picture here and an interesting concept, which is something we all agree on. This comment probably belongs in the "Photography as Art" forum, but since it is here...
Why do we all have such different ideas on what will make this a better shot? I'm interested because I've been really thinking and reading about posing lately and I am trying to understand the concept better.
Please understand, this is not a negative comment on anyone. I am just extremely curious as to why the differences and, if any, which comments will actually make this a better photograph. Some examples of these ideas would be extremely helpful in my understanding.
Thanx everyone.
Ken

[adina]

OK...each person's opinion is just that, his/her own. However, I need to understand something.
1. Some people want more detail in the face, others say the silouhette is ok.
2. Some say get rid of the some of the fringe stuff, such as doormat, floor, carpet, lightswitch...etc.
Adina has a great picture here and an interesting concept, which is something we all agree on. This comment probably belongs in the "Photography as Art" forum, but since it is here...
Why do we all have such different ideas on what will make this a better shot? I'm interested because I've been really thinking and reading about posing lately and I am trying to understand the concept better.
Please understand, this is not a negative comment on anyone. I am just extremely curious as to why the differences and, if any, which comments will actually make this a better photograph. Some examples of these ideas would be extremely helpful in my understanding.
Thanx everyone.
Ken

Because we all have different tastes/styles/ideas/training/education/experience.

Usually, when I post an image and get some suggestions, I read them, read them again, and apply them to my photo as I want to see it. Everyone is looking at it with a different eye. Asylum Steve has a fashion/glamour background. When I think of Rick, landscapes come to mind. Different shooting styles are going to give you different opinions.

I shoot a lot of kids. I shoot mainly in black and white. Mainly, I shoot children in black and white, at thier homes. For me, things like carpet or wall hangings or patterned bedspreads add, rather than detract. If someone shoots a lot of children in bright colored clothing on a biright shiny white background, thier opinion will be different than mine.

When critiqued, I read them and pull out what I can use. Do I always agree? No, but it never hurts to get a second opinion.

do I make sense?

adina

[ken1953]

Oh yes, Adina...perfect sense...and I never thought of it quite in that sense...Your description using the differences between Steve and Rick really made a lot of sense and clarity as to why the differences in opinion, much more so than just because it is "their" opinion. Thank you for the clarification and I hope you understand that I was looking for just this type of explanation to understand "what" I was reading. I have followed many of your photos and wish my grandchildrens photos would come out only half as good as yours!!!!!! I look forward to more of this line of photos from you!!
Ken

[adina]

Thanks for the compliments! And glad that I could help.

adina

[JSPhoto]

Hmmm, is it me or could a tilt/shift lens help the door? The door appears to be leaning towards you like it's crooked. I noticed that before the pregnant woman in the door!

JS

[walterick]

Usually, when I post an image and get some suggestions, I read them, read them again, and apply them to my photo as I want to see it.

People that is possibly the best attitude toward receiving critique and feedback that I have ever read anywhere. You all might do well to learn from this lady!

Rick

[Sebastian]

Adina,

I have been looking at this since you posted, trying to figure out what about it works/doesn't for me. And besides some technicalities which are easily fixed, and ultimately don't matter since this seems like a test shot, the biggest thing I don't like about it is that I feel no connection with the subject. I don't see anything motherly here besides the big belly. There is no feeling of connection between the mother and her child. The image feel emotionally empty. And when I think of your work, I think of emotion.

[Old Timer]

Adina,

I have been looking at this since you posted, trying to figure out what about it works/doesn't for me. And besides some technicalities which are easily fixed, and ultimately don't matter since this seems like a test shot, the biggest thing I don't like about it is that I feel no connection with the subject. I don't see anything motherly here besides the big belly. There is no feeling of connection between the mother and her child. The image feel emotionally empty. And when I think of your work, I think of emotion.

Very good response. I have looked at this image several times as well and I think you have kind of sumed up what I was seeing as well. This a very good idea and a nice image of an attractive women, but it lacks that conection with the unborn child that we would normally expect to experience with a shot like this. Adina this is in no way a negative reflection on your image, just an observation of expectation based on the title.

[opus]

I must say that every time I look at this picture, I get a kick out of the "capsule" shape in her midsection. It's so cute!

[adina]

Adina,

I have been looking at this since you posted, trying to figure out what about it works/doesn't for me. And besides some technicalities which are easily fixed, and ultimately don't matter since this seems like a test shot, the biggest thing I don't like about it is that I feel no connection with the subject. I don't see anything motherly here besides the big belly. There is no feeling of connection between the mother and her child. The image feel emotionally empty. And when I think of your work, I think of emotion.

Hey thanks!

I will be going back in the next week or so, I have another month before the dreaded "to big to be comfortable" and am going to hit her up again. I have some more ideas...

adina