Critique Ratings

Monique,

I see a few things I can comment on in regard to what I would consider a step or two in the right direction. First of all, with something like this: it is a bit easier to get a good idea as to what exactly you were going for with just a few comments. I think a certain degree of communication is necessary when you are learning to help others to help you communicate visually. I read in your profile that photography is a hobby (You are very cute by the way.)

The lighting and setup convey to the viewer a certain degree of experimentation. Your final angle is not exactly clear. I think your decision to shoot on white, which ended up grey was good.

Question: Why is the background grey?

Answer: The exposure/color is off because the light striking the background was not intense enough to make it white. If it lies visible within the frame, and your end aim is for it to display "correctly" (according to what you want to show,) you must take into consideration that it must also be lit (and often independantly of the subject.) Just because something is a certain color, does not mean it will read what you are seeing with your own eyes . . . or to be more specific, YOUR BRAIN when you record it on film or digitally. Your brain gets in the way with what it already knows as "truths." Film knows nothing but what it sees according to how it is displayed right then and right there.

You know when something is white. Your brain tells you it is white. But take your backdrop into a darker room and ignore the fact that you know it is white. It will begin to turn grey. It is white when there is enough light for it to be white. Light intensity will not only dictate the strength of the color, but the shade and tint as well.

Question: What color is a white sheet of paper in a completely dark room . . . ?

Answer: Black. If there is no light, then there is no color.

So next time you shoot a similar shot, take into consideration that you will have another subject (the background.) Granted, it is of less focus than the primary subject (flowers) you are shooting, but equally important none the less.

I cannot justify giving you a thumbs down because you obviously put thought into a smooth background, and you obviously concentrated to some degree on the composure within the camera.

I think you need to work on learning to utilize and master a few tools in order for the piece to communicate more clearly. I used to be somewhat confused when folks used to say a "piece is supposed to communicate." What does that mean? I had enough people telling me that when I was learning. As many really did not know what they were saying than those who did. Those who did not understand in my opinioin were the ones telling people their ideas were wrong. It was made to be a mysterious thing that only the "chosen" could understand. None could really explain it. Including my self. I think the answer is that there is NONE. The question will mean something entirely different depending on your experience. Every piece says something different to me personally. You, I and everyone else on this planet knows a feeling, which is real. A feeling that something can give to you when viewing something that excites, disgusts or bores you. Be it the opposite sex or a photograph.

To me, this piece and the fact that you are posting it communicates an interest in photography. Time was taken to compose and select a background. It is not a passing snapshot with absolutely no time taken. The subject you chose as the photographer says something about you. Your profile photo says something about you as well.

I see an interesting and beautiful girl with great potential to see things differently.

I read in your profile that you think the camera you have is a limitation. There is nothing further from the truth. You must maximize what you are using, and you can get great results regardless of what you are using. You have to learn the strengths and weaknesses of the tool in your hands, and then use BOTH its strengths and weaknesses to your advantage.

Just some basics.

1. GET CLOSER - There is always considerably more interest in your subject through greater intimacy and closeness of detail. People you know better, you typically stand closer to. And people you really know . . . you get really close!! So get friendly with your subject. It is more difficult to speak to, and get to know four people/flowers at one time than it is just one.

2. Loose some of the noise. Concentrate on just ONE of the flowers. We are looking at a group of people from a distance, as opposed to the chracteristics that make a particular flower unique. No two pedals are alike, but a species of flower looks the similar from a distance.

Bracket your shots. This means to shoot a variety of exposures. "Exposure" means just that. How long are you exposing the Film, the paper, or in your case the Digital Chip to light. You vary your exposure by either shooting with a longer/shorter shutter speed, or controling the aperture opening of the camera. If you do not have the luxury of those controls on the camera and you are using a direct flash (Which you appear to be doing, you can move the subject closer or further to the flash. Or, more desireable would be to manipulate the manner in which the light is striking the subject.)

Do you see the hard shadow behind the flowers? This is a direct indication that you are using HARD LIGHT. A hard and dark shadow with very focused and defined lines means and shows the use of hard direct light. Try softening the light. Put a pillowcase or piece of paper over the flash. Try adjusting the angles of the material you are using to "diffuse" and subdue the light. And better yet. If you are just starting out, work with just getting good exposures without adding a secondary light source.

Look up some of Robert Mapplethorpes Floral Photography. STEER CLEAR OF HIS OTHER WORKS UNLESS YOU HAVE A STRONG STOMACH. His floral photography is some of the best ever done (Through my eyes.) It is extremely powerful and also somewhat sexual. I warn you of some of his other works before you look him up. He dealt with some controversial subject matter.

Photography is highly subjective. Go with your gut!! Feeling and emotion is something everyone is born with. It does not have to be taught.

Good Luck and Happy Shooting!!