This is an image that definitely has a strong impact. There is a lot of initial appeal in the framing and the composition. The high contrast, the darkness, and the averted eyes of the subject promote a sense of wonder and encourage me to keep looking.
The problem that I see is that the focus is uneven. At F1.8 a narrow DOF is pretty much inevitable; for this image you would probably have been better off using F4 or an even smaller aperture, and making a longer exposure. With such a high-contrast image, having good focus becomes very important. The place it hurts the most is on the ear- you would probably be just fine with the fairly soft focus on the rest of the image if the ear were sharp. Due to its relative isolation it becomes a secondary focal point after the eye, and a blurry focal point is really difficult to pull off well.
One of the things I like best about this image is the lighting on the head (not to mention its shape). The backlighting that shows off the right side of his scalp (image left) is particularly pleasing. It makes a very graceful line and introduces a good sense of motion to the image.
This is definitely a good picture, and all the most important aspects you already have covered: with just a slight adjustment of the camera settings, it would have been stellar. Good work.
I don't see how this image in ANY way "emotional" portrays the bright side of life, but it sure as hell does it graphically. The skull highlight on the left is to die for. I wish more people paid this kind of attention to the "dark sides" of their images, instead of just letting the subject bleed off into the background.
Like the slight edge of light on your right side of head.With my limited lighting knowledge I can't make a good how to suggestion, but I would prefer the image with less glare on the far left of yor head&face. The symbolism is good with 1/2 in out of the light. I like this portrait, but wonder what effect if your left eye was in view with a "looking" for it effect. Nice work, good luck and HNY.
I love this brilliant, artsy shot. Good for you, you courageous soul! It makes my heart soar to see great techinical merit and brilliant artistic composition and lighting come together. One of the very best, ever. Bravo...a 10 from me.
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