O well. I thought this was a nice, Irving Penn inspired image. Next time.
It seems there is a real difference in monitors. there are a lot of comments on the details being blown out, but they're all there on my monitor. i guess i need to calibrate mine:-)
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Statistics
Place: 276 out of 402 Avg (all users): 4.8173 Avg (commenters): 6.2500 Avg (participants): 4.6600 Avg (non-participants): 4.9630 Views since voting: 697 Views during voting: 259 Votes: 208 Comments: 6 Favorites: 0
First Impression: Product shot!;p If it was, I'd buy one. 6.
Composition: 5. It's pretty square, and square doesn't do your subject justice, IMO. Square = Straightforward = Does not do well, sometimes.
Subject: 10. Because it's old and creepy and from the early 19th century. Hahaaah... this rocks.
Technical: 6. The highlights are blown-out, but the important details aren't. You did good, ma'am.
Improvement: Spiders, skulls, cobwebs, other creepy stuff. Or your gramma, if she's still around.
Summary: Product shot! Product shot! Product shot! I like it, though. I can just imagine what that gown's been through...
Disclaimer:The following crits are personal opinions, not photographic dogmas. Please see them as suggestions, not claims of mastery nor a show of hauteur.;p
Irving Penn or no, I think this photo is a little too straightforward to be competitive on DPC. There is such gorgeous detail in the gown that it's a pity the light is so harsh. I would have liked to see a more diffused light and more use of shadow to really bring out the stitch detail.
Also, in a concept challenge like "Something Old", it's never a good sign when you have to tell your audience that the subject is old. The photo should project that concept all on its own. The worn green blanket is a good start, it gives a sort of musty implication, but it just doesn't go far enough.
A really nice study of a delicate and dainty heirloom...you've captured the tranparency of the fabric so perfectly, the texture of the embroidery and lace...such a simple image really, yet there is emotion, memory...and something cherished.
This is a very nice item for this challenge. The problem is going to be in the presentation. As is, it may not fare too well because the voter is just seeing a dress resting on some material. Possibilities to have been explored: The mother holding the dress with a pensive or nostalgic look: Holding dress near side of face. Always keep in mind that you are not only judged on the photography but also the presentation and sometimes the presentation trumps the technique. You did a fine job of capturing this white memory. You have my six for technique.
Beautiful dress - what a great heirloom. I'd love to see a soft light on the dress, so the pretty details could come out more. A different background might work, too. The dress is sweet.
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