Distinguished friend of mine lit with SB-25 @ full power w/CTO gell through umbrella CL, plus SB-25 far CL bounced off ceiling for edge lighting. While I wish this shot had less smoke in his face, obscuring his eyes, this was still the best combination of burning bill + cigar ember. Probably get lots of comments about dead space at top left.
PP=Crop plus slight adjustment to levels, brighness/contrast and saturation.
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Place: 37 out of 82 Avg (all users): 5.5532 Avg (commenters): 5.7778 Avg (participants): 5.7273 Avg (non-participants): 5.5161 Views since voting: 955 Views during voting: 357 Votes: 188 Comments: 12 Favorites: 1 (view)
The background really lets this photo down. It would also be better if the smoke were to the side of his face, instead of clouding in front of his face.
I think this is an excellent idea and a good composition. I think a dark background with high contrast would make it stronger. Either dark paneling or just a black backdrop would help. The gray patterned chair is busy and the smoke gives the image a washed out feeling. Also there is a little spot in the upper right corner that should be cloned out to eliminate that distraction. You did a good job of capturing the fire.
A very fitting entry. And I gave it a really good score. Things that would have made it better for me.
1. Adjustment levels - the man is VERY red, even if this is natural I would have used CMY adjustments on this pic to tone it down.
2. Composition - love the smoke just not in his face - the little triangle in the top right very distracting - I would have liked to see the top of his hair and more of the hand too - The $100 looks a little funny but I'm Canadian!
3. Lighting - seems to be just coming from a pot light above to me it needs more from either side
Things that are great - the chair, the Cigar, the clothes, the basics of the setup, and the flame. Please feel free to contact me for questions comments or concerns. I mean no disrespect with my comments it’s a good pic that I feel could have been great. Best of luck. Scott.
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