Initial thoughts Emotive content, image seems very dark.
Composition/ Content I like the off-centred composition and the way the face is cropped but not completely halved. Including the cap/hat and only a little of the shirt clarified that the man is a solder without losing focus on his face. Content is stark and uncompromising, which fits the title and is therefore clearly deliberate.
Focal point is confusing. There is just enough detail in the eye that I am drawn to it but not enough to satisfy so it is not the focal point it could be. I think perhaps the eye needs to be either wholly in shadow or a little more in the light. An alternative focal point might be the mouth but the highlights which are stronger on the cheek don’t tend to encourage that. Therefore the focal point seems to be his nose and the highlights on his cheek.
Background Clean black does not detract from the subject but also doesn’t allow the subject to stand out from it. This may be deliberate – it does bleed into the shadows well but does not work for me, personally.
Camera Work - Technical Focus seems good on the face, a little soft on his shirt. Exposure and lighting are probably deliberate but just a bit too dark for me.
Digital Processing - Technical Cant see any artifacts, seems fine to me.
Fits The Challenge Yes, given the current political/ military situation in the US – perhaps there is a cloud hanging over the future or this soldier – he has the resolve – will he be called on etc. There could certainly be a story there.
Your Opinion On The Photo The photo seems well taken – in that I believe it looks as it was intended to by the photographer. It doesn’t sit well with me partly because of personal politics and partly because it’s too dark visually for me.
That is a very nice example of low key photography. The only thing that would improve it is a little more detail over on the left. Very nice job! Congrats!
Well everyone. Thank you for the votes. I really appreciated them. I guess since the model in the picture was me, I did a darn good job of getting tenth. Hard to take a picture when you are in front of the Camera and there is no one to press the shutter. That is why the eye came out so dark. I was satisfied with the picture. :-) TurboTech
Having been a Marine myself, this is a very familiar look. Good comosition. Having one eye out of frame and the other slightly concealed was a good touch.
I do like this, but to me it's a touch underexposed. The visor on the hat throws a shadow over his eyes that's just too deep, so we're left with half an eye. I either want to see his eye properly, or not at all. Hard to explain...
I usually rate blantant U.S. patriotism low, but this is a great photo. 7 of 10. Would have been 9 of 10 with better contrast. Too much shadow around the eyes.
the strength of this shot in your model, offset angle, tone, and lighting create the perfect shot for front of editiorial page. emotive shot...fantastic! (10) ~mcmurma
It's a great photo - very well done portrait! For me maybe a bit too dark - on one hand - on the contrary it give's it the wow factor... maybe it would have been better, if I could see the eye... but nevertheless, it's a great pic! 8 - KAOS
Very strong and powerful image, wonderful composition. I think that a little more light on the eye would be good, but I also like the way you have done it.
Very strong image. Fits the challenge. Only technical problem I see is the lighting. Having one side of the face dark is dramatic, but having the eye dark is a little bothersome. Good work & good luck. Nice title btw. ~indigo997
Totally cool. I love the whole thing.......just one little thing...it could of been a tad bit lighter. Still it's soooooooooooo cool. Great job. Justine
Is the picture this dark or did it get a little darker when you changed the file? It is a cool pic, I just wish there was more light like on his hat or shirt. I like the light on his face.
Composition: Subject Placement, Cropping, Background9, Technical: Focus, Exposure, Lighting, Processing8, Appeal: Is it Interesting, Motivating, Etc.? 10, Total Averaged Rating9. Autool IMO the relationship between the title and picture are key elements in this challenge. This is a powerful, telling picture. I think a little more of the eye would have made it go over the top. Very nice.
Great shot but a little too dark. Would like to have seen the eyes - the windows to the soul - because they would have put the fnish to his great expression. The expression makes the picture. Wish it were lighter. Still good shot. PTL7
Wonderful! This shot belongs on the cover of a magazine for sure! I just wish there was a little more light showing his eyes. But this is a solid 9! GREAT JOB!
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