Constructive criticism requested (dial-up warning, obviously)

[blueraven95]

I mentioned earlier in the semester that I was taking a documentary photography class this semester. Well, it's coming up to final project time, and I'm hoping to get some constructive feedback on what I've got. The theme, which in my case was picked by my prof (who did not like any of my initial ideas), is Crafting among the women in my family. There will probably eventually be text to go along with these - my idea, which I've been working on, is to have the women who have been photographed talk about how they see themselves. The women in my family do not exactly fit the traditional, conservative, cozy idea of what a crafter is, so I thought it would be fun to introduce that element of activism into the piece.

Anyway, for now, I would really like some thoughts on the photos. I know that at least one of the dream catcher shots will be thrown out - I just don't know which one yet. And there is at least one other photo, possibly two, which will go as soon as I've got the better replacements that I'm trying to get. These are in no particular order at the moment.


































Thanks everyone!

[maheanuu]

1. They all are exceptional

But..........

I love Number 6 and the last one is beyond belief... Exceptional bokeh.....

Da Last One is a winner, period

[blueraven95]

3. thank you!

I'm quite fond of the last one myself - it was one of those moments when you know you've got something good, as you're taking the photo.

And welcome to DU and welcome to the Photo Group. (I'm sorry if I'm a little late with the welcoming, I've been a little distracted lately).

:hi:

[JeffR]

2. These are a delight.

You're making your prof look like a genius for coming up with this idea.

I really hope the second dream catcher shot makes the final cut. It could use a little more contrast maybe, but otherwise there isn't a damn thing I can offer by way of criticism, of that one or any of the others.

You've got some great work here.

[blueraven95]

5. thanks, Jeff

I suppose I shouldn't give her all of the credit - I did sort of mention it in passing, and she got all excited. That's how it went down.

For the 2nd dream catcher shot, you are referring to the one with the edge of face in the background? I've been messing with the contrast on that one for a long time and can't quite get it right.

[JeffR]

7. Then you should take a bow for the idea. As explored here, it's a very good one.

And yes, that's the shot I meant. Everything about is so strong except it seems too subdued. Maybe a little more color saturation would help.

[ohheckyeah]

12. Two suggestions

IF you are allowed to manipulate the photo and you have Photoshop. Try dodging on that photo, that will help to bring out the tones and the colors. And/or, try duplicating the layer and using Soft Light as the blending option.

Very nice photos!

[blueraven95]

15. Thanks, ohheckyeah

You are right, burning will probably help, I'll work on it this week.

[ohheckyeah]

16. Dodging?

I think making it a little lighter will help.

[Stevenmarc]

4. Pull back

As you said "The women in my family do not exactly fit the traditional, conservative, cozy idea of what a crafter is" well I don't see that in the shots they are more like illustrations you would see in a crafting book.

I would love to see what you see in your family, let the pictures speak for them.

[blueraven95]

6. it's a thought

and I do have many, many, many photos which do do that.

I decided to go in this direction because I wanted to photos to have a universal quality to them - where, much like Renaissance religious paintings, the defining features of the figures were simplified so people could project themselves into the space of the image. I recognize the immediately obvious limitation to this - that the women of my family are all Caucasian, but I don't have a lot of options for changing that.


I also admit to having some major ethical trepidations about documentary photography - I recognize it's importance, but I can't help but feel that it's really hard to balance on the ethical line which allows the subjects to retain their right to control their own images while still creating images which artistically show the photographer's point of view. For me, personally, I found pulling in very close was the way I am comfortable dealing with this issue, and why I wanted to let my family's own words speak for them, defining them.


But, if people feel this isn't working, than I can certainly move in a different direction.

[Mira]

8. Two groups in my thinking:

The "working" photos are all well done, well lit, beautifully focused. Knitting is a favorite because the contrast is clean, yarn and skin, and I like the crop.
Cutting is another favorite because it is lifelike and the scissors gave me a small gasp for that reason.
I also like the seam - ripping, it looks highly concentrated and I like the red ball on the ripper being the color of the fabric.

Sewing, the first one with the machine, and the one by hand, both work really well. You did spectacular work in setting these up.
On the hand sewing one the maroon batting gives the contrast. And on the machine sewing one the lighting is quite exceptional, as well as the crop.

Second group:
Photographically I like number seven best; just like it is. I did not on first glance see the person, now she is ever present and very pleasing to look at and gives dimension and tells a story. Great colors with the yellow and the beads.

I also like the last one. Yet I think a chunk of the bottom needs to come off.
Almost but not quite the whole bottom part where the webbing is no longer there does not add to the photo, it overstates the point of the fade, but I think I'm alone in that opinion.

Least favorite is the shot of the small sewing needle box, to me it's not exciting like the others.

You will have a great project and the idea is marvelous!
Report back please.

[blueraven95]

9. Thank you, Mira

I appreciate the comments.

Knitting is particularly close to me because my grandmother was unable to knit for several years because of arthritis. It's only been in the past several months that she's been able to do it again.

[Elfin Yeti]

10. Excellent work blueraven!

All great shots (and I agree with all Mira's comments). The 7th one caught and held my eye but left me wanting. I would love to have seen her whole face and out of focus as it is now. I agree, try pulling back and see what happens. I envision faces (or partial faces) of concentration, focusing on minute details, etc.

You are really onto something wonderful here! Keep them coming, please! :)

[blueraven95]

11. Thanks, Elfin Yeti!

I appreciate the comments!


:hi:

[postatomic]

13. That little box looks Russian

I don't have a good grasp on documentary photography but those that have received high praise for their work usually include the people and the environment they are in. I do like that you've decided to do something unique to your own vision.

I do get a sense of what is being done so I guess that's all that matters.

I've never met a Photography Teacher that I have liked. Maybe as a person, but not as a teacher. To please your prof you're just going to have stay within the boundaries that they establish. What you've done is very good but I'm not your prof.

[blueraven95]

14. Thanks, postatomic

(great name, by the way).

Doc photography can be really varied, although often it includes more people or environment. In some ways, I'm mimicking the photographers who shoot at places which once hosted historical events - like memorials or concentration camps - I'm focusing on the things, rather than the people, which is accepted. Obviously, my theme is quite different, though.