Another chance for reader critique!
I love hearing from you regarding my work, so here’s another opportunity to compare two similar photographs.
#1
#2
As I was following this couple down Second Street, I was intrigued by their body language and the deliberate, slow way they were making their way down the street. As they were leaving the shade and heading to the cross-walk, I wanted to make sure I got an image of them with the sunlight highlighting them. That was the shot I was excited about in the moment. When I got home and reviewed my shots, however, I felt that the first shot was the stronger image even though it was taken in the shade. I like the framing of the building on the left, the awnings and branches of the tree above and the street / cars to the left. I find the fellow looking in the window of the pawn shop an interesting addition, as well as the sign, especially the words “Courteous Loans.” For some reason, that tickled me. Finally, the woman between them at the cross-walk with the walk signal above her head, adds an additional layer to the photograph that I find pleasing.
The second image, while interesting for a few seconds because of what the sunlight is doing, is rather flat and uninteresting.
Your thoughts, as always, are welcome.
Carissa Snedeker Photography 
I agree, I much prefer the first shot. There just seems to be so much more to it compared to the second.
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Thanks, Rob.
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Reblogged this on photo shop.
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Ton autocritique est parfaite. Je préfère la 1ère car elle situe bien ton sujet dans l’environnement.
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Yes, that’s it. The environment is important to the photograph. In this case, context is needed.
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Not going to argue with anyone’s views as to preference…. as I think both shots are great in there own right.
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I agree that the first one has more interest. Nice job.
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Thank you.
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Not a fair comparison . . . 33% more content in the first one. Also, the signage above them in the second photo draws the eye, making them less the subject of the photo.
As is, the first shot is more more about them walking. The second shot might be better served with cutting the top third of the picture, and focusing just on the two people.
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On the first one, I would have also cropped the car on the right . . .
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I thought about it and tried it, but it ruined the framing.
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How about this crop? https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11551329/2014_01_03_163-XL%20Edit.jpg
The figures are now the central focus and the story is stronger. Just my opinion, mind you. There is no “right” answer.
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I would crop the directional sign out in the 2nd photo (right to where the “one way” sign is). I did that with my browser and that brings the people more in “focus”. To separate them out from the background I’d first try see what I could do with the color adjustments, followed by sharpening and exposure adjustments.
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I agree, the first one is much more of a story, and is more interesting. I like reading the others’ comments.
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Thanks, Rita.
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I somehow like to see them closer, but the sign seems to get in the way. So I prefer the first one too because of the context.
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Thanks.
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Not being a photgrapher but more of an observer of what story your picture is telling, I like the first one better. Before reading your text or viewing the picture, I found myelf wondering about the couple and their relationship. Are they just two people walking close? Are they friends? Married? He looks to be walking a step ahead of her, yet they are connected. The background and the standing still man give the couple more action in the first one. It’s cool to compare the two, I like that.
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That was my thought about the photograph as well. I like that they are in the context of a busy street. Thanks for stopping by!
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