May

Critiques [Translate]

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• pozaru (16673)
• [2007-11-02 1:32]
• [+]

I think that is just perfect in this wonderful natural light. Everything seems to be so simple and easy for her (great smile) but I'm sure it isn't ... congrats to the both of you !!!

v

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• rewshearer (16093)
• [2007-11-02 1:42]
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This is a beautiful shot, and accompanied by a beautiful note.

The shot, first. I think you've done a stunning shot, and May will be delighted with the way you have portrayed her, I'm sure. It's a beautiful and delicate portrait, you caught a sweet and slightly wistful smile, and I think that tells a story in itself.

You chose a really good location for this, too. A fantastic source for natural light with those big windows - but also a background that holds interest without being distracting. In essence it's already desaturated, which brings out the colours of May's clothes and skin.

You've placed her very well in the frame; the sharpness and tones are great. If anything, I guess, a longer lens would have made a shallower depth of field and given the background softer bokeh, but that's a minor point.

The note, too, is something to treasure. It tells us about May, and it tells us about you, too, in an honest and very human way.

This would have to be my favourite photograph of yours yet, you've blown me away. My congratulations.

Rew

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• dareco (11575)
• [2007-11-02 1:44]
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I like your interesting and informative note. This is a very relaxed pose, and the color of her t-shirt is pretty. I think we're all a little scared of things we don't understand. Nice that you share this interesting person with us.

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• kri54 (614)
• [2007-11-02 1:51]
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superbe photo ,le modèle est mis en valeur par tout ce blanc dans toutes les nuances

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• hopalong (100)
• [2007-11-02 2:12]
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• MLINES (6812)
• [2007-11-02 2:20]
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Hi Richard, This is a bit left field but is a good portrait. The composition works well. Keep up the good work. If this was possible; you will be shooting Miss Singapore by Christmas!
TFS. Murray.

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• Helkoryo (22076)
• [2007-11-02 2:20]
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Hello Again Richard

Well firstly. WOW this is amazing. I dont usually consider myself good enough to comment on portrait images as i have never tried taking any myself. This however is an exception. Your image is soft and beautiful, she has a soft and gentle look about her and the choice of the window seems to give a whistful.. looking out on life view. I really love this image and am very much looking forward to seeing the other shots you took.

TFS regards Helen

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• trekks (9964)
• [2007-11-02 3:25]
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Hi Richard

You are bold to take a challenge that way, anyway, that is related to your Note, and it does help to read and view the photo to have a spontaneous feel

.the BG is well chosen
.surrounding milky white, greyish softens
.great light diffusion
.the side face works well
.crop is ok
.facial expression is relaxed mode
.the TATOO!
.wonder : if let the hair down?

well done shot, overall.

TFS, cheers
Bill

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• lavan (2267)
• [2007-11-02 5:39]

nice cap good depth
TFS
regards
LavanSJ

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• tibig (7539)
• [2007-11-02 7:00]
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Good portrait, Richard, well posed against the historical building. Yes, we all have our prejudices, the problem starts when we are not (or do not want to be) aware of them.
Regards,
Tibi

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• GreenBaron (40688)
• [2007-11-02 7:36]
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Hi Big Fellah
Great portrait and an even better note! I'm impressed by you wide minded mind! Great the smile of May a fine captures showing her with perfect light. Regarding the background; one step further and the vertical line wouldn'd be there behind her face, Nevertheless superb posting Rich.
Hans aka The Nikon Baron :-)

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• perryhooter (26349)
• [2007-11-02 17:47]
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Hello Richard,

Without prejudice, I am quite proud of your note and work here. I know some members can even consider you as a rude, and tough guy , being even rough at times in your critiques and comments to fellow photographers.

Knowing you a bit for some time, I know how sensible, honest and true your are . This one is indeed an exclamation point to your true values, and humanity. Well done, in exposing your own thoughts, feelings and questioning. You just can not stand B.S. and low flattery. Let me say briefly . I like your guts (^_^).

About the photo. Well you indeed had a very pleasant feeling between you too, since he/she's got a very candid and relax smile and pose. Light management is excellent too. His/Her shirt is contrasting well against the overall grey environment.

Well composed even if I am not really a fan with the window frame directly behind his/her head. Fortunately the effect is not really distracting since the frame is about the same color and tones as the Background. So it is really a minor point.

Overall a super post. Bravo!
Sincerely,
Robert

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• puffy (16575)
• [2007-11-04 13:39]

Hi Richard,

This is a beautiful shot of May, not that I am good at taking portrait, but I'll comment one when I see a good portrait, and this is one of those I like.

I like her natural pose, the lighting is just perfect, it bring out her skin tone, I also like how she is off- center and the way she pose is like she is looking into the future... maybe also thinking what it may hold for her?

I am very happy to read your note, as I always believe, beauty came from within the heart and mind, not just apperences of a person. Your notes have express the bit of you that I didn't know before (even thought I only know you a bit), but to write something like this for public to read takes "guts", you are honest, trueful and sensitive about your feeling, and I respect you for that, thank you for sharing this with us, I am sure May will be so honor to have friends like you and your wife.

Take care,
Sweety

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• eMBeer (1270)
• [2007-11-05 23:10]

Hi Richard,

I must say that the best from the four shots is the one titled "Waiting". Here you used very wisely the ambient light, but the pose of May made her flattened. Besides a bit unfortunate placement of her nose and moutg against the window frame in the background makes this portrait a bit unreadable. As of composition: I like the contrast of dissolved gray-white of the surrounding areas with May herself dressed in rather vivid colours. This makes her even more prominent. Overall nice shot, but some improvements would help a lot *s* tfs

Marek

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• eqshannon (1840)
• [2007-11-11 17:35]
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As a retired yet active photojournalist I am intrigued...do you speak the language or does she speak English? A wonderful work...actually all of them are, so you shall see same note on the others but this is where I started..
Bob

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• ErikSven (1738)
• [2007-11-28 13:50]
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Hello Richard,
I have followed your series on May some time ago, but without leaving any comment. I'm taking the time now to write down some of my thoughts.
I choose this photo because it's the one I prefer.
First of all, because of the spontaneity of the pose. The dreamy way May is looking outside gives a very natural impression. A feeling of inner peace as well.
But there also is the composition: a captivating play of architectural lines (curved and straight), enhanced by the human curves of May's body.
Not to forget the interesting interaction between inside and outside - both dimensions seem to merge into each other (a bit like May merged from the condition of a man into that of a woman - or am I becoming too philosophical here? ;o)).
At last, there are the subdued colours (nice and nuanced white tones), expressing once again that feeling of inner peace, and enhanced once again by the colourful touch of May.
To put it briefly: this is a captivating photo as part of a captivating photo session. I also appreciate the underlying "message" (don't know whether it's the appropriate word) and am glad May seems to be happy.
TFS & kind regards,
Erik

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• ngupta (44)
• [2007-12-30 20:54]

Well done. This is a very pleasing photo. The dress is so beautiful with contrasting colors.

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• hrschwartz (228)
• [2008-02-10 9:05]

Richard,

It's an excellent photo to present your note.

I am truly astounded to learn May is a transsexual. Her body habitus is certainly feminine (especially her hip- seen on other photos). Without a doubt, the entire concept of biological and psychological sexuality is extremely complex. It's one of the many things of life that I can’t even begin to comprehend. I can only imagine the many conflicts and adjustments one’s sexuality can present under these circumstances. Life is complicated enough without having to determine one’s true sexuality- I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. Having said that, it appears that May has adjusted- at least on a certain level.

Randy

PS. What I find even more difficult to understand is why people are fearful or downright outraged about other people’s sexuality. These are the same people who readily accept war, poverty and starvation. If you can explain THOSE people to me, I’ll be impressed.