High Key Portrait - Opinions Please

[Mike4AU]

I know what the gals at the office think about this, but I would like to know what the guys, at this guy dominated forum, think about this shot.

I took this one of my only grandson, in color, but after studying it for a while, I thought that it was a perfect candidate for a High Key Portrait (black and white, lots of detail loss, etc.). I also processed this one with a lot of "negative space" on the left side of the image.

I plan on giving his mom this shot (framed) as a gift for Christmas. I recognize that this is on the artsy side and, therefore, I hope she likes.

What do you guys think?

[tthurman]

Seems a bit heavy on the negative space size to me, but that's a matter of opinion that will naturally vary.

As always you make great shots and this one is no exception!

[Loophead]

Mike

I like this and I don't. Let me explain, I love the processing, but the empty space as me wanting more. I quote, poem or bible verse would be quite nice. This is of course just my own stupid opinion. I'm an analyst not an artist.

Sean

[Ajax]

OMG, I think she would LOVE it. I know I would, but ya never know with women.

[Mike4AU]

I can appreciate the comments about the negative space. What I was trying to emphasize is getting the viewer to really wonder what he is looking at so intently. I tried to draw the viewer in by having the negative space. I guess that is my artsy side coming out.

Thanks for the comments.

[fanuminski]

Mike - like all of your shots! "thumbsup:

However, imo, I think to myself "less artsy"
and "more picture" !

I think you should take a more conventional, straight -on
shot and do something with that!

Nonetheless, this is a very beautiful (can guys say that? lol) shot
that any mother would surely love!

-M

[HuskerOmaha]

I'm a fan of the open area, makes you wonder what the kid is looking at!

[hawkeyejw]

I love it as-is, Mike. It's a gorgeous shot.

How long did it take you to get it looking like that, btw?

[Mike4AU]

I love it as-is, Mike. It's a gorgeous shot.

How long did it take you to get it looking like that, btw?

Thanks.

From conception to final image, probably 30 minutes. It wasn't too difficult. Well, actually, the conception alone was about 30 minutes and the processing about 30 minutes....but I'm a turtle.

And, guys, thanks for all your comments! And I do recognize that I gravitate toward the artsy stuff. Not sure why...just do.

[tesseract]

I'm a fan of the open area, makes you wonder what the kid is looking at!

Me too, but maybe a bit less open area. I think the effect would be more pronounced if you centered the image a bit more, less open space but the image still off center to the right. All that open space begs for an unnecessary quote or text.

I like your idea, Mike. Good work as usual. :brainiac:

[kivyee]

Maybe the negative space needs a floating CS sub? Seriously though, I like it. The white space does convey a sense of him seeing something there that we as adults can't.

[Mike4AU]

My daughter had grandson a little later in life than usual. Because of that I wanted a high impact image that was way beyond the usual "good photo." I think this shot speaks to the viewer and reminds us of the curious nature of those little babies.

I do appreciate all the good words and thoughts.

[cburbs]

I think it looks great....

[bp2007]

I know what the gals at the office think about this, but I would like to know what the guys, at this guy dominated forum, think about this shot.

I took this one of my only grandson, in color, but after studying it for a while, I thought that it was a perfect candidate for a High Key Portrait (black and white, lots of detail loss, etc.). I also processed this one with a lot of "negative space" on the left side of the image.

I plan on giving his mom this shot (framed) as a gift for Christmas. I recognize that this is on the artsy side and, therefore, I hope she likes.

What do you guys think?

Very nice Mike. Usually, I too don't like negative space, but this is an exception. I like this composition. However, I am curious how will it look in vertical/portrait format instead of landscape.