Mr Worker

[Makanator]

First time posting in this section so here goes:

Was walking around CBD to hone my skills when I came across this scene which appears rather similar to something that I took before here: http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd38/Lenon/Prodigy_by_Makanator.jpg

Additional Text: Grudgingly, he accepted the task

EXIF data:
Shutter Speed: 1/100 second
F Number: F/2.5
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 200

Shot was taken with an additional Holga red filter together with some light pp to bring out a stronger, contrasting look as well as making the figures look like silhouettes.

Need critique on the following: Composition, Lighting, PP
Any further constructive comments will be good too.

Thank you and may you guys have a Happy Chinese New Year.

 

[foxtwo]

why is the worker grudging? what task did he accept? where is he? who is he? what is this picture about?

idk why you felt the need to include the link. why do you need to explain to viewers, to have a reference point before looking at this image. the only connection between the two images i presume is the 'tubing' or whatever it's called, but you stretch it too far and thin to vanishing point.

 

[Makanator]

why is the worker grudging? what task did he accept? where is he? who is he? what is this picture about?

idk why you felt the need to include the link. why do you need to explain to viewers, to have a reference point before looking at this image. the only connection between the two images i presume is the 'tubing' or whatever it's called, but you stretch it too far and thin to vanishing point.

Link removed to avoid confusion.

In regard to your queries, the reason why the worker was grudging was due to the nature of his body language, whereby he seemed reluctant to do the task.
His task must be that which requires the usage/installation of wires, in which wires are rather troublesome due to their tendency to get tangled/messed up.
Location-wise one can infer that he is in an office building but in the foreground there lies a traditional Chinese temple which he might be heading towards instead and both locations are the type of places which has complex network of wires/cables in them.
His identity is unknown, therefore the naming of the title which refers to this unidentified individual.
Finally this picture is to showcase the type of 'behind-the-scenes' people whom most people usually don't see.

Hope that is clear enough for you.

 

[nofocus]

My first impression upon seeing this image (not bothering with the accompanying, ultimately confusing text!), was that there's a good shot lurking in there somewhere, but the composition as it stands (geometry, lighting, lines) is possibly the only one way NOT to portray this subject!

Why?! The eye is drawn all over the place. Significantly the reflections take pride of place, and accentuate everything but the "grudging worker"!
The reflection of the silhouetted worker is "beheaded", too!!! And the eye is drawn by the various lines to everywhere but the subject, which, in reality, is not very well silhouetted. The in-the-middle-of-the-frame positioning of the subject is not working here, either.

Suggestion (purely my opinion only, ok?!): It would be tempting to go to a much LOWER viewpoint (nearer to the ground), using a portrait orientation, and capturing a better-formed silhouette against maybe the upper windows, AND the full silhouette in the reflection on the ground! Simultaneously, make sure that the tiling lines on the ground lead the viewer to the subject, and that there are no opposing and distracting incidental lines in the frame. Since this angle would probably result in a "larger" subject, it might be nice to use some minimal fill light to catch some shadow detail in the face, attire, stance of the subject without losing the intended silhouette effect. I'm not interested in the pretty door or the car or the people in the background!

On the other hand, if you wanted to show the "smallness" of the man, don't make his silhouette fight with the large black mass on the right-hand side of the frame, and maybe even get the subject's reflection on the left AND on the floor - now that would be a challenge!!! Again, NOT IN THE MIDDLE!!

Hope you don't mind my liberal assault on your promising picture! Cheers!

 

[rocfreaks]

As for me, i was drawn to see the background first then to the worker... I think the background is abit distracting... And when i zoom onto the silhouette, somehow, i got confused whether the worker you're talking about, is it the one in the centre, or the one on the right.

And i would love to see slightly the worker's face, and its uniform etc etc.. I think it will give more impact.

When i look at this picture, i have this feeling is that as if the worker is shy in revealing his work... which may not be the case.... u know like those pictures of people who are drug addict/prisoners/etc etc..

And how come you set your camera's focus to the car's wheel?

I guess its kind of an instinct for a man to focus on the picture first rather than reading the information before hand. well that happens to me

That is why i guess its true that pictures are said to speak a thousand of words and a good picture doesn't really really need a good write up to make the picture better.
just my two cents.

 

[Makanator]

My first impression upon seeing this image (not bothering with the accompanying, ultimately confusing text!), was that there's a good shot lurking in there somewhere, but the composition as it stands (geometry, lighting, lines) is possibly the only one way NOT to portray this subject!

Why?! The eye is drawn all over the place. Significantly the reflections take pride of place, and accentuate everything but the "grudging worker"!
The reflection of the silhouetted worker is "beheaded", too!!! And the eye is drawn by the various lines to everywhere but the subject, which, in reality, is not very well silhouetted. The in-the-middle-of-the-frame positioning of the subject is not working here, either.

Suggestion (purely my opinion only, ok?!): It would be tempting to go to a much LOWER viewpoint (nearer to the ground), using a portrait orientation, and capturing a better-formed silhouette against maybe the upper windows, AND the full silhouette in the reflection on the ground! Simultaneously, make sure that the tiling lines on the ground lead the viewer to the subject, and that there are no opposing and distracting incidental lines in the frame. Since this angle would probably result in a "larger" subject, it might be nice to use some minimal fill light to catch some shadow detail in the face, attire, stance of the subject without losing the intended silhouette effect. I'm not interested in the pretty door or the car or the people in the background!

On the other hand, if you wanted to show the "smallness" of the man, don't make his silhouette fight with the large black mass on the right-hand side of the frame, and maybe even get the subject's reflection on the left AND on the floor - now that would be a challenge!!! Again, NOT IN THE MIDDLE!!

Hope you don't mind my liberal assault on your promising picture! Cheers!

As for me, i was drawn to see the background first then to the worker... I think the background is abit distracting... And when i zoom onto the silhouette, somehow, i got confused whether the worker you're talking about, is it the one in the centre, or the one on the right.

And i would love to see slightly the worker's face, and its uniform etc etc.. I think it will give more impact.

When i look at this picture, i have this feeling is that as if the worker is shy in revealing his work... which may not be the case.... u know like those pictures of people who are drug addict/prisoners/etc etc..

And how come you set your camera's focus to the car's wheel?

I guess its kind of an instinct for a man to focus on the picture first rather than reading the information before hand. well that happens to me

That is why i guess its true that pictures are said to speak a thousand of words and a good picture doesn't really really need a good write up to make the picture better.
just my two cents.

Thank you guys for your constructive criticism! Will definitely look out for similar mistakes the next time i fire away. :sweat:

 

[tkbonz]

Link removed to avoid confusion.

In regard to your queries, the reason why the worker was grudging was due to the nature of his body language, whereby he seemed reluctant to do the task.
His task must be that which requires the usage/installation of wires, in which wires are rather troublesome due to their tendency to get tangled/messed up.
Location-wise one can infer that he is in an office building but in the foreground there lies a traditional Chinese temple which he might be heading towards instead and both locations are the type of places which has complex network of wires/cables in them.
His identity is unknown, therefore the naming of the title which refers to this unidentified individual.
Finally this picture is to showcase the type of 'behind-the-scenes' people whom most people usually don't see.

Hope that is clear enough for you.

Just curious, did you have the abovementioned idea/concept before taking the shot or was the above words conceived after looking at the shot on your computer?

Cause, the picture just looked like a man carrying wires but I can't tell from the picture what you are trying to inform us until i read your description. I personally feel that a picture will turn out more impactful if the idea was conceived before taking the shot, cause i can easily make up a story of any random shot i made (not saying you're doing that).

 

[Fuzzybluelights]

I think the people in the background are more distracting than the subject itself. Mmhm, i cant tell what is going on with the photo too. Dont seem to be a story or a motive? Just a nice snap shot to me. My thoughts aye

 

[denniskee]

i find the composition is quite good :

1) the people and car infront of the thiam hock keng temple adds contrast between work and play, except if the temple is open would have been better, but thats not within our control.


may i suggest :

1) more reflection of the worker's shoulder + head. if not, clone away the bottom until the start of his reflection, ie the dull black strip (which i feel would be even better).

2) clone away the other person on the right of the tunnel.

 

[kooichi]

honestly i'd think that the shot could be improved if you managed to capture the full body reflection of the person on the floor.