Street performer, 2 different edits - which works?

[sando]

Hi,

Thanks for looking,

I cant decide which I prefer and whether the B&W one 'works' in this context, is it trying too hard to be 'arty' or is it clear that it was done to bring emphasism to the flames?

C&C almost mandatory.... ;)

Original edit:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i228/sando3/DSCF2708.jpg

BW version:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i228/sando3/DSCF2708a.jpg

Some other shots in this post here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=204363)

[jlake1234]

Sando
I'm no expert, but the colour version looks better to me.
Helps the performer stand out a bit from the BG.
My eyes were drawn to the flame first and then to the performer in the original so there is some cohesiveness to the image in colour.

but, others may have different tastes.

c

[sando]

Thanks, i guess his orange shirt doesnt hurt either! :lol:

Ta,

[Dragonfli Spirit]

Hey!!

I prefer the colour version - and you are right - the orange shirt definately helps :)

[saad]

Hi Sando,

Though I like the colour, I personally prefer the second one. It just struck me as.....awesome. If you're looking to place emphasis on the flames, the B&W edit works REALLY well. The performer stands out enough on his own (the background is dark enough) and I think the orange hue of the shirt helps here.

Just my opinion, though.
Great photos!

[StewartR]

I think this might be a good subject for selective colouring... put the performer in colour but leave the background in B&W. Just an idea.

[beano]

I think this might be a good subject for selective colouring... put the performer in colour but leave the background in B&W. Just an idea.

Exactly what i was thinking... ;)

[Radtech1]

I find a couple of things about the shot make me not care too much for it.

First, he is covering his own face. Now I agree that there are plenty of aesthetic reasons for obscuring a face in a photograph, but I see no reason why it should be obscured with this shot. When I see a shot of people, I want to see the people - especially the subject person. I wish you would have chosen a different shot to work on, one with a similar pose, but without the arm in front of himself - let me see his concentration, his effort, without hiding it.

Second, I really really REALLYdon't like the fact that the middle torch is touching his fingers. It is not easy to articulate why that annoys me so, but it just feels like there should be some separation - after all, they are 2 different things, but the contact confuses that.

Personally, I recommend that you put your efforts in a different shot from the series. (At least, what I hope is a series.)

Rad

[sando]

I find a couple of things about the shot make me not care too much for it.

First, he is covering his own face. Now I agree that there are plenty of aesthetic reasons for obscuring a face in a photograph, but I see no reason why it should be obscured with this shot. When I see a shot of people, I want to see the people - especially the subject person. I wish you would have chosen a different shot to work on, one with a similar pose, but without the arm in front of himself - let me see his concentration, his effort, without hiding it.

He's balancing the torch in his mouth whilst still juggling, I did that on purpose as this was one of the tricks he did. I have other shots of him, search through my other posts.

Second, I really really REALLYdon't like the fact that the middle torch is touching his fingers. It is not easy to articulate why that annoys me so, but it just feels like there should be some separation - after all, they are 2 different things, but the contact confuses that.

Fair point, maybe to do wih the act that it's a flame and his hand? They're not actually touching, but I can see why you think they are.

Personally, I recommend that you put your efforts in a different shot from the series. (At least, what I hope is a series.)

Yes, they're is a series to these, this was just one of many.

Rad

Thanks for your honest critique.

:)