Please CC.. first time shooting for a magazine!

[jay-d]

I've recently just got my foot in the door to shoot for a South Asian magazine. This article is about dating an Indian (south Asian / east Indian) from a non-Indian's point of view, hence the white guy and south Asian girl.

I've just read about Rule of Thirds so I've tried using that guide as best as I can. The top left intersection point is on her right eye.. but what about overall composition? I feel it might be a little dull.. maybe could use some saturation? I'm always iffy about my exposures :(


http://www.beyondthescene.com/images/markoambu/IMG_8842.jpg

[PhotosGuy]

I feel it might be a little dull It looks good in color managed Firefox3. Firefox 3 "Enable Color Management" Trick. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=561719)
If they want something else, they'll make the changes to it.

[kirkt]

Congratulations on your assignment. It looks like you've captured a poignant moment in this couple's dating life and the image conveys a sense of their bond. It is not too rigid and posed and appears spontaneous, as if you have caught them in the act of being together. I guess one question I would have is: What is the message you are trying to convey (or that the article is trying to convey) with regard to this particular issue? Is there specific cultural taboo or hardship that this dating brings upon those couples? Or is this image meant to show that, despite some perceived taboo or lack of acceptance for example, inter-ethnic couples are just like every other couple and share intimate moments like that one you have captured.

That being said, what do you hope to convey with your image? Is it essentially a glimpse into the lives of this couple, or are there specific visual contrasts that you want to emphasize to convey the cross-cultural differences of the couple (the "south asianess" of the woman and the "whiteness" of the man) and how those visual differences, which may suggest an incongruity in their being together, are contrasted by the intimate and affectionate moment that they convey.

There are probably a few different ways to go with this image in terms of dressing it up for final production, but it could probably use a little contrast/saturation and maybe some increased DoF blur for the receding railing and background. This should be fairly easy in post, as you have achieved good focus on the subjects and the DoF blur that is present in the image sets off the profile of the man's head nicely against the slightly blurred background

Hopefully you might find this crit useful - if you turn on "Image Editing Okay" I can take a whack at demonstrating visually what my rambling is meant to convey.

Good luck on your assignment!

Kirk

[jay-d]

hey Kirk,

I've enabled image editing and thank you for your response.

I'm not 100% sure what the article will be regarding if it's for interracial couples or talk about the whole taboo behind it. My assumption was that taboo behind the couple but I will email the editor and confirm.

My goal was to capture a closeness of the couple.. that's all. Nothing too in depth but just to capture a moment that all couples can relate too.. a nice scenic walk by the river :P

Thanks!

[scslmd]

I like the overall composition... but I agree it's important to know what the article is going to be about... For example, I'd like to see more interaction such as them looking into each other's eyes if the article if _for_ interracial relationships.