Shooting pool

[CanonGolfer]

Taken last night at Pockets. 1600 ISO, no flash low light. CC as always.

I know people complain about selective coloring but I think it kinda works in this instance.
http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/CanonGolfer/Random/Jake1.jpg

Sean shooting pool. Wanted to get a gritty, pool hall feeling out of it.
http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/CanonGolfer/Random/Sean.jpg

[PBeeee]

I like that first one. It feels far more 'gritty' than the second. I think that is because that person has a rougher look. The second one is a pretty clean cut guy, has pretty blue felt and a blonde white guy in the back. I think that is all working against your goal.
Nice compostions and techniques though. The first one is very good. And the selective coloring is a good choice here but I bet it works without any color too.

[CanonGolfer]

LOL it's funny that you say that too. Jake (first one) is a head bouncer at a night club out here and Sean is a golf professional, unfortunately Sean is a monster at pool and Jake is just alright. It was hard to try and get good shots without people in the background (Pockets was having a tournament last night). I wanted selective coloring on the first to let people know it was the 9 ball. Thanks for the comments though.

[evo5ive]

Agreed, the first one is my pick (and I think the selective colouring was a good choice).

[CanonGolfer]

Another one of Sean (right after the break)
http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/CanonGolfer/Random/Sean2.jpg

[Grimage]

I love the first one.... actually each of them has great mood.
I was working on the first one a bit in PS... but not too convinced still posting here ... maybe you have a better idea. :)

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/4327/jake1f.jpg

[pickupman92]

the first one is sharp on the forehead, can't really see eyes (no problem for me) and I do like the selective coloring in this instance.

the second seems to be sharper around his hand, but nothing extremely/super sharp.

[Green Man]

Love the first shot, great use of SC IMO. The only issue I have is the light in the upper right, kind of a mood killer.

Love the juxtaposition of the Mona Lisa hanging in a pool hall.

[FELINEDEBOURGES]

I too vote for the first one and like the choice of selective color, but I think it would work just as well in all b&w. I don't think the second or third ones would come across with the mood you are seeking even if they were b&w.

[PhotogJeff]

I definitely like number one the best. Personally, I like the selective color and I got it right away that you used it to highlight the fact that he's playing nine ball. Someone who doesn't play the game might not "get it" but I think they'd still like the effect. I don't think I'd change the cropping but one thing I might change is that I'd probably clone out the white spot, the light and the exit sign in the upper right corner. Nice work. Jeff

[CanonGolfer]

Now with fixed spots you guys recommended :) Thanks for all the great input
http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab154/CanonGolfer/Random/Jake2.jpg

[PBeeee]

That's a beauty now.

[JimMcrae]

I'm not normally big on selective colouring but I really like it here. You've really captured the atmosphere of the pool hall. It's interesting to see the Mona Lisa in a pool hall too! :)

[Grimage]

The guy on the picture looks like my bro btw.... its so weird! :D and nicely done correction:)

[TwistedGray]

#1 for the win

Just picked up a pool table and skimming through pics for idea.

[AlphaChicken]

I actually like the second one. *shrug*

I think the slight out of focus/motion blur feel helps with the mood of indoor, dingy pool halls.

Number one is awesome too! I like them both for different reasons.

I am tired, so I did not read all the responses, but if it wasn't mentioned, I think it would help to make it not selectively colored on the pool ball.

[CanonGolfer]

The reason why I did selective coloring on the 9 ball was to signify it was the 9 ball. Otherwise it would just look like he was shooting at some random ball instead of the money ball.

[AlphaChicken]

The reason why I did selective coloring on the 9 ball was to signify it was the 9 ball. Otherwise it would just look like he was shooting at some random ball instead of the money ball.

Ah true that. Doh! I didnt even think about the game aspect of the shot. And I say that I know pool well....haha.

[mutau052]

#1 is great

[williejr]

#1 is a great capture and the selective color works here.

#2 you need to watch your background. The guy in the background arem almost looks part of the guy in front and he is directly behind the guy bending over, if you know what I mean...lol It's probably just me. :)