Xiao Cai  


Young Black Man Studying on Street in New York City by Xiao Cai

April 2021 - Young Black Man Studying on Street in New York City

April 2021 - Xiao Cai

Original

April 2021 - Xiao Cai

Original 2

About the Image(s)

I took this shot in 2015. I like this street environment. Now I redid the post-work and hoped to make it look better. I attached my original work. What do you think? Welcome any comments and suggestions.

Camera: Nikon D800 Lens: 85mm f/1.4 Exposure: 1/250 at f/8.0 ISO: 800


This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted




Gregory Waldron   Gregory Waldron
Xiao,
Another fine street portrait. I think you accomplished your goal with the redo of your post-processssing.
Best regards,
Greg   Posted: 04/05/2021 16:20:53



Darcy Johnson   Darcy Johnson
Hi Xiao - Your style is clear and I do think the final is a good improvement over both originals. The model doesn't appear very relaxed/comfortable though. Perhaps it is how his hand is placed on his knee? or the tightness of his arm holding the book? or neither foot being grounded? The image has a tension to it as a result. I wonder if that's what you were after? I like the environment; your post efforts work.   Posted: 04/05/2021 20:57:52



Tom Brassil   Tom Brassil
Hu Xiao
a nicely posed street portrait the lighting works well with plenty of detail in the sitter and the surrounding area, all handled very well in your post-processing. I agree with Darcy that the sitter not appearing comfortable and her comments on the tensions within the image. I also find the cover of the red book a bit distracting and it would be easy for you to change the colour in the postprocessing. Comparing your original image and your reworked image it is obvious that your skills have improved dramatically over the time   Posted: 04/06/2021 21:54:44



Karen Davis   Karen Davis
Hello Xiao,

LOVE the work you did on this image! The original is OK, but the removal of the yellow tint, the brightening, and of course, the straightening of the column makes this a dynamic street shot.

My issue is with your title. I love red, so my eye goes straight to the red book. Why not name this "The Red Book" to direct the viewer's eye to where the subject's eye is focused? Then, the viewer can move their focus (pun intended!) around the shot to take in the details already noted about the model.

One other thing: it's a bit too centered for my taste - maybe crop a bit from the left to throw the subject more off-center?

Great capture!
Karen   Posted: 04/11/2021 09:51:44



Xiao Cai   Xiao Cai
(Group 46)
Thank you for every one!   Posted: 04/13/2021 13:30:26



Quang Phan   Quang Phan
(Group 88)
Hi Xiao, nice image. Your image gives a good 3D affect, good DOF. Color is very balanced and excellent brightness. I agreed with other about of too centered position for the man. In my view, I feel like the column is little tilt to the right or the horizontal line tilt down to the right. For me the red book color could reduce the saturation little bit. Overall I enjoy your style, and you always catch the image very meaningful. Thanks and best regards   Posted: 04/15/2021 00:31:03



Syed Shakhawat Kamal   Syed Shakhawat Kamal
Hi Xiao,
Greetings.
I hope you are keeping safe in pandemic going on around. I like the image yo presented this month. The post processing is nice from the originals. But as Darcy mention that the man in the frame is a bit tensed, at-least that my initial impression too. Probably it is a staged photograph, I think a candid capture would be much more relaxed. Is it a stage photography Xiao? Loved the composition though.
Stay safe my friend. Cheers.
Kamal.   Posted: 04/16/2021 02:50:22