Assignment: "Yin Yang" by Frank Theriault--- I saw this photo just after my partner got herself a book on the paintings of Vermeer, and I was immediately struck by the similarities of this double animal portrait to Vermeer's style. (All rich and dark browns and blacks and whites.) The subjects are quite relaxed and peaceful, and the overall impression one gets of the shot is one of serenity. The composition is centered and frame filling, excellently done IMO. I enjoyed the delicate contrast of the cats' fur against the smooth and plain background, and I especially like the way the white and dark edges are soft and blending while the rest of the portrait is sharp. Three questions: 1)Was the shot taken with a spotlight or a flash against a black dropcloth, or was the surrounding area blackened in afterwards on a PC? 2)Is the 55/2 Tak you used considered to be a "soft" lens? 3)Did you crop around the frame to enlarge the center? And if so, how much? Rating: A well done portrait. Would really enjoy having my own portrait taken in this style! Assignment: "Breaking Out" by Chris Brogden--- Playful shot. The black camera in the center really looks like it's jumping up and out of line, because of the focus. Also reminds me of a famous WWII photo I've seen somewhere of fighter planes taking off on a carrier deck... Must've been fun setting it up? I do think it could use a bit more contrast. It's not as "arty" as my personal taste prefers, but I also think it has an excellent marketing sense about it and would make a good commercial shot (if more contrasty) for a camera ad. Y'know, like "there's always one that wants to break out of the crowd...", that sort of thing. I would suggest an improvement though; I feel that the framing would be better served with perhaps one inch cropped off of the botto so that only the upper third of the first camera's lens shows... This is of course but personal taste, and I would be curious to see if Chris (and any others) would agree with it? Two questions: 1)How was photo lit? Lighting looks soft and sepia, like natural available light? 2)What is a "Dental Eye" lens, and why do you use it? Rating: A playful shot with commercial potential. Skip - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
