Opinions Please

[rpcrowe]

I was very happy with the first metal photo print that I had made of a Day o the Dead image and plan to have one made of this image...


I'd like some input on the desirability of removing some background distractions that I have numbered 1 to 4 on the image...



I think that I want to remove the bright spot of #2 and the gray area of #4.

I don't think that #1 is consequential at all and I just might like #3 because it separates the shoulder from the background.

What are your opinions please?

BTW: the theme of this Day of the Dead festival was the Monarch Butterfly; which in Aztec and later Mexican lore represents the spirits of the departed as they return to Mexico every year...

[Shadowman]

Hi Richard,

I think viewing distance will be the deciding factor for #4 and #1, whereas #2 could go either way but #3 should go as it reduces the prominence of the chin. Nicely captured.

[purplehaze]

Great shot, Richard! I would get rid of both #2 and #3.

[Manfred M]

They are all distracting elements, so they should all go. Same thought on your border, it detracts from a strong image. If you want a border (and I'm not certain that they are appropriate on a metal print), go with a single border of the same colour.

[xpatUSA]

Off-topic, but I wonder why the top of the head-dress is cropped or not framed?

[Manfred M]

Off-topic, but I wonder why the top of the head-dress is cropped or not framed?

Have you ever done any event photography?

[xpatUSA]

Have you ever done any event photography?

No. I take your point.

[William W]

. . . I'd like some input on the desirability of removing some background distractions that I have numbered 1 to 4 on the image...

I concur with Manfred, if it were mine I would remove all four: no question about it.

***

Re the border:

Of itself, I think that a border is a "fashion thing": and that particular fashion comes and goes and it usually ends up making a time-stamp on the print.

It is somewhat akin to the type of frame used to mount a canvas, or even not to use a frame at all.

The bottom line is, IF you put a border IN the print you can't remove it later if you grow weary of it: you need to get a second print made.

I have found a reasonable compromise is photographic printing with no border and then taking time to try different Frames for mounting the print - or to choose to use no frame at all - or changing frames after a few years or to accommodate the print to be hung in a different location, etc..

Whilst I continuously put a border on images for Screen Display - for the last several years I don't use a border for any Print.

***

Congratulations Richard - it's a really strong Portrait - it's a cracker. Bravo.

WW

[Manfred M]

Richard - a good rule of thumb on distractions is that if you have to ask if they are problematic, you've likely already answered your own question with an implied "yes".

If there is something that either takes the viewer's eyes away from the subject or tends to move them towards the edges of the image, they need to be removed or toned down.

While you did not ask, going along Bill's lines of thinking, if it were my image, I would look at some serious dodging; the eyes and the black area at the neck. You were shooting in some seriously harsh light, so these areas need to be calmed a bit.

[rpcrowe]

Have you ever done any event photography?

Exactly - however this person was moving as I framed the shot in a crowd of onlookers. OTOH: I really am not as concerned with clipping a bit of a headdress off than I would be if I clipped a hand off...

And, I would not print with a border at all...

[xpatUSA]

Originally Posted by Manfred M Have you ever done any event photography?

No. I take your point.

Exactly - however this person was moving as I framed the shot in a crowd of onlookers.

Once again - point taken.

[Stagecoach]

They are all distracting elements, so they should all go.

I agree, if the image is to be printed for display.

Another small area that could be considered for removal is the 'grey' at the top right.