Looking into Dead Space

[John 2]

The idea is inspired by a print that used to hang at my local photo printers. It was a nude model sat with her forearms resting on her raised knees and presented at the extreme left of a letterbox format like this. To my eyes, the comp worked despite the dead space to the right. I have always wanted to try something similar and this is the result (sadly, no nude model was to hand). Given that it is slightly unconventional, I suspect it might divide opinions but I would very much welcome comments. The dog has deliberately been given a slightly graphic treatment. I thought it was more in keeping with the idea.

[bnnrcn]

I really like the idea and the image very much , but IMO the frame is so distracting that I can't concantrate on the real photo.

[FootLoose]

I wouldn't call it dead space as it is a major element of the composition, and I think it works very well. Although, considering the angle of the subject's gaze, I might raise the upper border of the frame so that it is directed more towards the upper left corner.

I agree with Binnur about the frame though. .

[NorthernFocus]

I wouldn't call it dead space as it is a major element of the composition, and I think it works very well. Although, considering the angle of the subject's gaze, I might raise the upper border of the frame so that it is directed more towards the upper left corner.

I agree with Binnur about the frame though. .

ditto

[Shadowman]

Looks good.

[Rebel]

I think you should def raise the empty space above the dog... to more of a portrait aspect ratio?

[IzzieK]

I agree with everyone...the space on the dog's head is a little bit lacking in space...and I also noticed in your write-up...I make the same mistakes of where my left and right is actually and the empty space is at the left hand side, not on the right...

[Suzan J]

Hi John: When I see posts that ask for specific opinions, I usually try not to read any of the comments until I form my own. It seems that the consensus is that there needs to be a bit more space above the dog's head, and this was the first thought that came to my head. All these great minds must be right, no? I really like the graphic treatment of the dog and the sense that he is very interested in something.

[Downrigger]

Interesting discussion and some good points. But I wouldn't touch a thing - a wall-hanger in a heartbeat for me, as is. Thanks for sharing this interesting concept. I'll be looking for an opportunity to use it myself.

[Texas Dave]

I think we as viewers are trained to see a balance in a photo. In your photo, there's no "understandable" reason for the dead space and thus it creates a distraction. I'm not sure how you're going to be able to pull this off but an interesting concept thus far.

[Barbara Ponder]

Love the dog and the graphic approach, he is stunning. I also like the use of negative space but for my taste maybe about 2 less. I have a tendency to talk for my dog so seeing his thought process is easy for me but I would guess that those who do not have animals might have a harder time with the concept, whereas the woman looking off into space is a concept we all can relate to. Although I must say doing it naked might be a bit odd for some

[Brownbear]

Just to say that I adore this image... so artistic. I tried cropping it in the lytebox but prefer it as is. Not sure why, just do.

[Stryno]

I am defiantly going to try this concept with a pen and ink drawing. great concept. I love that you saw it and adapted it. Repeated, but not copied, any way thanks for shearing.

[John 2]

Thanks for all of the feedback. Very useful because in general I agree with just about all of the comments. Borders are personal but in trying to compliment the high key nature of the image this one is OTT and more headroom improves the shot. It also has the effect of foreshortening the dead space which satisfies your comment Barbara. Mark, Christina and Chuck, glad you liked it as is but I have re-done it to take account of the above. I wonder whether this has changed your view. David, thanks for the comment. It's a question of balancing the comp and I guess trying to look for something a little different. This is how I have re-done it:

[bnnrcn]

Now, it is great photo ! You did a very good job by changing the border and some more space above the head works very well.

Thanks for all of the feedback. Very useful because in general I agree with just about all of the comments. Borders are personal but in trying to compliment the high key nature of the image this one is OTT and more headroom improves the shot. It also has the effect of foreshortening the dead space which satisfies your comment Barbara. Mark, Christina and Chuck, glad you liked it as is but I have re-done it to take account of the above. I wonder whether this has changed your view. David, thanks for the comment. It's a question of balancing the comp and I guess trying to look for something a little different. This is how I have re-done it:

[Brownbear]

Hi John,

I also adore the image with the increased space above, and prefer the border-less image. At this time there is still something about the long and narrow original that I prefer, perhaps this is simply because it is especially unique or that I fell in love with the original. Both are wall hangers for me.

Mark, Christina and Chuck, glad you liked it as is but I have re-done it to take account of the above. I wonder whether this has changed your view.

[John 2]

Thanks Binnur, thanks Christina. I might try the new version in a comp or two.