![simplicity and minimalism photography critique Hi Christian, my name is Kanayo Adibe. I have 3 pictures I would love to get your take on. I just got a Nikon D5100 […]](https://academy-of-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/photo-3-450x190.jpg "simplicity and minimalism photography critique")
simplicity and minimalism photography
critique
Hi Christian, my name is Kanayo Adibe. I have 3 pictures I would love to get your take on. I just got a Nikon D5100 for Christmas and took a few pics. I have been taking pics on my iPhone and would like to take things to the next level. I have a minimalist photo I shot, a portrait of my dog using an off camera flash and a trick I leaned for the invisible back black backdrop and a somewhat candid shot of a kid I know he basically turned around and I took the shot. I appreciate your time and all the resources you have made available to us. I basically used the kit lens for all there shots 18 – 55mm.
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Kanayo
thank you for your submission. I really enjoyed looking at your pictures. let’s be consistent and use the Tudor Rating System as it proved to be working very well.
Bird on a pole
Content 7 out of 10
A bird on a pole is nothing spectacular, however the simplicity of the shot is very pleasing to my eyes. It is more than a bird on a pole it is a dialogue. I love the contrast and the way the light pole is breathing in its simplicity
Composition 8 out of 10
very good use of the rule of thirds, nice proportion of the subject in relation to the emptiness around it, it is just right
Image quality 8 out of 10
I see skills in port production
Final TRS mark 7.6 out of 10
Despite the lack of action or drama, the subject breathes very comfortable and you have managed a visual pleasant experience. Thi sis a good picture showing your well trained eyes and sense of proportion. I am confident that this is not random but indended
The dog
Content 8 out of 10
Another good pet photography/portrait of a dog if I can call it a portrait. I love your simple but sophisticated approach. You have captured the essence and that is a plus from me
Composition 8 out of 10
I see you know what your are doing. the best use of rule of thirds
Image quality 6 out of 10
I enjoy the contrast of shadow and light, I see artificial light and that puts a dent in my experience, but that might be subjective. I do not believe the isolation of the dog with dark around it works if your are using a flash or a direct light with shadows
Final TRS mark 7.3 out of 10
This is a good picture at the end, despite few setbacks in my personal opinion. Still part of good photography though
Child portrait
Content 8 out of 10
another great work. Once someone is at a certain level, I trust most of images will be similar in terms of quality of the subject. I love the image…great job. It is a very good portrait in the world of portraiture.
You have successfully isolated the essence of him, probably show curiosity rather than personality, but this is more than good for me
Composition 8 out of 10
same comments as above
Image quality 6 out of 10
I love the post production, however I could see in the high resolution image you have sent me that the photo is not sharp but blurry. so something happened there. I also recognise the flash on the camera which is very difficult to produce a nice result, however it this case works really well….not sure if this was intended or just pure luck.
Final TRS mark 7.3 out of 10
Another great image, not much to say other that you are a good photographer. and you should be teaching others. where is your website?
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Kanayo
Your images are very good in my opinion. You have a good eye and great talent. You have the ability to see things and I salute that.You have demonstrated that less is more and simplicity and minimalism in photographer can be sofisticated.
I trust you know what you are doing and I would be proud if you would like to be a member of our Academy , as I believe you have value to share.
Christian
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Hi Christian here is my website like you asked https://www.facebook.com/KanayoAdibePhotography
well the closest thing to a website that I have right now.. still working on it. Thanks. 🙂
Kanayo
Thank you for your submission today lets have a look and see what we can see.
Bird on a pole
Content 7 out of 10
I really like this image, it has a the most simplistic look about it that just works for me, there looks as if there has been post processing here which is great, gives it that rustic vintage by the sea feel
Composition 8 out of 10
I would class this image as not only the rule of thirds but a negative space image meaning that your eye is only draw to the subject at hand and everything else in the image is negative space, very good I love it.
Image quality 8 out of 10
Overall image quality and some good balanced choice in post.
Final TRS mark 7.6 out of 10
The dog
Content 8 out of 10
The content here is very good the pet is captured very nicely, maybe a little to dark on the right side for my taste but otherwise a great image.
Composition 8 out of 10
Good overall composition no complaints here.
Image quality 5.5 out of 10
Apart from it being a hint to dark on that one side I am happy to see this image as it is a very good portrait of a pet.
final TRS mark 7 out of 10
Child portrait
Content 7out of 10
I good overall portrait rule of thirds clearly here, not sure about the bright highlights in the face for my taste but an excellent example of your work
Composition 8 out of 10
Great rule of thirds here
Image quality 6 out of 10
Great image overall there is a little blur to it, and apart from the highlight area its a pleasing image all round, you can only get better in my opinion
Final TRS mark 7.3 out of 10
Kanayo
You have the photographers eye for capturing detail and composition, i would suggest you keep advancing yourself, I can see many good images coming from you in the future.
Well done.
Simon
Title: Bird on a pole
Content: 7
I like the simple approach, it’s pleasing and breathes nice.
Composition: 8
The ROT is followed nicely here. I may have moved the subject toward the left just slightly. Seems a little heavy on the left side.
Image Quality: 6.5
I like the image as a whole, but I would also like to see the pole and bird sharpened up a bit.
TRS Score: 7.1
Comments
I really enjoy the photograph, it’s simple yet effective I believe. While I do want to see some sharpening for the bird and pole or perhaps more detail brought out it may not work once you do it. You have all the basic skills down and a good eye for balance and tonal control.
Kevin Hays
:: My Website ::
:: My Facebook ::
Title: The Dog
Content: 6.5
I like the simple approach you use, but not overly excited about the dog in this one.
Composition: 8
Excellent composition in the photograph following the ROT.
Image Quality: 6.5
I find the entire image lacking the wow factor. Not sure if your original one is showing signs of blurriness or not, but the whole image is too soft for me. I want to see more detail in the hair and especially in his right eye.
TRS Score: 7
Comments
The photograph is good, but I believe the image is too soft to be considered a really outstanding photograph. You have got the skills and eye for sure. The following things I pointed out are only small things that I believe could really improve the photograph.
Kevin Hays
:: My Website ::
:: My Facebook ::
Thanks for the feedback guys.. i appreciate it..
You are very welcome Kanayo. It was a pleasure viewing and offering constructive criticism for you. Keep up the good work.
Kevin
Image Title : Bird on a pole
Author : Kanayo
Photo Critique by : Mr Robert Chircop.
Content: TRS mark 7/10
Bird on a lamp-post having a very plain, but effective background.
Composition: TRS mark 7/10
As you demonstrate, simplicity can work out very well. Observing the rule of thirds and placing the main subject to one side of the photo gave the image balance and interest. The ‘circular gradient’ employed in the background is simple but effective.
Image quality: TRS mark 6/10
I think that the image lacks sharpness but this might also be due to conversion. Is this a cropped image?
Final TRS mark: 7- out of 10
Image Title : The dog
Author : Kanayo
Photo Critique by : Mr Robert Chircop.
Content: TRS mark 6/10
A pet portrait with ‘expression’. Is this a snarl?
Composition: TRS mark 8/10
Fine composition observing the ROT. I particularly find the dog’s partially open mouth showing the tips of its white fangs eye catching.
Image quality: TRS mark 6/10
The image lacks sharpness. I’m not sure whether this is a focusing difficulty or due to conversion. The off camera flash usually gives better results than the camera’s pop up, as you clearly show.
A reflector might have opened up the shadow side of the dog, as to my taste, this otherwise good image is slightly too dark. This may have also ‘enlarged’ your tonal range.
Final TRS mark: 7- out of 10
Image Title : Child portrait
Author : Kanayo
Photo Critique by : Mr Robert Chircop.
Content: TRS mark 8/10
Child portraits are frequent in portraiture but this one radiates brashness and expression. I find this portrait very engaging.
Composition: TRS mark 8/10
Beautifully composed with brilliant use of negative space. You caught the moment precisely with the child exhibiting a beautiful facial expression that connects with the viewer. Well done.
Image quality: TRS mark 7/10
I’m not sure if you retouched this image and to what extent, in any case a light hand is often recommended. This may be subjective and once more I question the issue of image sharpness. The side lighting is effective as it directs the viewer. I also feel that the black and white treatment works out very well.
Kanayo. you are a talented photographer. Keep up the good work as from your photo submissions I’m sure that you inform yourself with knowledge and practice that this rewarding craft demands.
It was a joy to critique your work.
Final TRS mark: 8- out of 10
A few comments to some of the points you have all made, About the sharpness of the images: the original edited image of the bird on my machine is pretty sharp, maybe some quality was lost when it was emailed and subsequently when it was posted online and no it wasn’t cropped, I use a macbook with retina display and the image doesn’t doesn’t look blurry to me at all. The image of the dog is also sharp, it gets blurry as you get towards the edges of his hair and into the darkness. As for the comments about the shadows, that was actually what i was going for. I wanted the drama of the dog emerging from the shadows and giving off a sinister vibe. The dog is a pomeranian and if you are familiar with that breed they are in no way intimidating. But I feel the image was strong and aggressive. It was actually a yawn that I caught and was so pleased that it came off as a snarl. I’m sure the lighting could have been better but considering my subject it was the best I could get since i can’t make him do what i want lol. I have some self portraits I did of my self using this same effect and I feel they were executed a lot better. they are on my Facebook page if you are interested. https://www.facebook.com/KanayoAdibePhotography . Image quality is degraded on FB too FYI. And for the Portrait of the boy, I was heavy handed on the editing, I like drama. A lot of the time I look at pictures like art and forget that its actually a picture of a person and not an abstract painting on the wall. I’m starting to catch myself after a few comments I have received, I also have reedited version of that portrait on FB, with less drama on the face and even lighting. And the image of the boy is soft and not blurry when i look at it on my machine would be interesting to see what you all see. Thanks again for all the feedback, I just wanted answer some of your questions and explain some of the thought that went into my pictures good or bad. I appreciate the scoring and the feedback and am ever so motivated to get better at this.
thank you
I can see the passion and your thinking process. That is a very good proof of your skills
Christian
Hello Mr Kanayo Adibe,
Many thanks for your feedback.
I’ve read your remarks point of views with interest. Please keep in touch as your contributions and photos are beautiful and informative.
Regards,
Robert