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Here are some shots of Alex that I loved - I really like the use of negative space with some portraits. I think it adds something that I can't put my finger on.

C&C appreciated.

[not sure why smugmug is being a pain in the arse for linking photos, so using flickr. Hope they work]

I'd like to see the first image cropped to exclude the black window...but retaining the window sill.

#2 is great as is

If you want the negative space in the first one, I'd suggest cropping out the entire window so that the only background is the wall.

The second one is great as is

Nice stuff Patrick, I am gonna say I like the window in the first - it adds a sense of balance to the image, for me it did not immediately draw my eye away from the subject, but rather they wandered there after looking at Alex. Also the fact that the window is black and this compliments nicely with the small amount of black showing of Alex's pants.

The second image, not particularly taken by the PP, but it could grow on me, standby on that. The LH foot looks too dark though, I would match it's 'lightness' to the other foot or close to, since it is in a shadow.

Thanks for the comments.

I did leave the painting (commonly referred to as a window ) in the first to provide some balance, but will look at a cropped version.

Gerry - I will try to fix up the left foot in the second.

Really love that picture frame in the shot! Keep it.

Patrick - the element of space in the first pic (an excellent concept) fails through having the picture distraction. Remove it and you will have reached your goal

Both pics are excellent.

Both nice Patrick. Next time you have him sitting still maybe try to get him to look into the negative space for a shot like the second.

Ok, I actually agree with you lot (except Gerry) and cropping out the dark section of the painting removes the distraction.

What do you think? [printing out on Harman Warmtone Paper is da goods]

Reschsmooth wrote: I actually agree with you lot (except Gerry)

lol, I am sticking to my guns here, I like the picture frame! However at the end of the day its what you think, thats important thing - irrespective of the frame in or out its still a great image and will bring back fond memories in the future.

biggerry wrote:

Reschsmooth wrote: I actually agree with you lot (except Gerry)

lol, I am sticking to my guns here, I like the picture frame! However at the end of the day its what you think, thats important thing - irrespective of the frame in or out its still a great image and will bring back fond memories in the future.

The other deciding factor is that the resultant crop is 8x10 to fit in a frame.

Patrick,

All three of these images are excellent, and with excellent use of negative space.

Just to be different, I'm going to suggest yet another crop for the first. I would like to see this with just a small sliver of black from the painting at the top. I don't know if that will work, but I think it may give you the balance that you're seeking, without being too distracting.

Certainly, this should be printed on warm paper (but cold would be brilliant too) but not at 8x10. That's way to small - go to at least 16x20 here

Gary,

I will try the alternative crop suggestion, although may have to do so without consideration of the 4:5 ratio (or otherwise crop more of the bottom).

I would like to print bigger and may do so - I think I was lucky that day that the light, composition and pose by Alex just lined up nicely.

I love #2 - such a great candid.

Alex's expression in #1 is just beautiful. Sorry - can't add to the debate about the negative space. Go with your gut.

Great photos and something i had never thought about.

I'm going to agree with Biggerry here and say that the picture frame (formerly known as the window) does balance the photo but is not too distracting. The frame is just out of focus so your eye is still drawn to the subject first. Then when you step back from the image you get that nice black balance as Gerry said.

But I love the concept and will think about it next time i'm taking portraits.

-Dave