Chicken Portraits

[ian.bertram]

Yes, that's correct. I've stooped to new lows and am using chickens as models.

Actually I'm thinking of trying my luck at iStock Photo and would appreciate any and all criticisms.
Thanks.
Ian



but wait there's more

[gstark]

Ian,

Great work.

These are well done, with subjects that are perhaps just a little difficult to direct.

[Remorhaz]

really like the first

[ozimax]

These are great, but it's a fowl business.

Someone had to say it.

[gstark]

These are great, but it's a fowl business.

Someone had to say it.

Don't get too clucky.

[biggerry]

Yes, that's correct. I've stooped to new lows and am using chickens as models.

lol classic.

They are well executed images and probably spot on for photo stock. However in teh spirit of critique, the only thing that I see that may be improved is '3d-ness' of the image, they both come across somewhat flat (the second much more so then the first), now this is most likely due to the studio white BG.
However I think when using this kind of setup you need to arrange your proops and chickens so to give a dynamic 3d look. In the first you have done this to an extent (and quite possibly it can't be done much better) by using the round pail and placing the chicken slightly behind, this alone, imo, gives it more depth.
The second comes across very flat since the chicken and handbag are almost in teh same plane - maybe try with the handbag a foot back from teh chicken? or with the handbag at an angle?

Nonetheless it could just be me!

I assume you own some chickens and this was a willing subject, there was no need to stick her in the freezer for 15 minutes?

[ian.bertram]

Thanks all,
Some thoughtful comments. I especially value Biggery's comments on 3d. I was also thinking the image looked a little flat but wasn't really sure what the issue was. As the image is a composite I can easily play with the position of the bag. I will move things around a little and re-post.
Thanks for the input (and yes the chicken's are ours- 2 fresh eggs every day but lots of chicken poo everywhere!)
Thanks again
Ian

[ian.bertram]

I've moved the brief case and I think it really does help with the 'depth' feel of the image.



...and I wasn't going to post this but I love my dog licking his lips!!

[aim54x]

great work, a very different subject matter but well executed. Good luck with the stock photos

[Reschsmooth]

I like these but agree with Gerry, in that they are a touch flat. I am not sure what your light set up was, but a little more side lighting may have created more depth. This may have been difficult with composite images.

[surenj]

The reworked handbag shot is much much better I reckon. That mild movement has made a large difference.

Very clever to horizontally flip that chicken into two

[biggerry]

I've moved the brief case and I think it really does help with the 'depth' feel of the image.

yeah definitely...its amazing how only a small discrepancy in the scale of objects can be picked up by the human brain and consequently how a small change can make all the difference!


thats a cute looking dog, maybe make him a bit smaller and in the distance a bit more, that tongue is sooo close to that hens beak!

[ian.bertram]

Very clever to horizontally flip that chicken into two

That's weird. I didn't actually notice how close the chicken images were. It is in fact two separate chicken images (though it is in fact the same chicken)

The dog/chicken image was really just for fun. I wasn't going to send to iStock. But as you've noticed, the tongue says it all really!! Actually he's hopeless and jumps out the way so he won't hurt them (sook).
Ian

[sirhc55]

My “friend” would love an introduction



Love your pics

[Geoff M]

Great work on what is a great idea for stock images, I am sure you could make a few sales especially if you can get a series of them going. Endless possibilities with the inclusion of other farmyard and/or domesticated animals.