Boy at Crown Fountain

[Mox]

Trying again. Unfortunately, I can't re-shoot with your critiques in mind, but have chosen this one from the same night for one more round. Then I'm on to something else - promise! :D

http://moxiephotos.smugmug.com/photos/623659591_AK5ms-L.jpg

What I like about it:
The isolation of one child with the pretty backlight and color. The separate light at his feet. The look of the water - both in the foreground, and the splashes caught by the light. His focus on what he's doing. The anonymity provided by his being turned away. The silhouette mixed with slight side-lighting to provide a little detail in his ear and pants.

My main concern:
Does the slight softness in his right arm from his motion distract so much that it kills the shot?

[Miguel Delinquento]

While the blue color is eye catching, this shot is more a nice try than an accomplished work.

The problem with silhouettes is that to be effective they have to have an almost exaggerated form--which then has to fit with your goals of the shot. This boy's stance is not expressive to me. He is holding his left arm in a rather strange position that stops my eyeballs from moving over the shot. That alone is a showstopper for me.

I would have preferred to see the shot setup by photographing the boy from the rear looking straight at the wall--and with a wider perspective. The angle of your shot places more weight on the standing water (which should be cropped down) and the splashes. Those elements are not in focus and the lower mid left of the frame is too blown out.

Nice idea though that you can apply in other settings.

M

[OhEddie]

I like everything except the fact that it tells no story. There is great color, and an interesting setting, but the silhouette needs some drama.

Maybe just reaching out and placing his right hand against the wall or something. Good that you can re-shoot. the location has great potential.

[rainbow]

I quite like it for all the reasons that you list. I do not see any distraction of the right arm as it disappears on my screen into the body.

What I do see is a child who is probably soaked from enjoying the fountain and is fascinated with the light under the water. He is stepping on it with some fascination for what his foot looks like or for what it does to the water.

I recall your first post and this is a much better selection. Well done!

[Mox]

Sorry for my late supply - thank you all again for the input.