Couple In The Rain

[ChristB4Us]

I'm new to this forum, but am trying to improve my photography without the use of photoshop techniques.

This photo was taken yesterday, using a Canon PowerShot A75 (BW mode). No editing has been done.

flash: none
focal length: 16mm
F-Number: F/4.8
exposure time: 1/50 sec.

Thoughts/Critiques/Other?

[DavidTO]

Welcome!

This shot has a lot of potential. I think that it would benefit from not being so centered in composition.

It also seems a bit soft.

And lastly, I understand the desire to improve your photography without using post processing as a crutch, but some simple curves would help this image.

This is the kind of post that we allow in our "no photoshop" challenges. The shot is too neutral gray. It needs some deeper shadows and more contrast. You don't have to lose the rainy day feel in doing that, but it's too washed out right now, IMO.

I like the moment, though. You can tell that they are two friends sharing shelter from the storm. I get that they're talking and enjoying their walk, despite the rain.

[Gary Glass]

It's got the makings of a good "story" shot. Two friends sharing an umbrella that's too small.

composition: This is probably not a modelled shot, but it might be worth setting up again as a modelled shot -- if you can get the weather to cooperate! I'd want the angle a bit lower so the subjects faces aren't hidden. But as far as working with the shot you have, I'd crop the top 25% or so, to remove the tree trunk and the other thing (manhole cover?) at the top: they're a distraction. Once you've done that, you will probably want to crop some of the other sides too, to keep it balanced, and also because I think you'd want to focus more on the people -- less background, more foreground. Getting them a little off-center to the right might be good too.

dynamics: As DavidTO said, the shot needs more dynamic range. Blacker blacks would make it more visually compelling.

[Cantfeelmyfingers]

I like the whole idea of this picture.. but it doesnt stand out.. Like someone mentioned.. it's too centered as well as too soft.. It'd be nice if it was a closer shot and their faces were more visible. I know I'm pretty much repeating what the others said, but I totally agree.. and if I were to do something like that I'd go more for the whole actual "couple" feel.. have them standing facing eachother sort of flirting with their body language etc.. then (to me) it'd seem more like a couple with a story type shot. Jamie