I took this shot for the newspaper I work for (which ran it in black and white, might I add....ughhhh!) This couple had started a restaurant in Lanesboro, Minnesota and it featured an upper deck and outdoor seating next to a river. I chose to feature them while looking down on the outdoor area. (Was before lunch, so not crowded.) I did have to maipulate some in Photoshop to even out the bright colors in the background. I like it, but wonder if the couple are too "in your face?" Suggestions? Thoughts?
Hi Maggie, thanks for your thoughts! For this shot I was standing on the railing the couple are leaning on, at the very end of the railing, trying not to fall off. lol...... And I am shooting at a downward angle.
So here is the problem with having the guy in back. He is waaaaaaaay tall. She is short. Maybe I'm wrong in my thinking, but over the years of newspaper photography I've learned that you try to fill that rectangular frame as best you can in most instances (of course there are exceptions). So I put her in back.That's one way to get rid of the "problem" of a really tall person... sit them down in front.
They could have been farther from the camera, but that vertical pole behind her presented a problem if I wanted them close to the railing edge -- it would have been in front of them, or moved them over farther to the right in the shot. I had no ladder to get elevation if I moved off in that direction. It would have cut into my downward angle over the railing. (Yes, I would probably rather have them a bit farther from the camera, but this is what worked for the resources I had.)
As far as cropping in the back, I considered that. But did want to show the second story outdoor seating was covered with a roof. So left it in the shot.
So there's some of my logic for the shot. It's good to hear what others think, also. So Thanks. :-)
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Deleted User{K:6775} 10/6/2001
Hi Lisa...I'm no expert on this type of photo so I'm just going to go on gut instinct here. I would have had the woman in front and the fellow in the back. I dont like his shoulder under the railing and his size is what makes it seem to much in your face.
I think if the woman was in front you maybe wouldnt have to loose her shoulder under the railing and the balance would work better, what do you think?
Also I would crop just enough off the top to get rid of the roof on that building in the background so it isnt noticeable. Hope my suggestions help *smile* ... Maggie
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