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Focused Determination
Focused Determination
Delta_6


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Date Uploaded: Sep 1, 2006

Viewed: 274
Comments: 1
Favorites: 0

 Avon Descent 2006, the hell of the flatwater.

Cropped, blurred background using DPC tutorial, unsharp mask applied a bit too.

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AuthorThread
 09/11/2006 02:55:56 AM
I like the way this pops out from the background. I don't know if that's simply because of the brilliant orange of the kayak or also because of your blurring of the background but it works well either way. The natural light is a bit harsh so there are some unflatteringly bright areas that draw the eye away from the youngster a bit, but I don't think that is an overwhelming issue.

I don't know if it'd be possible to give this shot another try at a different time of day (perhaps not in the same race? circumstance) but later or earlier may give a nice soft even light that'd highlight the kayak without being too harsh. It may also hit the water differently so some nice bluish color could occur and add to the contrast - not sure about that though.

I really like the bit of action you caught with the water being flipped up by the paddle, without it, the image would be a little flat and edging towards lifeless even though it is clearly depicting an active event. Its a small thing in general but I think it helps give story and movement to the image.

The title helps give the viewer a direction when looking at this image and I like that the subject's face seems to carry that idea through - definitely see a bit of teeth gritting and effort.

Unfortunately due to the position of the subject the face isn't completely clear, there looks like some softness as well which detracts a bit. I would love to have a nice crisp view of the subject's face so I could see that focus and determination clearly. In images such as these I think the face should be the main focus where clarity is concerned - everything else is of course important but this image seem to be more about what the subject is going through than what vehicle is being used to express that idea.

Once that personal connection has been made the viewer can then sit back and notice the detailing of the kayak and the numbered jersey and soak in (and imagine) the larger scope of the environment of the moment too.

Compositionally I think the centered positioning works as (to me) the photo leans more towards the action and circumstance of the image rather than an abstract or overly artistic bent.

Looks like the going was tough, but I'm sure it was fun!
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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