January Title - The Duo

How I did it -

COMMENTS:

David Halgrimson	This image is very well done. Very sharp tones and contrast. The expressions really add interest to this photo. The distance between the two subjects adds tension. The lighting is done very well. Not sure I like the knee but it does add tension so may be ok.
Mohammed Arfan Asif	Nice one Paul. I like the approach here and the compo. I would prefer the knee to be out of the compo. Moreover, I would subdue the lighting on the girl since the light is brighter in that area. In this style of photography, I prefer one element to be brighter and the other subdued so that they don't compete with each other but complement each other. That would add some balance to the image. I am aware you have done this approach to your other portraits though they had one person in it, while subduing the other elements to create some mystery. I like the concept and approach in this image.
Jerry Hug	Paul, I like the details of the excellent lighting and wonderful skin tones of both musicians. I am sure you tried many poses to get this final image. The man’s knee is not really flattering or useful to me but that is you call.
Paul Hoffman
Kit Snider	Very interesting photo. The juxtaposition of the two adds nice depth. The lighting looks spot on and the contrast without loss of definition is impressive. I'm sure they were very pleased with the photo!
Roc Godec	Great portrait. Everything works here. Fist I was wondering about the knee – if it's not too much but then I realized that knee shows position of the man and makes relaxed atmosphere.
Jim Baker	You have done very well with your project for the folk group.  The lighting is very effective in giving a theatrical effect.  You might reposition the subjects to make the guitar more central to the musical theme and to eliminate the knee.  Their expressions are right on.  Great work!

Member Bio

Paul Hoffman – Biography Hello from England.  I live in Cheltenham in the Cotswolds. I spent 35 years in the Printing industry producing many magazines and periodicals and was trained professionally in darkroom techniques. Owing to ill health I had to stop work 18 months ago. I now spend most of my time helping to run Cheltenham Camera Club and entering photographic competitions. I started photography 35/40 years ago but stop for a while to concentrate on my sporting activities. I was a very good cyclist and golfer but specialised at lawn bowls reaching county and national levels. Looking for fresh challenges I took up photography again. Since then I have gained local accreditation of CPAGB & BPE1*. My images have been published in multiple magazines and periodicals. For the last 4 years I have been chasing awards in FIAP Internationals - with no success but many acceptances. This year that all changed and I have been awarded a PSA Gold, two bronze and many other awards.  This means that I have achieved my AFIAP and I am in the process of claiming this and am also claiming 3 PSA star awards.  I have just received a Silver medal in the PAGB national championship. I am an advanced worker in Photoshop currently using CS3 and Lightroom. My passion is portraits and cars.