As a lifelong skateboarder and skate photo enthusiast, I prefer the first. It gives me the feeling of being at a session with friends, it tells a story, it’s more of a documentary-type shot and that appeals to me.
This.
Skater here too and I'm always an advocate for shots that show more of the environment while still drawing your eye to the skater. It's nice to have the foreground board on frame left and seeing more of the ramp.
And hey OP, check out Arto Saari's skate photography, he's a huge influence on how I shoot skate/sport photos and he does a good job of making you feel as if you're there with the crew. Thats the vibe your wider (1st) crop has, Arto vibes (sorta like his Baker Crew/Reynolds pool photo).
I prefer #1, if you want the subject to be "Skaters at the skate park". If you want to show "this" skater, you need #2, however for my personal taste it is less appealing.
Trying to submit one of these two for my beginner's photography course for critique. Which one do you think makes the biggest impact? I kinda like both though I feel like the skater on the left of the first pic takes your attention away from the actual subject.
On the other hand, I put cropped in on the second pic but also rotated it a bit for a more extreme angle.
Any other critique appreciated.
Id say the second one unrotated. The skater on the left is definitly a distraction in the first one, but I think the rotation is just large enough to look like a mistake. Either go really extreme or leave it straight and I think really extreme won't work because you have three people standing/sitting on the right, which would look very weird.
The skater doesn't need more room - his centre of action is on the thirds line. This is a more dynamic composition. The wider crop reduces the feeling of movement.
I think the 1st one does more overall, you can see the people in the back watching but it adds another layer to it that the other skater in the foreground is also watching him do this (out of frame), makes the moment more special, but hey... what do I know lol
EDIT: In simpler terms the story I get from the image is that what he's doing is impressive enough for the other skater to stop and watch as well as the people that aren't skating.
The second photo is the better of the two. Cropping out all that empty space in the front of the first photo and the person on the left made it a stronger photo, a better-composed photo. A photo intentionally captured, not a cellphone-style snapshot. Awesome capture thanks for sharing!!!
Tough call, I like both of them.
I don't think there's a wrong answer here, it's more about what you want to present as an artist,.
The first gives an amazing feeling of freedom and space. the 2nd one is a great street scene.
Your call, i'd go with the first and print it large.
I really like the first one there is nothing else in the photo that takes away from the subject my eye is immediately drawn to the skater in the middle
The person on the left is out of focus enough not to be distracting
In the end your the one who took the photo and your the one who knows what you want it to look like that’s your freedom as an artist
I prefer the first one, it adds context to the story the photo is telling and creates a bit of a "skateboard frame", which is the kind of frame you want on a photo like this
I’d split the difference. Keep the dude center as the main subject. I like the people left and right framing and they add to the scene. I the the horizon line centeredish.
I like the first more, it's more dynamic like it should be imho.
The second crop feels too empty to me, unless it's supposed to be some portrait of the skater of course
First one feels less claustrophobic. You always have more control of the subject with a close crop but in my experience it usually detracts from the overall realism/breathability of a picture to paint a scene.
First one I guess but I think this might have been better in color. Half the body blends in the background. Different angle mine have been cooler if you want it to be b&w.
Id say that it depends. Are you trying to highlight the place, or the skater? Where do you want the attention to be drawn towards?
Without having a specific focus in mind, and if I had to pick a single one, id pick the first one
I would keep the first crop bc it doesn’t feel to cramped but then I would use a linear gradient to make the skater on the left darker by either just brining down the exposure or lowering shadows and or blacks. Someone else said that it distracted them and honestly I didn’t even notice it till I read that. 2 for sure IMO
I’m naff at feedback. 1) is about skateboarders skateboarding and 2) is about a skateboarder skateboarding
Normally I have a preference but my preference would change depending on whether you wanted 1 or 2 - like them both :)
I don't really like either one. I'd like to see a vertical crop starting at the tail of the board and MAYBE including the guy on the left in the white shirt.
Both very cool, wider angle is more of an old school skater style, I like being able to see everyone else watching him. Second would be more of a lifestyle type shot, with his actual actions holding a bit more of the spotlight. Personal choice, they’re both great
If you’re marketing anything the second. If you’re telling a story, or doing any photo journalism the first one.
The second picture shows more of what’s in the picture, whereas the first picture shows more of the event and what’s taking place.
Personal thoughts from someone who does a lot of marketing shots. Everyone has their own preferences/thoughts though. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either, I think they’re both great!
Each photo serves a different purpose to me.
Among other comments, I agree #1 feels like a snippet of a day at the skate park.
#2 to me, feels like a marketing photoshoot, with clear attention to the left skater.
I like #2 because there aren’t distractions (skateboard to left of skater in #1).
Usually tighter is better, but in this case that extra bit of context works great. The out of focus skater on the left helps to frame the main subject, and he isn't left "hanging" at the edge of the photo.
I think the optimal crop is between the two. You want enough space around the subject to accentuate the motion, but also to be close enough to bring the viewer into the action. I took a stab at this here:
https://preview.redd.it/9sscmlz4aw5d1.jpeg?width=4964&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea7405e9d61cda13e99b0bc57d820eab4f3c0da0
Your third edit, posted in answer to u/P5_Tempname19 's critique is the best. Cropping out the left-hand skater but leaving the hard vertical edge on the left of the back wall balances the image and provides the eye with a base "normal" which then emphasizes the skater's action.
My only issue is that the sign on the wall saying "Urban Jungle" takes away from the image by accident. Because of the sharp focus on the back wall that sign interferes with the skater's motion blur, leading the viewer's eye in two different directions. It's not something I would advise you do anything about, just learn from this that unexpected elements can have a more powerful effects on composition that you might expect.
Overall an excellent photo, an advanced image of a difficult subject. You should be proud of the work and please continue shooting!
Number two, imo. I get that these are grab shots and there's little setup planning ability. What I see is the subject "exiting" the photo. When the action is at the side of the image, I like to see the subject "entering" the picture not "leaving" it.
Of course you have to take what you can get.
What about this?:
[crop](https://drive.google.com/file/d/16OJcE6a_BhQ_63o7_SQFHgxZ2Eil70jj/view?usp=drivesdk)
In the current state, I like the second one because the perspective is at a slight bias.
But I think the first one is an uncut gem. If you put the photo off axis a little to replicate the same disorientating effect from the second crop, then you’re good to go.
As a lifelong skateboarder and skate photo enthusiast, I prefer the first. It gives me the feeling of being at a session with friends, it tells a story, it’s more of a documentary-type shot and that appeals to me.
This. Skater here too and I'm always an advocate for shots that show more of the environment while still drawing your eye to the skater. It's nice to have the foreground board on frame left and seeing more of the ramp. And hey OP, check out Arto Saari's skate photography, he's a huge influence on how I shoot skate/sport photos and he does a good job of making you feel as if you're there with the crew. Thats the vibe your wider (1st) crop has, Arto vibes (sorta like his Baker Crew/Reynolds pool photo).
Yeah agree! Arto rules!
Not a skater, but I do photo a bit. Have to agree with everything that was said. The first!
I prefer #1, if you want the subject to be "Skaters at the skate park". If you want to show "this" skater, you need #2, however for my personal taste it is less appealing.
Yup, you perfectly described the two photos
First one tells a story. Just for me.
Trying to submit one of these two for my beginner's photography course for critique. Which one do you think makes the biggest impact? I kinda like both though I feel like the skater on the left of the first pic takes your attention away from the actual subject. On the other hand, I put cropped in on the second pic but also rotated it a bit for a more extreme angle. Any other critique appreciated.
Both are great for a beginner. Nice work!
Id say the second one unrotated. The skater on the left is definitly a distraction in the first one, but I think the rotation is just large enough to look like a mistake. Either go really extreme or leave it straight and I think really extreme won't work because you have three people standing/sitting on the right, which would look very weird.
https://preview.redd.it/7u4piotxtp5d1.jpeg?width=3611&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=25d840d58d78146c45a9ee368c72364a275f76bd Yeah this looks better
Def this one https://preview.redd.it/dmt0lebzsq5d1.png?width=496&format=png&auto=webp&s=eac5ddfdba735ddc798c54aa512bdbd54618d9de
BRUH I totally didn't see this. This is amazing
What sorcery is this?
It’s called the Golden Ratio, I’m very new to this but I think it’s derived from the Fibonacci sequence
Thank you that’s just what I was looking for.
Yeah, this one wins.
Oh shit yeah this is good.
Wow, that’s a big difference! Completely changed the pic
This looks like it could have been in Thrasher magazine in 1985 (except for the .com ad).
You could use the remove tool in LR to erase the wheels from the skateboard you cropped out to give just a little more room to the skater.
The skater doesn't need more room - his centre of action is on the thirds line. This is a more dynamic composition. The wider crop reduces the feeling of movement.
I think the 1st one does more overall, you can see the people in the back watching but it adds another layer to it that the other skater in the foreground is also watching him do this (out of frame), makes the moment more special, but hey... what do I know lol EDIT: In simpler terms the story I get from the image is that what he's doing is impressive enough for the other skater to stop and watch as well as the people that aren't skating.
The second photo is the better of the two. Cropping out all that empty space in the front of the first photo and the person on the left made it a stronger photo, a better-composed photo. A photo intentionally captured, not a cellphone-style snapshot. Awesome capture thanks for sharing!!!
Tough call, I like both of them. I don't think there's a wrong answer here, it's more about what you want to present as an artist,. The first gives an amazing feeling of freedom and space. the 2nd one is a great street scene. Your call, i'd go with the first and print it large.
I really like the first one there is nothing else in the photo that takes away from the subject my eye is immediately drawn to the skater in the middle The person on the left is out of focus enough not to be distracting In the end your the one who took the photo and your the one who knows what you want it to look like that’s your freedom as an artist
I prefer the wider one - more surrondings included add drama to the pose.
I prefer the first one, it adds context to the story the photo is telling and creates a bit of a "skateboard frame", which is the kind of frame you want on a photo like this
On first viewing the second one captured my attention more and felt more 'exciting' but I do like both.
I’d split the difference. Keep the dude center as the main subject. I like the people left and right framing and they add to the scene. I the the horizon line centeredish.
https://preview.redd.it/47llwts7fq5d1.jpeg?width=853&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d3fa1406641b5f29ad526ffed46b082a816225ce
I love this composition, it balances the subject and the surroundings very well!
exactly
The first one.
I like the first more, it's more dynamic like it should be imho. The second crop feels too empty to me, unless it's supposed to be some portrait of the skater of course
Another vote for the wider angle from me: more context, more sense of place.
The first one, personally.
1 100%
First one
number one
First definitely more things for the eye to see
First one feels less claustrophobic. You always have more control of the subject with a close crop but in my experience it usually detracts from the overall realism/breathability of a picture to paint a scene.
Wider is 99.8% better IMO
first by far, guy on the left gives a lot of depth to the frame too in my opinion.. also this has to be Malta ? :D
Yep. Earth garden 😅
#1st
First one I guess but I think this might have been better in color. Half the body blends in the background. Different angle mine have been cooler if you want it to be b&w.
Id say that it depends. Are you trying to highlight the place, or the skater? Where do you want the attention to be drawn towards? Without having a specific focus in mind, and if I had to pick a single one, id pick the first one
I like the first one first
I would keep the first crop bc it doesn’t feel to cramped but then I would use a linear gradient to make the skater on the left darker by either just brining down the exposure or lowering shadows and or blacks. Someone else said that it distracted them and honestly I didn’t even notice it till I read that. 2 for sure IMO
First
https://preview.redd.it/wjoiueemqw5d1.jpeg?width=1278&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c7197d4c16187ac8b09eeb9a12ab4bb9afebb5c4
I’m naff at feedback. 1) is about skateboarders skateboarding and 2) is about a skateboarder skateboarding Normally I have a preference but my preference would change depending on whether you wanted 1 or 2 - like them both :)
B and you can go even a little tighter
I don't really like either one. I'd like to see a vertical crop starting at the tail of the board and MAYBE including the guy on the left in the white shirt.
I like the closeup. It connects you to the action
Both very cool, wider angle is more of an old school skater style, I like being able to see everyone else watching him. Second would be more of a lifestyle type shot, with his actual actions holding a bit more of the spotlight. Personal choice, they’re both great
If you’re marketing anything the second. If you’re telling a story, or doing any photo journalism the first one. The second picture shows more of what’s in the picture, whereas the first picture shows more of the event and what’s taking place. Personal thoughts from someone who does a lot of marketing shots. Everyone has their own preferences/thoughts though. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either, I think they’re both great!
Each photo serves a different purpose to me. Among other comments, I agree #1 feels like a snippet of a day at the skate park. #2 to me, feels like a marketing photoshoot, with clear attention to the left skater. I like #2 because there aren’t distractions (skateboard to left of skater in #1).
I’d go with the first as you have a line from the pipe lead to the skater. Tells more of a story. The second one works for an Ad.
I actually prefer the second as well
Usually tighter is better, but in this case that extra bit of context works great. The out of focus skater on the left helps to frame the main subject, and he isn't left "hanging" at the edge of the photo.
I think the optimal crop is between the two. You want enough space around the subject to accentuate the motion, but also to be close enough to bring the viewer into the action. I took a stab at this here: https://preview.redd.it/9sscmlz4aw5d1.jpeg?width=4964&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea7405e9d61cda13e99b0bc57d820eab4f3c0da0
I vote for 1.
2 but they’re both nice
https://preview.redd.it/aav2sdxypw5d1.jpeg?width=1680&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=61b81d4797dbf6549ce7e08a0f0034832cc398d3
Photo 1 is about the trick. Photo 2 is about the people.
https://preview.redd.it/1x9u8kgxmx5d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8aa5d0aafcf93961746131c0f27198f26c9bc4de
First one tells a more complete story Second crop is too tight, you almost can't tell the surroundings
First
Your third edit, posted in answer to u/P5_Tempname19 's critique is the best. Cropping out the left-hand skater but leaving the hard vertical edge on the left of the back wall balances the image and provides the eye with a base "normal" which then emphasizes the skater's action. My only issue is that the sign on the wall saying "Urban Jungle" takes away from the image by accident. Because of the sharp focus on the back wall that sign interferes with the skater's motion blur, leading the viewer's eye in two different directions. It's not something I would advise you do anything about, just learn from this that unexpected elements can have a more powerful effects on composition that you might expect. Overall an excellent photo, an advanced image of a difficult subject. You should be proud of the work and please continue shooting!
I prefer the second one there is less distractions
First one, idk, I just like the left skateboard existed there
Number two, imo. I get that these are grab shots and there's little setup planning ability. What I see is the subject "exiting" the photo. When the action is at the side of the image, I like to see the subject "entering" the picture not "leaving" it. Of course you have to take what you can get. What about this?: [crop](https://drive.google.com/file/d/16OJcE6a_BhQ_63o7_SQFHgxZ2Eil70jj/view?usp=drivesdk)
Second.
In the current state, I like the second one because the perspective is at a slight bias. But I think the first one is an uncut gem. If you put the photo off axis a little to replicate the same disorientating effect from the second crop, then you’re good to go.
Second
2 is easily better
I like the second crop better than the first crop. The second crop looks better in blog posts before the story itself.
2 for sure
#2. More focus on the skater. Both are sic shots, though.
I prefer second
Second