Taipei at Noon

[Canthaiwan]

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This photograph is a take on life on the MRT (subway) in downtown Taipei. People usually don't look so happy. Any thoughts or criticisms on the photograph would be appreciated.

[Richard]

Hi Canthaiwan,

A nice subject for an image, I think overall the contrast is good, although on my (un-calibrated) monitor there is a little detail lost in the dark areas.

The main problem that I can see is that the image is learning slightly to the left.

[Marko]

I like the concept here but I'm not sure the execution works that well.
I'd much rather you zero in on someone or on one side of the train for a shot like this. There's too much empty space in the middle with 2 main subjects with their backs to the camera. Backs to the camera are almost never interesting. The photo also looks underexposed to my eye.
Hope that helps - Marko

[Canthaiwan]

I like the concept here but I'm not sure the execution works that well.
I'd much rather you zero in on someone or on one side of the train for a shot like this. There's too much empty space in the middle with 2 main subjects with their backs to the camera. Backs to the camera are almost never interesting. The photo also looks underexposed to my eye.
Hope that helps - Marko

Helps, indeed! Thanks.

[Canthaiwan]

Hi Canthaiwan,

A nice subject for an image, I think overall the contrast is good, although on my (un-calibrated) monitor there is a little detail lost in the dark areas.

The main problem that I can see is that the image is learning slightly to the left.

Thank you for your comments.

[dante]

OK so I didn't read any of the other comments here as I want to give an unbiased opinion. So apologies for any repeats Here are my thoughts:

- the image is slightly tilted towards the left
- most of the faces are covered or away from the camera, except for the two people in the far left, so you don't really see a lot of facial expressions. Maybe someone staring right at you might have worked better.
- I like the choice of B/W

In general, I like the subject matter (transportation, people, mood) but there's nothing in this picture that stands out to me or draws me into it, or makes me intrigued by it.
I see you're trying to capture the boredom here and it's a good attempt, but there's something missing to make it special I think.

Anyway, that's just my opinion. Hope I'm not too harsh, it's all in good faith

[Canthaiwan]

OK so I didn't read any of the other comments here as I want to give an unbiased opinion. So apologies for any repeats Here are my thoughts:

- the image is slightly tilted towards the left
- most of the faces are covered or away from the camera, except for the two people in the far left, so you don't really see a lot of facial expressions. Maybe someone staring right at you might have worked better.
- I like the choice of B/W

In general, I like the subject matter (transportation, people, mood) but there's nothing in this picture that stands out to me or draws me into it, or makes me intrigued by it.
I see you're trying to capture the boredom here and it's a good attempt, but there's something missing to make it special I think.

Anyway, that's just my opinion. Hope I'm not too harsh, it's all in good faith

If I wanna get better at photography, I will need tough critics. Just for the record, now that I look at the photo again, I totally agree with your points. Thank you so much.