What is this missing?

Posted:Thu Oct 29, 2009 5:52 pm

Hey there,
I've finally got a computer that can handle the advanced lighting like Uber and Pendragon put out. So I render this picture and the lighting is good, she looks good but it's still missing something. It's not bad but it needs more. Question is, what? What is it missing that makes you go "WOW". Does it need more props? Some postwork to add a certain atmosphere? I think most of my pictures lack that certain something that makes them pop.

Opinions?
Thanks.

Joined: 09 Oct 2003 Posts: 2819

Was it your intention for the foreground to be sharp and the background to be out of focus? If not, look into the depth of field. (Sorry, no details on how to do this because I know it as a textbook fact rather than a practical one.)

Posted:Fri Oct 30, 2009 5:14 am

Yea, that's a background I inserted into DS. It was already out of focus. But that is a good point. Thanks.

Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Posts: 2850

I think the pose is a little static. Perhaps the character should be looking at the camera, or have a more dramatic expression.

I think the image looks really well with the BG out of focus. It draws attention to the main character, but I feel it needs to be doing something more interesting for that to work.

There is nothing else wrong that I can see, the character is well lit and textured, just not enough going on for 'impact'.

These are just my observations, and I am no expert. Sometimes it is easier for a viewer to see any problems, the original artist is too close to the subject.

I like the image anyway, but all images can usually be made better. Best wishes

Joined: 09 Jul 2005 Posts: 1785

What's missing is that the image isn't dynamic. By that I mean it doesn't appear to be a captured moment nor a posed portrait. Adjust her eyes so that she's looking into the camera, and tilt her head a little. Bring her left hand up so that she's gripping the spear nearer the tip and have her lean on it a bit.

Posted:Fri Oct 30, 2009 8:53 am

Thanks everyone. Very excellent suggestions that I will work on. I agree it's, well, boring. Which is why I was asking for help.

Thanks and keep the suggestions coming!!

Posted:Sat Oct 31, 2009 1:19 pm

Ok, I did some work on her. Changed her make up and then turned her towards the camera and gave her a haughty type expression. It's better but I think with some more work it could be even better.
Thanks.

Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Posts: 2850

Definitely has a lot more impact now. Much better imsge.

Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 5236 Location: Scotland

I would have more space around the figure, it is framed a bit too tightly.

Try and avoid making the figure centred in the picture, because that tends to make dull compositions.

Posted:Sun Nov 01, 2009 6:33 am

Thanks everyone.

Xantor, its' funny you should mention being framed to closely because I'm always complaining to my brother that they do that on TV alot. I feel like yelling at the camera person to pull back the camera. LOL Good point on that.

Gonna work on it some more...

Thanks.

Joined: 09 Jul 2005 Posts: 1785

I meant to tilt her head downward instead of turn it, but that right there works too. 100% improvement!
As for the tight framing, it's a tricky thing. It's like Michael Bay and his jump cuts - they're fine when you know what you're doing and why. He doesn't.
The tight framing is so you make the character seem bigger. Do it with a little thing like her, and it seems out of place. Give her more room, but don't move the camera - change the focal length instead.

Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 2386 Location: Edmonton, AB

The head up thing makes her feel like she's aware of what looks good and what doesn't - real people often get wattles if they bend their head down, so a common trick is to bend their head up and lean forward.

Posted:Sun Nov 01, 2009 10:41 am

The other thing I was thinking was a different background. I don't know why I like this one but perhaps a different one would help.

Joined: 09 Jul 2005 Posts: 1785

Indeed. Do you have a jungle one?

Joined: 15 Oct 2007 Posts: 946

I dunno, I thought the orginal image was great. Yeah, it could have used a little more dynamics and motivation, but visually it was wonderful.

Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 241

I think that you need to twist the body more. He back is dead straight, real people don't stand like that. Unless you are a Marine standing outside an embassy you will slouch a little.

He shoulder's are too straight and they line up with her hips too much. Try twisting her waste slightly.

Also, she's looking at you sideways on so one hip should be slightly higher than the other.

(I used to do studio photography).

Posted:Fri Nov 06, 2009 3:57 pm

Thanks guys.

Still working on her and trying to find a background I like. Will post her again later.

Thanks for helping me out. This is like a training thing for me for what people notice and see. It really helps out.

Thanks.

Joined: 15 Oct 2007 Posts: 946

Perfect Blue wrote:

....(I used to do studio photography).

Yeah, you can tell.... Shocked