The Banjo Luthier

Image Critiques
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1

Grant Banjo Maker.jpg
Grant Banjo Maker.jpg2000×1437 1.25 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

I went to Merlefest Bluegrass Festival. Lots of walking and looking and enjoying the music. I came across the gentleman who makes fretless banjos. I took a few shots and thought I would post this one. I feels its a warm image and shows the art of this banjo…

Specific Feedback

I do like my composition and tone on this image. Maybe frame it a little different… Maybe a little brighter …

Technical Details

ISO 1200 shutter 500 f18 edit in photoshop. Thanks to the members of the NPN I am shooting everything in RAW now. Big learning Curve.

2

Nice portrait, Gill. I might be inclined to move it to non-nature. I love the texture and the color palette. The kind of tribal sense of the banjo’s body and the right arm of the player. I wish the player’s hand position felt more natural, but if it did, it might distract from the instrument, so I’m not sure that “nit pick” there is really valid.

ML

3

Thanks. I didn’t see non nature. If you can move it that would be great.

This man built this banjo.

I just tried to keep it natural and warm looking.

Peace :waxing_gibbous_moon::globe_showing_asia_australia::waxing_gibbous_moon::globe_showing_asia_australia::waxing_gibbous_moon:

1 Like
5

EDIT; Looks like someone tagged it, so you’re all set, Thw site isn’t organized by category anymore, but notifications might be impacted. I get notifications for some categories.

Love this image!

ML

6

Wonderful image with a very nice tonal range! My only suggestion would be to darken the front of his shirt – that bright edge pulls my eye away from the subject.

I can’t imagine a fretless banjo, or one without the tonal quality of the traditional drumhead – this one looks very muted. But there is a wonderful world of people who craft instruments and it’s wonderful to get a peek into that world.

And more wonderful to see you shooting in raw and using ACR (I assume) and PS!!! Just stick with the traditional basic stuff – the simplest use of layers and masks, and cloning or removal of stray objects. It’s easier to master than any instrument!

7

Thanks for showing interest in my image of the Banjo. I have joined Black and White Profusion … Image video presentations of B&W artist. They do a challenge every month and Featured Artists every week. I have met some really great people there and some great photography. That is my goal… To be a part of the photography world and meet photographers like yourself. I combine my music with my images and put them on youtube. Not for the Likes or comments but to show my work and say Hello.

Peace to you Gill

8

Hi. The banjo is very muted naturally. I actually brighten it up by dodging in PS. I’ll look at darkening the shirt. The neck of the banjo has no frets. Play it claw hammer style. Thanks for showing interest. Peace to our Planet.

9

Gil: This caught my eye immediately. I rarely do this kind of photography but I do think I know a good one when I see it and this is excellent IMO. Top notch. :+1: :+1:>=))>

10

Thanks. Always looking for something different. I have gone B&W totally now. My passion is for B&W Photography and Telecaster/ Dobro music. Just walk and shoot and keep it fun… Thanks again Gill