the joy of learning Photo

Photographer’s Note

This photo was taken inside the Chen Clan Academy (also known as the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family) in the city of Guangzhou.

I was taking photos of statues in the grounds of the old 'Chen' school, when I noticed a group of photographers with their model. So I tried a few shots myself over their shoulders.

I have posted another photo as a workshop to show the context in which this photo was taken.

I have slightly increased the blue colour to increase the contrast with the wall.

stego, robertosalguero, stiginthedump, gary91, dorte_s_t, happypoppeye, nithin1 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

robertosalguero (110) 2007-04-16 0:55

Not just a nice picture but a cute model. The portrait of this woman is very good. Her natural stance against the wall and the book in her hands give her an almost religious mood. Good capture of this quiet moment Andrew.

Roberto

stiginthedump (1823) 2007-04-16 1:16

This is indeed a fine capture Andrew although the 'realism' has been reduced with your note about a photo shoot! I like how you've increased the blue in her shirt, but it doesn't help that the wall is still as sharp as the gril. Maybe try masking her and blurring the wall...maybe too much pp, but worth a go. I'll try a workshop when i get home to show you what I mean.

Thanks

gary91 (15321) 2007-04-16 4:36

Hello Andrew,
Although just invited, you managed a nice picture of this cute model. I like as well the pp of your image and the increase of the color is very good.
Have a nice day.
Best regards, Christian

wolf38 (13107) 2007-04-16 5:03

Hello Andrew. The joy OF learning is meant perhaps somewhat humorous. But all Chinese are ambitious and industrious. Because by it one only comes to money and reputation. Rich and famous is everything becomes. The photo is outstanding. It pleases me very well. Best regards, Wolfgang.

maphoto (8076) 2007-04-20 9:28

Nice and original portrait Andrew, good expression of the lady, well composed !

stego (22448) 2007-05-16 17:54

Hi Andrew,
It's a very nice portrait. The beauty, the pose, and also the blue clothes of the model make it very attractive and moody. The pattern of the wall makes a nice backdrop that somehow enhances the girl and compensates the flatness introduced by the tele.
I wish it had a little less grain.
Regards, José.

dorte_s_t (2285) 2007-05-24 3:20

Hi , Andrew .
Beautiful portrait of a beautiful young woman .
The composition is perfect as are the colours !
Greetings
Dorte.

happypoppeye (4064) 2007-06-14 18:33

Great photo.

The most impressive aspect of this photo, in my opinion, is your interpretation of the woman's expression through your title. It is perfect. I would not have been able to do that.

As for the photo - great composition, color and background. The one gripe I do have is the grain, especially in the woman's face. Nothing too bad though and really doesn't hurt the photo too much.

The WS definitely changes the view of how the photo was taken. Takes some of the "wow" out of it.

Still a great photo. Great work.

John

nithin1 (242) 2007-07-22 10:25

Very beautiful image..the meditative expression, the book in the hand, the typical school wall..;all makes it very beautiful. In fact, I was taken back to my school and college days! We used to do this kind of last minute studying..right before the exam bell rings, you could have seen many of us leaning on the wall..walking to and fro.. :)
I must also add that the workshop and context which I saw made the picture less interesting to me. I camt help wishing it was a natural scene! But having told that, I appreciate your honesty too. You could have easily passed off this as natural or your own instead of telling about other photographers n their model.
And I dont know why, but her skin happens to look a little noisy.. Otherwise, a splendid job!

wenwen (183) 2008-10-09 23:13

I would prefer black and white version for this photo, because the model's pink eye shadow and red lipstick is too modern for this theme.

emad (156) 2009-07-21 8:30

Hi dear Andrew.at first i have to thank you for your kind idea about my photo(Huggers bridge).i read the information written in your profile.as i know the new generation of Chinese have started to learn english.i have been in so many cities of China.in Fangcheng i went to one of these english classes to meet the young students there,their teacher had requested me to do so,his idea was that by meeting the foreigners they can find out the great value of ability to communicate with others.there i met a teacher from united states too.he had the same story of you.i mean he was living there with his wife and kids.take your time and shot as many as you can in Hong kong.that is a beautiful place.
by the way, send my hello to "Chris de burgh",when you are back to home(Ireland).he is my favorite singer :-):-)
i took a look at your gallery,i like this photo,the "joy of learning".
good luck man and bye.