Pauline's Squeeze

[Martyn]

I went to the local music session with the intention of getting a good picture of Pauline playing her melodeon. I was very disappointed with my results, but decided to use the best shot I had as an exercise in digital manipulation. I don't really know what I'm doing, I'm making this up as I go along. I'd be grateful for your honest opinions and suggestions.

 

 

Device:    Nikon D5100
Lens:    35mm f/1.8G
Aperture:    f/1.8
Shutter Speed:    1/125s
ISO Sensitivity:    ISO 1600
 

 

 

[ChrisLumix]

It's a good exposure and fills the frame nicely.

 

It does lack ... spark? Possibly because she doesn't look connected to her instrument in any way - a bit detached as if she could be passing it to someone else? I think this is a composition that has great potential, but you'd probably want her looking down at the accordion, or perhaps with her eyes shut and her head back. But I realise how difficult it is to 'catch the moment' like that. You can shoot away all evening and still not capture the right image.

 

Here's one of mine - technically pathetic, really poor (candlelight imposed a slow shutter speed, and the camera has focused on the mic stand). I always wished it had come out better, because it could have been quite a good picture from the point of view of composition and 'catching the moment'.

 

[annie]

would it work in mono?

[Martyn]

I thought it may be a good idea to show you what I started with.

 

 

 

 

 

[ChrisLumix]

That's a great rescue, it really is. It just lacks the 'magic', but getting magic from a musician in a mere photograph is soooo difficult.

[fuzzyedges]

I think you did well under the lighting restrictions

But its negative points are

The acordian is cut off with the bar

Her fingers are cut off with the beer glass

I appreciate you cant shift and uproot furniture but maybe a more severe crop is needed plus a bit of sharpening

something like this ??

 

With a little more time I would have moved the fingers from the keys bottom right but this gives you an idea of what I just said above

You may not like it but its just an idea

[Martyn]

Thanks Fuzzy  and Chris, this is the sort of input I need.

 

 

Oh and by the way Fuzzy, don't let Pauline hear you calling it an accordian!

 

 

 

 

[fuzzyedges]

Oh and by the way Fuzzy, don't let Pauline hear you calling it an accordian

 

my appologies I am not musicaly inclined I hope Pauline wasnt reading this when I called her bugle an accordian

[ChrisLumix]

Thanks Fuzzy  and Chris, this is the sort of input I need.

 

 

Oh and by the way Fuzzy, don't let Pauline hear you calling it an accordian!

 

Oops, I did too! 

[Creativesnaps]

I think you have done a very good job of rescuing it and I would leave it as it is now.