Attention DPP Members, we would like to hear your opinions on the two selected photos posted here. The photographers are our very own Derick Gamboa and Aly Reyes. We won't tell you which photographer shot what photo but as you can see the subject is the same beautiful lady. Derick and Aly are photography buddies and it seems that they have taken the same Manny Librodo class. So vote and post DPP Members and let us know what photo you think is better and why. The best constructive comments will be printed in a future issue of DPP Magazine.

Photo 1
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z63/DPP_Gallery/face-off-entry-6mb.jpg


Photo 2

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z63/DPP_Gallery/dgamboa.jpg

Voter #1.

Also voted for photo #1. My focus went straight to the model's angelic eyes, which seemed to beckon me to look at the other interesting features of the photograph. As if in trance, my eyes wandered and wondered at interplay of lights and shadows, along with the richness of the color (even as my monitor has some color bias). Nonetheless, my eyes led back to her eyes, and in the instant, I considered my day made.

Final edit: I guess, the one word to describe my experience is "MESMERIZED"

VOTER 2. also picked photo 1.

VOTER #3

Also voted for #2

Guys let us know why you voted for the photo you chose. Best comments will be used in DPP magazine.

Both photo is Nice, Photo #2 got my Attention, As for me I really like the Portrait that the Subject is Not looking on the Camera, I just wish the Eyes is Sharp. About Post Processing BW vs Colored, It's just my Opinion that BW has better feel or Mood about Portraits.

Voted for Photo #2. Photo #1's model appeared bored & expressionless.

Photo # 2 for me. Sure not your usual photo where the model is looking straight at the camera. But it makes me wonder whats on her mind when she can strike a face like that. I guess tehe B&W take adds to that effect too.

Photo# 1 for me...

Wow, this is a bit close... But I would go for Photo 2.

My reasons are simply are:
- its Black and white (i'm such a sucker for B+W)
- Photo2 is very candid, as if the subject wasn't really posing compared to Photo1 which looks to pictorialistic to me.
- In photo1 there is a stream of light in the middle of the photo (right of the model), which i find distracting.

Photo 2,

I love the pose and the tone of the image, very classic and effective.

With great reservation I will throw in my vote. Both Derick and Aly are very good friends. The former is my neighbor so there is a big chance my house may catch fire sometime in the near future if I make a wrong choice. But I was not invited in this shoot so I figure I may have an axe to grind.

Seriously, one being in color and the other b&w makes this exercise harder to judge. From a composition point of view the 1st photo follows the rule of thirds. Great eye contact from the subject. But I find the enpty space on the right edge of the photo and the right arm of the subject distracting. Overall it is a nice clear sharp image.

The 2nd photo has a tighter crop which suits my taste for a portrait shot. The softness of the photo added more drama to the b&w treatment. Although I found the shoulder angle unflattering.

Overall photo 2 takes my vote.

Photo#1, the right arm curve looks skewed.

In Photo#2 There are so many distracting elements, and again the right arm looks muscular.

so I vote for Photo #1

Oh how do I decide...both are friends but I guess I have to go with Derrick... because he has better gear!!!:D

As for the Photos I like both of them. The 1st one really grabbed my attention right away with the colors and the eyes staring right back at me. However, I found a few things a little distracting like the shadow coming over the brow or the fold/crease on the veil in the background. I also found it lacking a little in emotion or feeling which to me is what Portrait Photography is all about.

As for the 2nd one, I love B&W. Great cropping. I like the use of the hand to add mood to the picture and despite its softness, I liked the expression in the eyes as it looks away from me. Would have been nice to see her fingertips though.

So after heavy deliberation with me and myself.....I went with number 2. :Grin:

The first photograph presents a variety of bright, bold colors and brings emphasis to the clarity of the subject. The photographer draws attention to the eyes of the subject by providing highlight lighting to the face, and towards the eyes, in contrast to background lighting. This effect successfully makes the eyes the focal point of the photograph. In addition, the fabric is shown with immense texture and light transparency that adds attractiveness to the whole picture.

The second photograph seems to pose a question and makes you wonder what the model is thinking. Black and white photographs give a different approach to things. It blends certain textures and merges almost the slightest color tones. By this, eye focus becomes deeper than that of colored photographs. The black and white effect gives the photograph a classic look, but oftentimes this compromises the clarity of the photograph.

After much scrutiny, I think I would choose the first photograph for its crispness and clarity. Both have the artistic representation of the model’s likeness, personality, mood and expression. But, I like the model ‘s pose wherein she’s looking directly towards the photographer . It makes the photograph more communicative to the viewer.

I'd go for #1. :)

I like the mix of colors, the composition, and how the streak of light draws my attention to the model's eyes. However, I find the white areas of the cloth (caused by the light?) a little distracting. I wish the eyes were a little sharper and the photo is cropped tighter on the left to remove the orange crease out of view.

I find too many distracting elements in the second photo: the headdress, bracelets, etc. The right eye is also out of focus. I like the candid look to it, though.

Good comments guys. Keep them coming please. Shall I vote myself? Okay here are my comments. I will go with Photo #1 even though I am bothered by some elements in the photo. I don't particularly like the shadow that falls across the face in Photo #1. There is also a harsh reflection on the left side of the photo that I find distracting. The colors are good though and that gets my attention.

Photo #2 I find too busy. Too many distracting elements take away from the beauty of the woman. My other pet peeve are eyeballs that aren't centered in the eye socket. The woman looking too the far right with lots of white space in the eyes distracts me. But this is just me.

Keep them coming guys and thanks again Derick and Aly for allowing us to use your photos for this challenge.

Photo #1 immediately caught my attention because of the subject's meaningful look. The prolonged gaze of the subject gives me something to think about.

But I was not invited in this shoot so I figure I may have an axe to grind.



OT: If you were not invited, then who is this? :Grin::Grin::Grin:

http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/99748707/medium.jpg http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/99802690/medium.jpg

I voted for Photo #2.

It had this "mysterious" aura that made me think "What made her stop and look at that direction?"

OT: I you were not invited, then who is this? :Grin::Grin::Grin:

http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/99748707/medium.jpg http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/99802690/medium.jpg

What is Aly's left hand doing????:D:D:D

the 1st photo immediately gets my attention because of its color. for me a good black and white photo has to have a lot of blacks to contrast the white's in the photo. good job! i love the 1st photo!

http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/99802690/medium.jpg
What is Aly's left hand doing????:D:D:D

Pinching somebody's butt, unfortunately it was Martin's. (see Martin's face) :Dum::Scared::Oops::(

Aly literally had his "hands full" with this shot. :D:D:D:D

http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/99745077/large.jpg

OT: If you were not invited, then who is this? :Grin::Grin::Grin:

http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/99748707/medium.jpg http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/99802690/medium.jpg

OMG! Koya Derick, you finally improved your PS skills. Did Aly finally share his secrets with you? :D

Hey guys, let's get back to the topic!!!

Derick, stop posting photos irrelevant to the topic!!! :Angry: (translation: oks ba ang pagiging moderator ko? :Dum::Grin::D)

Photo 1 hands down.

OMG! Koya Derick, you finally improved your PS skills. Did Aly finally share his secrets with you? :D

Still very much CHALLENGED. :Angry::Angry:

Photo 1: First thing that catch my attention was the eyes then to her face, though shadows that falls to her nose is not that appealing, it was outshined by her beautiful face, but once my eyes wandered throughout the entire picture, that’s where the appeal of the photo decreases – it now looks like a muscular angel, and the backlight is too harsh that the textile looks like it was damaged by a bleach. (This is better when cropped).

Photo 2: The entire photo is striking because of the photo treatment used based on the model’s pose and facial expression. Other elements in the picture also framed the face of the model. The only downside is the model’s left eye where the iris looks odd (maybe bcoz of b/w + levels/curves).

But then again, it’s just me. :)
Voted for #2.

Photo # 1..the model has that mysterious look that makes it very intriguing.

Vote goes to Photo #1.

Although I'm starting to be a B&W Photography addict... I just love the colors of this shot. There's a "refreshing" feeling when you look at it. Whew. Great job by the photographer. May the best image and man win. :D

Had it been rainy and gloomy, I would go for the Photo # 2.

But my mood and the current weather condition affects my vote.

It's hot.
It's summer.

So I'm voting for Photo # 1.

Had it been rainy and gloomy, I would go for the Photo # 2.

But my mood and the current weather condition affects my vote.

It's hot.
It's summer.

So I'm voting for Photo # 1.

nice one, Cat! i like your avatar :D so cool! lmao!

I voted without looking which photo Derick and Aly submitted.. para walang biases since both are good friends :)

So after that awful disclaimer above.. let me just say that the model looks awesome :Grin:

I voted for photo 1. The colors made the face of the model pop up some more.

i vote for photo #2

the second photo conveys more emotion, the b&w conversion and the candidness of the shot also contributes to the somber mood.

Photo # 1.

I'm impressed with the way it instantly creates a connection with the viewer. Ironically though, no matter the number of times I view it, I always feel like looking at it for the first time because each gaze from the subject seems to project a different message. For me, that's extraordinary.

the emotion on the first photo conveys the feeling of boredom. though the 2nd photo has distracting elements, the mood of the photo plus the conversion into B&W made the photo pop out for me :)

voted for the 2nd photo

Photo #2 for me...

The shot evokes mystery... She's making you guess... making you think... it shows more life even if its in black and white. Not all monochrome shots does this. :)

#1

though simple i find it more pleasing to the eye.

#1 for me :)

Voted for Photo 2.

while Photo 1 catches your attention with its immaculate editing and bright colors, Photo 2 in BW gives it drama. while photo 1 seems to border on the usual Glam shot, Photo 2 reminds me of that Nat Geo 1984 Afgan Refugee Girl. Whoever took Photo 2, I am impressed with how he was able to capture/create an emotion from the model, the girl on Photo 2 looks like she has a story to tell, holding your thoughts hostage.

Photo 1 :)

Great color combinations were able to conceal the minor imperfections of the photo such as shadows and skewed arm. The color is very appealing...

Both are nice anyway, good luck!

One hour to go. Keep on voting!!!

Photo #2 :)

I like the line of shadow on the first photo, but the reserved half smile seemed like the model was discontent on something. I think photo 2 had a more natural feel.

One hour to go. Keep on voting!!!


Hey stop trying to get votes......:D:D:D:D:D

Hey stop trying to get votes......:D:D:D:D:D


Too late PJ, the voting poll is closed. You can't campaign for Derick anymore!!! :D

Since I can't affect the outcome anymore, I'd like to post my original entry supposedly before I was influenced to submit what was posted here.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t219/virtualaly/krystal/w-krystal-bw-1c.jpg

I wanted to give a black and white rendition to my photo but people kept telling me to submit a colored version which they say I'm more inclined to. I succumbed to their requests but I like both versions nonetheless.

Btw, for me the smile is more enigmatic rather than emotionless and Krystal's eyes depict more of what's within. But that's just me. :)

CONGRATULATIONS, ALY!!!


Since I can't affect the outcome anymore, I'd like to post my original entry supposedly before I was influenced to submit what was posted here.

I wanted to give a black and white rendition to my photo but people kept telling me to submit a colored version which they say I'm more inclined to. I succumbed to their requests but I liked both versions nonetheless.

Btw, for me the smile is more enigmatic rather than emotionless and Krystal's eyes depict more of what's within. But that's just me. :)

Too late PJ, the voting poll is closed. You can't campaign for Derick anymore!!! :D

congrats...even in b&w, i still like the photo...the crispness and clarity of the subject.:)

Thank you Dan and Mikko!! :)

This was an alternative photo which I opted not to use for this challenge. Its kinda similar to Derick's photo, only its in color and in a different angle.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t219/virtualaly/krystal/w-krystal-color-3b.jpg

26 May 2009

I vote for number 2,both are not amazing image that is why i opted to model facial expression.Photo 1 model expression was quite bored and tired as if saying.. come on you bunch of----photographers, finish it off I am tired with my hands doing this...while Photo 2 was so relax and the Photographer captured the innocent looking and the angelic face of the model.

Cheers,

For those who haven't seen the original thread when this shoot was done, click on this link:
http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=15817&highlight=krystal

I liked the various views presented and the variety of emotions both photos solicited with this exercise. I believe everyone that learned through the last three challenges brought to you by DPP are the winners. It was interesting how some saw the photos.

Color was not something that i considered. I find the mystery of Krystal's beauty in mono.

http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/99747493/medium.jpg http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/99775820/medium.jpg

These were the two options I were considering, both in mono.

The unforgettable reaction of Aly after meeting Kystall. :Dum::RedEye::BlackEye::Scared:

http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/100005205/original.jpg

And this I chose to have in colored. :):Grin: Check out the eyes!!!

The unforgettable reaction of Aly after meeting Kystall. :Dum::RedEye::BlackEye::Scared:

http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/100005205/original.jpg

And this I chose to have in colored. :):Grin: Check out the eyes!!!

YAH RIGHT, DERICK!!:Angry:

LOOK WHO'S NOT EXCITED TO SEE KRYSTAL!!!!:Evil:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t219/virtualaly/krystal/w-krystal-derick-2.jpg

Sir Aly- congrats for winning this face off.. Pareho kami ni Sir Derick natalo kami sa face off challenge! ha ha ha = )

I liked the various views presented and the variety of emotions both photos solicited with this exercise. I believe everyone that learned through the last three challenges brought to you by DPP are the winners. It was interesting how some saw the photos.

Color was not something that i considered. I find the mystery of Krystal's beauty in mono.

http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/99747493/medium.jpg http://www.pbase.com/manilaman04/image/99775820/medium.jpg

These were the two options I were considering, both in mono.

this could have won my vote...hehehe...:Grin:

YAH RIGHT, DERICK!!:Angry:

LOOK WHO'S NOT EXCITED TO SEE KRYSTAL!!!!:Evil:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t219/virtualaly/krystal/w-krystal-derick-2.jpg

Blurd yung shot. Why didn't you post process this? :D:D:D:D

Tough one...

First photo shows the beauty of the model in a captivating way. Although technically, I don't find anything spectacular, albeit the use of shadows adds to the overall effect. Composition is text book. If this is your photo Koya Derick, your take on Papa George before, to me was better. :D

Second photo shows a different perspective and if only for that, I'd vote on it. It seems to be that softness was deliberate in the presentation. Black & white rendering makes it more unconventional. Despite being black and white, the rendering of texture and added nuance to the photo make it a lot more interesting.
Having said that, it may be just me but I was distracted by the catch light on the model's eye... it seems there's a reflection of a head & shoulder looking back. Eeew, Eerie! Damn, my imagination!

Blurd yung shot. Why didn't you post process this? :D:D:D:D

Sorry for the nyarpness. :Grin: (translation: Malabo ka talaga!!):D

Stupid me :D I realized this is over...

Congrats, Sir Aly! Although, if you checked a few pages back, I didn't vote for, it was still a great photo (bawi)... Heheheh.. :)

Congrats, Sir Aly! Although, if you checked a few pages back, I didn't vote for, it was still a great photo (bawi)... Heheheh.. :)

Yes I know Melvin. But that's okay. Derick's BW entry was really exquisite anyway. (translation: you're off my Christmas Card list, Melvin!! :D:D:D)

laglagan na hehehe...

Yes I know Melvin. But that's okay. Derick's BW entry was really exquisite anyway. (translation: you're off my Christmas Card list, Melvin!! :D:D:D)

I better be on your Xmas list......:D

I better be on your Xmas list......:D

But PJ, you voted for Derick!!!!! :Angry::Angry::Angry: :D

But PJ, you voted for Derick!!!!! :Angry::Angry::Angry: :D

How do you know that....?????:Shock::Angry::D I thought I was voting for yours.....:D:D:D

How do you know that....?????:Shock::Angry::D I thought I was voting for yours.....:D:D:D


You're in the same boat as Martin!! You only get a text greeting from me on Xmas!!! :Thinking:

Congrats Sir Aly :)

Geez I had the feeling yours was the one in color... (although I voted for the B&W. hehe :) Way to go with the face-off!

Congrats Sir Aly :)

Geez I had the feeling yours was the one in color... (although I voted for the B&W. hehe :) Way to go with the face-off!

Thanks Carmz!! Although you voted for the B&W, I'll keep you in my Christmas Card List :) (unlike two so-called friends I have!!!!:Angry::Dum::D)

aww the vote closed, I'd pick number one due to the selection of colors as red and green goes well with one another in this photo, and how the light frames the model's face :)

Congrats Sir Aly :) great photo! :)

aww the vote closed, I'd pick number one due to the selection of colors as red and green goes well with one another in this photo, and how the light frames the model's face :)

Too late, Adrian but thanks for the vote of confidence nevertheless. :)

Congrats Sir Aly :) great photo! :)

Thanks, Ena!! Did you vote?:Dum:

hey Aly,

congratulations!

hey Aly,

congratulations!

Thanks Lemarc! :Grin::Grin::Grin:

Too late, Adrian but thanks for the vote of confidence nevertheless. :)

blame it on the a-a-a-ah ohffice internet filter :D

sayang close na di ako umabot..hehe

congrats aly :)

sayang close na di ako umabot..hehe

congrats aly :)


Thanks, Cocoy and Harold!!:)

Congrats Sir Aly ;)

This 2 Photos are amazingly Compose with 2 Different point of view. but, I would choose the Black & white for the Following reasons:

1. The photographer catch the candid moments of the model. It is very natural, especially the
"eye"
2. Great control of lights and shadows.
3. The only thing that distract me is the SHOULDER. i should prepare a tight cropping for this to make the accessories & shoulder as a natural framing with a good DOF.

just my own opinion.

I vote for 1. I love the colors of the first photo. This is all lost in photo #2.

Vote: Photo 1
While I've always believed that black and white shots are more expressive and dramatic, the use of this in photo two simply wasted the vibrant colors seen in photo number one. Photo two is a good picture in itself, but it captures a scene, which does the model a disservice. If this had been a photojournalism shoot, then photo 2 would have won. But we have a model here, and the monochrome just takes away the emphasis that should be due her.

I can't believe this thread is still alive. Thanks for the additional comments guys. Too bad the poll is closed for voting. Watch out for the next issue of DPP magazine which commentary will be published. :)

I saw before the two photos being fitted and I'm sure the colored one is Aly's and the other is Derick.

Sayang at boboto ko pa naman si Aly (trans: There is a Starbucks inside Fully-booked :) )

Congrats to both Aly and Derick!

i like photo #1 better...the vibrant colors make her more alive :)

You're right Cocoy and Thanks to both you and Marinel. :)

photo 2: for me it has every ingredient to make it a winner...lovely bokeh, candid expression, beautiful subject and the B&W treatment just made it a classic shot on film

My Vote goes to Photo #1

Same girl, but the color version makes her look prettier...



ooops.. close na pala

My Vote goes to Photo #1

Same girl, but the color version makes her look prettier...



ooops.. close na pala

Its okay Jerome. In any case, thanks for your vote. :Grin:

I'll go for photo #1. The beauty of the model was clearly focused here. Compared to photo#2, for me the shot is great but it did not emphasize the angelic beauty of the model.

I vote for #1. The colors compliment each other... Nice play of colors here.

I would have voted for #1. My eyes tell me it's the better photo.
#2 is blurred.

Thanks guys. This photo face-off was already published in the last issue of Digital Photographer Philippines Magazine.

on the first photo the model is bored, tired and doesnt have any expression.

on the second photo, i kinda get distracted by the arm band or bracelet thingy...

my pick goes to the 2nd photo

i go for #2 even if it's a bit blurred....#1 has beautiful colors but it lacks emotion from the model...emotion is a key ingredient in portraits.

I go for photo #1