Karate Pictures for my Book

[Makalakumu]

The following pictures are some shots I may use for my newest book. I am posting them here to get some thoughts on their artistic value. I know how I want to use them.

 

[Makalakumu]

First group. Which is best? Why?

 

[Makalakumu]

Second Group. Which one is best? Why?

 

[Makalakumu]

Third Group. Which one is best? Why?

 

[Bob Hubbard]

Have to be honest, I don't care for any of them, but #4 in both groups is best. Group 1 #3 looks just messy. Rest are lacking 'something' to me, but I can't quite put my finger on it yet.

 

[Bob Hubbard]

group 3, #1 is best. Would be best cropped at the bottom crack-line. Better if the background (fence) was either removed or blurred to focus on the gear.

 

[Makalakumu]

Group Four. Which one is best? Why?

 

[Makalakumu]

Group Five. Which is best? Why?

 

[Makalakumu]

Group Six. Which is best? Why?

 

[Makalakumu]

Group Seven. Which is best? Why?

 

[Makalakumu]

Group Eight. Which is best? Why?

 

[Makalakumu]

Group Nine. Which is best? Why?

 

[Makalakumu]

Group Ten. Is he not the cutest kid in whole god damned world?

 

[Makalakumu]

Have to be honest, I don't care for any of them, but #4 in both groups is best. Group 1 #3 looks just messy. Rest are lacking 'something' to me, but I can't quite put my finger on it yet.

Do you think a new background would work? Beach sand? I'm looking for an old and used look. Martial Arts equipment in pristine form isn't being used.

 

[Makalakumu]

group 3, #1 is best. Would be best cropped at the bottom crack-line. Better if the background (fence) was either removed or blurred to focus on the gear.

Thanks. This is all pre-photoshop.

 

[Bob Hubbard]

Do you think a new background would work? Beach sand? I'm looking for an old and used look. Martial Arts equipment in pristine form isn't being used.

It's something to do with the layout in general. There's a randomness that doesn't work for me. Doesn't mean it's wrong, just not what I find pleasing.

 

[Bob Hubbard]

It's something to do with the layout in general. There's a randomness that doesn't work for me. Doesn't mean it's wrong, just not what I find pleasing.

Another problem I have with most of them is the shark fin shaped island in the back ground fighting for attention with you. Soften the backgrounds so that attention is focused on you.

 

[Bob Hubbard]

Thanks. This is all pre-photoshop.

G5-#4, G6-#2, G7-#2, G8-#1,2,4,8 G9=all ok

Some things to look out for: weird stuff growing from head (hand sticking out of forehead, palm fronds giving a crown look, an airplane launching fro your eyes, etc)

Also, leave some additional space in front of you, to indicate you are moving in that direction.

Look at the pictures but mentally remove you from them. Look for distractions in the background that will pull eyes off of you.

I'll try and go back over these in a little bit, see what else I can offer.

Are you shooting yourself, or have someone else shooting? What are you using?

 

[Makalakumu]

Are you shooting yourself, or have someone else shooting? What are you using?

Yeah, that is me. My wife is taking the pictures. We are using a pretty nice digital camera, 10 megapixals.

 

[Tez3]

Was that Naihanchi? if so could you show the rest please lol! Much better photos than I have in my book!