Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

Duane · **First family's official portrait -** 10-24-2009, 07:59 AM

Just curious as to your photo critique of the First family's official portrait by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz.

As a novice, there are many aspects of the photograph I don't understand given the reputation of the photographer and the final result.

No depth of field and I find the chosen background strange. The hand growing out of the President's right shoulder. The older daughter's left hand disappearing. The "split" between the white clothed subjects to the left and the darker clothed subjects to the right. Placing the older daughter on the arm of the chair as opposed to the younger daughter. And more...

Thanks for your thoughts.

Just trying to learn.

dlanter · 10-24-2009, 08:36 AM

I had the exact same thoughts about all the things you mentioned. I definitely didn't think it was the kind of work you (or I) would expect from such a famed photographer. But then, she gets the big bucks for some reason & I don't.

tresorph · 10-24-2009, 01:28 PM

That is quite terrible. Open door in the back, the DOF, Obama's fingers cut off, the whites are almost blown out (if not). Yea probably do all of that - but I'm not Annie. Makes me wonder if she can only do VF studio setting with a seamless background and two lights. It's obvious that all she's got only money (lack of) on her mind and she just isn't what she used to be. Next.

Oh, and isn't there a main white house photographer on staff? Why not have him do the portrait. I surely hope we as taxpayers didn't pay Annie's rate.

Link for those that want to see.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33448270...y-white_house/

texkam · 10-24-2009, 01:43 PM

Perhaps a gesture of sympathy towards Annie?

Quote:

isn't there a main white house photographer on staff?

I'd love to know what their feelings are.

rockpics · 10-24-2009, 02:28 PM

Pete Souza is the official White House photographer, and if you google his name you'll find some incredible images.

Crashoran · 10-24-2009, 02:45 PM

Too many head mergers, flat lighting, awkward posing

brad · 10-24-2009, 03:41 PM

My first thought when I saw it was that someone must have posted the wrong picture and that this was a test shot done with some point and shoot...

I am just stunned... and dismayed...

Jusselin · 10-24-2009, 03:56 PM

where did the photo go

PIC · 10-24-2009, 04:37 PM

First understand the subtitle ...
The celebrity photographer's relationship with the Obamas goes back years.
This means its a close relationship and not just anyone can get the task.
Much the same with the Whitehouse photographer.
That relationship cooked for years.

Second the photo is intended to look like an ordinary family snapshot off an ordinary camera by an ordinary photographer in an ordinary house. No doubt intended by the first family and their political advisers.

She accomplished the intent ... its ordinary !!!

Jeff_Green · 10-24-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PIC

Second the photo is intended to look like an ordinary family snapshot off an ordinary camera by an ordinary photographer in an ordinary house.

The intent was to make a portrait of the President of the United States and his family look mediocre? Where do you get that from? That's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. No, wait, the second most ridiculous thing... the first was someone who said that you aren't a professional unless you shoot with a MF camera. What a loon that person was.

alamoshutterbug · 10-24-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff_Green

No, wait, the second most ridiculous thing... the first was someone who said that you aren't a professional unless you shoot with a MF camera. What a loon that person was.

AhhhhhhHAHAHAHAHA, LOLOLOLOL

rockpics · 10-24-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PIC

First understand the subtitle ...
The celebrity photographer's relationship with the Obamas goes back years.
This means its a close relationship and not just anyone can get the task.
Much the same with the Whitehouse photographer.
That relationship cooked for years.

Second the photo is intended to look like an ordinary family snapshot off an ordinary camera by an ordinary photographer in an ordinary house. No doubt intended by the first family and their political advisers.

She accomplished the intent ... its ordinary !!!

Makes sense.

Crashoran · 10-24-2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff_Green

The intent was to make a portrait of the President of the United States and his family look mediocre? Where do you get that from? That's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. No, wait, the second most ridiculous thing... the first was someone who said that you aren't a professional unless you shoot with a MF camera. What a loon that person was.

C!LLY · 10-24-2009, 09:26 PM

that pic does nothing for me at all and it has nothing to do with the subjects.

LEO III · 10-24-2009, 09:33 PM

My first thought was why is he doing the "official" portrait without wearing his suit coat. I'm guess he is trying to convey an informal or "working" attitude, but I don't think one should not wear it for an "official" family portrait. Had he been wearing his coat, at least the problem with the blown out whites might have been lessened.

Wonder how many shots she took and how many different poses? If this one is the best of the bunch....