Fahim,
Let me return to this energetic and happy picture. Even without knowing Ayesha, we are attracted to the subject as the joy is compelling.
So we look at a work and we're moved. At this point,
the photograph is successful and worthy of attention.
The stronger this impression is, the less we should say
in critique or formal analysis, as one wouldn't do such
a breakdown of a kiss of a mother to her newborn infant.
However, you expressed your natural disappointment of the OOF green background on the right. To me, at least, you have opened the doors for us to look critically at the minor flaws in the presentation. We ask "How does a powerfully evocative "snapshot" fail to show its inherent magic best?
The lack of focus in the background is not the fundamental flaw in your presentation! What is, IMHO, is your abandonment of your duty to continue controlling the elements from observing the scene, framing and then processing the image, so its full potential is realized. Here, I would argue, that the built-in rectangular framing in your scene doesn't fit the subject. There is nothing in the right side that is worthy of inclusion, even if in perfect focus. There is enough movement and balance in the left to make a very strong and near ideal printed gallery print. It should be a square framing. A 6x6 Classic MF Yashikamat, Rollei or Hasselblad would have been perfect.
Your eyes and reflexes are fine! You caught an exceptional moment very well. But your angst about an OOF b.g. is unwarranted as the significant flaws are compositional in what you've
included. That's because you accepted a rectangular format that simply doesn't work well with the scene.
I wouldn't have raised any of this, as I enjoy the picture as is, especially as I treasure any updates on your wonderful family. Still, since you opened the door to critique yourself, I have looked at the pictures as if it was just a work of art to be shown in a gallery and I was choosing the works to be hung.
Having said all that, the picture with its recognizable flaws happens to work very well as the content is primarily emotional. The "wasteland" to the right actually helps to show the context of a quick pose by the roadside. In the trade off of better composition and meaningful context, the emotional draw of the subject demands we accept the inclusion of the right side despite its low value in formal image design.
Asher
