SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

My only portrait with a flower!
This is my first people/portrait posted. So for those of you that don't know me, I pretty much shoot everything, but don't post a lot of shots.
In portraits I do all the usual stuff, like seniors, families etc., but it's not all that exciting. I like to do location and use props. I'm trying to move into environmental portraits.
Much of my stuff has a bit edge as I experiment with it. I'm a real novice at this stuff.

The following shot," the grieving widow"' was done on location at night with no moon, which made set-up a little tough.
I shot it from very inferior to give a bit of distortion and more edge. I tried to use only enough light to not loose the black into the black and trying to keep all the fabric. I used the red to grab your attention.
I'm not that into wholesome shooting. ;-)
SS

Grieving Widow

(Download)

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

This is a very powerful shot - I think it's exceptional. The grieving face being slightly out of focus adds to the mood as does the black background and dark eyes. I like the touch of the red rose as well. Really well done!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Ecobin, thanks a lot for all the positive input.
If you see anything you think would improve the shot, please let me know.
I'm hoping others might chime in as well.
Thanks Ecobin. ;-)
SS

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Hey SS, I like the concept - colours you have used, the black signifying death and sadness. The red rose signifying a loved one.
But I do not think that the ladies face looks sad. I need to see the grief on her face for this shot.
Also her face looks wideangle distorted by her position in the top corner.
Maybe the same shot, with a forlorn look taken from further back with a longer lens?

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Lighthouse, thanks for the feed-back. What you describe would be a completely different shot. It's possible I actually have that shot in the series of shots. I was trying to achieve an un-sanitized look in the portrait. The distortion is from the very low camera angle creating parallax, just like in a building.
I've actually taken portraits like that, and rotate them forward like a building, which distorts them even further. It's actually a very interesting look.

I guess my question is, does the shot work as taken, with the resulting look in a portrait? I don't want to taint the responses.
Thanks Lightroom.
SS

xxredbeardxx Loc: San Clemente CA.

I really like this the way it is.
You must have bumped up the ISO for this one.
You have light and dark splashes in this. Hard to
get that right, but I think it's great.

A good funeral or memorial celebrates the life of the loved one. There's no need to look overly sad to make it a great photo.

In the old days we reds would prop the deceased up in the corner of the bar with their favorite drink in their hand
and we drank to their life all night long. No sad faces. Good times remembering. That's an Irish wake.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Red, thanks, I agree.
My Mother's own Celebration of Life was a very joyous occasion. She would have wanted it that way, otherwise, she would have regretted dying! :lol:
These things are very socialized into us.
Thanks Red
SS