bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Oh my! If Mrs. bk looked like that, I wouldn't be online here, chatting with my friends.

jonsommer Loc: Usually, somewhere on the U.S. west coast.

Hi Tom, you did some interesting things with this portrait that I never would have thought of or tried, but the results I really like. I never would have even considered or chosen a background color this close to her skin color (I guess I'm just more of a chicken) but here you really made it work. It gives the portrait a vintage look and feel, kind of Rockwell-esque, or even an early Vargus, you did what Cliff and Bobby have repeatedly told us not to do, shoot women with bare shoulders with the bare shoulder pointing toward you, but, wow, what great shoulders she has and you made it work. Your crop is good, your lighting is good and the pose with the 'just right' amount of 'exposure' is great. Overall this portrait kinda reminds me of a former era Colliers or Saturday Evening Post cover shot. Nice job.

trc Loc: Logan, OH

Jon,

You are the first and only one that commented about the bare arm, which really surprised me that no one else (who often times seem quite critical or professional) had made mention of it! In fact, before posting any of her bare arm photos, I was thinking should I or shouldn't I and expected to be blasted with both barrels - but not a shot - Hah!

I think one reason the shoulder works is because what is behind the shoulder drawing viewer's attention. Also, I think the background color really does work well since it all kind of melds together. Heck, what is the saying . . . rules were made to be broken? Well, in this case, I think I may have been lucky, but I honestly love the shot.

Have you had a chance to see any of the ones I posted with the purple background (purple gel)? Sorry, but can't remember, but I love that purple background as well with her makeup, matching. I think I'd do that a lot if I could orchestrate the shoots in time and had matching makeup and gels all the time. Thanks for the terrific comments, Jon. Good to see you back and commenting - now, we just need you to post a few shots! Thanks again my friend.

Tom

P.S. The other thing that helps with breaking up the like color between the background and her skin is that darker, more contrasty furry type wrap she has on. It kind f breaks it up for me.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I didn't even notice that she had arms.

trc Loc: Logan, OH

Ha, Ha, Ha!

Tom