OriginalCyn Loc: Connecticut

In an attempt at a concept completely other than what I ended up with, I shot this of my husband. I am certain this textured wash over the entire photo isn't everyone's taste. In fact, I can look at this one moment and love it, and then at another, think "what was I thinking". I'd like to get your thoughts.

(Download)

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

What were you thinking???
He looks, Bad A$$!!!
So, both thumbs up!!
Pat

Rick36203 Loc: Northeast Alabama

An enjoyable way to spend the day. Interesting effect. You might also consider trying a displacement map to give your texture a wrap around look. Gavin Hoey has one of the better tutorials on displacement maps. He is using a older version of photoshop, but it is still applicable. I find almost all of his tutorials fun to watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHNO4Sgnw5E

jim quist Loc: Missouri

Looks like a circus Strong Man. I bet he loves it!

OriginalCyn Loc: Connecticut

Thanks Pat. He's kind of a bad ass💙

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Cynthia fantastic illumination technique... Your pronounced side lighting lends much drama to this lifestyle physique portraiture...
Kudos on your composition here also... very nicely balanced/framed...

Ok the following are some thoughts and an example on what to consider shooting physique models...
First and foremost for a biceps shot, supination of wrist will bring out maximum definition of this muscle group...
Next a light body oil such as Neutrogena Light Sesame Formula is a fitness industry standard...
The aforementioned was used below...
As for the "texture wash" not a fan, believe it's best left to the iPhone crowd and their apps...
From the download it is obvious that you captured absolutely stellar detail here... why mask the aesthetic grandeur latent within?

Final thoughts? If you wish to continue pursuing lifestyle genre (and you certainly should in my humble estimation) then I would strongly recommend studying the collected works of Richard Avedon who's iconic fashion and lifestyle represent a zenith of the photographic arts in the twentieth century... He is certainly one of my fav "people photographers" a true hero of lens...

Hope this helps or is at least food for thought...
Thank you for sharing your intriguing image Cynthia

105mm f/11 @ 1/320 second ISO 200

(Download)

Bushpilot Loc: Minnesota

For that subject matter I think this works really well!

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

Totally ignore "what was I thinking".

OriginalCyn Loc: Connecticut

Yes! I am familiar with him. I am recovering from wrist surgery, so I am finding it difficult (or I was finding it difficult last week) to hold the pen to my Wacom tablet. So I stuck to Lightroom. I agree...I might try wrapping the texture during our blizzard tomorrow (assuming we have power). Thank you so much for your feedback!

OriginalCyn Loc: Connecticut

He Does. And he is a strong man, in every way. I appreciate you taking a look!

OriginalCyn Loc: Connecticut

Wow Thomas, your image is stunning!

So, as mentioned before, (not to you), I was dealing with wrist surgery...so my fine motor was limited. I stuck to Lightroom. But now that my ability to hold a pen is about 80% back, I will begin to work on this series in a different way. Although I liked the end result in general, I was afraid it had that bourgeois Instagram feel.

Tom, (my husband, not you) agreed to take a few minutes just so that I could play with the lighting, for the "real" shoot, which hasn't happened yet. That explains why he wasn't oiled. As far as the wrist needing to be supinated, you are absolutely right! A detail I wasn't paying attention to. I did try to get his elbow back toward the camera more, so that his back, arm and elbow would be aligned, but, alas, his shoulders are back as far as his 71 years would allow.

I will take a look and research Richard Alvedon's work. I am such a novice in this and appreciate every bit of advice, inspiration and critiquing that will allow me to grow as an artist. I admire your work, and always look forward to your comments. Thank you!!

OriginalCyn Loc: Connecticut

The gritty feel works...but I need to work on the overall composition and technique. But thank you!

OriginalCyn Loc: Connecticut

LOL. Thanks:)

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Cynthia; So sorry to hear that your wrist surgery is still an issue... although it sounds like you're on the road to full recovery...
Trust that you're working with physical therapist to expedite your efforts... they likely know the best route to assist recuperation...
Good luck with this and I'm looking forward to more of your imaginative imagery... Thanks! :)

OriginalCyn Loc: Connecticut

No worries!! My wrist is well on its way to full use! I had the same thing done in the other wrist 2 years ago. You'd never know there was a problem. So I am 100% confident in my ability to rehab completely. In fact I returned to yoga on Sunday, which means full recovery is right around the bend. I'm too active to settle down yet. I've got to run to prepare for this blizzard!! Is it hitting you as well?