Darkroom317 wrote:
This is a really creative photograph but it is not because of the post processing he did. True creativity comes from the content of the image in relation to the post processing. This image is creative because of the situation that photographer created and the mood he captured. I hope that he knew about the post processing when he took the image. If not, just remember that everything is intentional if someone asks. All the post processing does is further enhance and aid the concept that photographer intended in the captured image. If the photograph communicates your intended concept then you have done well.
I think you are on your way to created a great series of images. Also, thank you for pointing out that Spanish artist, I had never heard of him.
This is a really creative photograph but it is not... (
show quote)
I think it is now time to 'fill in the blanks'.
This was one of a series of images under the Heading 'Incognito-Identity obscured' The brief was to convey a story or theme in a comic book style without words.
This image is called 'Apprehension'
Why did it take two weeks?
I ascertained (With test shots) that to achieve the look and feel that I was after using PSE, I needed an image with great contrast. Therefore the first shoot was with a blonde model (with mask) against a black background. This just didn't look right, a bit like Zorro meets Barbie magazine. I changed to a white background but it proved too difficult to achieve the definition between model and background whilst still managing to control spill caused by reflections.
For the second shoot the model was changed to one with dark hair and the background changed to mid blue (I had decided that mid Grey would make this too monochromatic and the blue would oppose the skin tone far better than green/red or yellow ) The 'zorro' mask was changed for cut-outs from magazines which I thought would enhance the cartoon effect far better. This was the second one I tried, and it looked right straight away ( it is held on with what we in the UK call 'tit tape' used to hold clothing in place around the...) We ran through the feelings to be conveyed and how I wanted her to pose them and finished it in one shoot.
This was a relief as it took over three hours to:
Erect a 'portable' lighting gantry from which were hung three Strand 2000w Fresnel lights, controlled from a 10kw dimmer unit.
Put up the backcloth/s.
Lay a black floor and side panels.
Focus/shutter and balance the Fresnels using a stand-in. The lighting on the backcloth is no accident.
Supervise the Make up and brief the model, and....
Position reflector to the Front Right of the model.
All before starting the shoot! This was a two cup-of-tea job.
White balance was custom from a white card reading. ( remember these are incandescent lamps )
Exposure was simple-spot reading from face.
Processing in PSE to limit the colour palette now proved easy.
For the Geeks
Taken with a Nikon D3100 and standard zoom!
iso100 1/8th sec @ f4.8
Composition and positioning in the frame using Chris' impact in portraiture rule no.1......
If it looks right, it's boring. If it feels uncomfortable it's better, but if it looks right and feels uncomfortable use it.
I am making a new post which again will not be mainstream. The next is a very difficult image to display on screen, it looses some of the impact of the 3ft exhibition print viewed in a subtly lit Gallery, where it proves hypnotic and sucks the viewer into it. ( I have seen people sway whilst viewing it) I just wonder how many of you will be affected?
I know many on here will hate it-but it might make them think, and perhaps try.