rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

I like this,thought invoking!!

Chriswjp Loc: Kent, England

My thoughts exactly! I like to see people trying new ideas rather than the same old thing over and over again. Get out of your comfort zone once in a while. If you are a wildlife photographer try street photography, if you are a macro photographer try landscapes.

Me, I try everything, some say to me with a sneer 'Oh, Jack of all trades and Master of None' my reply is always 'Picasso wasn't just a painter'

Chriswjp Loc: Kent, England

Thank you, that is the whole point. I'm really glad I posted this.

cspear42 Loc: New Mexico

One thing I have learned from UHH is photography is really about being creative and although not my cup of tea, this is very creative. Would like to see more. Thanks for sharing.

waterbug49307 Loc: All over, currently Big Rapids Michigan

Unique and original! A change of pace and for me I like your originality.

winterrose Loc: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia

From weirdly intimidating to, with a glance sideways, frightened and vulnerable. I find that interesting....Hope you don't mind my tinkering.

jjestar Loc: Savannah GA

Love it, Love people that think outside the box, post more.

Macbadger Loc: Illinois

Interesting and original.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

I like it - very cool!

Bushpilot Loc: Minnesota

Well done, Chris. I love it! Hope to see more of your work.

Darkroom317 Loc: Mishawaka, IN

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.

Chriswjp Loc: Kent, England

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.

nanaval Loc: Cornwall

Very different, I can appreciate the hard work that went into this picture, look forwards to seeing more.

Horseart Loc: Alabama

I think this gal either has something to hide (the dark hair, long bangs down in the eyes and mask) or feels she has to hide from someone as if in danger. Yes, a bit disturbing.

Horseart Loc: Alabama

OOPS, sorry. I looked at the post and then made a comment witout reading all the responses. I do that a lot. I need to read forward before I comment backward!!!!