Dental care problems are often overlooked when it comes to vampires, don't you think? Not mentioning their shaving, or make-up... these guys definitely could use some consideration ;-)
Usually, I use strobes for lighting my creations, but their strong light don't mix too well with candles, so I decided to shoot that one without flashes, with a wide aperture and high ISO settings. It is definitely not my usual way, but experimenting a bit is always entertaining.
The photo was achieved by posing a first time in front of the mirror, with the camera on a tripod, to make sure the angle and settings remained the same. Then I modified the reflection in post-production. Of course, it was not possible to use directly the reflection like that, because of the point of view: the camera is not directly in front of the mirror, and the lens angle considerably deforms what one actually sees. So I had to "pre-deform" it appropriately in order to compensate for the camera viewpoint (namely, I had to make things much wider, especially in the lower left corner). Then I printed out the result, in real size, and put it over the mirror. From there, I took the final shot, by posing again, in the same exact position. You probably can't see it on the photo, but hot wax was falling into my hair, left ear and clothes: staying put was a bit of a challenge! Anyway, it was quite fun to disguise and design that one, a fun way to spend a rainy Sunday.
The candles were already lit, of course.
What I did is I made the flames much brighter, because printed flames do not generate light like real ones. The "added feature" is about the (subtle) glow around them, that was not visible on the print.
Disqualification Details
You may not use ANY editing tool to create new image area, objects or features (such as lens flare or motion) that didn't already exist in your original capture.
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So sorry about the DQ! I won't pick on the SC too much since I haven't seen the original. However, it does seem a little over the top if I were to pick on the SC. :)
Still, I'm so glad I don't have to do the job. And you'll ribbon again next time you enter anyway. Your creativity always astounds me! :D
Haha! Ah Christophe, that sexy widow's peak always gives you away :-) Love the shoot notes and appreciate the sacrifice you had to make with hot wax dripping on you. Also love the 'monster lighting' - don't think I've seen you use it before. Oh yes and congrats on the red - very fitting for this shot!!
Even after reading your notes, I still don't understand how you accomplished this. You sure have one heck of a creative mind. I'm so jealous!
I didn't even realize that this was you! (Shows you how much attention I pay!) but in hindsight, I should've known it was you seeing how creative this was.
Can't wait to read about your setup on this one, I swear you have more fun on the advanced challenges because you never lower your expectations:). Great shot!
So very true. Which is why I think I am more impressed with how you conceive and achieve this stuff in non-expert challenge. You set the bar SO high. Congrats for the ribbon on this delightful image.
Can't wait to read about your setup on this one, I swear you have more fun on the advanced challenges because you never lower your expectations:). Great shot!
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