Mega-props to my megababe friend Karen for not only modeling the Matrix, but 250+ other shots just so I could learn how to control portrait lighting. She has the patience of a saint and the look of a rogue Human gone on strike.
My prediction - 5.5 and people blame the color green, the lack of definition of her coat, etc. I love the reflection - we played til we got it EXACTLY where I wanted it. It's actually paper towels in front of my new lamp. Don't ask!
Statistics
Place: 7 out of 140 Avg (all users): 6.3873 Avg (commenters): 8.5833 Avg (participants): 6.4231 Avg (non-participants): 6.3651 Views since voting: 4366 Votes: 204 Comments: 26 Favorites: 10 (view)
One good turn deserves at least a few more.. ;) Its my turn to CC your photograph.
This was one of my absolute favourites of the challenge, and I'm excited to get a chance to let you know *just* what I think about this shot.
Colour, Composition and Contrast:
Karen is a megababe, and your hard work in setting up this shot and the reflections really paid off. I love the use of negative space, it really adds to the matrixy feel...we have no idea what is out there, much like reality. Oh, reminds me now, I like the title too, works well, its clever and plays up the composition, not that it needed much fanfare.
The colours are great in this shot too. The green on her coat and around the shot reminds us of the matrix without copying something straight from it, yet her skin is albaster and bright and her lips look great! I don't think her coat lacks definition, I actually like the smooth look of it, and the smooth look of the shot in general.
Focus and lighting:
What can I say here? Your notes indicate you worked hard at getting your lighting and reflections just right, and I would say the work paid off. I think the lighting on her coat is just perfect. Its expressive without being garrish. Her face is bright without being blown out and your negative space is pitch black as it should be.
Overall:
You know that I'm the queen of nitpicking complaints, and I just don't have any about this shot. I think the tones are just perfect, as is the composition and lighting. Though you scored exceptionally high, I think this shot deserved an even higher placement..but what can you do about spoilers? :) You took a great shot and ought to be rightfully proud of your accomplishment! Well done. :)
mavrik: gosh darnit!, i've been gone for two weeks and you've been taking incredible shots. I love the reflections in the glasses and the tones in the leather that make it look unleathery. (are you sure you're still using our camera, i remember you were getting a new one soon...jk)
This is such a great composition. I love that she's off to one side and looking over her shoulder..like something is there in the darkness. Subtle details like the green hue on her jacket and the reflection in her glasses really make this picture awesome. I like the focus and clean and smooth lines. Extremely well done. 10.
This is a great portrait and fantastic lighting. I just LOVE the abstract pattern of the light creating greenish shapes on her (leather?) coat. The logo of her t-shirt is very clear and the rest of her clothing is pleasantly soft and barely recognizable. Great composition as well. This is done with good studio lighting! Is this magnetic by any chance? 10
Definitely reminds me of Trinity. The washed out face works really well, though I'm less keen on the green on the coat, and would prefer it without the logo on the tee shirt. Still, a very good shot, well done.
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