Background: This photograph was inspired by an etching that hangs on my bedroom wall. The woman in it is veiled in darkness in a setting that is barely discernable. I like how it makes you wonder about her, like, what is she feeling, is she hiding, where is she. I wanted my photograph to have the same effect on the viewer.
Set-up: It took quite a while to figure out how to light this. I ending up using two snoots, one large and one small on strobes. The large one was just to the right of the camera, up high, aimed at the models upper back. The smaller one was aimed at her bent legs at her level.
Post-processing: I made a few adjustments in raw (exposure, constrast, shadows). In PS I cropped, did some cloning to get rid of a few sharp shadows and imperfections on the skin. Then I added a curves adjustment layer and did quite a bit of dodging and burning. Then I converted to bw then to duotone, and adjusted curves once more. Finally, I sharpened using USM, resized, saved for web, and sharpened again.
What I think about my photo: Despite being nude this woman is able to remain mysterious, and I think that is appealing. Some voters won't like her strange pose but I think it makes this photo interesting. The human form is so amazing and I think that my photo shows that. I hope you agree.
Statistics
Place: 20 out of 118 Avg (all users): 6.2927 Avg (commenters): 7.7021 Avg (participants): 6.2065 Avg (non-participants): 6.3125 Views since voting: 8441 Views during voting: 1202 Votes: 492 Comments: 50 Favorites: 5 (view)
I really like the tones in this image, good use of shadow. I also like the simple pose which creates an almost abstract form, emphasis is on the body shape, not on the nudeness. Somehow it works. Very good. In my top 3.
I love the pose: the crouched position and the framing both add interesting visual tension which contrasts nicely with the vulnerability of the nudity. The B&W do a nice job of bringing out the tonal range of the image, but I'd be interested in seeing a warm duo tone version. The fact that the model's hands are balled into fists seems a touch odd (based on her position, I'd expect to see her face resting in her palms with her fingers curled slightly around her forehead); since the scene appears to be so well orchestrated I'm inclined to believe that I'm missing the significance of this aspect of the pose. This is easily my favorite entry in the challenge so far.
Excellent composition and use of lighting. The pose is just makes you turn your head side to side. Looks like a knee at one point but as you look back you can see the figure. Good excution. (10)
Wish this had a larger tonal range - image is a little dark (probably heard that already). Crop seems a little off - more in the back than the front, I assume you have your reasons but it feels a little unabalanced. Like the position of the model. Lighting is okay - relates to tonal range - would like to see slightly stronger light. Honestly, I really like this image, especially its sculptural qualities but I think the lack of range hurts it a little. Would like to see it again... 6 - good luck in the challenge!
Very classy image. The low key character of it is well chosen for the equally low key pose of the model. Beautifully executed in camera and in processing. A most harmonious and thoughtful photograph. 9
reminds me of Georgia O'Keefe in a way for its stark darkness. The parallel lines made by the folded limbs add a lot of interest to this picture and make an excellent visual flow down the body. a masterful capture of a nimble model.
Interesting use of low light levels and darkness to create an abstract from the human body. The curves and zig zags look almost more like random calligraphy swirls than they do a real person. Not sure about composition placing body towards top left corner - it feels to me that it might work better in lower left.
This is beautiful. Very nice pose of the model. Very nice crop. Very nice! :-) I just wish the lighting was a bit more punchy (ie. maybe levels modified in PS to give it slitghly more light). Nice detail on the position of the feet pointing like that. good job! 7
Really loving it! The composition of the model is great. Also fantastic contrast of black and white. Love the wooden floor and the texture that you can see on the body (muscles on the foot etc.) Haven’t seen such a great picture in a while. If I could vote I would give it a 10!!
Very nice. A great pose. It makes for very good curves, lines and forms. I like the lighting also. I'm thinking this could be very strong as a centered composition. The space at right doesn't seem to be enough to add much to the image, there is such a nice flow to the subject, it could possibly 'pop' more if it were to fill the frame, and have a more symmetrical space between body and edge of frame on both sides. Just a thought. I do like the photo, nice job. :-)
I like this image. It's nicely lit and the pose is pleasing. I think, though, that I'd have preferred to have the extra negative space in front of her, rather than behind her. The left side of the image feels a bit cramped.
emotive images such as this often need room for such a large emotion as you have desired to portray. Putting out a little would have assisted this image imho.
I like the grainy look to this shot. Good skin tones and lighting. My only suggestion would be maybe a different crop. I think that by placing the model off center and including a little more black background, it would deliver more impact. Good job.
Very nice shot. I have a feeling this is a self portrait, because your face is covered. I admire you for shooting and submitting this photo.I like the shape the body makes, and the contrast between the bosy and the dark background.
I think it should do well. Good luck.10
Great pose. I know the rule-of-thirds, blah blah blah, but I would have centered this one. I also think a bit more lighting or processing on the head would be better. Still excellent. 9.
very sculptural and the lighting is superb. I wish you could see the expression on the models face. As it is, you can't tell if she's scared, embarrassed, crying or sneezing. Then again, maybe that's what you were going for. - 8
Beautiful fine art photography expressing human emotions and form. The model's pose, lighting and the tonality you have achieved is most excellent. Absolutely love this image. Definitely something I would like to see on my wall.
This is beautiful. The grays are very nice and the pose is interesting. A better crop might work, although I can't say for sure. The space at right and bottom grabs my attention.
Very cool. I love the almost metallic feel to this shot. It shows off the curves and contours quite well with your use of light and shadow. Quite effective. A true piece of art.
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