Actually, I'm kind of partial to the grey background here. In fact, had it even been a slightly lighter shade, further into the corners, the masks would have stood out that much more. I think the real issue in this shot was your focus. Not quite as crisp as it could have been, and some detail was lost in some of your highlights. Also, the crop might have been slightly tight.
As to how to obtain black/white backgrounds, there are many, many different ways of obtaining this. Black ones aren't too hard. Any deep black fabric does nicely, or non-reflective black poster board. White can be trickier, and involves a lot more lighting issues. Soft-boxes, diffused flashes, light tents.. all things to consider for white backgrounds. Also, exposing your shot so you can bring levels up and "white-out" off-white backgrounds can help there too. Experimentation is key.
Sorry you didn't finish higher. I think this picture is superior to any of the top 3 in this challenge, in that it meets the challenge on more than one level... How the one mask contrasts the other mask by them being so different, how the whiteness of the masks contrasts the background.. It's not just a good picture that happens to have a few dark and light areas. In my mind this should have easily won a ribbon.
i like what you have done with already created art to add interest to it. I would have titled it "fear of commitment", but perhaps that wasn't your intent.
I keep coming back to look at this one. I really like the tonal range you've captured. Nice textures as well. Too bad I'm not teaching theatre arts anymore, this would definitely be a print I'd hang in my classroom. Nice! :)
Okay, on how many levels is this high contrast?!? :-) Wow. Perfectly meets the challenge, is very visually appealing, and technically well executed. Certainly a ribbon contender!
IMO this photo should get the blue, or at least top 3. It's technically great, the image qualities are high contrast and the subjects contrast eachother. Your image meets this challenge with flying colors, when most other entries I've seen don't appear to be custom composed for this challenge. Perfect 10.
These masks finally work for me here! Pierrette and Pierrot. Very nice indeed!!! Perfect use of the mask and rather poignant considering the disaster in New Orleans - they remind me of Mardis Gras masks. 9
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