I feel any good photograph strikes a balance between light and dark... what is seen and what is not seen. In the same light, I seek in myself a balance of emotions... and whatever tempest surges inside, I try to control what is seen on the surface.
This self-portrait exposes my struggle to maintain such composure after months of inner turmoil. In the face of deep loss... as hopes and dreams for the future crumble... so crumbles my self composure. Yet, I continue the struggle for control... and beneath the cracked surface remains much more I can't show you.
Though I've been lurking around this site for a while now, this is my first challenge submission. The self-portrait theme inspired me...
I covered my face in mud mask from Walgreens and set up in the dining room with a single bounced strobe. My laptop computer controlled my 30d on a tripod.
Processed in Photoshop CS with multiple masked adjustment layers for levels and saturation. Liquify filter effect used sparingly to enhance the mouth expression slightly.
Statistics
Place: 8 out of 236 Avg (all users): 7.0599 Avg (commenters): 7.9778 Avg (participants): 6.8864 Avg (non-participants): 7.2105 Views since voting: 5914 Views during voting: 557 Votes: 284 Comments: 53 Favorites: 7 (view)
Super make-up job, I hope that's make up, my favorite so far, lighting is just right with good DOF. The redness in the eyes works with the title. So you get a 10 from me. Congrats in advance.
Sheesh, well done ( in a very messy and sad, way of course). For some reason I never find the blurred upper body appealing in this type of photo. Of course, what the heck do I know. Great photo regardless.
I love this image. I have done this type of thing as well (with a mud mask) but the photos were never this great. I think it is your lighting. Very understated, soft and somewhat dark. Really compliments the expression created by the flat mouth and the red eyes. Great job. 9
Not bad, a tribute to Kiwiness I assume, I did the same thing in the "textures IV" challenge. This shot is far too dark though and the red in the eyes really stand out in a not so pleasant way... Still gave you a 6 though, I like the lighting, well except for it should have been stronger that is, hehe :)
i told you to use more moisturiser. :) ok i know its supposed to be a serious composition, it is. looks like a sad clown. (that fell in the
elephant mud hole) ok i'll give you a 7. may bump to 8. :)
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