Single strobe from the right of the frame with a 60 inch reflective umbrella. Nothing at all special about the post processing, minus a bit of softening via a faded Gaussian blur.
The idea behind the shot:
Well, the idea was not to oppose nudity and religion, as many of you obviously think. But rather that discovery can be made not in church pews with suits and dresses on, but also in cheap motel rooms with nothing on.
At this point everyone is probably expecting me to gripe about close minded voters, but no, I knew the shot was risky and the voters performed exactly as expected.
Love,
Leroy
Statistics
Place: 95 out of 209 Avg (all users): 5.4135 Avg (commenters): 6.1000 Avg (participants): 5.0125 Avg (non-participants): 5.5860 Views since voting: 7969 Views during voting: 904 Votes: 266 Comments: 34 Favorites: 4 (view)
Leroy, I'm angry with myself for missing the voting on this challenge. You would have received another 10 for your efforts with this shot. I think that photography should challenge people to look hard into themselves and see the world as others do. This shot showes (to me anyway) the juxtaposition that people have with religion and nudity. People are often conflicted and ashamed to have such thoughts. Good on you to go against the grain and follow your creative side. You managed to piss off 38 people (12 royaly and wishing they could give you zero or worse no doubt) and still finish in the top 100. Now that's saying something. My hat goes off to you. Keep the faith my brother and hold true to your art.
I for one wish I had thought of that (and could find a model to shoot it) and I'm sure that I'm not the only one.
Maybe people would have gotten the point better if it were shown to be a Gideon Bible? I don't know if that's true, but it's an idea. I do love what you did here after reading everything, though.
Ya know, when I rented the room, I was hoping that a Gideon Bible would be in there. Unfortunately and according to my luck, there wasn't. I hoped the curtains and rough fabric chair would be good enough clues. I did include the AC unit in some outtakes, but it just looked tacky and the composition was horrible.
Maybe people would have gotten the point better if it were shown to be a Gideon Bible? I don't know if that's true, but it's an idea. I do love what you did here after reading everything, though.
For some reason, the photo itself looks Gospel-y. It's like the way the light is used is similar to what's been used in evangelists' shows and in photos for Gospel singers and Christian websites. Sorry I can't be more technical; I hope you get what I'm saying. Those types of photos tend to make me a little sick just because I've seen them so much, but I really like that the style of the photograph fits in with the idea behind it.
You keep on pushing that envelope...that's where the real art is, imho and what I'm striving for (nowhere close yet). You gotta crack a few eggs to make an omelette, or however that terrible cliche goes :)
I'm sorry but to find this offensive on a photography site is really closed minded and in my opinion completely contrary to the photographic and creative process....and is really disappointing.
Nick, I appreciate your views and statements. I've found, however, that people in general are close-minded. It's not just religious zealots or "fanatics". All people are close-minded to some extent. Why else do I, myself, continue to force nudes on a crowd that obviously dislikes them? Is it because I am somehow more enlightened? No, it's not. It's because I'm stubborn.
Seriously, I know I could produce "DPCish" images and do well here, but I want to stand out and be known for MY style of photography, whatever that may be. I'm stubborn enough that I'll continue to take the lower scores, until
A) DPCers change (not likely)
B) I change (also not likely) or
C) I get lucky.
That in itself makes ME close-minded and fanatical about pushing racy images. But, so be it. I'm human, just like those that would be called zealots. We each have our views and neither is likely to change.
Wow! I'm blown away this didn't at least reach a 6. The sheer volume of 1-4s pretty much indicates how strongly the DPC voters feel about the religious implications. Staggering. It's a woman reading the bible in just about a shirt - what's so blasphemous or distasteful about that? There is nothing sexual about the piece, explicitly or implicitly. She is merely reading a bible. Had the shot not shown 5mm of almost nipple then I doubt anyone would have blinked an eyelid, but ooooh there's just the tiniest bit of nipple. The naked body is not always some kind of pornographic or sexual device and calling it out in this manner is crying wolf on my planet. I'm sorry but to find this offensive on a photography site is really closed minded and in my opinion completely contrary to the photographic and creative process....and is really disappointing.
I'm disappointed for you on this score. I still like it, even if only from the challenge it presents. I've read that same book, several times...but I still can't remember where it ever said you have to read it with clothes on, or that God is offended by the body He created. Hmmm.
Great title, but I fear that some members of DPC will have you pay dearly for associating the bible with nudity. The lighting is good, as is the DOF and I can fully appreciate the message you may have been trying to convey to the masses...Unfortunately, I fear that you will pay a hefty price for having dared to associate nudity with the bible. Good luck to you.
Now...I think this is well lit, well composed, and titled correctly. BUT, may I quote Elaine from an episode of Sinfeld??? "A NIP!!!!?" having said that, a 7...but after reviewing the other entries I may raise my vote...
Nice idea. In my opinion you should either show the full breast and make it a nude or not show it and keep us wondering. It seems like you're right on the fence. Pretty picture. Not sure what to think of the bible.
I don't get it tho. She's a married naked woman reading the bible and discovering something? I'll have to check this one out after the challenge to see the whole story.
Interesting approach. A woman whose body is showing parts which were commanded to be covered by the very book she is reading! Brilliant concept, may lose points from the religious members.
I'm sorry, but i laughed outloud when i saw this. i've seen people shoehorn some nudity but i just aint gettin this one....a woman reading the bible and a nipple slip? you're going to have to help me here...
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