I had a completely different photograph pick out for the free-study, but the DPC is Losing Variety thread made me think of this image I took. I realize some think that over-saturated images are 'over-done', so I thought I would have some fun creating a play on words.
Image taken with three lights. I set up two lights with bare bulbs behind the girl, and one light with a small softbox in front of the girl, and quite behind me, on the lowest power possible. A reflector was placed between the girl and myself as well. I had my two assistants spray at her while I was taking the images...had fun with the idea of having the hands in the image instead of just spraying out of the frame (although I did do some of those too). Minimal post processing needed....I was happy to have tried this type of lighting and actually get it right.
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Awesome lighting. I like the dichotomy of shot... the behind the scenes look with the spraybottles and the comedy of the title, and also knowing that with a simple crop this would make an excellent portrait for any athlete.
I'm going through the entries, stopping at those images I feel have had the benefit of an unconventional eye and dwelling a little longer to try to see and appreciate what you saw. This is one of those images.
Positives: The middle section of this image is startlingly good - excellent composition and truly wonderful lighting, accentuated as it is by the spray. The pose of the swimmer is excellent - the level 'gaze' is wonderful.
Critical stuff: The sprayers around the edge and the title. Although, of course, I see the humour in this image - it is soooo very good that I feel it shouldn't be spoilt. I shudder to think how good your work must be to be able to 'throw' this image out there with such a carefree attitude.
Overall; Of course this is marvellously well done and your choices are your choices - they aren't the ones I'd have made, but this is your image and given your vision, I'm not sure how it could be much better. I consider it a little spoilt but I'm giving it a 10 nonetheless.
Obviously you're making a statement (with the title and your crop), but if this was cropped tighter to the swimmer's elbows, the spray and the lighting does make this a pretty cool pic. [Then again, I likey eye candy :) ]
here is a picture that arrives on the podium!! i do not know if the ribbon will be Blue, red or Yellow, but is a ribbon...
i like the idea (GREAT!) but i like very much the realization, can you explain to me how you have positioned the lights here (and the type of lights used?)...
I will come back to vote later but, having had a competitive swimmer in my house forever it seemed, I know how hard it is to get a good "swimming" picture..... Well, this is one way I never thought of and it works!!! Terrific creativity, great light, great shot. I think I particularly love the goggle refection.
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