The Devil - version 2

Scott,

I have no real understanding of the message behind the Tarot card project you are working on, so I can't speak to that. But, why the one-sided lighting? It appears that you are using no fill at all and I think these suffer a bit from the harshness of the lighting. Perhaps the harshness is your intent, IDK. My monitor is not that great so that could be a problem on my end anyway.

I am using a reflector for fill... I some of it may be your monitor. Some of it may be my scan. I'm using the directional lighting for dramatic purposes, and to create a sculptural modeling to my subjects.

I think the other one works a little better as to the theme. I agree that compositionally, this works a little better, but as more of a portrait, which isn't what you're looking to achieve, I think.
In this, he looks almost startled, as if he has just noticed someone approaching from behind. It's not a reaction I'd expect for a devil, though that might be loading other symbology onto the meaning of the card.
As a depiction for the card, perhaps a 3/4 frontal view, that is, 180 degrees from the current pose, might be a good blending of the two you have so far.
OTH, might you consider this for the Strength card?

I don't think he looks startled, but more ' i know where you are'...'i see you' or 'you are next'

And on my devil machine I don't think the lighting is the least bit harsh.

Corey

I agree with boyooso, the lighting works. The image is so visceral - I don't usually comment on images in the gallery, but this stirs up something primal and I kept coming back to look again.

I like his expression better for the Devil, though I wish I could see at least one eye glinting a bit. I agree that somewhere between the two versions may work. The other had more of the symbolism, I thought.

As far as tonality, I see a real lack of detail in the darks. The hair blends into the background on all of the images and I even have the right side of the mask disappearing in this one. That ruins them for me. Sorry. Is there separation in the originals?

I do like the expression in this image better for the devil as he looks angry. Could another iteration have him more mischievous and "diabolical."

Another thing I don't care for in this image is the clipping of the mask and fist.

I like the idea and where you are heading with it, but the technical concerns need to be addressed IMO. (Unless it is my monitor, but I don't think that is the case.)

I think this is the best one so far, both from a technical point with regard to the lighting and the composition.

Strong sidelighting seems to work best for a subject like this, at least that is my experience.

Mick.

I'd like to have a bit of a highlight in the eye too, but the mask creates deep enough shadows on the eye sockets that just about anything other than facing the light loses it.

As to losing the right side of the mask, I can see your point, but I'm not so concerned about that - I think it is entirely appropos of the subject matter (he's the devil, he's emerging from shadow). The hair, yes the hair blends in to the background. I'm space and lighting restricted ( I only have 2 monolights, and my studio space is small enough that I can't get a hair light set up above the main (which is already in a sizeable softbox). So I work within the limitations that I have.