Lucifer In Chains

Ari, I like the image with the exception of needing more space above the head as others have mentioned. But even that is a minor criticism and the image as it stands is a good one and a great interpretation. After some consideration, I think I would highlight the darkened wing and perhaps the face a bit or shackles leaving the background dark with the figure emerging from it. I would probably diffuse the highlights to give a glow-after all Lucifer was the "Bearer of Light." Maybe even glow the head, lighten the background ever so slightly and use a circular cutout to form a silhouetted black halo around the glowing figure. Add a little smoke from the mouth to allude to a fiery hell or perhaps the chilling breath as described in Dante. Seems the perfect type of image for judicious use of a fog or smoke machine. (Of course, maybe that's my image and not the sort of thing you have in mind. Just where my head goes as I view the image presented here.)

I think it is especially well done given it is a self-portrait, you little devil you.

Thank you all for your comments and please keep them coming!
Since I have more or less recovered from my most epic hangover, I would like to give you a bit more insight regarding this image.

I have been meaning to do a nude self portrait for a bit, well at least since I got rid of my beginning-of-mid-life-belly, more because I was really curious how I register in front of the lens. Facial expressions have always been my weakest point in the self portraits I've tried, so I thought of focusing somewhere else for a change. There is nothing particularly impressive about my physical build, so I didn't think I could show off, but I had nothing to be ashamed of ether, so I was quite neutral about it.

I had taken a few digital snapshots a few months ago, without any props, so I decided to use something this time. I have a large chest full of stuff that I collect every carnival season. I picked the WWII flying goggles which I see them as my own personal mask (and I love masks). The wings... well, because they could fill the space with something interesting, although I would prefer if I could be able to attach them to my back without the visible straps. The chains were bought for another concept, but I thought to use them, having in mind ancient greek not christian mythology. I added a few bandages and cords, splashed a bit of dark red antiseptic for a grittier effect and also placed Yorick, my plastic skull in the picture. All of them were quick choices with no much thought in them and without a central concept.
So, I had this winged naked man chained in darkness and with a skull in the background.
I did try some facial expressions of anguish and effort but I was not pleased with them and so I decided for something more neutral.
I also found out that I had to stretch my body as to convey some more sense of pride and strength.
The arms were a problem because the left had also to hold the Hasselblad Winder IR remote, which meant it had to point at the camera and the fist not to cover its "eye". At the same time I found it challenging to be able to hold the pose, point the remote and stretch the chains that were tied on a couple dumbbells.
The twelve frames were more or less repeated shots, with the only variations being which leg I had in front (none covering my weewee completely) and how bent was my body. Even though the pose remained the same more or less, I had to shift my position because I was not certain how well I was covered in the frame. I guess I could have left more space around or made some marks, but chose not to, relying on dumb luck.
I chose to show this one in APUG as I find the pose more proud and strong in contrast to others, even though I was aware that it "chocked" the face. I decided to rest upon that flaw in case it would teach me something and actually work better than a more properly aligned headshot.

Now, regarding the mythology and concept behind it. As I did this in a matter of few minutes without any particular thoughts in mind and just let the discovered props guide me, I only titled it afterwards. The figure of Lucifer is present in many mythologies, not just christian: the greek equivalent is Prometheus and this is the guy I mostly had in mind. Also the goggles match more the "engineer" quality of the greek figure. I chose the name Lucifer, as most are familiar with the christian mythology, I like its dark perception on most common people (Prometheus only having a good, clean image), the wings relating more to an angel and plus I didn't want to go overboard with the cheese factor by doing greek mythology. Modern Greeks doing ancient greek mythology is a bit of a touchy subject nowadays.

I really wanted some strong sideways lighting, so I let one of the two strobes be the stronger and even though I had trouble with the lighted wing as I had to burn it well, I like the symbolism of the dark/light wing. I also used the Softar I and the II stacked together to give me as much glow as possible, but even though its present on the print (subtle and just right), it got lost in the digital translation.

Regarding the pose, some have my body more bent and turned 3/4 like the digital snapshot I have on Facebook:


I still find this picture kinda cheesy though: I mean, a nekkid dude with wings and chains is slightly less cliche than a nekkid gal with wings!

I think it's a great image, Arigram! The lighting is good, the props and the sepiatone goes well with the print. It is certaintly not easy to make a good self-portrait...I once shot three rolls of film and found out after developing half my head was missing on all. I'd like to see more variations!

Not going to elaborate at all, but I just think it plain old works. Can't explain it.

Thank you, thank you!
So, nobody thinks this is cheesy and stupid? Huh?
I guess I am the only one then.

Finally I get to comment...I think it's great Ari...Nothing I would change. It has both a an Ominous and cliche feel at the same time..and it is that awkward mix that makes it what it is. Rgds, Kal

I don't comment often but here goes...I really like self-portraits....and I do like this one. There's lots of drama/struggle (even if you say you just whipped it together quickly) and the lighting is great imo. What I'm curious about is what You find cheesy or stoopid? The props? The pose? I don't know...How deep do you want to go? Do you have a version without the goggles? (your mask) More experiments can only lead to...more. Keep going. Just my inexperienced thoughts.

Kathy