I looked at this for a long time, trying to decide if the masks should both be facing the same way. But this is the best option, I believe. Otherwise the masks would look like shoes. And that is far too mundane for one of your studio setups (which I do admire, btw). I'll be interested to know if you intend keeping the current top of the frame. I find small crescents at the edge of frames distracting normally, but in this case I think it works.
I think this composition would work better without the lamp in the frame. By mirroring her lower stomach's form but "up-side-down", and being so close to her body, it becomes far to strong a compositional element. Maybe the top left corner needs a bit darkening up as well, or less light falling on it. Or maybe the lamp would work better in that corner, further from her body...
I find the framing very interesting. It's as though everything hangs from the top of the frame. And then there are observers. Very cool frame, Tom. I'd love to see the real print.
Armchair critics don't you just love'm! MarcoB I'll pass.
Graahamp yes full frame and I agree the masks the same direction lose some thing to say for the image.
thanks Thomas!
"Armchair critic"... that is a new one for me, always fun not having English as your mother tongue Just thought I'd give my honest opinion. I have seen absolutely wonderful work of you, with extremely well thought out compostions, but something is just mildly bothering me here in the composition, and I thought I'd try explain it. :confused:
BTW "Stomach" should probably have been "belly" in the upper critique, all these nuances in English are sometimes a slight issue for me...
This has such a "Sauerwein" feel !!!.....the lamp is very much the center of attention , play of shadows and light is wonderful , the form repetition ... all this elements make it truly a signature image ..... How large is this print? I love one arm ,works splendid...
lower left corner where the wire runs , your attention to detail always blows me away , that corner looks a bit unfinished
Thank you, Thomas ....allways wonderful to see your work...
Marco B, I was a bit cranky yesterday with all the bs surrounding life these days, on a normal day I'd simply walk away. I make no apology however about taking a stand with respect too someone standing on the outside and criticizing someones elses effort. It's your choice to not like or to like a concept but changing the components around changes the story, A story that is my responsibility alone. Although my wife does however seem to have creative veto power. At any rate suggestions about contrast or burning and dodging slight mechanical changes are helpful but conceptual rites are to be protected unless of course you are an art directer paying me to realize your project then all bets are off and customer service is the paramount objective.
Thanks IYLA, your insight makes me smile!
Marco B, I was a bit cranky yesterday with all the bs surrounding life these days, on a normal day I'd simply walk away. I make no apology however about taking a stand with respect too someone standing on the outside and criticizing someones elses effort. It's your choice to not like or to like a concept but changing the components around changes the story, A story that is my responsibility alone.
Thomas, I sincerely think you completely mis-interpret my critic. I had no intention to downgrade your attitude, concept, or way of working, which I generally consider of a very high level and original, considering other work I have seen of you.
But honestly, if a forum member posts photos on a ANY forum or gallery platform, I assume the member wants to know what other people think about their images. What's the purpose of posting any image otherwise??? :confused: That also includes possible dislikes, as you yourself note in the post below, and possibly includes suggestions for changes to composition, lighting or whatever. In addition, you have to be aware your "viewers" aren't always aware of your concepts, stories, or the series it is part of.
I know APUG has a dedicated "critique" gallery, but I don't see why users wouldn't be allowed to comment in other galleries.
Lastly, if you don't like any possible "negative" comment, or suggestion, it might be better to only post your images on a personal website, not an open forum like APUG.
Personally, I don't mind getting a (negative) critique on my own work. Yes, it hurts sometimes, but it also helps me moving forward.
I also don't think I am completely standing on "the outside". I haven't done studio work a lot, but know how hard things can be. Kudos to you for generally making such a good job of it.
Thomassauerwein said:
It's your choice to not like or to like a concept but changing the components around changes the story, A story that is my responsibility alone.