Another Portrait of Alberto Schommer

Henry Alive · Jul 26, 2014

Hello:
I bring a new portrait of Mr. Alberto Schommer. In this case, Mr. Jose Luis Aranguren is the one who is portrayed. Again, there is no eyes in his face. I ask again: How is it done?
Henry.

Bill Burk · Jul 26, 2014

No answer yet worked for you?

The answer Bob Carnie gave is the idea I would follow... Harsh, directional lighting carefully positioned so that as little light falls on the eyes as possible. Like campfire flashlight horror face.

As for the idea itself, it reminds me of this photograph by Steichen, and it seems is Alberto Schlommer's idea to portray people as if you see their life mask... A clever idea and worth giving a try.

http://www.artnet.com/auctions/artists/edward-steichen/life-mask-of-lincoln

Bill Burk · Jul 26, 2014

And I don't see evidence of this being the trick used... But there are those contact lenses they use in "True Blood" that cover the whole eye with dark brown.

Blighty · Jul 27, 2014

Interesting, on my monitor I can just make out the white of his left eye. I don't think there is any special technique used here and I sometimes end up with this effect entirely by accident. If I wanted to accentuate the effect I might judiciously burn the eyes in. Stonkin' picture though!

Henry Alive · Jul 27, 2014

I just want to make this kind of photography, so I am trying to get as much information as posible.
Thanks to everybody for your coments.
Henry.

Patrick Robert James · Jul 27, 2014

My guess is the eyes have been bleached out on the negative. That really can't be done in the camera. Eyeballs are of course round. They will always pick up some reflection.

cliveh · Jul 27, 2014

Why would you want to take portraits and exclude the eyes? It may have a transitory statement, but the eyes are the windows of the soul.

MartinP · Jul 27, 2014

cliveh said:
Why would you want to take portraits and exclude the eyes? It may have a transitory statement, but the eyes are the windows of the soul.

I think that is the whole point of what the photographer is aiming for -- forcing the concentration on the face in a way different to the usual manner, hence the title of the expo. Not a portrait of the person, but a picture of the face - the mask (which is possibly semi-amusing as use of a burning-in mask is probably how the effect was achieved).

Another Portrait of Alberto Schommer

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