And as I stated in OP, the ortho look is too subtle for me. I want darker skin tones. Zhenyas pictures are good examples... as is Karl Lärkas and various wet plate photogs.
These shots by Bosse B are stunning home made plate shots:
http://flickr.com/photos/bosseb/194703002/in/set-72157594204859610/
These shots by Bosse B are stunning home made plate shots:
http://flickr.com/photos/bosseb/194703002/in/set-72157594204859610/