Body Painter

[marlunn]

We had an interesting evening in the local photo club I am a member of, a Body Painter - Simon Smith - https://www.facebook.com/MarshonSFXClasses/

He came with a model and demonstrated his art, the process normally takes up to 6 hrs to do but for the evening he was restricted to about 2.5 hrs. I don't normally shoot people but do like to support the club so decided to take my camera and take a few images, one that I have done a first process on is below.

My intent was to remove the strong colours and focus on the artist at work hence the conversion to B & W but then warmed tint to lift it a bit. Its not to everyones taste but it reflects well to me of the nights education. Comments and feedback always welcome

[Shadowman]

Nice capture, he could be doing anything; examining a patient, painting a portrait, etc.

[marlunn]

Thanks John, the finished art was impressive for the time he had to complete it in.

[Manfred M]

Mark - I've come back to this image a number of times and while I quite understand what your aim with this image was, I'm not convinced it's working. I think John has identified my issue with this shot as well; it could be anything and without the explanation of the body painting session, that would not have been my first guess as to what is happening in this image.

Right now both the painter and the model are competing for out attention, and neither are really getting the focus that they need.

I think if you were to crop out most of the model being painted, the painter becomes more prominent. I wonder if going back to colour might help identify what is going on here a bit better.

Somewhat along these lines....

[marlunn]

John, Manfred, yep get that, I have to admit my cropping often leaves a lot to be desired and your crop Manfred works so much better, that was what i was trying to get to. The colour version is not brilliant, mixed lighting and the background was shades of 'gold' in the curtains, a lot of the paint on the model was yellow and orange - not a good combination.

[IzzieK]

You did very well here nevertheless, Mark...I love it.

[marlunn]

Thank you Izzie, this was my favourite of the night really and i have not pp'd it much at all - its a fun image rather than a serious attempt at anything.

[IzzieK]

Now this one is a real WoW!!! I love it!