First Photo Posted

[kristent]

I would be very interested to hear your feedback on this photo: how it does/does not impact you what it makes you wonder about any technical comments are appreciated as well!

[Shadowman]

Hi Kris,

This particular image can be analyzed in multiple ways; as a portrait, as a storytelling image, and as a demonstration of technical capabilities. As a portrait I would say there is very little revealed in the subject but perhaps more revealed about you. I would guess that your style is heavily influenced by cinema; perhaps horror or surrealism. The out of focused hands, the branches across the eye, the grungy colors help pull lme towards thoughts of despair and dread.

As a storytelling image, the devices used for your cinematic processing treatment are just as viable, we can guess that the location is outside and possibly a cold environment; why the person is there we can only guess. The technical processing also fits with the two other categories I've already mentioned. I will say that for me a bit more contrast would really make the image pop; especially if you were to apply the contrast to the eyes. Nice effort, would love to see the image uploaded at a larger size.

[mugge]

Kris, I agree with John. You seem to have a flair for the macabre. I love it, however I have seen other attempts and some of the work has been way out so as to lose effect. Effects for effects sake is not good in my view. Keep on what you are doing, absolutely but also keep this in mind: try to keep effects within limits, that can be a challenge to an artistic mind but you will make better photos.
Cheers Ole

[kristent]

Hi Kris,

This particular image can be analyzed in multiple ways; as a portrait, as a storytelling image, and as a demonstration of technical capabilities. As a portrait I would say there is very little revealed in the subject but perhaps more revealed about you. I would guess that your style is heavily influenced by cinema; perhaps horror or surrealism. The out of focused hands, the branches across the eye, the grungy colors help pull lme towards thoughts of despair and dread.

As a storytelling image, the devices used for your cinematic processing treatment are just as viable, we can guess that the location is outside and possibly a cold environment; why the person is there we can only guess. The technical processing also fits with the two other categories I've already mentioned. I will say that for me a bit more contrast would really make the image pop; especially if you were to apply the contrast to the eyes. Nice effort, would love to see the image uploaded at a larger size.

Thanks for your comments, Shadowman. I do appreciate your perspective (altho the horror/surrealism doesn't really fit me personally) The person's face was an image on the side of a building here in Portland. I could have shot it with no tree branches but I really liked that 1 degree of separation. If this photo had a sound track it would be George Harrison's "My Guitar Gently Weeps" It felt like the instant a person first sees & understands the harm humans do to each other all around the earth every day....a huge OMG moment. So this person is slightly separated from the "harm" but only by the smallest element.

[Shadowman]

Thanks for your comments, Shadowman. I do appreciate your perspective (altho the horror/surrealism doesn't really fit me personally) The person's face was an image on the side of a building here in Portland. I could have shot it with no tree branches but I really liked that 1 degree of separation. If this photo had a sound track it would be George Harrison's "My Guitar Gently Weeps" It felt like the instant a person first sees & understands the harm humans do to each other all around the earth every day....a huge OMG moment. So this person is slightly separated from the "harm" but only by the smallest element.

Hi Kris,

I think your composition and style gives us a glimpse of your theme. My labeling of your style was interpreted based on the elements you used in your composition, the branch is such a good device that can represent life, danger, warnings, and as you stated separation. Usually an artist will add other cues, such as a title, key use of a color; whether as a visual or text, and these added elements can steer a viewer or in the case of writing (short stories especially) a reader to develop there own vision or try to interpret the views of the artist.

[Donald]

Not so interested in the technical stuff. It's the aesthetic that's important.

I think this is a very, very good image. It demonstrates, for a start, vision. You are looking and you are seeing. If you don't do that you don't see images.

You are making conscious choices as you compose your image. That's great. Your creating your artwork as you capture your image, not just grabbing a shot and hoping it might work once you process it.

Very, very well done.

Just in terms of posting images in to your posts. You're almost there, but didn't quite get just the last bit of the process and ended up with a thumbnail. Please do read the helpful guide that walks you through how to do it. Click HERE to read the thread.

[madcrow]

Just like your image, no technical stuff.

[Wavelength]

Really well composed; his eyes genuinely reflect his pain/concern, what ever he must be witnessing....

[kristent]

Thank you for noticing that pain, Wavelength - I was hoping it came through.