Afterglow V

Ph: Antonella Arismendi

Model & Dresser: Paula Ameri

Make up artist & Hair stylist: glam_makeup@hotmail.com

More pics: http://www.misspsycho.com

 

I think that this is a great image. The model is thrown in the corner like a doll. Well done on this image!

very very good

Great concept.

I miss more texture and details but I like the image anyway.

 

Cheers

 

M.H.

Interesting image but the title doesn't fit the image. As someone else commented previously, the model is plopped into the corner like a broken-down rag doll. Legs spread, looking as if they fell lifeless where they lay. Technically I think you've accomplished much better imagery in some of your other photographs. I believe I previously commented on your Morphyna images which are really superb by comparison. This seems so much more depressing and life-drained in contrast. If this is what you've aspired to produce, then I have to admit you've succeeded mightily.

I love your work,.

This image has been selected for discussion. It is not necessarily the "best" picture the Elves have seen this week, nor is it a contest. It is simply an image that the Elves found interesting and worthy of discussion. Discussion of photo.net policy, including the choice of Photograph of the Week should not take place here, but in the Site Feedback forum.

Before writing a contribution to this thread, please consider our reason for having this forum. We have this forum because future visitors might be interested in learning more about the pictures. They browsed the gallery, found a few striking images and want to know things like why is it a good picture, why does it work? Or, indeed, why doesn't it work, or how could it be improved?

So, when contributing to this thread, please keep the above in mind. Address the strengths, the shortcomings of the image. It's not good enough to like it, you should spend some time trying to put into words why that is the case. Equally so if you don't like it, or if you can't quite make up your mind.

Let's make sure this forum is a wonderful learning resource for future photographers!

Thank you and enjoy!

I love the photo but I wish a larger resolution version had been made available. The image evokes several thoughts from me, the most prominent being a "Pinocchio" kind of vision, as if the model had been a doll who had just been turned into a real girl, and the transformation has somehow stunned her. I tried to look at this from a sexual perspective (drawing on the "Afterglow" title) but for some reason my brain just couldn't see any kind of sexual connotation here. Finally, there seems to be an overall element of sadness here.

 

Congrats on being named POW.

Well, once again I can think the Elves for introducing me to a wonderful photographer whom I hadn't come across before. However, once again, the selection presented is far from the artist's best work.

 

I really like her portfolio. There is so much style and originality and this series (Afterglow) in particular is quite strong. The photo makes a lot more sense when you view it in the context of the folder. I think the clothes, make-up, styling, etc are all top-notch and the concept is great. I like her vacant expression and splayed legs. One viewer commented that it was a rag doll thrown in the corner and another sees a drugged rape victim ... it's both at the same time, which is why it's such a great, well-executed concept.

 

Unfortunately, technically it's not up to the rest of the series in my view. I don't like greenish tint to B&W. I don't care for the lighting with the darkness on the left wall and the blown out portions over her head and I think there are resolution/grain problems either with the scan or the JPG compression. Still, though it's a worthy selection and certainly worth seeing and the rest of her portfolio is quite remarkable.

I�m sure that this image will be much acclaimed because it has merits. Therefore I guess I will one of the few that won�t like it. But before I must say that IMO it is a well done image, the model is cute, colors are appropriated, her dress and hair is carefully done, technically is well executed, etc. But I think that for all his merits it is not convincing. The model is too rigid, her pose is almost graceless, and her feet look unnatural. The upper part of her body looks like she is preparing to act, to jump and her legs are in a position incongruous with the rest of her body, her feet are forced and it is not clear why. I assume, but I know that my assumption can be wrong, that Antonella wants to convey some idea of a marionette left in a corner, or some other pathetic idea, the problem is precisely that in that pose there is no pathos. The title does not help either to clarify the author intentions.

This image doesn't work for me. It really doesn't communicate any thing for me. The model is over couiffed, her expression is ambiguous and whatever the message of this image is, I'm sorry but I'm not getting it. Why is she like this or how did she get this way?

Congratiolations.

Well deserved in my opinion.

 

Its beautiful, and special.

A female molds herself into an image of what Madison Avenue and the media expect her to be. She pursues life for a period of time as this icon of 21st century femininity and is very successful materially (the green tint) but not emotionally or spiritually. She feels that all is very plastic and unreal. Too many people control what she does, where she goes, what she says and what she thinks. There is no passion in her life and she feels empty.

 

She realizes in the process of living this type of life that she has betrayed her inner self. Although this part of her life is in the past now, an image of her former self and lifestyle haunts her and is still there in the corner of her mind. This image is a lingering impression of her past glory that will stay with her for a while longer. It is her afterglow.

 

These feelings are not easily spoken about so she shares them with us through this carefully crafted and beautiful image that captures all the pathos of her past.

Interesting choice for POW... Ireally like this picture, and it seems a great discussion has already started...

 

Guillermo wrote: "The model is too rigid, her pose is almost graceless, and her feet look unnatural. The upper part of her body looks like she is preparing to act, to jump and her legs are in a position incongruous with the rest of her body, her feet are forced and it is not clear why. I assume, but I know that my assumption can be wrong, that Antonella wants to convey some idea of a marionette left in a corner, or some other pathetic idea."

 

I agree.

 

But when he adds "the problem is precisely that in that pose there is no pathos", then I disagree. What is more pathetic than this disembodedied pose and this empty gaze ? I think it's all very well done. The only thing that can be questionned perhaps, for me, is whether blowing the highlights and increasing contrast was or wasn't a good idea: does it go against the general impression the image leaves on me, or does it actually add to the existing pathos ?

 

"The title does not help either to clarify the author intentions."

 

True. But that's good, imo. I don't want the title to tell me more than the image in this case. I want to be left guessing: that's how such a picture can have a lasting fascination for me.

 

That said, I agree with Bill Foster that this may not be the best picture in this really great folder... I have no issue with grain and such here, because it belongs to the mood the author was surely looking for. On the other hand, I find most of the other (technically neater) pictures are clearer in terms of meaning, which makes this one the most enigmatic, and therefore, perhaps, the most interesting for a POW discussion. I'll read the next posts with great interest.

A little correction. I wrote : "this may not be the best picture in this really great folder..." I didn't actually mean "folder" - I do think this is probably one of the 2 best pictures in the "Afterglow" folder. I meant this was perhaps not the best picture in this photographer's PORTFOLIO. The following picture, for example, fascinates me entirely in terms of aesthetics - because it's so bold and overdone :

 

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=4042336

 

This POW is more subtle, I suppose, but sometimes a caricature is worth any wonderful painting...:-)

This is an interesting image.

I am not sure Antonella is telling us what she thinks about women or rather how the world in general views women. I am not sure I understand the intended meaning of the title (or the series) but if I had to guess, I would say that it is sarcastic as though the woman were being asked the question, was it good for you too?

 

Perhaps this one is standard fashion fodder but I do not really see anything wrong with that. The world needs its quota of avant-garde photographs and photographers, I am thinking of becoming one myself when I get a free weekend. That should be enough time to master it or at least to act like I know something.

 

To me the woman has been placed (or forced) into a corner by men or women or society in general. It is a punishment whether intended or not. She was probably told (metaphorically) to stand in the corner but has just about lost all of her strength and tolerance for the world. She has her feet (and legs) spread in that un-natural position as if to say, this is as far as I can spread them because the walls you have backed me into will not allow me to spread them any farther. She has literally been forced to the limits of societies expectations? (or at least to the limits set by the carpenter who built that room).

 

That is what I think at this point in time but what I think is of very little importance so do not bother writing to tell me what you think about what I think. I am hopeful that the photographer will be so kind as to tell us something about this photo beyond my own skewed impression. And by the way, I was also blown away by the visual impact of the photograph that Mark pointed out.

Well, this is an interesting image. I don't know if I care for the toning, but the

models' pose and eyes, and the ligthing make for an arresting image. Good

job.

Interesting image. I'm finding that I'm having several reactions to it and that makes it special.

 

Congratulations to Antonella. And thank you, Elves, for selecting it.

I would say that the woman has a defiant, challenging look on her face. I don't see her as a victim but anyone who messes with her is about to become one.
I like the overall tone but it seems to have been oversharpened a bit.

Maybe in this case the title "Afterglow" refers to something other than a victim. To me

the way the model was photographed make her appear to be a little doll that has been

thrown in the corner. The boredom of playing with an inanimate object has set in and is no

longer an interest to the person playing with her. The Afterglow of a lonely doll that was once

the center of attention and no longer is.

I think that Guillermo hit it exactly on the head ... it's the pose that distracts me so much and the pose is the reason I prefer the other pictures in this folder. I love the vacant, doll-like expression, but it's offset by the stiffness of the pose. The same pose with maybe the head lolling to the side or some kind of looseness would make it much more effective, IMO.

 

I find the discussion of the meaning of the photograph quite interesting, although I think we could conduct it without attempting to project images onto each other.

 

It seems to me that Antonella is commenting upon societies lack of respect for women. I don't see how one can view it as anything but a comment about socities disrepect for women and how they are treated like dolls. That said, it doesn't engage my emotions either. I find it a bit trite, but still interesting. Is she portraying women as meat or comenting upon it? Is she being irresponsible or attempting to call others upon their irresponsibility? Not really sure myself, but I find it interesting ...

In my honest opinion, this photograph falls way short to convey any meaning. I am guessing that the whole purpose of this photo is "to say something" - as technically this photo has so many flaws. But, even as a message, it gives mixed and haphazard indications to various emotions. Some may argue that complexity of meaning makes it a great shot; but for others, it destroys the pleasure of enjoying the photo. Sorry for being harsh, but Antonella is a great artist as evident by other works in the portfolio (as pointed out by many here) - I just did not like this one a lot beacuse of the reason that I just mentioned

Excellent mood that complements an awesome set of possibilities. A thought-provoking provocation. Well done.

When i first saw this photo I figured there would be a lively discussion. I think it is

incredible for a lot of the same reasons many others have dismissed it.

 

My first reaction was that this was a doll and it took me a minute of looking at the face to

be sure it wasn't. Given that, I wonder if the whole stiffness of the limbs, the perceived

inconsistency of the upper and lower body and the vacant stare are just brilliant rather

than faults! What I think is great about the whole folder, although I don't see them as all

really relating-maybe two series here, is that Anotnella is moving outside the norm here

and not just showing another fashion fodder, to borrow Dennis' term. Yes, this could be

fashion, but it is different and it functions on its own merits.

 

Is this a comment on women or about women or about abuse or or or? I think that is what

makes a great photo, the fact that it can mean so many things. I don't read titles before I

look and think, but I don't get the title and that is ok. I prefer titles that don't get in the

way.

 

Finally, maybe it is my laptop screen, but I don't see the technical faults others have

mentioned. But I also think that talking about the photo is much more rewarding than

discussing technical issues that could easily be just upload losses.

I don't think the interpretation has to be limited to treatment/expectations of women, though those seem quite relevant. I also see a commentary on society as a whole, Blade Runner style. I see some of what James saw too, that the repressed will rise up sooner or later.

 

Such a general interpretation allows me to view the photo with more detachment, and be less repulsed by it.