Untitled

For me the most striking feature of this beautiful creation is the surreal face. The timeless face where we can read no emotion, eyes without a story. Everything (skin, hair, makeup) too perfect. As from another world, as not alive. This is the style of the potraiture in the past. As a viewer I am attracted to this image and this attraction makes a photograph ´work´ IMO.

My fashion photography teacher taught me that there are two important elements in a photograph: lighting and concept! We – all viewers talked about our feels- and you, Joanna - the photographer has different feels. Are we all learned from this photo, especially from technical sides? I think so…

Gratuluje Asiu:)

Technically inspiring.

I love portraiture as art when it's good, and this is good.

Unfortunately, I don't get it. Technique is good but so what. A great portrait, whether it is commercial or fashion photography or painting must go beyond the "pretty" of a face. (This is also the problem of 90% of wedding photography where every face is interchangeable with another.) A great portrait of image must reflect something more than surface glancing of the person. Karsh's wonderful commercial portraits of beautiful women and men go deep into the person. Avedon's haunting images or those of Maplethorp just to name a few all find a deeper humanity that touches a chord in everyone. Emmet Gowin's and Sally Mann's very personal portraits of their family that reflect the love of a wife or child. The problem with digital is it offers so much that it is poorly used because of the illusion of ease. Good photography is hard work. The monkey business of technique is easy and easier than ever with digital which requires more effort to find something worthy of saying. If we all have seen an image before why shoot it again? At best it is copying. Your ideas are good but dig deeper into the soul of the subject and try to find the humanity that everyone relates to.

Frank, that may not have been Joanna's goal. On the other hand, it may have been Joanna's goal, but she may have achieved it in a way that you don't recognize because you would have done it differently. What Joanna wants to say and what she is saying is open to interpretation, and different people obviously have different interpretations.

so quite and so gentle beauty.. great works, Joanna!

Congratulations Joanna!

 

You have achieved the feeling of a true painting here. The combination of the softness, the somewhat-flatness, and the intricate details of clothing and adornation seem to do it. I never would have thought about leaving the hotspot right of the head, but it is taking out some contrats there as well as leading the aye out, just as if it were a veritable young lady: I never dare took look straight at her for a longer time...

 

It also is the best of your "paintings" collection. Since you are apparently trying to bridge the distance between photography and painting, I do not know what intermediate stand you'd like to reach at. But judged as if they were old paintings rather than photographs, I think the attitudes of the models are too modern. There are persuading the spectator to look at them, or even say: look at me, cool! Subjects on older paintings frequently transfer a look of disdain, they are proud and don't have to show that. (Of course you're looking at me, because [fill in]).

 

Signing with admiration,

 

Wim

Bravo, and congratulations!!

muy linda, demasiado linda, no parece real, no soy muy bueno en esto de opinar pero me parece que es demasiado irreal y ese gesto de su boca entrecerrado es un tipico de modelos pero aunque todo es muy bella la fotografia y el detalle

I think some photogs might have given this a low rating because they are not into portrait photography. I've been a working photographer for 36 years and have never done any portraits. I don't care about people performing for the camera. I usually don't like posed or set up photos. For me that's paintings job. I look for the the things that aren't out there until the photo is made. The photographer here is quite skilled. I like Diane Arbus' quote "It's the thing I haven't seen before that I recognize." While I do like the picture of the pretty woman, it doesn't tell me anything I don't already know, or haven't seen. This not a negitve review, just an explaination why some people might not kvell over this...

The biggest weak point I can see with this photo is that the distinction between photo and painting could be quite difficult... On canvas with some texture would look really cool. I love it!

I don't think anyone can argue about this one being the best! It would be a tough week to compete against the likes of this photo! Has a doll-like look to it!

I took a look, as you suggest, in the entire folder.Really fascinating work.Behind any kind of digital procedure, the base remains always the same.A very good photo.The digital alternations doesn't make someone a magician.It's just a great aid to the photographer to complete the conception that had in mind.Regards

I believe we all agree that Joanna is really talented, and has amazing skills.Some of us are fascinated by the photo and love it, it also leaves some of us cold. Some people have said it reminds them of the Old Masters of painting. I would disagree there. The Old Masters of painting rarely made the model look doll like or cartoonish. This particular photo does.
Joanna's style, in this picture, reminds me of artists of the '70's - 1970's. Actually, 60's as well. The first one was Vargas. He drew illustrations of women for Esquire magazine, I believe. The execution of the drawings were perfect, as were the women. The were scantily dressed and always looked like they were enjoying themselves or having fun. One enjoyed the drawings but knew they were idealizations of women - not real. There was another artist, Keane, whose paintings were of very cute children with extra large eyes. One looked, said "Awwww" then stopped looking. Critics panned him, but they sold like hotcakes. There was also a style of painting that was very much like Joanna's photo - flawless people, usually women. Even Joanna, at the tender age of 25, has a wrinkle or two and does not stare at the world with a fixed expression. One or two of her personal photos have pictures with real expression and they are quite good.
So, she has put much work and talent into producing photos that have a certain look. It can certainly pay off in the fashion, and portrait world, for those who like the look. Is she trying to say something? We don't know yet. Will she be another Karsh or Cartier-Bresson? With her talent and skill, if she turned that way, who knows? Maybe Tenneson? OR maybe she will be a Kustra.
Howard

this is the most beautiful picture i've ever seen here...she's breathtaking

Hi Joanna,
I would title this one Sterling Rose--because like the sterling rose that is lavender in color it is perfection as it is the thornless kind and oh,so beautiful and in this world where so much ugliness sometimes prevails there is nothing wrong with too much perfection. Great Photo,really.

very very NiCe

Very nic3 image .. i love that shoot of your ...

Good luck

 

Favorites Of All Time. I just made that up but it is. This is one of my favorite photos of all time and I hope people are still finding it.

 

Kudos-

Enchanting . . .

 

Kathy

 

Too good to be true. You are a magician photographer.

love the tonis .. the styling and the art of  photography  .. and what an appealing model  ... a favorite .. respect