Behind Blue Eyes #1

I like how the image is crafted. But, I'm befuddled about the subject. It looks like this person is wearing something that either is a very bizarre version of a CPAP mask or is something that came from Madam Zelda's Chamber of Pain..

I like the intensity and contrast of this photo. I wonder, though, if the blown out highlights of the metal can be recovered and the eyes in shadow pulled up just a bit? It is a bizarre image, for sure. Looks like pretty low noise for a 7D.

Good quality image. Eyes could be made a little more prominent, although whether they are blue one cannot tell. Like everyone else I wonder what the breathing mask is all about.

I think the highlights on the mask are not blown. They’re very strong but texture is maintained throughout. The mask is obviously the attention-grabber here, as well as the mystery, so the emphatic highlighting seems in keeping with that storyline. Being befuddled is ok. The photo has a surrealist bent. The why ought only to be answered by the viewer, thinking metaphorically, and assuming there’s no correct answer. The mask is an invitation to the imagination, not a variable that can be solved for in an equation. The eyes are just right. If made brighter, they’d be more pleasing and accessible. The photo is meant to put us on edge, not satisfy us. They’re in on the mystery of the mask. They’re handled alternatively, not as they would be in a more typical portrait. Black and white work well done. Check out David’s portfolio and you’ll get more of a sense of how he’s using the gas mask. The one comment I have after looking through more of David’s photos is that I feel there’s a bit of obviousness in terms of messaging and mystery, especially exemplified by the nude guy in bed with a copy of the Kama Sutra covering up his junk titled “Acquisition of Knowledge.” Though it’s another well done photo technically, it feels just a bit too messagy and pointed. The calling forth of mystery from all the masks also feels like maybe trying just a bit too hard. But I give you credit for the trying, since so many photographers don’t really seem to be trying at all, and for your execution which is finely tuned.

"Being befuddled is ok. The photo has a surrealist bent. The why ought only to be answered by the viewer, thinking metaphorically, and assuming there’s no correct answer. The mask is an invitation to the imagination, not a variable that can be solved for in an equation.." In general, I agree with this position, Fred. I'll have to think about it some more.

Thank you for your comments, I really do appreciate them. The mask is a steampunk version gas mask.