Her Illicit Sanctuary

I couldnt imagine that posting an 'alternative' crop would awaken that many 'knights in armour'... well, as said, it was just an alternative and I don't 'feel the need to crop everything'.And I reckon that the left arm has a positive weight on the fragility which emanates from the scene.

That said, I also find it gives a distorted aspect that considerably distracts from the main scene: the silent dialogue between Her and Her mask, her second skin. that's it. Also this image belong to afolder named 'self portait (HORIZONTAL FORMAT): so that I imagine crop was either not intended, or either not possible, or both.

As for my interpretation, I imagine that Sue Anna is playing with yin-yang, masculine-feminine,... so 'Her' and 'His' so that she had to figure out what clever words to put behind H.I.S. spelling... and to me she found the right ones: a mix between secret garden and forbidden game

So nothing on my side to be qualified of 'insult' to the photographer: a totally out of place comment BTW.

An additional point is that amputing this young beauty from her left arm diminishes the source of white, that is to say 'light' in the image, and therefore reinforces the intimacy as well as the illicit and dark feeling of the scene. Enlightment is now coming from the mask.

Another element of fragility gets now a better place and view: her collarbone, the nicest bone of a body IMO, the most easy to break too...

Including the arm exaggerates the elongated neck. If that's an important part of the image content, leave it; if not, get rid of it. Marc, I had agreed with the comment about not quite looking at the mask because it isn't clear one way or the other. As with all these conjectures of the meaning of the photograph, the maker will get to have the last word.

 

. . . . or at least the first word. Are you there Sue Anna? It's OK . . fun actually. All bark; no bite.

Cropping! This seems to be an incessant discussion here and I actually agree with Alan

( is this a first Alan?) that cropping can alter the integrity of the image as the creator

intended. This is not to say that the creator may have missed something, but that is the

reason I feel it is better to discuss the element that we feel is obtrusive or distracting. The

artist can figure out what they think is the solution if they agree--crop/clone or

whatever--or maybe the reaction affirms exactly their intent for leaving the object there.

 

As to the crop, I really don't find it better or worse and I don't think there is any balance

problem created, it is just different. Part of the reason I don't find it troublesome is that I

really have no connection with the photo and find it, overall, lacking in power and content,

as described above.

 

A part of my disconnect with the image, in addition to what I mentioned above, is that I

think it is very sterile. In commercial photography it is often referred to as "clean". And

clean has it's place, but I much prefer organic and rich for personal expression.

Everything here is just too perfect and new. In my opinion, set and prop styling is so

important and here, it all feels rather plastic and new and "set up", including the mask.

So, again, I am just left feeling like I am not looking at anything more than a photo made

to please a client or clients. Maybe it is just lack of effort to make it more.

I agree with Mona completely. She's made herself so attractive and stylish that it reveals very little for a self-portrait.

Sue Ann is a photographer who goes beyond, into the mythic imagination which informs us

all. The quest for a personal vision born from the courage of confronting our inner souls is

a path not for the faint of heart. A strength of purpose usually leads the way, guiding us

through our inner maze confronting demons and dragons at each turn. The Artist who says

yes to this adventure will bring back the greatest treasure. It is very often the reason for the

Artist in the first place. It is by following the trials of an Artists work that we sometimes

connect our own lives to their work. As a young Artist Sue Anne is at the begining of her

maze. She is not content to homoginize her work for greater appeal. I am sure that what we

say is only of entertainment to her. She is on her own journey and, I know, will do it her way.

This picture can say 1000 or 10,000 words to you Robert. As many as your mind wants to see. It is about more than the technicalities of photography. It is a journey of self-examination in more ways than just a self-portrait of the outer appearance.

 

The crop is the wrong ratio because the diagonals need more space horizonatally to meet the demands of the creation to show more of the person's symbolic struggle. With the crop the emphasis is on the mask with too much wasted space at the bottom. The longer horizonatals give much more of a view of the person who is considering disappearing into the mask; a wider view of the dilemma she finds her mind/spirit/emotions to be struggling to resolve.

First of all, thank you for chosing this photo as Photograph of the Week. It was definitely a pleasant surprise, since I look highly upon such great photographers with amazing photos which I only dream of doing on this site.

Forgive me, but it'll take a while for me to absorb all these critics and thoughts, and suggestions. I don't think i'll be able to respond to each and every one of them.

Anyways, as for the title. I agree that sometimes a title can be misleading, I myself struggle at times to pick a title for a photo, because an image can mean a million things, it may look or feel a certain way to one, and compeletly different to another. But not to name the photograph would make it feel incomplete. However, I could not have put it in better words to explain the title in relation with the photograph as GUY SCRUVNER did. He nailed it exactly what I wanted to portray. Although, it might not have reached some.

MONA CHROME for instance, she could not feel the photo. From what I understand from her argument was that the shot was too set up, an unnatural. Which in fact is purposely done ony my part. I wanted it to be theatrical and exaggerated. Thus the pose, the outstretched elongated neck, and the mask itself, which is something we all don't see people holding up in everyday normal lives. This whole imagery is dramatized.

As for the visual elements of this image, uch as the hand covering the nostrils, is because I this mask has a hand by itself covering its mouth, which I had to cover up with my own hands, because it did not seem appropriate if the hands of the mask was visible, plus this being a self portrait it is quite difficult to actually get the composition, placement of the hands and angles spot on, I too was a little bit unsatisfied with the placement of the hand. But that was the best I could have done at that time. As for the cropping example done by JACQUES HENRY, visually it does look better, but I somewhat don't get the same emotional impact, as he also mentioned about it being less fragile. Thus I still prefer my original composition. However, i've never been too sure about the technicalities of taking a photograph, because most of my shots I concentrate more on the emotions I want to show and to tell a story, rather than how visually correct it should be. Nevertheless, through seeing these mistakes, and guided by such constructive criticism such as the ones I am getting right now, hopefully in time I can combine both technical aspects as well as emotions to create more powerful image.

Thank you all so much!!!!!!

In a way, yes... By the way, for those who do not know his work too well yet, see the works of Serge Lutens: here is a link to a web site dedicated to the master of this kind of very "artificial" portraits - used indeed for commercial purposes by C. Dior and Shiseido. Sue Anna Joe's picture is of course not as "polished" as what you'll see here, and she seems to aim at artistic expression, rather than commercials, but I thought I could see "some" similarities with the mood I see this POW.

 

http://autourdeserge.free.fr/plugins/photogd/photogd.php?lng=en

Very nice image and exercise as a self portrait.

(Same goes about your portfolio by the way...great exercises and ideas with less than perfect executions.)

 

 

I have to agree with following comment made by Mona:

 

 

"A part of my disconnect with the image, in addition to what I mentioned above, is that I think it is very sterile. In commercial photography it is often referred to as "clean". And clean has it's place, but I much prefer organic and rich for personal expression. In my opinion, set and prop styling is so important and here, it all feels rather plastic and new and "set up", including the mask. "

 

 

While I completely understand your point regarding "I wanted it to be theatrical and exaggerated." however what Mona has said doesn't interfere with you said. They both could've happened in the same image. Your technique however is costly for the creating and adding a dramatic value here.

 

The exaggeration usually can be created by setting the right mood which you are not stranger to it by having a look at your portfolio. That wa, the image will be a bit more subtle, tasteful and much more effective in the long run.

 

 

All said, I like the original idea very much.

 

 

Cheers and best of luck to you.

 

 

M.H.

Sue Anna, Try to remember that when your audience is dreaming about your work, you should refrain from awakening them. What you feel about your work should remain a secret to yourself so as not to influence the magic it can have in drawing out our own perceptions. Always let the viewer be free to interpret .

Strange skin color

It is fantastic, superbe, excellent in all the sources: tonality, composition, light.

Here is a quote I thought appropriate to this discussion.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see. Edgar Degas

MARC G.Ah thank you for sharing Serge Lutens, I am definitely attracted to such images since I do love flipping through magazines and observing pictures of ads, plus that I am a graphic design student, I tend to look into these things as sources of inspiration and creativity. But the difference between his works and mine besides the "polish-ness" is I'm torn between creating something that looks dolled-up and trying to evoke emotions as well, probably not balancing it well enough to reach the purpose of the image to some. I'm still going through stages of experimentating different type of styles in each of my photographs, searching for one i'm most comfortable with. In the process of making errors here and there and learning for them, which makes me appreciate them even more. As I believe its these mistakes we make, that makes us improve ourselves even more, rather than always creating the perfect shot.

M. H.Personally, in comparison I do feel less connected to this photograph compared to my other images. But yes, as I mentioned above, I am experimenting different styles, trying to create different moods, as to this one trying to come up with an image which seems 'articial' yet has this deeper vibe goin on about it. I feel that with this image it is almost there but not quite. I actually prefer Her Misery, which was taken the same day compared to this one, although this one does look more 'beautiful', I personally seem to feel more for the other. What do you think?

ALAN KATZI agree that, sometimes it is better just to let people say what they want, and let them linger with their questions. And it is this that makes a visual more precious I think. Kind of mysterious in a way? But I always seem to find it hard to refrain myself from responding as at times I want people to understand why I have done so and so. I hope my response has not stop people from discussing this photo, because I love to hear what people think. I'll definitely take note of this in future, thank you.

I agree with you. I prefer the other shot as well.

 

 

 

I like the angle and the over all mood.

 

 

 

I'm not very fond of the artificial (sp?) textures but I understand your purpose of them and can appreciate them.

 

 

 

You are a very creative person with a very cinematic point of view towards photography which is great and I personally enjoy.

 

 

 

Keep shooting and posting while once in a while try to achieve your ideas through a little bit more pure photography as well ...at least as an exercise .

 

 

 

It helps you to keep your basic techniques sharp while finding new additional aesthetic languages and adding new and deeper layers to your photography.

 

 

 

Your photography is full of emotion and a more realistic approach towards it, might help you to have a deeper effect on the viewer while keeping the fantasy alive.

 

 

 

Cheers

 

 

 

M.H.

Well done.

 

Although, I also like most of your other portfolio images better. You have even less photography experience than me, but a superior portfolio posted up there. You should be proud. Although, I have a suggested tweak opinion.

 

In a perfect world, I'm not sure I like what's happening in the upper left (especially, since the bold, somewhat unnatural line of the shoulder and neck draw you up there -- at least, long enough to potentially linger as you circle back down through the mask and fingers). I don't mind an image with a 'manufactured' feel (), but I'm really overly drawn to what looks like some significant background krinkle (something that annoys me in my own pictures for reasons I can't explain) and I don't like the way the purples work against this busy piece of backdrop. (Even though I like to see this kind of lighting variation.) Although, the purple tonality does evoke an interesting mood in the skin tones.

 

I think it's an excellent image overall, and nice addition to a self-portrait portfolio that shows experimentation and range far beyond your experience level.

It's photographs (and photographers) and discussions such as this that make me glad I'm a member of this site. I loved reading this one.

 

Sue Anna Joe: You're SO young and have your whole photographic life ahead of you. If you don't become rich, famous and sought after VERY soon, it'll be because you didn't market yourself. You're TREMENDOUSLY talented, creative and dynamic, and judging from your comments on this and many others, you're highly intelligent.. and on FIRE for this photo-thing.

 

Go get it.

 

The art is fun and fine and will bring you a lifetime of joy and amazement... and after 35 yrs of being a "hobbyist" I can tell you that capturing the moments of our lives through a lens is the most gratifying and rewarding hobby/passion/profession I can think of... (so I'm biased?)... So keep doing it for the joy, but...

 

YOU have "commercial" value and talent... Take advantage of it and don't you DARE underestimate yourself. Though professional and wonderful in their own right, most of the wonderful photographers that you and I think so highly of on this site can only aspire to your originality, style and creativity. You're unique. And you'll only get better. Go get it and keep bending the rules.

 

The more I learn, the less I know.

 

Guy... the description of emotions portrayed was beautifully written. It made me attend to the photograph for another ten minutes.. ;o) Thanks!

 

I love photonet.

 

Thanks folks..

 

Congrats Sue Anna Joe on POW... wow, huh?

JAKE BLAKE, quoting you "If you don't become rich, famous and sought after VERY soon, it'll be because you didn't market yourself.". Haha who wouldn't want to be rich and famous and sought after! Well I sure do hope so, however this all started just as a passionate hobby, and I NEVER thought it would reach this level, and that I would make money out of it. It is only recently that I started to make it big, where I was offered to do a teaser movie poster here in my country, which after a number of local filmmakers and other people have contacted me for future projects. Unfortunately, i'm still studying, and it'll be a while before I can fully commit to doing these projects, in fact some chance that I have let go because of my studies. And a few months back I started realizing that this could be my future, therefore starting to push this passionate hobby a little further. And hopefully it will blossom from there on. One thing i'm worried is that at this rate, this fast, I might soon loose my creativity and passion and see this as a job. Which I really hope does not happen.

Thank you M.H, RANDY DOUGLAS, and EVERYONE ELSE that has left a comment, critic and your thoughts on my image. I'm still in shock that this image of mine was POWed! Thank you all.

About your picture titled "Her misery", I kind of agree with M.H: "I'm not very fond of the artificial (sp?) textures". It has a nice composition and a very, very strong eye, but I still prefer this POW for the "mannequin look", emaciated arms + neck, as well as the (almost "overly") theatrical feel, which, to me, has some value & originality.

 

That said, there are quite a number of good pictures in your portfolio, and one really STRONG photo - again another one with a great angle. Here: http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=3227805

 

Seeing your work, and knowing you are still a student in an art academy - and having taught myself in an art academy for 3 years, part time -, I think your work is quite amazing compared to all the students I had - although they were 2 or 3 years younger than you are. Definately a good start. I wouldn't worry about losing your passion: I just think you won't, or else you wouldn't have arrived this far. A strong passion is tough to kill. :-) Perhaps, if I were you, I'd worry more about "knowing the limit" between creating strong images and OVERDOING them. There's a tiny border, a border I still find myself often looking for at age 40...:-)

 

Anyway, all the best to you. And by the way, you wrote "here in my country", and it made me curious: where is that ?

COngrats ! As they say Malaysia Boleh.....roughly translated Malaysia Can ! Your photo shows depth of emotion and the efforts put in are huge. Hopefully you may fulfill your dreams sooner than you think.

By the way, it's betazone of PM here...

Hi Sue Anna, it's your time on the spotlight and you carry it well. You stuck to your style and now it's paying off dividends. You are unique to be individually so creative in self portraiture and composition.

 

Clearly defines the saying that it's the person behind the lens not the camera. My heartiest congratulations.

Sue Anna, I am really impressed with what appears to be a maturity beyond your years.

You have an analytical mind and as I said earlier, the desire to take the tough journey

inward.Your compositions require deliberation and premeditation. I suppose you are using

a tripod and timer which requires alot a planning in advance. Snapshot or candid is not

who you are. Being Meticulous and in control is. I enjoy participating in these POW

dicussions to talk about what a picture is to me. Not about what it isn't or what it could be

if I had taken it. As a teacher it is important to recognize each students needs as different.

I am sure you are overwhelmed with all the good intentions coming your way this week. It

is obvious that many of the contributors feel you are worth nurturing. I include my self. Be

careful though. Be really careful, as a young talent like yours demands its purity. You are

at the cliffs edge,. It is time to let go, and trust your wings. If you listen to others at this

point you may fall. Icarus was told to take the middle road but was attracted by the sun.

He knew that the real adventure was not in playing it safe but in the warmth of his own

true nature. As an Artist you will always be on the edge listening to the voices. Just be sure

that when you depart on your creative journey, the voice you listened to was your own.

"One thing i'm worried is that at this rate, this fast, I might soon loose my creativity and passion and see this as a job."

 

Sue Anna - this is not a reason not to do something. If you are aware of it then it is less likely to happen. Also if you are enough in demand you should be able to have more control over what work you accept, and the level of control you have in those jobs.

 

NB: Alan - Icarus followed his heart, perhaps, but the point of that legend is that he was trying to escape from captivity and because, thrilled with the feeling of flying, went too close to the sun, the wax in his wings melted and he plummetted down into the Aegean, and drowned......;o]