Halloween 2010 - 2

This is another variation on a previous upload that I can't seem to

get right so your feedback will be most appreciated. The picture was

painted with light, 15 sec. exposure but has lost the "look" of light

painting. Does it look "right" to you?

Don't know if this will help but I like this one more than #1.  The other gives the model precedence with a larger image of her but this one, due to the larger dark negative space, looks spookier.  Depends on what your artistic intentions were.  For me, this is the one which would get my printer's attention.  In both, it appears that you painted the model from one location. (did all the painting without moving the position of the light)  Good idea as there are no conflicting shadows on her face or elsewhere for that matter.  Best, LM.

Thanks for the feedback, Len. I'm happy with the composition and general tones but something's missing that I'm trying to figure out - it looks too "straight" to me and I'm at somewhat of a loss as how to further it. 

Maybe some extreme photoshop makeover is in order... :-)

Perhaps lowering the light you are painting with to a point below her face would give a spookier look.  Works in the movies.  Best, LM

Michael, I love both of the images. Good to see you back in the game. I actually like the format of this one better (though the colors of the tighter crop grab me more). You'll never guess why...because of the extra space, giving her more of an environment. Isn't that funny? Me, the close crop queen likes the space. The one thing I find distracting are the soft eyes. Other than that...A+...fabulous image!

Close-crop queen... :-)

I like the framing of this better too, Tiffany. I think there's an optimal subject-to-background ratio that we perceive as pleasant and complementary; too tight or too wide will somehow diminish perceived aesthetics. It's all subjective, though.

Michael, I think this looks fine, too. Although I like these neutral tones better than the purple one, I guess you could try to fuss with the color some more, if that's what's bothering you: desaturating and changing some of the hues to try and get what you're after. The wider/tighter composition issue: wider works if there's something else in the composition, but here you have steps and more steps.  So, I like the vines, having  read on the other one that someone liked that you cropped them. You might also try a reshoot with a gel on the flash, orange maybe, for one of the spots.  Regarding your location power issue, check this out:  http://www.white-lightning.com/VIIsystem.html

Thanks, Doug. I'm still fudging with colors in hopes of achieving something interesting. Reshoot is a possibility but a bit of a crapshoot with light painting, but I'll definitely try again if conditions are favorable.

The power issue, maybe a mile-long extension cord might be cheaper. The fog machine is basically a 700W heater with a fan so it's really power hungry. :-) Thanks for the reference though; good to know.

This is a dramatic lighting. It is perfect light set up for Halloween. Subjects dress and her expression fit the bill. Regards, ifti.

Beautiful composition. Very well done. Ciao.

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I like this version better. A bit more crisp than the other one.

Merry Christmas Michael Chang .... (-;

but I will vote for this version.

Will there be a new Halloween post this year? :)

Michael,

Wish you a nice holiday season, and a prosperous new year!

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Superb Work.

Dork ... (-;

i prefer this format. i see more detail and richer colours. she seems more natural as well whereas i get a more  cartoon like look from the larger photo. this is really great work.

Looks like I'm way late on this one too!  Of the two versions I prefer this one.  The light painting has the look of mottled moonlight coming through breaks in some trees or a building.  I prefer this to the more cropped version. I think the balance of subject to surrounding is more pleasing ("feels right") and I actually like seeing the slight bit of vines at right.