mec18001 m sm

this is a stunning photograph...yet the positioning of the arm makes for a rather bizarre, unnatural look.  my reaction reminds me of a Weston photograph in which a shadow trails the length of the model's arm...and as a result, the initial impression is that her arm is strangely deformed.  you may be familiar with the photograph, as it is one of his most famous pictures of Charisse Wilson.  i understand that the effect wasn't intentional, and that it always bothered Weston. obviously the pose in this photograph is intentional...so i have a question: is it just me, or do you see what i'm seeing?  to be more specific: her arm looks like a small leg...with her elbow appearing as the knee, and the shoulder resembling the buttocks.  to be certain you understand...my comments aren't intended to be a criticism...just an honest observation.  i'd love to hear your thoughts...

thank you very much for your observations, john :)

the pose isn't meant to be natural, of course

i haven't noticed what you are saying about the appearance of the arm but it's interesting :)

PDE

I would say very few poses are natural. Few unnatural poses make good photos. for me the unnaturalness of this pose is what makes it stand out. A very good image indeed.

I think what John is seeing is caused by the fact the hand is cut off at the joint by the wood.  It creates the look of an amputee or in this case like a small leg.  For that matter the real leg on the left is also cut off at the joint creating an amputee look.  I believe I read somewhere that one must be careful to not cut off limbs at joints for this reason.

On the other hand, Anca may have been trying for a different look.  Certainly he got it with the wood and I particularly like her tonal sexiness.  Alan

Just a note: I made it clear that my pointing out the unnaturalness of the pose and it's effect...was an observation, and not intended as a criticism.  If you notice, I began my comments with high praise!    

Anca, whata agreat shot. I think its the depth of field and the subjects pose that make it for me. Tell me, is it on private land or did you hope no one came walking along?

thanks :)

it's a public park ;)

I truly love this image.

-O