Decomposing

... you understand it's the light."

This didn't quite work the way I wanted it to but I thought I would post it here to hear what others think.

Feedback appreciated.

Beautiful picture !

I would call it "Girl with autumn leafs" because for "Decomposing" is too warm - I would rather try to make it BW with some toning or , in color, try to add some more cyan and green to make it cooler.

David, I think you have achieved your goal - looking at the picture makes me [how to better put it?] dizzy. Composition, placing the girl a little bit upside down, provides a feeling that I'm standing somewhere above her, just stumbled upon the scene during a walk in the woods.

Janis

Nebojsa, I do appreciate your comment. I wouldn't say 'Decomposing' was warm. Opinions do differ and I am glad that you have give me yours. Thanks a lot.

Janis, The angle is unusual which is what I like. I also liked the detail. That said, I have never been a good judge of my own photographs. I did think this would attract more comments. Also, although I am not too interested in ratings, I did think they would be higher than they are. Thanks a lot for taking the time.

Great cleverness and audacity!

David:  Interesting.  Not sure dizzy but certainly some vertigo.  What was the point of the papers? Did she rip up her will before leaving us?  Was she killed with the stick on the bottom?  Did you reverse the picture or isn't that a wedding band on her "right" hand?  Bring in the medical examiner and detectives.  We want answers!  Alan

Maurizio, Kind words. Thanks a lot.

Alan, What was the point of the papers?' If you could see them you would understand. The printing on the paper would give it away. Unfortunately, even on the full size image the point of the papers is only just visible and that is why I mentioned that it didn't quite work. That said, I wil pretend that she has ripped up her will as you sugest. I didn't notice the ring to be honest. I can assure you the image is not reversed. Thanks for taking the time to study this image and commenting on all you see. It is very much appreciated.

At first glance, it very well could be a well made crime scene photograph, and again at first glance, it has an impact on the viewer.

The problem comes for me when I start looking at the little pieces of paper.  Not knowing what they are or what they mean confuses me.  If, as you say, the viewer would understand the photograph better if we could see what was on the pieces of paper, the fact that I can't sort of negates whatever idea you're trying to get across here.

It isn't that I don't like the photo...it's up to your usual standards of colour work and composition.  And it isn't as if I don't enjoy using my imagination.  I simply can't make sense of it, so in that respect, it doesn't work all that well for me.

I suspect a clue to the photo lies in the title.  Knowing your penchant for word play, I'm guessing the word "decomposing" has something to do with the torn up paper.  But I just can't get my brain past that point.

Let me start by saying, "ARGHHH!"

You know me very well indeed. The clue to what the pieces of paper are, is as you have hinted, given in the title. I have had this shot in my head for a long time. When I suggested it to the model (who was an absolute delight to work with,) she thought the idea was brilliant. Unfortunately the idea is better than the image. Had I got the idea of the image out of my head before posting it here, I might have come up with a different title. Something in tune with what Alan suggested. A ripped up will or a ripped up love letter. 

My intention was to reshoot the image and post it again where the intent of what I was trying to do would have been obvious. However, since more than one person is wondering about the paper, I think it is fair to reveal my intention and my failings.

Even in this image revealing what I was trying to do, you have to study it for a while to get it.

Thanks a lot for taking the time.

It's all clear to me now Holmes...er, I mean David.

I'd actually thought of that, but just didn't want to go out on a limb and say exactly what I thought the pieces of paper were part of.

Your plays on words have always been fun images, David. Now that you have shown us what is on the paper I get the connection. I'm sure that in a print this is all easier to see. I like the way you presented this which adds to the interest. Well done!

You ever get those little tunes in your head, you know those jingles that keep playing and playing and playing between your ears and will not stop try as you might until you want to blow your brains out?

Mark, You are very kind. I have always said that if you have to explain an image that you have failed. Even though I did fail here, I still like the image. Thanks a lot.

Alan, Thanks for coming back to this. Yes I do get those tunes in my head! Annoying aren't they?

David:

You know I love this. This is one of your very best and I love it all the more because it IS in color. The idea is wonderful as is the composition. The leaves add fantastic texture to the image and the skin tones provide perfect contrast. Very beautifully done mate but is this any way to treat a Lady?

-Cheers

I have to admit, 'love' and 'colour' or 'color' were not two words I expected to receive in the same comment from you. I do like this image myself. However, the fact that others like it make it all worthwhile. As for treating a young lady this way... well... who said I was a gentleman?

Thanks a lot Owen.

I suppose now that Heroin Chic is now so passe, we need a new vibrant theme in the fashion world.  Shallow Grave chic might just be the next big thing.

Shallow grave girls... I am not sure I like the idea of that. 

Dear David, this photo really has an impact on me, because I felt myself surrounded by leaves as well, and I can tell you that there is something in this strange situation and place that bring to us a lot of calmness. Though there's a bit of sorrow in the girl's face (maybe due to the note broken) but it seems as if she stands just in another dimension. I like very much this photography. As for me, it doesn't tell about abandonement, just about spending time in a pleasant and peaceful way. A return to nature, Maybe? Tender photo. I love it!.

It is very kind of you to write so much on this image. In truth you may be reading more into it than I intended. I do like leaves. I do like photographing girls in leaves. Perhaps I should do it more. Thanks a lot.