Nora 1328

Except for the fact that I forgot to a little burning here and there,

how's this?

Poor pun but, the eyes have it. Now can we have her with the good background please? That pipe doesn't add a lot. Actually, a slight crop would fix it.

yikes, hold your horses for the next picture I'm uploading.

 

No pipe!

Really good, the skin texture/color, the DOF and the pose. Did you try to clone out the bra on her right side?

Nice portrait...those eyes are just haunting....

Thanks J, they're quite mesmerizing through the camera, too.

 

Fabriano, yes, I thought about cloning the lace, even did it, and then erased it all back to normal. I thought it wasn't so bad to leave it, and justified that thought probably more out of laziness, or impatience rather than any aesthetic code. I know I have the skill. I also wanted to see if it would be noticed if I left it in. If leaving it in can be called a problem, I'm in trouble, because I have many shots of her where it's visible. Chalk it up to learning...

Sweet shot !

Who is this woman, and how can I arrange to crawl over broken glass to meet her?

 

On a more mundane note ( ignoring my love at first sight), I agree the background detracts from the photo - it reduces the dramatic impact a bit , is distracting and renders the photo more prosaic... But two things redeem the study. First, your technique...clearly a slow film and lens, giving a clean, high-key appaerance to the model ( sigh...), as well as the use of ( I think) oblique ambient lighting ( or compensation with a flash or reflector); and your direction, whereby there is a slight cocking of the head, which translates the body language into a provocative statement. I think we often lose sight of the fact that very simple manipulation of the model's stance offers an opportunity to evoke a response, without contorting her into highly dramatic poses. Very fine example of the simplicity which can make or break a photo. Second, of course, is your choice of the model, who is simply charming. 6/7 if I can squeeze another seven out of the ratings.

 

By the way, my remarks on the background are idiosyncratic - I prefer high contrast photos, but that's my aesthetic, not yours, and this is your take on the subject. Fine work by any measure, and an excellent portfolio shot for her.

 

Regards,

Craig Unger

Craig, thanks. I love your comment!

 

The background would be less of an issue if I had remembered to burn it down. You're right about the slow film: the camera wouldn't go any lower. The lighting was simple, too: slightly overcast sky, fill reflector off to the side (camera left) held by my most excellent assistant, my 14 year old daughter. So, no flash--I would almost rather blow out the whole sky than use fill flash.

 

Regarding Nora, I'll gladly take a small amount of credit for contacting and working with her as she is just entering the field and I believe our shoot was her first ever, however, I should caution you to guard your heart as she required a parent or legal guardian to sign her model release. I'm sure she'll be quite flattered by your remarks.

 

Our intent in these photos was to see whether or not she could work in front of the camera, and if she could project her youth and beauty onto film, which I think she did very well.

Distracting background indeed, on this one. All has been said. Next ! :-)