mtmixon

This is a great composition, and the lighting works well to balance the image.

Dramatic and beautiful photo. I also feel the contrast between the rough rocks in the foreground with the smooth and soft dunes in the background really makes the image.

We were wandering among several bunkers at Normandy

when I noticed these two kids sitting down at the base of one of them.

I literally had time for a single shot before their parents called

them away.

I love the juxtaposition of concrete and these little bodies.

I'm glad my reflexes were sharp that day.

This was taken mid-morning on a crisp winter day at a monastery in

Germany.

The morning mist was still hanging low, and the light was absolutely

fantastic.

As so often happens, when I went out on the same trail later in the

day, the light had turned uninteresting and flat.

Sometimes it pays to get out in the cold earlier in the day.

What in particular about the color tone is uncomfortable? I've been playing around with duotone images, and I'm really interested to know which combinations seem to be the most effective. What I was after here is introducing into a B&W image a hint of the warmth of skin bathed in light.

To be honest, the color just kind of evolved as I played with the picture. I really wanted to accentuate the red lips, and the original skin color just wasn't doing it, so I started to play with hue and landed on this color, and it just struck me as pleasing. And funny you should pick this one as your favorite -- the model likes this one the best as well.

Funny, I don't have that problem. :-) But I'll take a look and see if it helps. Thanks for the feedback.

My goal? How about a little something called experimentation -- that activity amateurs sometimes engage in as they explore numerous possibilities and learn what they do and do not feel helps them in their pursuit of artistic expression? I agree with you that it is important to learn and master all of the areas you mentioned, which I am dutifully doing, but I feel a solid comfort level with Photoshop is vital as well -- given the digital age we are in -- and that only comes through diligent practice and playing. And I don't agree that the only good use of Photoshop is in the service of "traditional" photographic development...I've seen some amazing pieces of digital art on this site and elsewhere that could only have come about by venturing into what you define as the "gimmicky" side of Photoshop.

Emil, your photographs are consistently extraordinary. You have a very unique vision, often with a hint of the macabre, and you execute it flawlessly. There are photographers and then there are artists -- I believe you fall solidly into the latter category. You inspire me.

Yes...the A-Ha video was certainly one of the influences for this picture. I must've been listening to an '80s flashback lunch when the idea came to me. :-)

Just playing with an effect. My inner verdict is still out on whether or not I like it.

This is a superb picture...the crisp, saturated colors turn this photo into a work of art. Very well done!

Curious to see if people think this effect works.

Bad focus and color.

Ceilings can be quite mesmerizing. I've spent many hours staring at them myself. :-) I actually have a variation on this photo (attached) where she is looking into the camera, but it isn't as interesting to me -- her face isn't as expressive. What do you think?

 

Thanks for the comments on the photo.

 

 

I like this one a lot myself. Thanks for the kind remarks Eric.

Thanks Lamar...that is some very constructive feedback. As this was my first attempt at using both a model and studio light, I really had no idea what I was doing. :-) But upon reviewing the images, and receiving intelligent critiques from more experienced photographers like yourself, I am becoming aware of the many things that can make or break a photograph. I certainly appreciate the effort and skill it takes to create a great photograph. I plan to take some of this new education and apply it on my next shoot.

Thanks Aubre for the suggestion...I think blurring the mirror does help the image. I played around with different levels of blur, and think this one does the trick. What do you think?

Thanks Jennifer. I had noticed the heel, but chose to ignore it. However, it was a distraction, and so I took your advice and removed it. I also cropped the photo a bit to remove the right edge of the table. I wasn't too sure, though, how to best add detail into the back without sacrificing the smooth tones and feel of the overall picture. Any ideas?

This was my first photo shoot with a model, and we shot at her

apartment. She had a couple of basic studio-type lights (don't ask

me what their specs were...I didn't pay attention) and a simple

backdrop, which we proceeded to experiment with. This photo (and

another in this gallery) are what I consider to be the best of that

lot, but I want to get feedback from the folks on here as to what

works or doesn't work with this photo. Are the shadows and colors

effective? Your input will be greatly appreciated, as this is

certainly an area I want to improve in. Thanks!

This looks as if the golfer metamorphed into a giant, phantom penis...and left his shoes behind, because, well, why would a penis need shoes? :-)

 

Needless to say, interesting effect.

This is a really great shot...one of the best I've seen on this site. It evokes so much energy and emotion. Love the whirling dervish nature of the dancer.

I agree that the overhead foliage should have some more definition, so I attempted to add it using Photoshop. If you click on this gallery (Sicily 2002), you will find the revised photo right after this one...I have named it Savoca Terrace New. I haven't done anything with the masonry yet, as I think I kind of like it. It might also be that I'm just not up for the cloning work it would require to properly get rid of it. :-)

This is a breathtaking photo...it's so simple, yet so elegant. How did you achieve this effect? I assume you did something to the picture in Photoshop...