michael_matsil

Michal certainly has a knack for environmental portraiture, fashion on location and lifestyle images. If we look at the 'photograph of the week' alone, we all seem to be categorizing it as a period image. But who's to say it is.... especially in the context of the other portraiture he shows on photo.net. So, I am not the least bit bothered by any of the perceived inconsistencies noted in these posts, regarding any of the more modern elements of the environment. It adds to the richness as far as I'm concerned. In fact, I see the red fabric wrapped around her head and on the sleeves as very spontaneously applied... not at all a deliberate attempt at faithfully reproducing the dress of a period. I know it comes off that way visually, but I see it as fun between a photographer and subject. It shows in the subject's somewhat wry look.

I'm wondering if Michal could comment on this.

HC-B meets Rodney Smith (BTW: that's a compliment.) If you're not pro already, at least

give it some serious thought....Good luck.

This is a simple composition that possesses an elegant gesture in its form and play of

light. It is an often-visited subject matter, but this particular image does it in a stripped

down way. It is not the subject content that is cliché, but rather the usual high drama

imagery we typically see for dune images. In other words, this interpretation is more

graphic and a step or two removed from a pictorial representation. This is indicated by

the ambiguity upon first viewing, that some are experiencing. Some will like that...some

won't. As far as the vignette and the use of Photoshop, any adjustments digitally that do

not introduce new content into the picture, are merely an extension and amplification of

traditional wet darkroom techniques. Introducing new content, as in collage or the joining

of multiple photographic images, is more in the realm of illustration (although it is almost

always referred to as photography.) Photographic illustration is a more appropriate term

that is being used more now.

I would also add that it is truly inappropriate for participants in this forum to 'rip' other's

images from this site and repost the image with their own Photoshop adjustments in order

to make a point. It would be more respectful to the photographer if you asked permission

first, even if C. Jager has no problem with not being asked.....it's a community thing.

An earlier post described this image as "...subtle..." My criticism would be: "not subtle

enough." As I look at this model, I imagine the head scarf falling away and all that is left is

a very pleasantly executed studio head shot. Sorry. I actually agree with many of the

positive comments made here, so perhaps it is the light weight critiqueing I take issue

with.

This is one of those abstract color things that actually recognizes very conventional

compostional devices. Nice work. Most photographers either go for the very rational OR

the very abstract.

Yes....this particular graphic approach is regularly used by photographers, but

as stated earlier in these reviews, this image not only swaps the shadow for

the opaque but re-orients the shadow and re-positions it in the frame to

provide....let's say it all together: VISUAL SURPRISE. It's one of the things

photography does so well....in the right hands. This instance of V.S. is almost

completely called upon by this photographer's imagination, with the activity of

the subject providing only a bit of raw material in the long shadow. The great

photographer, Harry Calihan, was skilled at translating the visually mundane

into photographic triumph in this way.