erik skaar photography

I agree with just about everyone that this is a lovely portrait. However, if I might offer one small critique in that I think the retouching on the skin has been a bit overdone, particularly under the eyes. I realize that there is need to diminish wrinkles and dark circles that most everyone has under their eyes but removing them altogether makes the model seem to 'plastic', in my opinion. I can also see some artifacts from retouching on the camera left cheek. Or it could just be compression artifacts. Anyway, just my two cents. A lovely portrait that could be made even lovelier with a few minor fixes.

 

Best,

Erik

I realize that it's presumptuous to suggest this but I would love to see you grow this section of your portfolio as you have done with your male nudes. Again, your execution is sublime and, as a model, you demonstrate an incredible spacial awareness and an aptitude for the dramatic without being cliche, in addition to having a fantastic physique that translates well to some stunning imagery.

I can't say that I would have the constitution for a shot like this but I cannot tell you how pleased I am to see someone giving the male nude (and associated parts) the same attention as we see with the female form. And your execution is superb.

However (and I am just as guilty as the next person for doing this) but why crop out his elbow? If you left the elbow in and positioned the model more camera right, I think the composition would be more effective. Nice lighting to capture the definition of his muscularity without being contrasty.

Wonderful. Other than the speck of dust just above the horizon line, an outstanding image!

This reminds me strongly of the movie 'The Cell'. Fantastic!

Exquisite and wonderful. I cannot offer any critique... my only response is to stare and admire.

Luxurious and sensual. A moment of ecstasy. Beautiful.

 

-Erik

Very clever and nicely executed.

Gorgeous textures, wonderful contrast, hauntingly beautiful. A powerful image.

 

Best,

Erik

I love this. Beautifully ethereal.

The lighting, pose, DOF, and the model's expression are all working together here. I also like the grain and the fact that the nudity is supplementary and not the focus of the image. Very sensual and nicely done.

 

-Erik

I really like the idea of what you were going after. The ghosting is very effective. However, the environment (IMHO) isn't commensurate with the ghosting element. The OSB sheathing on the walls and nicer looking carpet speaks of a more modern day while the spectral wants me to see a more dilapidated setting. But perhaps that juxtaposition is what you were going for.

 

I think this is an idea worth exploring further. Great concept.

 

Cheers,

Erik

The color palette in this image is unreal (tweaked saturation?) and amazing. Wonderful timed exposure. I like the bird on the rock, and the slight ghosting of its previous positions to the right.

 

My only issue (and it may be an artifact of web display) but I think there I can see some slight banding in the lower quarter of the image. Hyper critical on a wonderful image. Nicely done!

 

-Erik

The sight of an empty playground always bothers me. Unfortunately, there are more occasions to be bothered by these days too... more and more kids are on the internet or playing the Wii instead of playing hide and go seek or swinging on the swings at the park.

 

A nice capture. It makes me think.

 

-E

An excellent idea/pose. My only critique would be that there is too much shadow merge on the left side of her leg, just below her backside. I think some separation there from the background would help to round the image out. That being said, an outstanding image.

As Anush said, I love the idea here. However, I find myself slightly overwhelmed by the busyness of the image. It's a little difficult to look at for extended lengths of time. I personally like the contrast of the image but the frenetic vibe the image gives off (through lines and form, not actual subject matter or scene) rattles this image a little. Just my humble two cents.

 

-Erik

This is wonderful, Ian. Subject matter is very interested and the sensitivity with which you have treated it is inspiring. Your whole portfolio is.

 

Erik

Amazing image... no reason to say why... the image speaks for itself. Bravo.

I think this is the best pose you have done to date with this model. L4 is also very nice. I have to say, her physique is exquisite, and a better muse could not be had. I like this window series of her. Nicely done.

This is gorgeous. At first glance, it appears to be entirely monochrome but then you notice the gentle and painterly coloring. Just lovely.

 

-Erik

I'll say it again. Wow.

I think I would disagree with Haleh as it seems to me the effect looks like chipping plaster, indicative of fresco techniques... however, I will agree with Haleh on the point that this is quite lovely.

DOF is wonderful and the exposure is spot on. Love it.

 

Hi Laura-

 

This is a lovely composition, soft tones, and interesting pose. My only critique is that it appears you did some post process dodging on the left side of the image and the graduation of tone from left to right is pretty abrupt. Perhaps this is what you intended but I think it might work better if the tonal quality were a little more uniform. Other than that, splendid!

 

Cheers,

Erik