david_r_lewis

Robert,

A very lovely image, indeed.  I actually like the brightness in the upper portion of the image.  Maybe we can call it " leading tones " down to the darkness of the hair.  What is really interesting, is the possibilities for more images from this location, possibly a shape coming around the corner, a mysterious individual.  Who knows?  I like what you have done, take it further.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

I tend to agree with Glenn.  While this is a great image for all the reasons stated, possibly it is the dead center placement of the model.  There are good reasons for and against such a placement, it's a matter of choice.  Aaron, you do have a fabulous image and hope you post more of what you created at this location.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

Michael,

I am sure both your subjects are pleased with this image and presentation.  It shows an intimacy that is difficult to portray.  However, send these two to me so I can do something with that limp hand on the left, move the light to a different area, and use black and white along with dramatic lighting to create a intimate sense of mystery.  Don't get me wrong, your image is fine, but I sure know what I would do.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

David,

John Peri brings up a really good point here.  I am 5'7".  There used to be three competitors in my area who were 6'3".  When I looked at their work, their perspective was off in my opinion.  Whenever possible, I always try to get the lens level with the subject's eyes.  This tends to eliminate converging lines and seems to keep all things in perspective.  Do I break that policy ?  Absolutely !  But only when I want to.  Simply try my way a few times.  You will either like it or not.  Do remember that you are the artist and we mere mortals are only the critics.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

David,

Don't beat yourself up over candle or no candle.  The image you have presented is pleasing to the eye with interesting lines and of course a nice form with repeating elements namely the face and the candles.  It might be a bit tight on the crop and my monitor indicates a bit more density might be in order, but overall, a nice image and presentation.  I think a lot of us would like to go back and tweak parts of an image, but more time would be spent than moving on to create another terrific image.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

John,

You have an absolutely stunning subject which always helps to create a great image.  I really do not have anything to critique, but I will always remember a statement which may apply to your detractor, which I can only paraphrase :  " It is better to keep silent and let everyone think you are a fool than to open your mouth and prove everyone correct. "

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

Johm,

Hmmmm, you posted that you took the image on April 1.  Here in the U.S., that is known as "April Fools Day."  You have given me inspiration for next year.  I really like the composition you have created and especially the expressions of the people following the model.  Do they know what you see ?  Keep it a mystery.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

John,

One model, one location, so many possibilities.  It's great to be a photographer when all these variables line up together.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

Alessandra,

It takes an extraordinary individual to take that gigantic step to publish a nude self-portrait, congratulations and thank you, you may now breathe.  This is a wonderful image.  I really like the dark tones.  For the most part the shadows have held to give us the viewer a sense of mystery.  The tension in the toes adds nicely.  I do see a bit of unsharpness, but maybe this is what you wanted, not terribly distracting.  The one thing that bothers me the most is the amount of space at the bottom of the image.  That extra amount of dark space almost gives this image the feeling of " bottom heavy, "  of course not referring to the subject !  As always, I respect what the artist has presented.  All in all, well done.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis 

Greetings,

May I be the first to say, WOW !  This image has so much going for it:  the leading lines in the background, the limited depth of field, tonality, terrific use of light, the strength portrayed by the body positioning of the subject, and of course, the placement of the subject of interest dead center.  Well thought out and well executed.  

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

Andrew,

You have a beautiful subject, excellent composition, wonderful tonality, and terrific control of your lighting.  You are to be congratulated.  I do have one thought.  Could bringing the right arm into view with the elbow bent have given you a whole bunch more triangles to add to an already great composition ?  Possibly give it a try next time

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

Josef,

I am going to share my thoughts on this delightful image from my perspective as a portrait photographer.  The profile is absolutely stunning.  Remember, though,that even if there is no eye contact with the lens, the eyes are looking somewhere and in this image, I would have preferred the eye to be looking at a point just above where it is at present.  This would have " opened the eye " just that bit more for even more impact.  The parted lips are very sensual, good job.  The bracelet is casting a highlight across the breast.  Distracting ?  Maybe maybe not, but I think it's placement gives the impression of a very long wrist.  Had the bracelet been moved up slightly, who knows.  The back of a woman's hand is the least attractive part of her hand.  I tell my subjects to " imagine you are hanging on to the throttle of a Harley " and to throttle back to get more speed.  That reference seems to work for a majority of my clients but if they struggle, I simply gently take the wrist with my thumb and forefinger and bend their wrist backwards.  My thoughts are extremely minute, but I feel they contribute to an even better image.  This one as I have said is absolutely delightful.  I love it.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis 

What a wonderful profile image !  The composition, lighting, expression, tonality, and the presentation are superb.  Absolutely deserving the highest rating.  The only thing I can see for improvement might be to have a slight bend in the arm on the right as we view, although one could say it compliments the straight line of the far edge of the image.  Either way, this is a fabulous image.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

Jerry,

Nice job on the silouette.  As for the chair, don't sweat it, all things go in circles and this one will come back again.  I have recently dug out some things I used for Seniors 20+ years ago and it's amazing : the students think I have " new  stuff " and their parents love the nostalgia.  Props are no different than wide or skinny ties or " Elvis " collars on shirts.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis 

John,

You have a lot of very nice images in your portfolio and this one is nice also.  There are several things about this one that I feel could use some improvement.  First of all, the lip area is too bright in contrast to all the other very nice muted tones.  Second, there is not a lot of difference in the tones of the foreground and the background.  Third, it appears that the single light source is very close to the axis of the lens.  If this were my subject, I would have had her bend the right knee and bring her leg across the left leg so that the inside of the right knee touched whatever she is laying on.  This would have raised the hip to create a rounded line instead of just a straight line on the leg.  Two lights would have been my minimum, a fill over the camera, and the main off to the right as we look at your image.  If space permitted, a third light would have been skimming the body from the left.  I would have also lowered the face slightly and possibly raised the camera angle a bit.  One thing you have done very well is the treatment of the hands and arms.  All in all, this is a nice image, very saleable, and hopefully your client is pleased which is all that really counts.  The things I mention, possibly take everything up a notch or two.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

Sergo,

Actually you are brilliant for this lovely linear image.   The tunnel effect with receding tones is terrific.  I really like it !  Could it have been improved with a lot more depth of field ?  Who knows.  Could the solitary horizontal line have been put lower in the image or maybe a bit straighter ?   Once again, I don't know.   What ever you do, keep producing great images as this one.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis 

Anatoli,

My, my, I think it is an understatement to say you have done everything right with this fabulous image.  Presentation, body position, composition, cropping, lighting to get those wonderful tones, all have been handled flawlessly.  Congratulations. A 7/7 most certainly.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

dj,

I will disagree with Mr. Goodfellows.  At first glance, I was not impressed with this image, but the more I look at it, I suspect that your subjects may be two who live a lifestyle that is alternative to myself and this style of image may be what appeals to them.  Not everyone lives in a world of or appreciates a 3:1 light ratio with a Rembrandt lighting pattern on an Old Masters background.  I will say that I find the image a bit too contrasty for my liking.  I also prefer to have some separation of subject from background.  Just my preferences, you as the artist must choose.  I do admire you for posting an image probably a lot of us have little or no experience photographing.  I am going to rate this image, but not very high.  Keep up your efforts.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

Linda,

I can only add my echo to what has already been said plus the use of incredible leading lines.  This is one of those images that the more I see it the more I admire it and wish it was one of mine.  Wonderful creation.  Definitely deserves a 7/7.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

Antonio,

Just as your title states, this is a wonderfully sensuous image, well thought out and executed.  The curves in her body are extremely sensuous.   I like what you have accomplished-almost.  This is a critique forum, you asked for it and here goes.  The next time you try this, bend the right elbow to mimic the left side creating that little triangle which will accentuate that slim waist even more.  Pull the subject about eight feet further away from the background so you can get that light to just cross the shoulder giving more dramatic shadows than what you already have.  The chin should have just a bit more separation from the shoulder.  Cleaning up the wisps of hair that appear to be hanging out of her nose and lip will do wonders. There seems to be a bit of unsharpness, but that may just be my monitor.  It's those small details which make the difference.  I am still going to rate 6/6 as I really do like this image.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

Jarmo,

I have visited your portfolio and I must say I am very impressed by your portrait work.  Many many stories have been told.  This particular one is probably one of my favourites. You have captured the soul of someone who is probably a terrific bassist.  7/7 in my book.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

Francois,

What a delightful image.  Both you and Ms Lya are to be congratulated.  Everything:   body position, slim compositional format, lighting,  and tonal qualities have all been brought together successfully.  Very well done. A 7/7 for sure.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis

Arun,

First of all, your gallery has some very nice images, congratulations.  As for this one, I really like what you have done.  The overall softness works well.  The tonal qualities are top notch.  The body position is one we do not see that often, and is well handled.  By no means will I ever try to "re-make" someone else's image, but the straight line of the arm dead center as presented bothers me a little bit.  In reality, that alone can be viewed either way.  You as the artist must choose.  Overall, a very good job.  My rating will be a 6/6.

Warmest regards,

David R. Lewis