gooseberry

Wonder whether that's one of Alfred Weissenegger's tricks... (?)

 

https://500px.com/photo/99714737/mysterious-energy-by-alfred-weissenegger

 

Thanks; will play with it!

[[show-photo-18502071]]

 

What do you mean by dynamic contrast and dynamic brightness, Andrew? – Color Efex has a dynamic contrast adjustment under the Pro Contrast option, but somehow I doubt that this is what you were referring to.

Of the three versions of this image, this processing is my favourite; it gives it the most rich look.

Good pose as well as tones!

Good pose as well as tones!

Interesting to see how my perspective has changed over the years: while I still like this image – no question it's good! – but I not mesmerised by it anymore. It might be erring on the over-sharpened side, and the ridge and top of the nose are slightly blown out. Nothing major, but I didn't even notice those things before...

Day 29 was the best of them all.

The pose looks unnatural to me and doesn't hold much interest.

...so I'd say it's not a factor.  It could also comfortably sit in Humor as well as in Portraits or even in Fashion.

I'd clone out the hanging loop.

...glad to see people saving water!  ;-)

I'd have model's eyelashes and/or lips in sharp focus, not her fringe. 

Great composition and toning; especially like the subtle reflected light on the "underside."

Have managed to look it up -- congratulations! 

Initially thought she was holding a knife in her left hand, which I thought odd, so have looked closely: it was the edge of the mirror behind her...   ;-)

Good point on the model's back mirroring the curve of the chair's armrests, Matthijs.  Wonder whether it was intended that way (?)

Hmm, I've never figured out how come that hunching somehow became fashionable, especially in "cool" fashion photography.  I'm finding it aesthetically unappealing; it ruins the shot for me in spite of gorgeous models, fantastic stylization, and great lighting, all of which are present in your shot, so this is more of a confession of my personal preferences = subjective biases.

In my view, this is the best nude of yours thus far.

Splendid.

...you've gotta be quick not to miss such moments!
(I actually like it a lot)

...is the alternative title that came to my mind  ;-)

Well spotted, John: I did clone them out indeed -- somehow they didn't compose well with the rest in this crop.  As for your gorgeous model's expression, feels to me that my alternative framing detracts from it, which is exactly why I favour your take on it.

...have tried different crops (one example above), but couldn't find one I'd be truly happy with, which makes me think that your crop was the winner in this case.

...and reflection: I note you've cropped it into a square format, John, so am wondering what you've left out (?) -- I think I would have went with a portrait format to shown more of model's reflection.

Believe the expression goes to have something at one's feet / to have the world at your feet, so is that an intentional play on words?