wink_photo

Amy. Just got back from traveling and what a nice surprise. I like the darkness. Oddly, I think the bedspread/covers are really interesting (white, then black) and that the black sheet stands out from the dark background (cool effect). It all leads to the nude form that seems almost painted. I dig it. All the best. Dana...

Thanks to everyone for commenting. George. Thanks for the compliment. I have been working on the concept for a while and am hopefully getting it dialed. Amy. Nice interpretation. Hadn't thought of the atlas angle. Maurizio. Thanks to you my "old" friend. I am always happy that you are looking. All the best to everyone and sorry for the late response but I have been traveling. Dana...

Thanks Raymond. Glad that you liked it. It is kind of weird but that suits both of us I think :-) Dana...

Teddy. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I really appreciate it. Sorry for the late response but I have been traveling. All the best. Dana...

Dominic C. Wonderful! I love the composition and pose but the overall tonal quality is what makes this work. The background has great texture and I like the gray (beach) that divides the black back and foreground. I also think the textural elements in the foreground (foam/water) give a good visual counterpoint. Finally the model is exquisite, the light is lovely and the bit of reflection is great. A favorite for me. All the best. Dana...

Raymond.  Can't believe I am the first to comment on this one.  I love the composition.  The hand positions guide you to the faces and the movement is amazing.  I like the BW for sure.  Very cool.  Dana...

Raymond. I like it. A straightforward and sublime portrait. Cool. Dana...

Laura. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. I agree that classifying photos/art is very difficult at times and is often frustrating for me. Obviously I like to break the "rules" a bit and I think that irritates some of my critics but I value their input as well (it keeps me honest). However, it does cause me to question my approach sometimes. I am glad that you liked the explanation of my approach. I am not sure the technique really matters in the end but wanted to explain how I shoot. I think many folks consider it just a matter of luck but I have experimented pretty extensively over the last few years and can get what is in my head in most shoots (i.e. it isn't an accident). I am glad to get a 6 from you but am more grateful for your thoughts and comments. I will keep trying for that 7, it is sweet incentive my friend. I am a fan and always looking when you post. All the best. Dana...

Sweid.  I am at a loss for words to respond to your comment.  I think this is the most touching comment on my work that I have ever received.  I am honored and humbled by your reaction and I think to have this type of resonance with a viewer has to be as good as it gets for an artist.  Your comment is particularly gratifying because of the emotional depth of your work (I am a big fan).  Thank you so much for expressing your feelings and giving me insight into the power that an image can have.  Like I said to the other guys above, it took my breath away when I first saw it (literally when I was shooting) and your reaction is more than I hoped or expected.     All the best.  Dana...

comments and suggestions welcome. Thanks. Dana...

Boris. Thanks. I also thought that it had a 60's feel to it. I really like the interpretation of the eyes, a unique and interesting interpretation. All the best. Dana...

Boris. Not sure what to say but thanks for commenting. I guess I didn't see the movie so I am not getting the reference. Thanks. Dana...

Laura.  Just to clarify:  The woman draws me into the image. Her presence is essential to the image and then I notice the other elements and begin to construct the story (my interpretation).  However, more than the beauty of the model (you, right?), I am drawn to your story telling using imagery.  It is unique and personal and that is why I always look forward to seeing it.  All the best.  Dana... 

I am with Nichols. This made me smile. My bottoms are off to the model as well ;-). Cool. Dana...

David. Wonderful moment. I like the overall tone and the DOF really highlights the model. Great work. Dana...

Amy. I suspect it makes you happy because it is a wonderful composition made from something most of us wouldn't have seen. I like the geometric elements (the toothpicks, onions, and Styrofoam) juxtaposed with the more random elements (bits of food). Cool. Dana...

Thanks to everyone for commenting. Drew, David, and Raymond. I am really pleased that you all liked it. I try to remain somewhat critical of my work and see it objectively but this took my breath away from the first. It is a refinement of the technique that I have been playing with for the last 2/3 years and I hope that I am homing in on what is in my head. Your friendship and encouragement have been key to the process. All the best. Dana...

Barry. Thanks for following up and I am glad that you liked the effect. I am still experimenting and hopefully will post some more tributes to Duchamp. All the best. Dana...

Boris.  Thanks for the comment.  Although I had many shots with her face, I felt this was the strongest and had a nice sense of mystery.  A girl needs some secrets after all ;-).  All the best.  Dana...

John. Thanks for the feedback. I face the dilemma of where to put work fairly frequently. I don't really consider this an abstract because it is clearly identifiable (a face) but agree it is an unconventional portrait. However, I do understand your point. As for the rating; I am not sure what to say really. I allow people to rate my work but find it to be fairly uninformative. I would rather have a fierce but informed critique (quite rare) as to why the shot works or doesn't based on photographic technique. With that said; these studies (my motion work) are all one exposure composed in camera (usually my D700, although I still shoot some film with my F3). Post-processing consists of conversion to BW, addition of grain, adjustments to contrast. I say this because I think that some people think I photoshop the technique. I am not anti-photoshop but am clarifying my approach. Thanks and all the best. Dana...

Owen. I really dig the setting and POV. Every line in the shot leads to the subject. Very cool composition. Dana...

Hello Laura. I have looked at the image many times now and wasn't sure what I wanted to say. I like the juxtaposition and contrast of the warm interior with the colder exterior. To me your expression seems defiant, like you are protecting the vessel from something specific. The note with "once upon a time" has a shooting star and I suggest that is what you have in the jar. Something to light the night. Thanks for the story. Dana...

David. Great photo. Obviously the model commands the frame on her own but your use of DOF here really makes her pop. Also the tonal range is superb. Also the wood grain is pretty cool. All the best. Dana...