Artistic Portrait

[gahspidy]

Ok, so I'm trying to get a feel of the reactions to this image.
I did like it but was not initially crazy about it, however, the subject loves it and has received really great feedback on it, which has me looking into this one again.
Considering using it for a number of things, but want to see what you think.
So, what thinks ye?

[jetrim]

Great Haute Couture shot! I could easily see this gracing the pages of W or V or even Italian Vogue :thumbsup:
A set with a couple like this mixed with a few of your "viewfinder" bird series would go over very well, I think.

[ksbryan0]

WOW! Very nice, Gary. I only wish her eye was a little more visible (or that violet ornament wasn't so close to the eye). Otherwise the composition and lighting are fantastic.

[maplestreet]

It's a breathtaking photo gahs, I agree with KSB though, I find myself wishing I can see her eyes.

Other than that I simply have no other input because I think it's great work.

[NKP68]

Very nice. I like the placement and the flow of motion in her arms. Great, even and flattering lighting. Nit Picks: I don't really understand the thing on her head, is it a hat? The shape is a bit too abstract for my taste in this image, plus it 's "brim" is covering her eye. The bird in hand lends to mood, the one on her shoulder is a distraction to me.
All in all, I like it.
Ed

[dana m.]

I think I would also like it better without the bird on the shoulder. They make a good point with the eye not being visable.

[LeeIs]

I really like your 'new' style of portraits. The light, almost high key but not quite. Great subtle backgrounds and strong subjects work really well. This one is very fantasy. love the little 'birds' or little creatures whatever they are and the accent of colour they provide the image. Very good choice of colours also, the green birds and the red flowers bounce off each other good and compliment each other. I don't mind the eye being not visible. to me that's a minute detail that doesn't really matter. She likes it for good reasons!

[Marc2B4]

Very cool Gary, very cool

[Greg McCary]

Nice Gary. This could go in any magazine in the world. In fact it is probably better than some of the best I have seen.

[gahspidy]

Thanks all for the great feedback on this. I absolutely agree about the eye not being visible. I was trying to pose her throughout this set in such a way where her eye was always visible in between the wires and jewels but as will Murphy's Law have it, the one of a few that slipped were the ones that had the best of everything else. I do however like that the jewel is positioned right where her eyeball would be, so it seems interesting to me in that regard anyway.
the birds were a bit tricky to position so they were adding and not taking away from this simplicity.
Masae (the model) is actually in Japan now, and although she has let us all know she is ok, i know she is going through much tough situation. what a disaster....

Thanks again.

[clayhaus]

Very illustrative effect and quite engaging. But immediately I was bothered -- as most others were -- by her hidden eyes. Reveal those (or at least one) and to me this would be perfect composition.

[gahspidy]

OK, i was able to find a similar image with partially exposed eye to work with.
Here is an edit with one eye just about visible. I think it does help
Let me know, thanks

[jetrim]

I think I actually like the original better. The title kind of dooms it, because it's hard for me to argue this is a "high fashion" shot when you put the word portrait in the title :lol:. As a portrait, the eye is a problem, but I don't see this as a portrait, and if you do a google image search for "haute couture photoraphy" you immediate notice that over half the images don't show the models eyes at all - it's not important, they are clothes racks for the subject of the photo, the fashions.

[gahspidy]

I think I actually like the original better. The title kind of dooms it, because it's hard for me to argue this is a "high fashion" shot when you put the word portrait in the title :lol:. As a portrait, the eye is a problem, but I don't see this as a portrait, and if you do a google image search for "haute couture photoraphy" you immediate notice that over half the images don't show the models eyes at all - it's not important, they are clothes racks for the subject of the photo, the fashions.

lol, realy didn't put much thought into the title. actually hate titling things.....i get your point. The "artistic" disclaimer should give it a bit of slack though... ;)

I had grown comfortable with the eye hidden, especially "replaced" with the jewel.

I thought I'd give it a try, and it seems to work fine as well especially being that the eye is not very prominent to begin with.

[clayhaus]

I think I would stick with the 1st version. The eye(s) should either be obvious or not. Overall part of the problem I'm having is that the bead thingies are too close in shape to an eye. Therefore MY eye wants to see hers but is distracted (and confused momentarily) by the beads.

[gahspidy]

Thanks for the feedback. Either way the eye is obscure, but i think having the bead removed from in front of it relieves a little tension about not seeing it at all. I dunno, I think its a small issue, but I'm leaning towards the visible eye.

thanks for your time on this.

[draymorton]

Best portrait I've seen on here in a long time. It actually pisses me off how good it is.

I prefer the tones in the second version. The eye is negligible.