Burn

[draymorton]

Taken around this time last year. Recently found it on a hard drive; don't know what to do with it at this point. Not good enough for a portfolio, but I like the general idea too much to scrap it entirely.

[rylan]

This photo gives off a mood! I really like it.

Eyes are sharp, and the lighting is nice!

[gahspidy]

Excellent portrait. I would be impressed with it in anyones portfolio, so take that for what its worth.
I was thinking at first that I had an issue with the three catchlights in the eyes, but the more I look and get comfortable with the image, I feel it can leave well enough alone.
I think its worthy and then some. . .
Might be worthwhile to keep looking back at some older images

[Dubbs5050]

this is a great shot....what did you use to dirty the face?

[draymorton]

Thanks guys.

Gary, yeah I can see the catchlights being a love 'em/hate 'em deal. The idea for the lighting setup - and image in general - came from a photo Chuck Close took of, I think, Brad Pitt. He had a six-light setup and a macro-like depth of field going.

Here are the parts that are bothering me: does it matter that the skin isn't razor sharp everywhere on his face? Would you darken (or lighten) the neck area? Does it work on a technical level or is it sloppy anywhere in any way that can be fixed in post?

[draymorton]

this is a great shot....what did you use to dirty the face?

Thanks, Dubbs. Sunflower oil all over the face and MIG oil (don't remember which) for the dark areas. Then a little post work. That's it, as far as I can remember.

[gahspidy]

Thanks guys.

Gary, yeah I can see the catchlights being a love 'em/hate 'em deal. The idea for the lighting setup - and image in general - came from a photo Chuck Close took of, I think, Brad Pitt. He had a six-light setup and a macro-like depth of field going.

Here are the parts that are bothering me: does it matter that the skin isn't razor sharp everywhere on his face? Would you darken (or lighten) the neck area? Does it work on a technical level or is it sloppy anywhere in any way that can be fixed in post?

Does not matter to me that the skin is not sharp as tack all throughout. There is quite obviously a very limited DOF here and it works because you have the key areas right on spot focus. The lips, cheeks and the very foremost areas of the eyes (edges of eye lids) are sharpest. I think the lips being tack sharp works perfect. I would not do anthing further really. Neck area is fine. Its soft in focus and bringing it out I don't think would add anything. It does not look as though you have anything else that can be brought out in that area, at least from this version.
Its a fine and impactful portrait that looks technically sound to me

[draymorton]

Thanks, Gary.

It occurred to me that the original version might be too dark. Does this work better, worse...?

[BlueRob]

Pure power Dray!
I love the first image, its technical difficulties fall to a second plane as it is it has a very powerful feeling. I think it well worth it to have it on a portfolio...I mean it is not a beauty shot but it has a power on its own...hope I`m not being redundant.

Maybe adding more light (definition) to the chin area of the first image will do...don´t know I like it as is.

The second shot gives a clearer view all around but lacks the "emerging from the ashes" mood which IMO its part of the drama.

[jetrim]

I prefer the original posted version (at top of page). I believe the sharpness is fine as I don't see any blur at the tip of the nose and it doesn't fall away until beyond the furthest point of the eyes. The neck is well balanced, no need to lighten or darken. Excellent shot!

[Greg McCary]

Awesome shot Dray.

[draymorton]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone!

Pure power Dray!
I love the first image, its technical difficulties fall to a second plane as it is it has a very powerful feeling.

Thanks as always, Rob! Could you elaborate on the technical difficulties?

[draymorton]

Another question for whomever: do the lip blisters add or detract? I thought it was kind of weird to have the face affected and the lips untouched, but maybe I was overthinking.

Thanks again.

[jetrim]

Another question for whomever: do the lip blisters add or detract? I thought it was kind of weird to have the face affected and the lips untouched, but maybe I was overthinking.

Thanks again.

I'm not sure how much it adds, but it certainly doesn't detract.

[draymorton]

Okay, thanks jet.

[gahspidy]

Definetely does not detract, actually feel it adds. Its a tight in-your-face and somewhat disturbing portrait, and the blisters add to the "shocking" or disturbing quality of this.

[EOSThree]

Thanks, Gary.

It occurred to me that the original version might be too dark. Does this work better, worse...?

I was going to say lighten it up a bit, but I see you've already beat me to it. I love your portraiture and your post processing. You have a unique style that makes a person want to keep coming back to look.

[draymorton]

Thanks both. Really appreciate the feedback and kind words.

Cheers to all who took the time to look and comment.

[daq7]

Second one is awesome.

[shootme]

Wow, I can't honestly critique this sorry, but I love seeing your work, it is so rich. If I had anything to say, I'd have given just a bit more either side of the ears? But the texture and processing is excellent. Wonderful shot.

[draymorton]

Thank you for the feedback.

Peter, I can add more room on either side if that helps the cause.

Remaining issues: undecided as to whether the light or dark is better, as the feedback here has been mixed. Perhaps something in between?

Also, I'm thinking of cropping it just under the chin and either just above the eyes or halfway up the forehead. Can't decide if any of those moves would improve things.