Evil Valentine

[rylan]

Took this shot the other day actually, I just recently received my off camera flash gear I ordered.

What do you think about this shot? Be honest lol

[OldClicker]

I see nothing evil - cute shot. As a portrait, I think I would try to get better focus on the eyes, get more light to the left eye and remove the tags. TF

btw - The evil thing is the dirty trick by Hallmark (or whoever) to date it so that it cannot be used again next year.

[rylan]

Haha thank you, Well I just thought it looked kind of evil, from the black background.

[hminx]

Glowing red eyes might make it look evil

[daq7]

Underlighting is a classic technique for signalling the villain. That is what makes it look evil to the extent that it does, except for the whole valentine teddy bear thing which is vile beyond description...

[rylan]

Haha I was bored, Girlfriend left her Valentines day gift here.

It became my subject for photographing that evening.

[Lava Lamp]

I see the evil - kind of a "Chuckie" thing. Although, I'm not sure I would have picked up on it right away without prompting...

[rylan]

Thanks Lava Lamp!

[GB1]

I think the concept is good. However, I think a few adjustments are needed to show the feeling you want:

- Like Lava says, underlighting creates a sinister feeling. Side lighting can do this too, to a lesser extent

- Looks slightly purplish to me here on my computer. Can you adjust in post processing to make more pink?

- In general I don't think the landscape format works here, but it may be acceptable if you have more spacing above and/or below the bear (looks cramped as is)

- Maybe a little less intensity with the lighting

GB

[rylan]

Thank you GB, I will give that a go!