Frosted Thoughts

I left my glass head, stuck it in a snow pile in frigid temps for a few days. I finally got frost in the head yesterday that's visible from the outside to merit taking photos of.

Comments & critiques welcome suggestions cheerfully explored.

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Very nice shot. The only thing that detracts a bit in the dark and light background. I'm sure you had no choice. Nice photo.

This is cool but I agree about the split background being a little distracting. But only a little. I the frost is cool! (no pun intended)

Good thoughts I'll look out for with future shots. I knew the split background would draw some critique, but this clear head doesn't give away dimensional detail for the face without some background contrast. While I tried several angles and lighting options, this one seemed the most photo realistic. Here are a few others for comparison with less contrast points in the background.
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Cindy - Decent subject, but a difficult-to-shoot one. I think you did OK giving the circumstances, but the background is a problem in general, preventing it from elevating to classic art status. I like the bottom one in the latest posts, the colors work.

G

I quite like what you have done with the first one I like the dark area projecting through the head, it seems to signify dark or troubled thoughts, and to me the frosting on the forehead also ties in with that concept.

have you considered lighting with a remote flash ? in an angle that make light seem to come from inside the head ?

Thanks for the excellent extra thoughts guys!

GB - I tweaked the heck out of the last one's color temperature and saturation. Knew you'd single it out as one you like. (It's nice when you can anticipate a friend's suggestions isn't it?) I like it too but don't like the angle of the face or the darkness of the background. I really like the profile shot for this idea so will have to try again on another frosty day.

Pete - You hit it on the head. :) I was trying to use the contrasty background to bring a new texture to the head's surface and give it more realistic contour features, but also leave room for some imaginative reinterpretation. Thanks! I see the same darkness as a hairline and I truly wanted it to look like a person who froze to clear ice from standing outside too long.

Armando - Honestly a great suggestion!! I have a fab setup to do that with, I just didn't think of it! I think I was to interested in making it, taking it and getting back inside. (I'm not really much of a cold weather person.) Next time I'll dress warmer and put in the extra time and effort and set up some lighting.

what do u anticipate the boy represents in the Robert frost composition "birches"?