African Masks

[gahspidy]

Another series I'm working on that i started way back when I first joined the forum. Hardest part was preparing the shot. getting the masks into position. Used a Mag lite flash light for lighting as it has a bright white halogen bulb ( no color casts) and the ability to focus the beam wide or spot it. great for highlights and accent lighting.Shot with color film and converted to bw. How does this shot work? All comments appreciated.

[gahspidy]

I had pulled the original posted image off as I had mistakenly applied way too much jpeg compression and for some reason am experiencing problems uploading a 50kb file. Will try again later . . . . . . . ok here it goes.

[Seb]

I had pulled the original posted image off as I had mistakenly applied way too much jpeg compression and for some reason am experiencing problems uploading a 50kb file. Will try again later . . . . . . . ok here it goes.

Hello Gary,

This picture is most interesting and surprising. It almost looks like a documentary shot from an exhibit yet more artsy than one would expect. The fact that you managed to create such a remarkable lighting from a simple flash light impress me.

This is a fine example of your versatility as a photographer. I am very interested to see the rest of your series.

Seb

[Young Shooter]

Very awsome picture, it dose look like a museum, thingy, did u use flash in this or that is lighting from under the masks

[Mr.U]

I would expect this in National Geographic. Great shot... Dark feeling.... I love it!

[jackthegreenrat]

I think the light from your flashlight is a little harsh - I would maybe try letting the batteries run down a little bit or using a softer light.

[FadderUri]

Very interesting shot, Gary. I love the subject, and I would never have thought of using a MagLite for lighting, even though I use one for every other situation I need light in. How long did you expose, and what aperture, if I may ask?

[gahspidy]

Thanks all for the time to comment. Whether the comments are critcal or complimentary, they are appreciated immensly.
Seb . . . you have stated exactly what I was most curious about. I had thought that maybe this looked to "documentary" like and not interesting enough but glad you feel that it is more artsy than would be expected. Thats was my intent. Yes, the flashlight is a fine tool to experiment with, but there is some help here in ps bringing out more ambience than was originally captured. Thanks, I think i will post some of the other mask shots.

YoungShooter . . . .I like your direct approach and that you speak your mind openly. Very glad you find the image positive. The light was only from the flash light and it was placed beneath and about 2 feet to the left of the masks and 1 ft in front.

Mr.U . . . .tremendous compliment. and Dark you say. . . love to hear that as that is usually my intentions and was hoping for that feel here to a degree.

jackthegreenrat . . . .The masks are very old and ashy and I think that is giving the appearance of a harsh lighting, but perhaps it could be softened a bit at the lower portions of the masks. You are looking at this through your laptop? If your laptop screen color temp is higher than 6500k than it may make the image bright areas appear too bright. Thanks for the comments, and welcome to the forum

FadderUri . . .Glad you like the subject as well. This was one of many takes and i did not record my settings, but most of the shots feel into the 8 to 10 second exposure range, approx. 150mm zoom, apperture was either 6.7 or 8.0

[jcharris]

Hallo Gary

You have great creativity ! My personal opinion i would have tried a bit more light to the top of the masks just to see that extra bit of detail there as well .Depending what you are planning to do with this series .
Did you get those masks from somewhere in Africa ?

Regards
james

[gahspidy]

Hallo Gary

You have great creativity ! My personal opinion i would have tried a bit more light to the top of the masks just to see that extra bit of detail there as well .Depending what you are planning to do with this series .
Did you get those masks from somewhere in Africa ?

Regards
james

Thanks for the comments , James. My uncle, who passed away when I was fairly young, worked with the U.N and did alot of traveling to Africa. Over the years he had brought back many items from various tribes and locals that I suppose were given to him as gifts of hospitality. Many beautiful pieces, several of which i have with me in my place.

[Nina]

As usual great shot Gary. I'm always so impressed by your level of creativity.