Ada - attempt at a beauty shot

[jetrim]

Probably should have switched to the macro for this, but it was a simple test at the end of a pin-up shoot in preparation for Benjikan's little contest (working up a completely original theme for that, so not trying to gain any unfair advantage posting this one here) just wondering if the framing/composition are working OK, or if I need to get in tighter...

[armando_m]

I think you can get closer, the eyes, lips & pearls is what caught my attention
there seems to be some excess gel on her hair in the top left corner?

[jetrim]

Wow 50+ view and only one person has an opinion...
I think you're probably right Armando, reviewing the shots, there are a couple of tighter ones I think might be better, will try to post one later on. I did like the dynamic angle of this one though.

[jetrim]

Okey dokie... really tight

[armando_m]

in my opinion the second one is way better than the first one, but i'm biased by the change into a more discrete makeup which i prefer.


the skin looks like a makeup add from a women's magazine, that I guess is something you wanted

wish the far eye was a bit sharper

[WhenYouBelieve]

I do like the colors in the photo, and it is focused and composed well, Im just not a fan of beauty shots, the subject looks somewhat like a drag queen with all the makeup and her hair all teased, I dont know it feels sort of tacky to me.

[jetrim]

Armando, you are right about the intent, it is by design a very commercial shot, so I'm glad to hear that comes across well. I think the far eye is going to be a trade-off, and the lesser of two evils. If I increase the depth of field I lose much of the creaminess of the skin, but I'll experiment a bit more.

WYB, happy to get your feedback even if you don't care much for beauty shots. The main focus of this particular studio session was pin-up, so the teased hair was a leftover from that, as I got in a bit of practice for an upcoming contest focusing on beauty shots. When I submit the real deal, there will be myself, a makeup artist, hairstylist, fashion stylist and creative director all collaborating on the entry, and it will be far more tacky and outrageous than this, I assure you :lol:

[WhenYouBelieve]

Hahaha oh jeeze, I cannot imagine, I mean it is a good shot, and I definetly understand how outrageous fashion photography can get, so this is actually pretty mellow compared to that.

[gahspidy]

The second shot is very good, Jet, although i agree in wishing there were a bit more DOF. the composition is well done and the skin tones etc., very nice. The first shot just does not feel right somehow. I am not digging the makeup application to the eyes and the color of the lipstick. Also, I'm not feeling the elegant pearls go with the radical MU, but i'm no fashion guru. . .
the hair gel def an issue but that could be edited out.

[DGK*CRONE]

is that the hair spray in her hair? (first shot)

I like the second one more because it looks more cleaned up.

[Ray Dockrey]

I too like the second one.

[Photo-John]

I too like the second one.

What do you like about it, Ray? Remember this is the Photo Critique forum. It's not enough to just say you like a photo here. You should also tell us why and offer some advice for improving it.

[n8]

#2. It may be the compression, but it seems her eyes could be sharper.

[GB1]

Hey Jet,

I actually find the first better than the second. But I am still bothered by certain things in # 1, namely what appears to be lens distortion on the top, and a somewhat flat exposure overall. Maybe if you bump up the saturation on it it will pop more? The distortion thing I am not 100% blaming the lens, it's like her forehead and hair that sticks straight up exaggerates the feeling of a wide-angle.. Not sure it works for a beauty shot (where it MIGHT work though, is if this was a shot of a Sci-Fi actress, as comics always have an exaggerated vanishing point).

The second image is good in different ways - nice smile, eyes - but the dof is a little too little and the white background seems to over-power her. Anyway, hope this isn't too critical.

G

[Coastal Flyer]

Jet,

Nicely done in both shots. I too prefer the second shot to the first as I do not find the eye shadow to be appealing. However, as a photo, my only point is the reflection on HER right temple. Doesn't fit in with remainder of the photo. As for the second shot, I have two points for your consideration: the appearance of chapped lips. I would prefer perfectly smooth, just like the skin on her face. Her smile is perfect, but there is a reflection/hot spot right smack (no pun intended) in the middle of the shot within her teeth. Tiny, pin point as it may be, it sticks out.

Other than that, you present really nice work.

David

[Anbesol]

I am favoring the second shot over the first. The make-up in the first only makes me wonder - why? The expression in the second one though, is outstanding, and the makeup is just enough to emphasize the natural beauty. I think the tighter framing and simpler look make this one a lot more pleasant to look at.

Anyway - what is benjikaans photo contest? Whats the objective of the contest?