Sorry, this one doesnt work for me.
It is nice and close but doesnt give much context to create a story from, or offer such interesting detail to maintain engagement.
The reds seem greatly over-saturated. The eye seems to focus slightly to the right rather than looking at the camera which might make a slightly stronger statement.
Here's a stab at something for consideration, if I'm getting your vibe @ trying to get the candle reflection (i.e. the story).
While I get that the candle light is going to be very warm ... I think we largely perceive such warmth as an improper WB without an obvious intent for the mood. Going B&W takes that negative perception out of it. You could color correct for the warmth, but then it becomes kinda boring to me.
I was going for showing both versions of the burning (candle and the redness of the eye due to allergies), but I think I need to learn a little more Photoshop to get the red to do what I'm wanting.
Rusty, I like the edit quite a bit, and I'll take a look at working that angle.
It took a little work with the macro lens on the front of my 35 to get it all to come together, but was a lot of fun to get my wife to do some modeling for me, most of the time she's not into it.
Thanks again!
Any more thoughts out there still appreciated.
Interesting concept; I think I was totally brain dead not getting what you were trying to show (burning & burning). I think it would be interesting if you did some light painting on the candle so you see some of the candle stick. (I just seen a funny looking catch light rather than a flame) This is very personal, but I just have trouble with all the orange of the image. I would also try a hair more dof so that some of the iris edges are in focus. I think your idea is great, just a little reworking and I think you will get it bang on.
