Lisa: I appreciate the response up above showing the actual fire in your area. That would be scary. And using that scene (environment) is good (interesting, native, your place).
As for the direction your photography is taking?
I always encourage people to follow their own creative ideas and drive (or muse). Same here. You make outstanding beautiful photographs. Whatever direction or new things you try, I am sure the photos will look very nice and it will be interesting to see how you develop in new areas.
In other words, keep following YOUR creative ideas and don't let the critics slow you down.
Last point: Your daughter is very pretty, and that always helps a photo. And both of you are lucky to have each other (photographer + model) to create admirable images together. I think that is actually "wonderful" and so cool too.
I just noticed the new pictures in here. I thought the first were stunning. Now, they almost look bland to the new ones added below. The third image is my favorite from the set.
Thank you for sharing these, Lisa. You're inspiring me with some great ideas.
Well done images. The orange light in the upper left looks odd in the context of the ones with such bold red. Without context it would be fine. But number two without the red backlight definitely has my vote. All that dark with the porcelain face and hand. As an art director I am going to be looking for areas for headline and copy. And that one is a prime candidate for commercial use. Or editorial. Great cover for a book. The other's are dramatic and bold. But don't hold a candle (couldn't resist) to the porcelain face with penetrating blues eyes barely framed by the red hair. And the hand reaching out to draw the viewer into those eyes. With the red light she is in a wild and dangerous environment. She looks a little frightened of that place. But number that place is all her. She's the wild and dangerous place. And would like to draw you in to it. And looks quite capable of doing just that. All the others she is in it. Number two she is it. Her power comes through quite clear in the one. All good shots as we would expect, but one that is over the top excellent. A classic. Kudos.
Great shots. Special thanks for posting before and after pictures for the first one. For a second, I thought how cruel it was of you forcing your daughter to dye her hair funky orange for your photo shoot
Thank you! Ravitej, I always appreciate your thoughts - they always help me learn and are so well thought out. Thank you for taking the time - I truly appreciate it.
I like it, but I think your darkening of the black fabric robs the subject of definition on the edges where the black meets the red. My eye is slightly troubled by the fact that the contrast between the red and black makes the plane facing the camera seem darker than shoulders.
It's a nit though. These are fun pieces, and I like them. There's some real thematic consistency and thoughtfulness evident here.
Those are very well done. The mood you project in the images, makes her look a bit like a medieval person. Truly inspirational. Love you work around this house.
