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I don't normally produce a matte look in my images. Rather, my images are more edgy, contrasty, and colorful. But sometimes, you see an image and decide to head out of your comfort zone to edit it the way you think it was meant to be.
I was doing a fashion shoot for a magazine and found these steps and the brown wall at our location. When my model came out wearing those clothes, I knew I wanted to put her against these steps. Just in front of her and to her left (my left as well) is a huge storefront window providing gorgeous natural light.
Frisco, I’ll tell ya what I think.
I do like the light but I think she needs some kind of contrast, even if you create it in post. Her face looks flat and featureless.
The colors are good and I’m ok with the brown wall.
The steps need some light, or lightening. The pose looks odd, not because it’s odd but because the steps just aren’t there. Till I read it, I had no idea what she was on. Just looks odd.
I take it by matte, you mean sorta unsharpened as if it was printed on a heavy matte or rag paper?
Otherwise it’s a nice shot.
I think our idea of edgy is a bit different though!!
Good work!
John
Sometimes you have to go with what moves you and stays true to your vision. Not everyone is going to like everything you do. Often, I make changes based on feedback but on this one, I just like it the way it is. By a "matte" look, I mean a flatter light imaged, not really the contrast or brightness or edginess in lighting that you'll usually find in my images.
As for her feet, I'm good with them. I think the bottom foot is on a step. It's pretty dark there and to be honest, i'm not that concerned. I love how her legs look, and how they feature those boots.
As for Anthony's comment on her expression, yep. She's not really a model, but rather a dancer/dance teacher that modeled for me. She couldn't relax her face the way I wanted. Obviously, the magazine also got this same shot with her smiling and that's probably the one they'd use. I'm just drawn to this expression, even if she didn't nail it.
This is a fine composition Ron and your explanation helps adjust my initial reaction to the image. She is a beautiful engaging woman and I also think a smile would soften her face pleasurably! Very few real models smile when photographed. Great job "as is"! Just my $.02!
Dan
Ron, this is a nice and soft portrait or a soft fashion shot. Judging by the coordinated colors, I assume that the fashion parts would be the boots, the bottom skirt and the shoulder bag. The image highlights those pieces well.
Ron, I understand at least as far as someone who doesn't know about portraiture....is it like "ya gotta take what you can get/got? No one can ever say about your photography that "you go for the easy stuff." Your dancer work speaks eloquently about your creativity and competency. I really enjoy seeing your work.
