Sorry I don't post here as often as I should. Shot this with Astrid Kallsen in an abandoned insane asylum this past week. Fuji GFX 32-64mm with natural light.
GFX100SFujifilm Fujinon GF32-64mm F4 R LM WR lens63mmf/4.01/250s250 ISO0.0 EV
The photo is well executed, but unfortunately I’m a bit confused when I look at it. What message/feeling/emotion were you trying to convey in the photo? The warm, cheerful tones of the photo contrast to the run down walls and floor. She’s at a chess board in her wedding dress, but she seems to almost be asleep with here eyes closed, no emotion on her face, etc.
I think you were trying to convey a patient in the asylum, but the lighting and her expression don’t help to strongly tell the story (for me anyway). I think the eyes open could have helped tell the story - blank stare, sadness, etc.
Looks like a great location to shoot. Wish we had something like that near where I live, but everyone here is sane (not)!
I am in agreement with Larry Vito. But if you are trying to convey the symbolism of a patient in an asylum, then I can see the "emptiness of emotion" in her portrayal.
The "vacant expression" conveys that!
Dan
Thanks for the comments. Maybe I should not have mentioned it was in an insane asylum. I was not trying to convey any sort of symbolism or anything to do with that.
Valvicphoto wrote:
Thanks for the comments. Maybe I should not have mentioned it was in an insane asylum. I was not trying to convey any sort of symbolism or anything to do with that.
That is not a bad thing to mention it Vito!
I gives some context on which to comment.
Still a fine image and composition!
Ciao!
Dan
Valvicphoto wrote:
Thanks for the comments. Maybe I should not have mentioned it was in an insane asylum. I was not trying to convey any sort of symbolism or anything to do with that.
I'm assuming your reference was to either the book or the series. Well, it's hard to take the conscious choice to set up the shot in that location as anything but symbolic.
Is the choice of costume supposed to convey she's a queen or a bride? The hand gesture seems to suggest she is either reaching to move a chess piece or has just done so. The closed eyes would work if she has made the move and thinking about what she just did.
While the lace on the veil could add an element of mystery, the placement and the fact it is so hot is a distraction IMO.
I love the concept - the venue looks interesting whether it’s meant to impact the meaning behind the image or not.
Had I been behind the camera I would have (1) done a POV shot (or at least been directly in front of the table vs off to the side) and (2) pulled the veil down slightly to get more of her facial expression through the material. Aside from that, I think it’s great.
