Firstly the hotspots... it makes an impression of "harsh" and not smooth.
Same thing with the lighting... the shadows create a "cut" look that deviate from the title of the image.
The lighting also brings out the muscles in her neck which show "tension" to me... again an antithesis to "smooth".... as well has her facial expression... I see "intensity" and not relaxation which equates to "smooth" for me.
Hope this helps!
Albert
Hi Albert,
Thanks for participating in this impressions discussion.
I "follow" your observations about the "highlights and shadows" but I do "see it differently" and have a different POV regarding what is appropriate "hotspots" in an image.
Here are my thoughts on this:
1. Specular highlights and "highlights" are often "toned down" by many photographers to the point that they "flatten" the image or tonal differences of a face. This can cause "unnatural" looking faces because there is not enough shadow and not enough highlight.
2. Specular highlights are natural (and in my opinion) add "depth" to an image (and faces).
3. They may be more prominent on some face shapes or skin types (oily skin, smooth skin, lack of powder on women's faces, etc.) and because of different types of light (specular sources they are called such as bright halogen spotlights etc.).
So, in general I think "specular" highlights are "much maligned" in forums and are a natural "hot point" of light that add some depth and visual interest (cues to light and form) that are not only important but also valuable in an image (or can be).
I don't expect everyone (or even many) to agree on these points...and that is OK by me. This is "how I see it."
I hope these comments help others consider the issue of "hotspots" and "highlights" a little differently, or at least understand that they may have a "place" in photographs.
But...just to let you know I am not totally ignoring your comment (or those of Klaus above), I may post a second view of this image with the "support" toned down. I would guess more people would find it preferable...but then I may or may not.
Thanks again for adding your impressions. Whatever the impression someone has...they are always interesting to read and in many ways "helpful" to me.
