Jeff Fiore wrote:
Below is my example of a blown out image






















I feel it is slightly more overexposed than I would have liked it

I like this - it's some of your best work.

Edit: TOTWM!

M A S T E R S wrote:
So, my question is this: Have blown-out photos become a "new" style? Somewhat similar to the cliche, intentional lens flare?

Almost anything is acceptable if it works.

It's only a flaw if it wasn't intentional and detracts from the image. Otherwise, who's to say? Green & Pink could be the new Black & White...

ETA: Would you call this "blown out"? Are you using a properly calibrated monitor?






Just my $0.02

Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

Jeff Fiore wrote:
Below is my example of a blown out image






















I feel it is slightly more overexposed than I would have liked it

A little too contrasty for my tastes, but whatever floats your boat I guess.

studio kgm inc wrote:
The examples you provided are probably someone not breaking the rules as much as not knowing them.

this!

Tim Roper wrote:
If you really want to blow your mind with how great blown out photos can look, check out Lillian Bassman.  She was probably one of the "pioneers" of the blown-out look back in the 1950s, and continued working up 'til her death last year at age 94 (even working with photoshop!).

Excellent call.  A am also a huge fan of Ms. Bassman.  She used potassium cyanide to bleach particular areas of her prints.

M A S T E R S wrote:
I've been browsing numerous portfolios on many photographers' websites, and digesting different styles, posing, etc. I've noticed a common "theme" among many: blown-out photos. I don't mean just a few blown-out highlights here and there, but people missing facial features, half of their body, etc.

I'll be the first to admit that I don't have all the experience or technical knowledge in the world, but I personally see it as a flaw. Sure, in some photos, it produces a sort of "artsy" effect, but in people's faces? At first, I thought it was just the mom-with-camera wedding portfolios, but it seems to be prevalent in many professional portfolios as well.

So, my question is this: Have blown-out photos become a "new" style? Somewhat similar to the cliche, intentional lens flare?

Style for what?

These images are blown out to hide wrinkles, sagging, etc...

M A S T E R S wrote:
I've been browsing numerous portfolios on many photographers' websites, and digesting different styles, posing, etc. I've noticed a common "theme" among many: blown-out photos. I don't mean just a few blown-out highlights here and there, but people missing facial features, half of their body, etc.

I'll be the first to admit that I don't have all the experience or technical knowledge in the world, but I personally see it as a flaw. Sure, in some photos, it produces a sort of "artsy" effect, but in people's faces? At first, I thought it was just the mom-with-camera wedding portfolios, but it seems to be prevalent in many professional portfolios as well.

So, my question is this: Have blown-out photos become a "new" style? Somewhat similar to the cliche, intentional lens flare?

Not to my knowledge.   Blown-out photo were popular at one point during the film days.

DEREX Art wrote:

Excellent call.  A am also a huge fan of Ms. Bassman.  She used potassium cyanide to bleach particular areas of her prints.

You guys are easily impressed

M A S T E R S wrote:
So, my question is this: Have blown-out photos become a "new" style? Somewhat similar to the cliche, intentional lens flare?

Yes.

I'm rarely compelled to try the cliches but, as you can see in my profile, I've done them on occasion.  The gas mask cliche is pulling me in, I don't think I'll be able to resist it.

G-String snagged by the heel of a shoe anyone?

Aaron Lewis Photography wrote:
I don't think so. I think lack of knowledge is the new style. I think randomly desaturating and instagramming images is the new style. Along with our friend selective color.

Blowing out an image is just plain lack of knowledge. There's no artistic reason I can think of to do that.

Yes I think that image above is blown out, yes my monitor is correct and no I don't think it looks good that way.

It's not my thing either, but your point is subjective and not about a lack of when bringing the word, "artistic" into the equation. We all have a different view on what is and isn't artistic, but it doesn't mean that what we don't find artistic, is a lack of technical skills.