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Photographer
Drew Smith Photography
Posts: 3,147
Nottingham, England, United Kingdom


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 smile

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

Edit: TOTWM!

Feb 16 13 05:46 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
That Italian Guy
Posts: 22,761
Bath, England, United Kingdom


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?

http://24.media.tumblr.com/04481fabb1ef1b699774396e770f55b6/tumblr_mhtsgamknl1qja0yco1_500.jpg




Just my $0.02

Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

Feb 16 13 05:51 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
sgnr photo
Posts: 170
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada


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 smile

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

Feb 16 13 06:17 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Marty McBride
Posts: 2,984
Owensboro, Kentucky, US


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

this!

Feb 16 13 08:07 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
J T Smith
Posts: 1,286
Pittsfield, Illinois, US


An image works or it doesn't. Who gives a flying rat's ass how it got there or what style it is.

J T
Feb 16 13 08:20 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
K I S S P H O T O
Posts: 518
Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom


I think it depends on how it's done,  and personal taste,
Me personally, I love terry richardson type white flash photos, blown out etc, quirky/fun feel.
but i don't like the photo on the first page with the high key...veil, even if technically ok, I just look at the overall image and it either works or it doesn't to me.

Just looked at the video link, I have seen that look around but it's not something i think is pretty.
Feb 16 13 02:01 pm  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Aaron Lewis Photography
Posts: 4,320
Catskill, New York, US


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.
Feb 16 13 02:39 pm  Link  Quote 
Photographer
DEREX Art
Posts: 203
Paterson, New Jersey, US


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.

Feb 16 13 02:54 pm  Link  Quote 
Photographer
-fpc-
Posts: 288
Port Chester, New York, US


the high key images posted are beautiful
the original samples are horrible, IMO

maybe its the years of shooting on the streets, but Ill take blocked shadows over white out highlights anytime
shadows just seem more natural to me

some feel the opposite

Ive never subscribed to the whole ETTR theory
if anything, I go ETTL

cannot recreate what the eye can see technically
so go for what your artistic vision is
Feb 16 13 02:59 pm  Link  Quote 
Photographer
moving pictures
Posts: 573
Los Angeles, California, US


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...

Feb 16 13 07:16 pm  Link  Quote 
Photographer
ChanStudio - OtherSide
Posts: 5,008
Alpharetta, Georgia, US


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.

Feb 16 13 07:22 pm  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Aaron Lewis Photography
Posts: 4,320
Catskill, New York, US


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

Feb 16 13 07:35 pm  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Digital Photo PLUS
Posts: 5,503
Lorton, Virginia, US


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?

Feb 17 13 09:53 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Legacys 7
Posts: 33,123
San Francisco, California, US


A few already have pointed out, it's not a new style. It's been around for decades. M.M. member KESLER, does a lot of this type of work. You can check out his work to get a general idea.

Me personally, it's not my thing. It's cool and all, but I'm seeing a lot of it.
Feb 17 13 10:44 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Legacys 7
Posts: 33,123
San Francisco, California, US


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.

Feb 17 13 10:48 am  Link  Quote 
Photographer
Legacys 7
Posts: 33,123
San Francisco, California, US


test
Feb 17 13 10:57 am  Link  Quote 
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