Forums > Critique > From Russia with love. (18+)

Photographer

Retired and Retired

Posts: 330

Rockford, Illinois, US

(18+)

https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31393460

(18+)


what works?  What doesn't?  Please answer both

Jan 22 13 06:48 pm Link

Photographer

RachelReilly

Posts: 1748

Washington, District of Columbia, US

Her face expression I know it's cold but it looks like she's sucking in her stomach real hard and it makes her face look unflattering, also don't like her pose
It's all a bit contrived..

Cool ice!

Jan 22 13 06:53 pm Link

Photographer

Steves Photo works

Posts: 418

Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada

I really like the image! Beautiful model, location and light. The only things I would have changed would be, have the model shift her weight so the knee closest to the camera has the bend ( makes for a nicer s curve) and I would have ( if possible) moved to the left a bit to change the POV to eliminate her hand entering the dark area of the background...


just my worthless opinion

Jan 22 13 06:56 pm Link

Photographer

Shastri Babb

Posts: 2260

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

The concept works. The pose does not. Her pose seems very amateur, I'd say.

Jan 22 13 06:58 pm Link

Photographer

Craig Thomson

Posts: 13462

Tacoma, Washington, US

I can't find anything to like.

The lighting is flat.
The set has been played out IMO.
The models pose if needs guidance.
The wardrobe is too predictable.

Jan 22 13 07:10 pm Link

Photographer

Art Silva

Posts: 10064

Santa Barbara, California, US

Nope, nu uh hmm

Jan 22 13 08:54 pm Link

Photographer

nyk fury

Posts: 2976

Port Townsend, Washington, US

looks totally artificial. the setting, the lighting, the model, the post.

Jan 22 13 09:05 pm Link

Photographer

James Andrew Imagery

Posts: 6713

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I've seen many shots like this.

In my view the biggest error in judgement on these is the usually the framing/composition.

Question: what is the shot about? The model? The environment? Both?

If it's going to be about both (which I believe it should be) then the environment should not be minimized. It should be large, and the model should exist within it. Something framed much wider with the model sitting on a thirds intersection would be immensely more interesting. A powerful pose as an isolated element against a vast wall of ice, with perhaps a dramatic angle - then you've got something.

Here the model isn't sharing the frame with the ice, she's dominating.  While in the case of most model shots this is the right thing to do, but this I believe is one of the rare exceptions.

Looking at other images in your port, you seem to have followed this idea for other shots.  I think those work a whole lot better. Perhaps this was a change for you compositionally.

Jan 22 13 09:13 pm Link

Photographer

Brett Sly Photography

Posts: 187

Keller, Texas, US

Actually I like it all except for her pose.  I like the location, the colors, she's a hot chick.  I give it an overall A-.

Jan 22 13 09:25 pm Link

Photographer

Chris Chronos

Posts: 353

Benidorm, Valencia, Spain

I don't believe this set has been played out. If an ice scene has called "played out" then I don't what to call a white backdrop lol.

I dislike her pose, I don't know if its your editing or the model, but it looks like shes sucking her stomach in quite dramatically. Also the pose itself doesnt compliment the scene at all unfortunately.

Any other pics?

Jan 22 13 09:32 pm Link

Photographer

DVP Photography

Posts: 2874

Broomfield, Colorado, US

Cherrybomb Photography wrote:
Actually I like it all except for her pose.  I like the location, the colors, she's a hot chick.  I give it an overall A-.

I agree with this, and also an A-.  Her pose should compliment and reinforce the strong vertical lines of the ice.

Jan 22 13 09:43 pm Link

Photographer

Good Egg Productions

Posts: 16713

Orlando, Florida, US

You have an amazing location, and you stick a cheesy pinup model into it.

Seriously, the location just screams for art nudes.  This image is just silly.  What a waste of everyone's time and effort and putting the model through the pain of being so cold.

The location deserves better.

Jan 22 13 09:45 pm Link

Photographer

DAN CRUIKSHANK

Posts: 1786

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

It isn't the strongest in the series.
IMO, the best shots in your frozen series are the shots that are slightly wider, and where the llama is interacting with the landscape. Those shots seem more impressive and authentic. This shot doesn't have the drama or intensity...
Looks like an inexperienced llama???
I would also lose the hat. The boots (I understand they are necessary) cause enough distraction as is.
I am slightly jealous of your frozen locations smile

Jan 22 13 09:45 pm Link

Photographer

Motordrive Photography

Posts: 7087

Lodi, California, US

I haven't seen any others from the set, so this is fresh eyes

the setting and composition work, the pose is safe and predicable.

the colors and overcooked skin saturation don't.

Jan 22 13 10:06 pm Link

Photographer

Ultimate Dream

Posts: 860

London, England, United Kingdom

Doesn't work for me, is just a naked girl standing there. Not trying to be rude but anyone with an iphone would have capture the exact same thing if they were standing next to you.
lighting is flat, model seems too posed.

You have access to a wonderful location, try do something creative with it.

Am coming down hard on you because your B&W images are by far better than these ice shots of yours. Your B&W shots show so much creativity in them, how come you don't put the same amount of effort into these icy shots?

Jan 22 13 10:23 pm Link

Photographer

dd photography

Posts: 944

San Diego, California, US

You should shoot landscapes, love your locations. Wow!

Jan 22 13 10:43 pm Link

Photographer

J O H N A L L A N

Posts: 12221

Los Angeles, California, US

It's really an obvious and awkward cut-n-paste job.
If you're going to do this sort of thing, you need to really up your photoshop skills.

Jan 22 13 10:47 pm Link

Photographer

jesse paulk

Posts: 3712

Phoenix, Arizona, US

what doesnt work: same shit as before

what works: not that

Jan 22 13 11:33 pm Link

Model

Laura UnBound

Posts: 28745

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The location doesnt call for glamour work AT ALL
Or hats
Or boots
Or bad photoshop. Really bad photoshop.


The only thing this photo makes me do is ask "why?"

Jan 22 13 11:51 pm Link

Photographer

Vector 38

Posts: 8296

Austin, Texas, US

how many threads have you started with this same image?

re: www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=876870

Jan 23 13 12:02 am Link

Photographer

Retired and Retired

Posts: 330

Rockford, Illinois, US

John Allan wrote:
It's really an obvious and awkward cut-n-paste job.
If you're going to do this sort of thing, you need to really up your photoshop skills.

wow, you really think this is a cut and paste?  maybe you should get rid of any digital device you own then.

Jan 23 13 03:57 am Link

Photographer

B R U N E S C I

Posts: 25319

Bath, England, United Kingdom

Good Egg Productions wrote:
You have an amazing location, and you stick a cheesy pinup llama into it.

Seriously, the location just screams for art nudes.  This image is just silly.  What a waste of everyone's time and effort and putting the llama through the pain of being so cold.

The location deserves better.

100

smh

ETA: I just looked at your portfolio and some of your B

Jan 23 13 03:59 am Link

Photographer

Foto Priganica

Posts: 50

Leeds, England, United Kingdom

-B-R-U-N-E-S-C-I- wrote:

+100

smh

ETA: I just looked at your portfolio and some of your B&W location work from 2010 is really quite nice and in general terms 100x better than your newer colour stuff.

I have no idea why you decided to start shooting nonsense like this, and in hideous colour too, but stop. Just stop! yikes




Just my $0.02

Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

+1

Jan 23 13 04:23 am Link

Model

Anna Adrielle

Posts: 18763

Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

not a fan. I think it looks cheap, and just says "hey, I got a cute girl to pose nude for me in the cold.". there's nothing more to it. Looks like something that would be on a cheap calendar of a local factory that makes icecubes or something like that.

what works is the location. a-ma-zing location. do it justice please smile

Jan 23 13 04:26 am Link

Photographer

Jeffrey M Fletcher

Posts: 4861

Asheville, North Carolina, US

I look at this and keep thinking "auto-trader". I know the warm body/cold ice motif has been a hook for you but it seems like you're placing so much faith in that figure and setting relationship that you've stopped thinking about all the other aspects that go into creating an interesting or attractive image.

A quick look through your portfolio indicates both that you are stuck unproductively on producing repetitive variations of this type of image and that you are capable of much better work.

The best advice I can offer is that you should absolutely ban yourself from producing or displaying images of this type and concentrate on monochromatic works and small studies for a year or two.

Jan 23 13 04:27 am Link

Photographer

MyKallea

Posts: 79

Lynchburg, Virginia, US

I know you are asking about this one image but I feel this applies to all your work.

The difference between your frozen water to moving water it totally different. Your waterfall images are great, artist great light etc. However the ice images you seem to forget you're  a great photographer and I say this kindly b/c your watefalls are great. Maybe think about what you are doing for the waterfalls and apply it to the ice images.

You have the models and great location work on the connection the models have to the viewer.

Keep smiling

Jan 23 13 05:48 am Link

Photographer

Joseph William

Posts: 2039

Chicago, Illinois, US

I think that nudes in nature are difficult because many times the two elements kind of ruin the other.  In the ones of these that you have posted recently, I just keep thinking that I wishi could see more of the waterfall I wish you would pull back, or get rid of the model and get closer.  You really need to play with scale more. Try having her be smaller and or larger in the frame.  Show more waterfall.  You really need to play with the interaction with the background.
Is this at starved rock?  There are some majestic waterfalls out there, share the magisty with us.  You are either too close or nor close enough.
Like I say art nudes in nature is very difficult, you have set up quite a challenge for yourself.

As far as your process do you test out camera and model locations before they disrobe?  I think it would be helpful to test a lot of things out.

Jan 23 13 08:43 am Link

Photographer

Joseph William

Posts: 2039

Chicago, Illinois, US

John Allan wrote:
It's really an obvious and awkward cut-n-paste job.
If you're going to do this sort of thing, you need to really up your photoshop skills.

Is this sarcasm?

Jan 23 13 08:46 am Link

Photographer

M Pandolfo Photography

Posts: 12117

Tampa, Florida, US

When does this series end? 3+ years of models in front of frozen waterfalls? Is there really anything new to say? Different model...same day.

Jan 23 13 08:57 am Link

Model

Rebecca Lawrence

Posts: 878

New York, New York, US

I could imagine a lot of beautiful art nudes shot here, but the costume is tacky and the pose and expression aren't visually appealing to me either.

Jan 23 13 08:59 am Link

Photographer

Joseph William

Posts: 2039

Chicago, Illinois, US

Michael Pandolfo wrote:
When does this series end? 3+ years of models in front of frozen waterfalls? Is there really anything new to say? Different model...same day.

I dunno I think this idea could be really cool if done right, if op keeps pushing.  I think op is a little blinded by the experience and is seeing more in these pictures than we are.  If he can look at them objectively some real progress could be made quickly.  I really want to see the pictures when the composition and light issues are solved. Seriously I think there is potential for some super awesome shots. (which is probably why I am being so wordy, and repeaty)

If op cares about my advice I would say do a shoot with out naked ness so there is more time for experimentation.

Jan 23 13 11:16 am Link

Photographer

juliarabkin

Posts: 782

Rochester, New York, US

the model is alright looking, not great but has a nice body.. her facial expression and accessories are not working for me whatsoever. i love the location though... wish the lighting and pose were more dramatic and serious overall.

Jan 23 13 11:39 am Link

Model

Frances Jewel

Posts: 9149

Dayton, Ohio, US

BOring! Insert naked girl here.

Jan 28 13 11:21 pm Link

Photographer

NothingIsRealButTheGirl

Posts: 35726

Los Angeles, California, US

Front lit ice is not that interesting. Do you have any from the other side? That's probably where the magic is.

Jan 28 13 11:40 pm Link

Model

Cole Morrison

Posts: 3958

Portland, Oregon, US

Things that work:
The background is pretty (though framed poorly)

Things that don't work:
The model looks awkwardly short in that setting/pose/boots
Weird hip piercings draw attention
Strained expression (probably from cold, maybe boredom)
Her skin is over edited
Boring pose for such a neat location
The fuck is she doing with her hat?
Bad cropping of the background

Jan 28 13 11:48 pm Link

Model

Anna T

Posts: 192

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Looks like it was taken by a cellphone
pose isnt good
should have gotten more of the context in the shot around her to show more of the location, right now its not very convincing

the good: location

good attempt - try to hire better models next time

Jan 29 13 05:03 am Link

Photographer

JOEL McDONALD

Posts: 608

Portland, Oregon, US

It's something about the poses in this series. I like the concept and the locale is very cool (no pun intended).

I do like the B/Ws in your port though.

Maybe the poses and model types from your B/Ws coupled with this locale?

Jan 29 13 10:55 am Link

Photographer

Syosset Studio

Posts: 296

Syosset, New York, US

Water Watts wrote:
From Russia with love. (18+)

(18+)

https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31393460

(18+)


what works?  What doesn't?

The love is missing from the image.

Water Watts wrote:
... Please answer both

I can't.

Jan 29 13 11:02 am Link