[LRflex] Re: Sophie CRIIQUE!
- From: "Linda Vermeiren" <linda.vermeiren@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <leicareflex@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 25 May 2008 11:39:45 +0200
Dear M.Grant,
Thanks for the very long explanation.
While looking at the photos at the same time, I could figure out what you
describe.
It has given me another view .
Still one has somehow developped one's own manners.
Hoping that both will develop -more awareness and one's own way of
photographing - to better photos.
Is it possible to give me a link of your interview?
I have a media player on the internet.
I would like to listen to it .
I have looked at your site with very famous people on it !!.
What does it feel like to photograph them?
Was it usually that you were there or were there occasions that you were the
only one there and had to portrait them?
I also like to look at documentaries about photographers.
I learn a lot from that.
I am also very much interested in art and go to lots of expositions , all kind.
I also have applied for an arts residence in the Darling Foundry in Quebec. I
also speak French.
I would like to do a contribution to native Americans .
I am befriended to a Blackfeet -Indian , who has from time to time happenings
here with Canadian and Belgian authorities to lead ceremonies , f.i. at War
memorials.
I would search for authenticity , roots , still there in your country.
He told me Canada treated tribes much friendlier , they are better off, than in
US...
Actually he's from Montana and worked on petrol ... in the ocean.
I hope it is possible to divert my attention in a mail from the original
subject (although to me all is connected)
Thanks again
Yours sincerely
L.Vermeiren
www.lindavermeiren.net
www.studiofotograaf.be
----- Original Message -----
From: Ted Grant
To: leicareflex@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, May 24, 2008 8:09 PM
Subject: [LRflex] Re: Sophie CRIIQUE!
Linda offered:
Subject: [LRflex] Sophie
>>A young student, taking initiative of posing <<<.
http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Linda+Vermeiren/Sophie/
Hi Linda,
I do believe you post your pictures for critique and possible suggestions for
improvement or praise.
Now you have a very fine looking subject which unfortunately I believe in
some poor posing situations. So let's take them one at a time and critique them
individually good, bad and ugly!
Please do not be personally offended as this is merely a discussion on
technique.
1/ My first question:
Are you directing her pose or is she taking the position herself? If she's
just taking a pose without direction, that's the first mistake. If you let her
do her own posing, she can't see herself nor how the light is making her more
beautiful or ugly!
After all, this is your shoot, you are the director! You tell her what to do!
My comments are as I see them on the screen without you standing here
discussing them. I may say something you can't immediately respond to,
therefore if you're interested do please respond.
Whether you like or dislike my critique. Thank you
1/ Couvreur-37 & Couvreur-36:
The first thing my eye went to was her arm pit and chopped off arm. The
armpit isn't usually accepted as an enhancing quality as we see it here. I'd
have brought her arm down or around to a different position. Not only that but
a tiny portion of her right hand is sticking into the upper left corner.
2/ Couvreur-19 & 21:
I'm not sure what kind of expression she is trying to put on, but it doesn't
work! WHY?
Well due to the face angle to camera and lighting in both pictures she is
presenting a "fat face cheek" look! It does nothing for her whatsoever.
Lets start with the body positioning.
Once again a girl as attractive as this you do not want her body flat to
camera, makes her look fat! And given the light she should be on an angle about
45 degrees turned to her right away from camera. As it would slim her body
line.
Then given the light bring her head back to her left toward camera so her
right cheek line and neck create a straight vertical line. It also slims the
face to a much greater beauty effect.
This maybe hard to see when looking at your pictures on the screen as we see
them here. But it truly would change the attractiveness considerably.
3/ Couvreur-14:
This is close to a good one. However look at the following for some
improvement.
She's leaning back too far when it should've been slightly forward, then
allowing the head to come around to camera so her left face side could be in a
straight line with her neck.
Or let her head tilt forward slightly and bring the head around to a
comfortable position toward camera. Neck line straight with cheek. Because in
this photo she looks awkward in attempting to create a "sultry look?" that just
doesn't work, whatever she's trying to do.
Now her right arm is locked so tight holding her up it has an awkward look to
the bent in elbow that looks un-natural in shape.
And due to this arm position you are now presenting a big shoulder and broad
"fist like knuckles" look to her right hand. Very unflattering position for a
lady where you want grace and beauty to all lines. When positioning a ladies
hand or hands try to show the side of the hands with a light curl where it's
possible. Make them look slim and flattering.
In the case of a male subject a sort of full fist and knuckles is quite
appropriate, but never a lady.
That's why I say her head should be tilted in the forward direction not as
we see here. It's just awkward looking and does nothing for her beauty.
As we look at his carefully, it's quite easy to see how her neck and jaw are
at sharp angles when if her head were positioned properly around to the right
the neck and left cheek would be an almost straight line.
You are producing some interesting material in your posts and I trust my
rather indepth critique doesn't offend you. But you find it helpful. Thank you
Cheers,
Ted
tedgrantphoto.com
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