Gary Potts, APSA, GMPSA, SPSA
April 2021 - VEILED EXPLORATION
Original
About the Image(s)
As most of you know by now, I like to push the envelope on IR images. This month's submission is no exception. I was at a model shoot early March, and after all the color work decided to try my Nikon D300 IR camera with electronic flash. I had no idea what might result. This is one that is bound to be controversial...is it overexposed in the highlights, or is it ghost-like and ethereal? You'll be the judges...I have my own opinions. Due to to the age and type of strobes used, you are never sure of what kind of infrared radiation they'll emit. I converted the original capture to stark black and white with DXO Nik Silver Efex Pro. Have at it with your comments and suggestions! Oh, by the way, any other suggestions for a title would be welcomed.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
14 comments posted
Hi Gary
You always come up with something special each month, and this is one such example. Compositionally its a strong image.
Am not sure whether you were trying to equate the image to the one shot with a pinhole camera! Whatever the reason, its very well depicted and controlled.
Now on a minor point, would you possibly consider adding a bit more tone in the face!
I'd also stay with the same title. Posted: 04/02/2021 01:02:40
You always come up with something special each month, and this is one such example. Compositionally its a strong image.
Am not sure whether you were trying to equate the image to the one shot with a pinhole camera! Whatever the reason, its very well depicted and controlled.
Now on a minor point, would you possibly consider adding a bit more tone in the face!
I'd also stay with the same title. Posted: 04/02/2021 01:02:40
Hi Palli and all...
Palli's suggestion may well be a common theme to most of you. I will go back and take a look at the master file. Originally, due do the subtleties of IR, trying to add tone and dimension to the face resulted in a gradient line of lighter-left and darker-right down her head through the cheek area. You can so very slightly see it if your monitor is calibrated for the whole zonal range of tones. Palli is also very correct...the NIK Silver Efex Pro filter chosen for this one WAS the Pinhole Filter to provide the dramatic effect and cause the face to become very white. Posted: 04/02/2021 07:05:21
Palli's suggestion may well be a common theme to most of you. I will go back and take a look at the master file. Originally, due do the subtleties of IR, trying to add tone and dimension to the face resulted in a gradient line of lighter-left and darker-right down her head through the cheek area. You can so very slightly see it if your monitor is calibrated for the whole zonal range of tones. Palli is also very correct...the NIK Silver Efex Pro filter chosen for this one WAS the Pinhole Filter to provide the dramatic effect and cause the face to become very white. Posted: 04/02/2021 07:05:21
Taking Palli's feedback to heart, I went back to the RAW master file and tried again. Using various lightening, darkening, and Levels adjustments...plus a very mild sepia tone...I came up with this. What are your thoughts? Posted: 04/02/2021 13:21:47
Hi Gary
This is a much better image which I like. Thanks for showing. Posted: 04/02/2021 19:11:17
This is a much better image which I like. Thanks for showing. Posted: 04/02/2021 19:11:17
Interesting image again, Gary! I think your first versión accomplished what you were after, ghost like and ethereal. Adding more tone back in would usually be recommended for a more classical portrait, but I think it may detract from the ghostly mood. Either way, both versions are very well done. Posted: 04/04/2021 11:10:44
Thanks, Jack...missed your image this round! Posted: 04/19/2021 14:32:06
I really like your processed image. You captured the mood and enhanced it in your post. The high-key presentation that softened some of the facial features and details on the skin, turned this portrait from a simple headshot to a story-telling mood photo. Beautiful presentation.
Posted: 04/04/2021 15:53:24
Posted: 04/04/2021 15:53:24
Thank you Arik. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Posted: 04/19/2021 14:31:34
Gary
High marks for tackling this portraiture in IR. They are both stunning. I am drawn to your second image after looking at both for a period of time.
Nicely processed as always Gary
Regards
Emil Posted: 04/06/2021 11:10:29
High marks for tackling this portraiture in IR. They are both stunning. I am drawn to your second image after looking at both for a period of time.
Nicely processed as always Gary
Regards
Emil Posted: 04/06/2021 11:10:29
Much appreciate your comments, Emil. Posted: 04/19/2021 14:30:56
Hi Gary, You have such a knack for seeing differently and for pushing the envelope. You are helped here by the gorgeous model. I think her pose is lovely. My immediate thought on your first presentation was that her far eye was not clear, but there was enough facial detail to make it work. In your second version, the eyes are wonderful and her face now stands out from the veil. Ethereal comes to mind.
I really like this. Posted: 04/10/2021 10:33:12
I really like this. Posted: 04/10/2021 10:33:12
Thanks Melanie...we'll see how it does in international exhibitions. Posted: 04/19/2021 14:30:27
Gary, this image is so appealing. You captured an expression on the model's face that reminds me of scenes from classic films like Casablanca. I truly admire your courage to try new things. I very much like the modifications you made following Palli's suggestions. Discerning the left hand of the model adds a touch of mystery to this mood setting image. Posted: 04/19/2021 14:25:53
Thank you Charles. I have submitted it to a few PSA international exhibitions and will soon see how it may fare in competition. Posted: 04/19/2021 14:29:49