Mark McKinney  


Untitled by Mark McKinney

December 2021 - Untitled

About the Image(s)

With the health issues I have had this year I couldn't go out in the field to take photographs.
I set up a small studio in my office and experimented with stuff around the house. This geisha
was given to my wife by her Aunt. It is from Japan.

F 22, 1/4 second. -1 EV. ISO 100. Pentax K1, Pentax 24-70 zoom lens.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
17 comments posted




Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
If you don't mind me saying so, I think the shadow is brilliant, but the actual doll completely unnecessary to the composition. Can I promote my opinion to you and suggest you shoot this again and show us just some shadow studies. I think they would be fantastic.   Posted: 12/02/2021 20:26:10
Mark McKinney   Mark McKinney
Hello Stephen. This is an interesting idea and later today I will work with only the shadow. I did a good bit of dodging and burning on the doll. Especially the face. There is good detail in the shadow. I will see what I can come up with. During my "studio" phase I tried to incorporate shadows by light placement and light painting. I got a really good result with two civil war lead bullets and one entire cartridge I think was for a civil war pistol. Long shadows! I put it in the AZ Camera Clubs Fall competition. Didn't do well. Also did a low key photo of a Cream Can and two milk bottles. Still had a shadow of one bottle on the cream can.   Posted: 12/04/2021 10:19:56
Mark McKinney   Mark McKinney
  Posted: 12/04/2021 10:23:23
Comment Image
Harley Rubens   Harley Rubens
Interesting also Mark
  Posted: 12/16/2021 13:41:31
Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
I very much like those long shadows. They are as much the composition as the bullets.   Posted: 12/27/2021 19:30:57
Mark McKinney   Mark McKinney
Thank you. I am a big fan of shadows.   Posted: 12/28/2021 17:52:01



Bruce Michelotti   Bruce Michelotti
Well Mark, when you can't go out--do table top photography. I really like this image, the shadow is tack sharp and we can see much detail there. Your exposure on the Geisha is spot on also and you are giving us a nice look at her. In my opinion the shadow is the star of the show and I feel I might like to see it bigger in proportion to the statue. Of course, you would need a bigger boat (er table) for that. You have inspired me to give something like this a try. Good job.   Posted: 12/03/2021 14:16:19



Linda M Medine   Linda M Medine
(Group 77)
Mark, Very unique image. I love this creative idea. Looks like half black and white and half color image. Great detail. The only thing I would add would be to clone the white line at the bottom out. I wanted to see what it would look like in Black and white.   Posted: 12/06/2021 09:30:00
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Mark McKinney   Mark McKinney
You are right! I did take it out already. Initially I thought it was a leading line. Actually it is a distraction.   Posted: 12/06/2021 12:19:37
Bruce Michelotti   Bruce Michelotti
I like what you have done here Linda. I think the monochrome treatment also works well for this image.   Posted: 12/07/2021 10:15:58



Andrew Lewis   Andrew Lewis
I really like the execution of the idea here. The focus is sharp, exposure is spot-on, showing all the detail, including the textures. The colors of the doll against the background really jump. The way the shadow plays out on the wall behind really adds a balance to the story. The edge lighting on the doll's hair is very effective against the dark background. I'd be curious to see the camera or doll move so that the lighter wall on the right is contrast against the dark side of the doll's face and the dark part of her hair. Gorgeous image!   Posted: 12/06/2021 10:10:17



Harley Rubens   Harley Rubens
I also think the monochrome lends itself to a story including shades of emotion. Black white and grey seem to relay that better. The detail is perfect, but the way her head is held in the statue and shadow seems to suggest certain emotions and even moving back and forth between the two, a movement of emotional states. Lovely image !   Posted: 12/16/2021 13:49:41



Leo Chow   Leo Chow
Good shot! I would suggest the geisha be moved a little bit to the left during shooting so that it will be away from the grey wall completely.   Posted: 12/18/2021 20:14:54
Mark McKinney   Mark McKinney
Excellent idea!   Posted: 12/18/2021 22:23:59



Lane B Lewis   Lane B Lewis
When I first looked at this I didn't understand what I was looking at. A figure and shadow. By making it all monochrome it added another dimension and pulled it together. However, I am still not satisfied that I understand the story.
Now the shadow is interesting. Maybe just the shadow alone or a group of shadows. Mark, I understand your frustration of not bring able to get out and shoot. I too have been recovering. I had spinal surgery on Nov. 9th and according to my surgeon way ahead of where I should be at this point. I am finally free of pain and working on building my strength back up having be immobile since July. Can't wait to get back out there with my camera to my eye! I hope you all don't mind me commenting on your images, even though I wasn't able to include my own this round. I am intend to come up with one for January. ( Hopefully)   Posted: 12/30/2021 21:31:39
Mark McKinney   Mark McKinney
Maybe it isn't too good of a story. This doll was given to my wife when she was a child by her aunt. Her aunt was a career nurse in the Army. She bought this doll in Japan. The photo is just light and shadow, And some light painting. An experiment.   Posted: 12/30/2021 22:41:45
Lane B Lewis   Lane B Lewis
HI Mark,
Hey ! Mark, I love the fact that you got your camera out and trying different things. I love light painting and I love shadows. Also, love the back story. A picture of your wife and aunt with the doll would tell the back story or create a memory. By making a composite you would be creating the story or a least a good memory.
As the viewer, I see a statue of an Giesha and a shadow. Perhaps putting this combo in another scene, making a composite would be something you would entertain. Altered reality or creative is where you could go with this. I not very good at that but with all your travels, I am sure you have some images that you could go in that direction. Just a thought.
Again, kudos to you for trying something different.   Posted: 12/30/2021 23:06:50