B&W of Laura (nude)

[A.K. Nicholas]

Here is a B&W image of Laura



More of Laura here (NSFW)

 

[Asher Kelman]

AK,

I like the model, pose and that it's presented in B&W. I wonder whether you cropped this from something larger as here right foot and finger tips are cut off. I might understand this better if there's a series with such effects. I wonder if the picture would be more lyrical if one could see here entirely, or else cropped more boldly, if it's cropped!

I presume this is digital and not film? BTW, the lighting works well and does not call attention to itself.

I'd like to the more of this series.

Asher

 

[Doug Kerr]

Hi,

I note that on your site on the set of pix of Laura some of them when displayed at the larger size seem to have the wrong aspect ratio.

Nice shots, though.

Best regards,

Doug

 

[Asher Kelman]

Thanks A.K. for allowing me to nip one of your pictures for this post! The color of the rug works well with Laura's skin coloring. The detail on the rug also contrasts with her flawless appearance. She just has a hint of eye makeup so this is not an over-produced setup.

A.K. Nicholas: Picture of Laura, Untitled​

For this model, I'd seriously consider taking more pictures intended to be shown in color with this lighting trying to focus on very relaxed minimalist poses. It's a winning setup.

Asher

 

[A.K. Nicholas]

One of the things I like about this image is having the figure bisect the negative space. It's not a surprise to me that many will be left missing her fingers and toes. Although it's no mystery what her digits would look like if they were shown, it's almost impossible to look at a figure purely as composition, without simultaneously analyzing it's context. There are ways of course to produce the same visual pathway without cropping right through the hands and feet. I could have her barely touching the frame, or laying on a fabric swath that extends out of the frame. But I wonder if the image would have been as memorable if it were a more expected composition.

 

[Asher Kelman]

One of the things I like about this image is having the figure bisect the negative space. It's not a surprise to me that many will be left missing her fingers and toes. Although it's no mystery what her digits would look like if they were shown, it's almost impossible to look at a figure purely as composition, without simultaneously analyzing it's context. There are ways of course to produce the same visual pathway without cropping right through the hands and feet. I could have her barely touching the frame, or laying on a fabric swath that extends out of the frame. But I wonder if the image would have been as memorable if it were a more expected composition.

Well, A.K., as a start, we need to see the picture:

A.K. Nicholas: Laura B&W #1
​

In the composition the left part of the background material is crumpled. That's important. You have created zones of textures. If it's important, we might perhaps to see it completely and against an area which is flat. So that's the advantage of going wider. That pattern is very effective. To that left crumply side, the lighting prevents us from clearly seeing the pattern. Is it necessary to your design that the pattern is not strikingly clean and as on the right? Crumples may require an different light or do you need a polaroid filter? I'm puzzled as to what makes that pattern so flat and indistinct to the left of her left knee?

To me, at least, either one should have generous representation of background or crop more aggressively. It's not a rule, but a general observation that being on the edge of one or the other may not work so well.

I do like the picture. Assuming this is not film, how did you convert to B&W, what's your route? (My advice, if I may offer a suggestion, is to also shoot this B&W with film. Why you may ask? You might prefer it! It's richer right off the bat! It also has behind it the most experience in moving from a full spectrum of hues to just tonalities. I don't think you can do better for B&W than with a sheet of film. Next time, could you also shoot film, side by side, for fun? I'd love to know how you feel about the two pictures, side by side.

Asher

 

[Maris Rusis]

Here is a B&W image of Laura



More of Laura here (NSFW)

Looks rather grotesque to my eyes.

If there is a reason for using the picture limits to amputate three toes in one corner and a finger in another it escapes me. But there has to be a reason. No one does this by accident or neglect. And that lower left leg is entirely missing except for two toes that seem to grow out of her knee. Yikes, I think.

The entire figure shows "perspective distortion" with the right arm as long as the right leg. This cannot be anatomically possible. I think it is an appearance occasioned by using a very short focal length lens very close to the figure. Perspective distortion, on the face of it, would seem a rather uncomplimentary thing to impose on a well formed body but there is a grand precedent. Lucian Freud, acclaimed the world's greatest painter of the nude, would do this seriously often without attracting reproach.

I suspect there is more to this than mere looking can reveal. Or I'm irretrievably immured by traditional ideas of good composition.

 

[Asher Kelman]

The entire figure shows "perspective distortion" with the right arm as long as the right leg. This cannot be anatomically possible. I think it is an appearance occasioned by using a very short focal length lens very close to the figure. Perspective distortion, on the face of it, would seem a rather uncomplimentary thing to impose on a well formed body but there is a grand precedent. Lucian Freud, acclaimed the world's greatest painter of the nude, would do this seriously often without attracting reproach.

Then we need to be educated! Obviously A.K. has some definite concept in mind. As you say, it's no accident. The fact that it's intended, interests me.

I suspect there is more to this than mere looking can reveal. Or I'm irretrievably immured by traditional ideas of good composition.

One of the things I like about this image is having the figure bisect the negative space. It's not a surprise to me that many will be left missing her fingers and toes. Although it's no mystery what her digits would look like if they were shown, it's almost impossible to look at a figure purely as composition, without simultaneously analyzing it's context. There are ways of course to produce the same visual pathway without cropping right through the hands and feet. I could have her barely touching the frame, or laying on a fabric swath that extends out of the frame. But I wonder if the image would have been as memorable if it were a more expected composition.

A.K.,

It takes time to digest and understand a style that goes against what have been accepted rules in figure drawing and photography. Dawid has reposted an image from 2007 here where he breaks so many rules to see if he can still get a good picture. Well it's certainly a challenge. Did he succeed? Dawid is a very accomplished photographer in film and digital media.

Sometimes, we need to move our goal posts when the game is changed. You have a different game here with this pose and it's a game-changer! Well, we're always looking for work where the photographer's unique fingerprints are evident. So could you introduce a little more the feelings you are trying to get into this picture though the pose or what it means to you as far as you, the art, the model and we the audience is concerned. It could be that here, you might have a kernel of a great idea for you to develop further or maybe not.

Now I don't want to bind you to anything. Just I'd like to have in my mind a gestalt, non-binding feeling of the genre or style you are making for yourself.

If I'm to serious, let it go by. I don't mean to pressure you, just am interested in composition and always learning! Shooting nudes, like sunsets, is far harder than most folk imagine!

Asher

 

[A.K. Nicholas]

First let me thank those who gave some opinions. I value your input and offer my own thoughts just as opinions... Lots to answer and not sure I can get to all of it now.

I a reference to composition of figure drawing --I don't claim to be an expert, but having viewed drawings in scores of museums in a couple of dozen countries over the years, I can say that it is not at all uncommon to "amputate" when drawing. I remember having a similar visceral reaction to cut off fingers in the corner

I for-hire photographic portraiture, the rules are far different. My models are employees, not customers, and flattery wasn't a goal here. I realize this is not the norm for many on this forum, so the reaction is expected and I don't take offense from it.
...
There is a lot of foreshortening going on with the left calf, which is completely concealed behind the left knee. Foreshortening is something I really enjoy exploring. Especially the illusion of making part of a limb disappear, I could have done a better job as you can still see the toes. I would have loved the ambiguity of "where is the rest of her leg?"
...
This was shot in color, with gelled lights. See the link to the color photos above. When converting to B&W in Photoshop I could do things like pronounce the wrinkles. I also performed level and color adjustments prior to B&W.
...

 

[Jerome Marot]

When converting to B&W in Photoshop I could do things like pronounce the wrinkles.

Wrinkles? At 22? Does she also has an artificial hip?

Humor aside, maybe you should try the kind of photograph you have in mind with older models.

As to cut limbs, I don't mind them on that picture.

 

[Asher Kelman]

As to cut limbs, I don't mind them on that picture.

Agreed! Here the cuts are definitive and bold. Just the tips, however, makes things seem accidental to me.

Asher

 

[A.K. Nicholas]

Wrinkles?

Fabric wrinkles.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Thanks A.K. for allowing me to nip one of your pictures for this post! The color of the rug works well with Laura's skin coloring. The detail on the rug also contrasts with her flawless appearance. She just has a hint of eye makeup so this is not an over-produced setup.

A.K. Nicholas: Picture of Laura, Untitled​

For this model, I'd seriously consider taking more pictures intended to be shown in color with this lighting trying to focus on very relaxed minimalist poses. It's a winning setup.

Asher

Could we discuss this picture. ADK

 

[A.K. Nicholas]

Could we discuss this picture. ADK

Certainly...