Cassandra: four portraits

[Nikolai Sklobovsky]

1. Portrait In black:

2. Portrait with umbrella:

3. Portret in red:

4. Portrait in stripes:

Canon 40D, 70-200/2.8 IS

Enjoy!

 

[Frank Doorhof]

I love number 3.
A bit too much glow for me on the series but that's personal.

On one I would have loved to see a bit more seperation on the hairs and background.
On two not a fan of the umbrella.
Number 3 is great, combine it with the expression of 1 and it's killer.
Number 4 is also very nice.

 

[Nikolai Sklobovsky]

Frank,
thank you very much for your C&C, appreciate your time and thoughts!

I love number 3.

yay

A bit too much glow for me on the series but that's personal.

I was trying a new technique. I could have verdone it a bit, but hey, you never know until you try. FWIW, she loved it

On one I would have loved to see a bit more seperation on the hairs and background.

I see what your saying, good point!

On two not a fan of the umbrella.

Will this be better? ;-)

Number 3 is great, combine it with the expression of 1 and it's killer.

Head-switching time! PS, here I go!

Number 4 is also very nice.

Thank you, great to hear!

Once again, your comments are highly appreciated!

 

[Rachel Foster]

It looks overly bright to me. I only mention this because I think the monitor I'm on right now is a touch off on calibration. I'm wondering if others see it the same or if I'm right re: the brightness level on my screen.

I think the model's complexion is amazingly creamy. At the same time, there is a crispness to the focus. That is quite nice! This works for me as fashion shots, but doesn't have the personality I'd want from a portrait. With a fashion shot, that personality works against the effect.

About the umbrella: I dislike the spines but there's no way to shoot an umbrella without them. Either one likes umbrellas or one doesn't.

 

[Nikolai Sklobovsky]

It looks overly bright to me. I only mention this because I think the monitor I'm on right now is a touch off on calibration. I'm wondering if others see it the same or if I'm right re: the brightness level on my screen.

I think the model's complexion is amazingly creamy. At the same time, there is a crispness to the focus. That is quite nice! This works for me as fashion shots, but doesn't have the personality I'd want from a portrait. With a fashion shot, that personality works against the effect.

About the umbrella: I dislike the spines but there's no way to shoot an umbrella without them. Either one likes umbrellas or one doesn't.

Rachel, thank you!

Brightenss: not a single point is higher that 240, and most should be below 230. So I think its a monitor, mine been calibrated one day ago (and I do it religiously)

Creamy/sharp: was going for it

Umbrella: like you said, some like it, some don't She does

 

[Rachel Foster]

Good info to have! I have Spyder 2 but messed up my monitor big time. I'm currently gathering the courage to have another go at it.

She's lovely, by the way.

 

[Nikolai Sklobovsky]

She's lovely, by the way.

You don't say... I have been saying that to myself all these hours I spent in post, looking at 400 images of her LOL

 

[Kathy Rappaport]

Stylist

Nik,

I see you moving ahead, these are the best of all the model work you've been playing with lately but, if you're going commercial, you need a stylist. Some contradictions are the multiple earrings and ear posts with the glamour pinup look; the red and green and then red and wine colors - they conflict. Umbrellas used as props are never open like you did - they are closed and used as a cane...these little things will set you apart. Attention to details are critical to the big bucks.

 

[Nikolai Sklobovsky]

Thank you Kathy, I will keep this in mind!

 

[Edward Bussa]

Nikolai,

Great Model, nice shots. I like the lighting scheme. I find the ear-post-thing distracting as well.

However, I love the relaxed, connected feeling I get from the model which I assume is a result of the way you handled her.

The portrait in stripes is probably my favorite clothing setup, nicely done. I think the flat profile, however, is not flattering. It provides too close a look at the hairstyle and her nose... I really like the way the stripes flatter her though... did I mention I liked the stripes?

 

[Nikolai Sklobovsky]

Thanks Ed,
appreciate the feedback!
Now that I'm getting 4 more lights + gels + modifiers +... it's gonna be real fun

 

[Rachel Foster]

Um.....I like the nose profile! Her nose is not a "Barbie" nose and makes her face very interesting! But, I suppose the purpose of the shot would have an impact. I think fashion shots can be a bit "quirky" but I really don't know the 'biz.'

 

[Edward Bussa]

I don't mind her nose profile, but I do think a slightly different head position would've complimented her and added something to the photo.

I think if the photo was intended to be about her fashionable nose , then it seems there should be a different crop and/or subject distance. Same if the photo was about the hairstyle...