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breathtaking... both her expression and the light/shadowplay/contrasts in her face
A very good portrait to my eyes. My knowledge of studio portrait work is very limited, so I couldn't give advice on that score.
I did look at George Hurrell's work online, he seemed to like the moody look and I saw quite a few tinted portraits. With that in mind I have attempted a mod.
I did look at George Hurrell's work online, he seemed to like the moody look and I saw quite a few tinted portraits. With that in mind I have attempted a mod.
A terrific mod Capto. Much closer to what I wanted.
Now, this is speculative, but...
I wonder whether what you are missing is the degree of drama and control that Hurrell achieved: he, and his contemporaries used lighting that is far more complex than the setups we tend to use, sometimes using a spotlight with a gobo to add a small highlight. They shaped the face and accentuated lines and shapes in the way that we seek to do in processing.
But it may simply be that one sees a glamour in the work of others that we can't see in our own images - the opposite of the usual blindness to all flaws.
One practical detail - this would possibly impress more with a darker, possibly variegated background - Owdman added a texture to your colour version a couple of days ago, and I think the same would work in black and white.
I wonder whether what you are missing is the degree of drama and control that Hurrell achieved: he, and his contemporaries used lighting that is far more complex than the setups we tend to use, sometimes using a spotlight with a gobo to add a small highlight. They shaped the face and accentuated lines and shapes in the way that we seek to do in processing.
But it may simply be that one sees a glamour in the work of others that we can't see in our own images - the opposite of the usual blindness to all flaws.
One practical detail - this would possibly impress more with a darker, possibly variegated background - Owdman added a texture to your colour version a couple of days ago, and I think the same would work in black and white.
A very good portrait, and a good mono conversion.
I also like what capto has done, - as you know theres a wide range of options and results you have available with conversions and tints, and the good base image is worth experimenting with.
Ive used a duotone with a warm grey as one variation.
W
I also like what capto has done, - as you know theres a wide range of options and results you have available with conversions and tints, and the good base image is worth experimenting with.
Ive used a duotone with a warm grey as one variation.
W
A striking image that can stand by itself. I find the mono version works better for me. It's a nice homage to Hurrell. I found the unedited image in your PF, as I wanted to see what the lighting was like pre edit, and be able to compare with Hurrell's work. I like the post editing of the colour version. To my eyes, the lighting is different, and this would be what I would look at in future when trying to emulate that style and period. It's not easy. I recall seeing a program in which Rankin tried to replicate Hurrell, and he had to enlist the help of one of Hurrell's assistants to get the lighting set up. The type of lighting, and equipment we use now is different. I believe Hurrell used stage lighting (e.g. large Fresnel lens), and the camera and lens produced a softer image than current cameras. Some of the mods have shown how to get closer to his look, but haven't quite been able to replicate it. I do hope that you will get an opportunity to have another go at this style sometime, and look forward to seeing the results.
First of all: congratulations for such an outstanding picture!
The disappointing aspect - there are always slight tweaks to improve... my suggestions:
- The square format in my eyes does not fit to the sculptured face - 4/5 or 3/4 will work better.
- Less sharpness in depth - Bokeh (eye lashes vs hair lower left)
- Add some "glow" (small amount - only in highlights)
- In contrast to other critiques - nothing to add or change in background (in order not to distract from strong face expression)
- Probably a slight vignette will help to create more "Hollywood effect"
These suggestions are of minor importance, really. Older portrait lenses delivered this suggested rendering without any manipulation - they had "character" (= flaws). So - what do you want? Mimicking the past or find your way to modern viewing patterns...
Best regards!
The disappointing aspect - there are always slight tweaks to improve... my suggestions:
- The square format in my eyes does not fit to the sculptured face - 4/5 or 3/4 will work better.
- Less sharpness in depth - Bokeh (eye lashes vs hair lower left)
- Add some "glow" (small amount - only in highlights)
- In contrast to other critiques - nothing to add or change in background (in order not to distract from strong face expression)
- Probably a slight vignette will help to create more "Hollywood effect"
These suggestions are of minor importance, really. Older portrait lenses delivered this suggested rendering without any manipulation - they had "character" (= flaws). So - what do you want? Mimicking the past or find your way to modern viewing patterns...
Best regards!
