Which composition is best for ghost portrait?

[Shutteraddict]

My first attempt at the ghost portrait technique. Did I pull it off? Which of these compositions work and which don't? Are there any tips on how to do better if I try the technique again? I greatly appreciate any feedback regarding the shots whether you are a pro or just bought your first camera Thnx

P.S. - If they all lack interest I want to hear that too

Canon REBEL T2I
EFS 55-250mm
f/22
5 sec. avg
focal length 55mm
ISO 100
Polarizer on shots with more movement to help with the slightly longer shutter speed
Tweaked curves

[windrider86]

If you are looking to make something look like a ghost, what is the significance of doing more than one? To me it feels like there is a "live" person whose spirit is leaving him. If thats the case the main character should not be translucent.
I'd probably also try to make the ghost part look like it has an ever so slight glow to it

[Shutteraddict]

Hmm. Perhaps using the term ghost portrait in the title was a bit misleading regarding my intentions. I used the ghost portrait technique (long shutter speed and moving in frame to create an opacity in myself), but was not literally trying to look like a ghost. I'm glad you mentioned the whole "soul leaving a body" thing, because someone apart from this site that looked at one of the particular shots said almost the same exact thing. I think maybe I subcontiously added that shot in the series because I was at a major crossroads in my life. However, I kind of had a feeling of walking through life overlooked when I shot these, like I started blending into the background as I walked away from a high profile position. I was feeling like I had to work really hard in school to be "seen" again, away from the shallow work atmosphere I left that gave me a small level of local celebrity. That is where my head was when I created the series. Thanks for the thoughts Much appreciated!

[alstauffer]

I like the first one best, thought if there was a little less transparency I think it would be better.

What I think would be really neat (though I'm not sure if it's possible), is if you combined the first and third into one photo, since the third one is looking to the left, where the first photo 'ghost' is walking from, and the first 'ghost' sort of looks ashamed, like it's part of you 'coming back' but that did something that it doesn't want to talk about? I don't know if I'm explaining any of it clearly, but that's what went through my head when I opened the page.

Cool idea and nice execution though either way!

EDIT: If you took the photos as they appear below your post, and replace the center one with just a blank wall, then squish them together, that's kind of what I was getting at with my idea if that makes any sense, hah.

[Shutteraddict]

Very cool! I will play with the curves on the raw file and kick up the blacks to make it a little less transparent, then throw it on the thread (not home right now). That will be a cinch. Your right, the combining of those two shots would make for a GREAT effect, but unfortunately isolating the subjects would be nearly impossible due to the transparency. Also, the shots are not exactly in the same frame, so the bricks would not line up. I would try again, but I kinda snuck onto the lot at an abandoned gas staion to take the shots, and it is currently roped off Thanks alot, your interpretaion is exactly the type of input I was looking for

[Shutteraddict]

Perhaps this darker processed version is more dynamic...