Stripped Part Deux

[mwatson]

Camera Pentax K10D
Exposure 0.011 sec (1/90)
Aperture f/9.5
Focal Length 18 mm
ISO Speed 140


This is my second attempt at the "Stripped" concept. I had the same flash on the left of the camera but added a hair light to brighten up my head and bring it away from the backdrop.

I went a little more drastic with the merge on this one as the original critiques stated it was not obvious at first, but I think I made have over done it. I played with the curves while in photoshop so I could make a more drastic cut between the segments. I think one of the things I am missing is a smile. This feels like a fun photo (almost clownish) but I guess I was afraid that I would not be able to keep the same smile throughout.

I decided to not make it as symmetrical this go around and I found the hat and thought it would be a strange addition (probably a bit over the top).

I am not happy with the crop on the right elbow but I was wearing shorts and I did not feel like showing off my white hairy toothpicks of legs.

So you know my train of thought, the reason for attempting to take this picture was to get the viewer to stop, take a minute and figure out what was happening here.

So, I only have one question on this one…
Did I meet my goal or is this just not working?

[graciousness]

Hey! This one is better! The different coloured shirts work much better and I like the use of the hat. Although perhaps the middle bit could have used a different hat? Don't know, but I like the obscurity of it all.

Something that I can't decide on is the lighter exposure on your face in the middle. I feel that perhaps this part should have been the same exposure as the others just to make the viewer just blink twice before thinking, hey wait a minute, something is going on here. As it is, it is quite straight obvious that it's a merged photo. I think I'd keep your face in balance just to make us look harder.

I do like the way you play around and think differently. It's a refreshing change.

Cheers,

Grace