Altered Image - 'SCREAM'

[DigiDiva]

I'm doing a project in high and low key, which I have called Altered Image where I'm looking at ways of changing faces in different ways to achieve different effects. I have experimented with high and low key lighting along the way.

This is a low key image called 'SCREAM' where I used a mud face pack to create age and cracking.



Would appreciate your comments, as portraiture is new to me.

[jimmyosram]

You've got your lighting/composition and b&w conversion spot on Chris. I also like the cracked skin on the models cheek. Have a look at the nose, under the chin and the bottom lip. I would try and increase the depth of field to include a sharp focus in this zone too. Remember that dof is mainly used to isolate things in a picture. With this great image I'd guess you'd like to promote the whole face yes? Knock up the f number a click or too and you'll have a cracker (all be it rather scary) portrait.

[DigiDiva]

Thanks Paul - Regrettably, I didn't exactly have a free rein on this, as the college 'dictated' how we metered, as the lighting had to be set for everyone. We were metered for ISO 100, F8 - F11, shutter speed 1/60th of a second. I would have liked this sharper, but this will come (I hope), and it was my 1st time with the 60D.

[markgozz]

Have to agree with jimmy on this one Chris , the ear looks like the sharpest point . With an aperture of between f8 & f11 I would of thought that the depth of field would of been enough so it might be that you are moving backwards a tinny bit after you have focus lock , something that is easily done when you are doing close up work hand held .

At will come with practice

Mark

[karenoliver]

Its a good start. I'd try different angles too, not just a side view. Also what about colour? Is there any specific reason for it being in black and white?

Karen

[DigiDiva]

Yes, my college brief is B&W conversion. Tried other angles too, but this was the preferred one. I had to try different angles as part of my project, but then select (from making a contact sheet) the images I wanted to photoshop and mount.