Shame is a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior. We tend to look up to a set of rules and morals in order to reflect on our own wrong doings. Who is to say whether we are right or wrong? This photo symbolizes the point of that self reflection.
I am happy that you have a description of your thoughts on the theme. The photo itself definitely displays a sense of self reflection. Some people are not placing any description at all, It is irritating...
ReplyDeleteI like your approach to the theme, showing the result of shame and not shame in itself. Without your explanation my comment would be completely different. For example, I would have asked to see the image without the fade to white: in the subjects hair. Since it is a self reflecting experience that is being displayed, the fade makes sense.
I don't know if this was intentional but you have a sort of chess board effect on the subject with the lighting, the face is illuminated on the left with shadow on the right and the chest is the reverse. I only mentions it because I would like to see this exaggerated a bit. The idea that chess is a game of logic and contemplation would fit nicely with your idea on self reflection.
-Nathan
I agree - one of my favourite parts is the grid/chess board effect created by the light from face to neck. See what it looks like with that played up a bit. It's a really interesting effect and could add just that much more to the image.
ReplyDeleteI also like how the face is split by the lighting - the light and the shadow. It adds to the notion of right/wrong that you were getting at, enhancing the idea of reflection.
- Helen
I also love the split light/shadow pointing to the notion of right vs. wrong. Everything else is lovely, lighting etc. However I understand why you would center the subject for this image, but I'd be curious to see the positioning of the model a little more unpredictable. For instance, profile shots of either side of the face, one in shadow, one in light and then set back to back? Playing with the idea of how we see a portrait a bit. Obviously an artistic decision so it would be up to you.
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