First nude

[Owen Clarke]

my first attempt. Though it wasn't to bad how about you
http://www.owenclarkephotography.com/nude.jpg

[ssim]

Technically the picture is ok for me. However, nudes should have some artistic flair to them and I just don't see that in this one. What I do see is someone showing their body and hiding their face.

This may fancy some people but doesn't do it for me. Don't take this as discouragement. This is only my take on it.

[mdude85]

I tend to agree with ssim....in order for me to appreciate a nude, I need to really know what the point of it is. What are you trying to "say" with this shot?

[PhotosGuy]

It seems a bit clinical, & for some reason, I'm really bothered by the way her nose seems to be split???
The lighting is good, but the pic is static, so you'll have to work on the other elements to add some interest.
What ever you do, don't give up!

[Leighow]

OWEN

I like the image very much -- but have no personaly experience re the challenge. It is a nice alternative to the boudouir or brighter background alternatives. I might even up the contrast.

That said, I wonder (just wonder, as I have no idea ):
- whether more body -- or all ofthe body ought to be visible. I find the 50-50 split a bit empty on the right side, although the shadow/light ray is efffective
- whether lighting should or should not cast a shadow on the wall

Anyway, it seems to me to be a gentle statement, and a soft but wholesome treatment of this woman's beauty. Well done I would say.

[Belmondo]

I'm inclined to agree more with Howie than some of the other comments. An image like this doesn't have to conform to any preconceived notions the viewer might have. In fact, a deviation from the norm might actually pique interest a bit.

Stylistically, the only thing I might have done differently would be to move the light farther back so that a little more of her is in shadow, especially the bosom which is a little too bright. IMHO.

I can't wait to see your second nude.

Tom

[NJPete]

What type of lighting was used? Its somewhat hard to tell if it was a direct light or a softbox light that was a bit too close. I would suggest a softer light a bit farther back from the subject so you could eliminate the white spot on the right breast.

Again just my .02, otherwise keep shooting.

[Andy_T]

It is a very interesting picture.

As Belmondo pointed out, it has a distinctive style that defies the classic look of the genre (if there is osmething like that).

It comes across very harsh to me. The image and the situation do not convey a pleasant feeling, rather like you were intruding upon the subject.

I'm also interested in your second attempt.

Best regards,
Andy

[Big_B]

I think I'd agree with most of what Howie said. Do keep them coming, I'm sure there are plenty here willing to 'review' your pictures. :D

[karusel]

It seems a bit clinical, & for some reason, I'm really bothered by the way her nose seems to be split???

Aye.

Also wondering what should be the message...

[dsze]

I would also like to see more face. This one, to me, is interesting but I Leave thinking, "that was a woman in her first nude shoot, affraid to show her face, but for some reason wanting to put her breasts out for the world." It makes me think that she was relluctant to do this shoot and affraid to show her identity. To me her eyes would be just as important as her breasts, but her breasts are the obvious focus in this shot. Also, I'm not sure I like the necklace in the photo. The necklace being there makes me think that there must be a purpose for it, but I'm not sure what it is. It isn't clear to me. I think the necklace should either make a point or should not be there at all.

Ok, thats me being very critical. Now, I also like the contrast and the B&W conversion. I think I like the composition too.

Keep shooting, I also want to see the next one!

-daniel