Breaking Rules...

Without moving to a profile shot, how do you shoot someone blowing bubbles, get to see at least some of the eye, and not be shooting up the nose?

I just shot this the other day, and I like it pretty much, even though I know it breaks rules.

Assume for the moment that I'm a naive student and not the award-winning, world-class photographer that I am. What rules does it break? I think it's a nice shot. The important question is does it fulfill your goals?

It does fulfill my goal of capturing upward flowing bubbles and eye contact.

Just lower her chin a bit and you're golden.

Rules are meant to be broken. I think it looks fine just the way it is, and if it fulfilled your goals then why change anything?

Well...I really don't want to start a big thing about "rules", but I would say...
1) shooting up someone's nose.
2) hand/fingers being cut off.
3) brightest light hitting her under the chin (I love her jaw line being highlighted so I like this light personally).

I know...if there even are any rules, they are made to be broken.
I like the shot, I just had some people question it (not the model, she loves it), and I wanted to know what POTN had to say on it. I trust the brutal honesty here (i've been slammered here many times).

I don't like that you're shooting up her nose. Unless that's the "rule" you're breaking

As far as the up the nose shooting, it's never really bothered me. In fact, there are pros out there that shoot right up the nose. Wes Kroninger is one example: http://www.weskroninge​r.com/

I'd say he seems to know what he's doing... ;o)

Q

I guess the real purpose of the eye contact with the camera is because we had been shooting a lot without eye contact, so I had her do a series looking into the camera thinking it would almost be like blowing smoke from a cigarette kind of thing, but with bubbles.

jetcode wrote in post #13436828
Well for sure we are into the nitpik's here because the image works as is; perhaps a little strained on angle but I'm not losing sleep over any particular issue.

I agree. I'm left with the feeling of lost potential because of the unflattering protruding chin and the brightness underneath it. Its a pretty good image that had the chance to be something special.

this is truly nice and tidy image, no emotional thrills but very decent and good quality. Eyes are a bit dark but I guess that is how they look when half closed and shooting from underneath. Did you try shooting where she puts her chin down a bit and look more towards bubbles which she blows towards you?

Very nice shot but some light in the eyes would make it super.

A step ladder could put you above her level and give a more flattering angle. The lifeless eyes take away nearly as much as the detailed view of the inside of her nose.

Posted eight from the shoot in People, including the one above, if anyone is interested.

https://photography-on-the.net …p?p=13449289#po​st13449289

jetcode wrote in post #13436718
Kechar thanks for sharing. I think I would prefer to have the camera high on the right looking down on her as she is blowing bubbles across the frame. I think what I am experiencing is that the camera angle is forcing a busyness around her left eye (our right side) with her nose, eye, and bubble stick all in very close proximity competing for space and visual attention. Why is she looking at us instead of focusing on the bubbles. That is bad scripting in some circles. I would think the desired effect of the bubbles could be expanded by presenting the model in a more relaxed position looking to the stars (bubbles are metaphoric for imagination / fantasy / dreams, etc).

I agree too.

What difference would shooting from a higher angle make other than not looking up her nose? But I find that less distracting than the fact that her eyes are on the camera, not the bubbles.

The light and color look really good. And it look quite crisp.