Demon Childby
crabappl3Comment by muckpond: Hi crabappl3 --
This is a test critique from the critique club.
My initial reaction to this photo is that I just didn't get it. It wasn't until I read your details and saw that you used a skull that I could look back at the photo and see the detail. It's a really good shot, but it's so subtle that (to me) it was almost a little confusing at first.
That being said, the expression on the girl's face is quite haunting and appropriate for the photograph. Is there some kind of translucent scarf draped over her that is causing the ebbulent patterns? They are somewhat distracting if you are going for the illusion of a skull superimposed with the live face. Also, because the photo was compressed, the pixellated appearance of the scarf really detracts from the photo. Unfortunately, I think it takes more away than it adds. It really hurts the focus and clarity of the image.
The lighting is definitely from the right, which severely darkens the left side of the face. You cannot make out the whole form of the skull's left eye, which might be why I had a hard time seeing it at first. Perhaps lighting from the front, or below, would have been more effective and allowed a more even distribution.
The skull is too big for the girl's face, which could have been your intent. However, it looks out of place since it is not lined up with her facial features. Specifically, the difference between the top of the skull and the girl's hairline is a bit distracting. I would like to have seen the skull scaled down a bit so it is more proportionate to her size.
The multiple reflections in the girl's eyes are from the strobe light? Perhaps a different way to achieve this technique would have been to use a long exposure, light the girl's face and trip the shutter, then turn off the light and quickly replace the face with the skull and turn the light back on. This would take some doing, but if pulled off could be an interesting variation on this photo. Just a suggestion.
Overall, a very nice photo. Some minor changes in the setup and this would be an excellent shot. Great idea, good execution!
Rob 8)
Photographer found comment helpful.