Long awaited project has started, need a critique

07/08/2010 12:38:34 AM · #1

Years ago I battled major depression that I didnt come out of until recently, during that time I thought of a project to show what its like to deal with the symptoms of depression.

years later, I finally got to start doing the project. I found an amazing model and I have the right surroundings and equipment.

Here is the first shot, tell me what you think.

louinsd

Sony DSLR-A900

Sony 16mm f2.8 (E-mount)

07/08/2010 01:12:39 AM · #2

Your picture is of very high quality and is extremely well done. When I look at it though I think of my sister as she was as a teenager. She had rebelled against nearly everything (she had some very good reasons to rebel). When I look at this though I don't think of someone that is depressed. It gives me the impression of a teenager that is bored and is waiting for another chapter of her life to start.

I have battled depression in the past. I'm very glad that you have made it through.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

07/08/2010 01:29:14 AM · #3

Honestly, Im ok with that for the reason that I want people to be able to relate in some way. I want it to spark something, just about anything.

Citadel

Nikon D7500

07/08/2010 01:30:31 AM · #4

I have to agree with mycelium's comment that it looks a little overposed. However, what you are trying to capture is really quite ephemeral and hard to articulate even verbally.

There are some things working for what you are trying to achieve though. The environment works quite well as does the lighting. The whole gives it a bit of an edge.

Part of getting out of that hole is recognizing how you feel when you're in the pit and stopping your mind from going down that path. To help get that connection maybe brainstorm a bunch of words that describe the feeling and focus on tangible concrete metaphors. E.g. "I felt like a huge weight was on me". Sadly, I'm another one of those people that had to find his way out of the hole so congrats on getting back to the light.

Message edited by author 2010-07-08 01:32:00.

yanko

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Carl Zeiss 50mm ZE f/1.4 Planar T for Canon

07/08/2010 01:35:45 AM · #5

What are your goals for this project if you don't mind me asking? Because what I see in your photo suggest an exploration of technique and a Hollywood-esqe depiction of depression rather than an honest portrayal of your own experiences. As a viewer I am no closer to feeling what you felt. To me this is a commercial image. If you want it to be something more then you have to give the viewer something real.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

07/08/2010 01:35:54 AM · #6

Well, this is just one picture in the series. Im doing another one with the same concept, but the word "salvation" will be carved into her arm. I want to bring a literal edge, so yes, words will be used in this case ;)

tanguera

Nikon D750

07/08/2010 01:51:57 AM · #7

I left a comment on the image page. I'm looking forward to seeing this project evolve. Glad to hear you've conquered the darkness.

07/08/2010 01:57:24 AM · #8

The composition comment is interesting to me actually. I will definitely look into a different compostion, perhaps tighter. Also the model is aware of the camera in this shot and the next one in order to make a connection with the viewer. But I am really glad you all mentioned that aspect. Its an ongoing shoot and I really needed some critique. Its a project that means a lot to me and the model (who is very awesome btw)

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

07/08/2010 02:51:52 AM · #9

Honestly I dont think is coming out how I pictured. I think next time we will have a makeup artist do the writing on the arm (like previously planned)

Prash

Nikon D90

07/08/2010 03:34:07 AM · #10

If I can say so: the image is technically very well executed, it just doesn't convey 'depression' to me. Would it be more effective if it was B&W or Sepia? I cannot imagine such strong color tones for a state of mind that is depression.

These images, however, strongly convey a dark gloomy feel, for example:

Good luck!

Message edited by author 2010-07-08 03:41:43.

Prash

Nikon D90

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

07/08/2010 03:34:08 AM · #11

Oops.. double post. Deleted one.

Message edited by author 2010-07-08 03:34:33.

07/09/2010 08:19:35 PM · #12

Ok another one shot today.

I need to add more elements like a needle and spoon

07/09/2010 08:30:43 PM · #13

One thing that you might consider is trying to convey the mood, the setting, whatever it is that you're going for without the props. Razorblades, bottles, needles, and spoons are manifestations of the issue, but they shouldn't be the driving force of the image. Put a needle and a spoon in the picture, and it's a picture of a junkie, not necessarily someone battling depression. I actually like your images......they're dark and haunting, but work on this moreso to capture the essence, without trying to piece together the puzzle for the viewer with lettering on the puzzle pieces.

No sweat, right?.......8>)

07/09/2010 08:39:48 PM · #14

Dunno what prompted me to do so, but after seeing this in your port after my puzzle analogy......

Good mood in this.......there are those pieces for the viewer to put together for him/herself......what's missing in his life? Why the sort of lost expression?

This one........delightful mood.....alone, half light, mundane and dull outlook, nose to the grindstone......

Give it time......look for the project to help itself by the places you'll be, the people you'll meet, the situations that will present themsleves.

Like this........a regular shoot with a pretty girl trying to get "the look". And look what you got with this one.....alone in the pews, the pensive, slightly lost look.

It's there, the project. Let it come....

07/09/2010 08:40:08 PM · #15

Does the picture convey junkie then? What does it convey to you then? How would I change it.

07/09/2010 08:43:25 PM · #16

Well the funny thing is, the settings of where I live in LA, I dont have to do anything. I just stumbled across the stairwell where shot today and there was allt his garbage and nastiness and I immediately thought of "Junkie" I really dont have to do anything to the atmosphere, its all there.
And Im just using my only strobe I have (430 EX II)

07/09/2010 09:25:44 PM · #17

Originally posted by mgarsteck:

Does the picture convey junkie then? What does it convey to you then? How would I change it.

My point is.......are you trying to convey junkie? If not, why put the hardware there? It's not a given that a drug addict is depressed, it is a given that a drug addict is a drug addict. That takes away from what you're trying to convey if you're trying to express depression. I don't necessarily have any hard and fast "This is what you do to convey depression." kind of thoughts. That's why I was suggesting letting the project develop itself from life around you.

07/09/2010 09:33:02 PM · #18

Yes I want to convey junkie for the sake of "addiction". Addiction often causes depression and vice versa.

07/09/2010 09:57:30 PM · #19

Originally posted by mgarsteck:

Yes I want to convey junkie for the sake of "addiction". Addiction often causes depression and vice versa.

Okay......I was just trying to help. I thought you were going for depression, not addiction.

Depression and addiction are two distinctly different issues. There can be overlap, but they are not on any level one and the same.

07/09/2010 10:03:53 PM · #20

True, but in my case they were connected. I do a lot of outreach out in Skid Row and a lot of people out there are junkies and deal with depression and cant get out of the drugs because of the cycle of drugs and addiction.

jvaughn94

Canon EOS-1000D Rebel XS

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

07/09/2010 10:06:42 PM · #21

I do believe that addiction and depression could be connected, but I think what Jeb is trying to say is that the image itself conveys the idea of addiction more than depression.

Pentax DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] WR DC

07/09/2010 10:10:03 PM · #22

Thats the idea. Im glad that I was able to convey what I wanted then. These pictures are all part of a project/portfolio of many other pieces. So thats why there is the girl who finds salvation in cutting herself and the guy on drugs to escape his self. There are plenty more over time of course that will paint the whole picture.

jvaughn94

Canon EOS-1000D Rebel XS

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

07/09/2010 10:12:10 PM · #23

I do really like these pictures though. I do hope to see the finished project.

fldave

Pentax K5II

07/09/2010 10:25:26 PM · #24

Excellent work, Matthew. I am also looking forward to seeing more images. I do hope to see some photos portraying more emotion on the model's faces... are they feeling despair? Sadness? Frustration? Having battled depression, you have an innate empathy - some viewers may need to be shown the pain and misery, tears, angst, etc.