[skipper954]

I only did a BW conversion using the channel mixer, a bit of sharpening, and a frame.

Oh, I did just a tad of body sculpting, too.

I love the pose, and the rough, sandy look. This is about form, not face, and about light. This is not a glamour shot

Shot at 1/500 @ f/4.2 and 50mm (in 35mm).

skip

[Steve]

Thread now returned to receive critique and comment

[cotter]

Not really my kind of thing this Skip.

The model looks very uncomfortable, the legs being open adds a bit of a porn "feel" which am sure you do not want.

I feel it would be improved if the shape of the body was used to "flow" with the sea and sand. In doing that you would see much less (if any) of her privates.

Less is more - often very true with nude. Sorry if I seem a bit harsh Skip, it's just humble opinion. Cotter

[Angela]

I would agree with Cotter and am surprised that this has been allowed to stay as I feel it very much draws attention to genitalia. A shame because you had the makings of a great classic shot there.

[skipper954]

Ok....I don't agree with you, but I am going to try to remove the image. I certainly don't want to offend anyone, or make anybody uncomfortable.

We could get into a long discussion about what is art, what is pornography, etc, but this is not the place for it, and it has been hashed over for millenia.

So, I couldn't remove this, but I have asked Admin to delete the image.

In terms of the pose, I think that is why I like it. It is a bit edgy, different, and I don't think it is unnatural at all. Sasha is a model, and she was moving around in various model-type poses whil(st) I shot. We all see images that are ho-hum, routine, old, etc. This came out a bit different, and that was pretty cool.

Admin - I will leave it up to you if you want to delete it or not. As I am writing this, perhaps there is some discussion of value here. Your call.

Skip

[Angela]

Skip, I'm not offended, it just came as a surprise as I didn't think it fell within the rules, but it does so please don't remove it on my account .

[skipper954]

Thanks, Angela. I feel better knowing that you aren't offended. That sounds facetious, but I mean it!

skip

[Steve]

Originally Posted by skipper954

Ok....I don't agree with you, but I am going to try to remove the image. I certainly don't want to offend anyone.

Skip

I have received your email Skip and if you still feel the same way I will glady do as you asked. However your picture is within the rules even if it may cause a little discomfort to some members. The new rules which can be seen here were only brought in after serious consideration and nobody is being forced to view your shot That however doesn't mean that people should say that they like it if they don't, the critique forum will alway give you more direct/harsher feedback than the photo sharing section and that is another reason why nudes are only allowed in here. If you are serious about photographing nudes then you should be serious about the feedback (which I believe you are).

Originally Posted by Angela

Skip, I'm not offended, it just came as a surprise as I didn't think it fell within the rules, but it does so please don't remove it on my account .

I think Angela has made it clear about her comment and why it was posted that way, I am sure that there was no other intent. However this might be a good opportunity to remind (or possibly inform ? ) our members that if you see a post that you feel is outside of our rules or not fitting with the site we welcome you to report it. At the side of every post you will find a small button by clicking on that you can then bring it to our attention, this process in anonymous (only the Crew are aware of who and what has been reported) and we will then deal with each on a case by case basis.

Skip - If nothing else I think this thread will serve to make people aware and could be beneficial to many. If you still wish for the picture (or indeed the thread to be removed) I will do it without further hesitation, however I personally feel you are being a little hasty and could be missing out of some quality feedback from some of our other members.

In this case though I will leave that call up to you

[skipper954]

OK Steve. Keep it up. I just got worried initially that maybe it WAS offensive.

You are absolutely correct. The feedback will be invaluable.

Skip

[Steve]

Originally Posted by skipper954

We could get into a long discussion about what is art, what is pornography, etc, but this is not the place for it, and it has been hashed over for millenia.

Skip

I have quoted you as you have added/edited it into your post and I wanted to repond. I agree with you that THIS is not the place to discuss it but if you wish to, a post in the 'General photography questions and answers' section would be fine. It may turn out to be an interesting discussion from the photographers perspective or it could just fall flat on its face...you'll never know unless one is started though

Sorry for taking your thread

[lolyton]

There are many things that are not quite right about this shot, Don't take offence, but it looks to me as if this woman is about tto roll over and be sick as she is holding her stomach and in the right position (first thoughts, maybe she has just been rescued from drowning). The lighting is also very harsh, it seems as though there has been no fill in lighting as the shadow falls very harshly onto the sand and across her legs. Judging by what i can see i qwould say the shot was taken when the sun is at highest (thereabouts) and this is a very difficult time to take any photo that you are not going to use extra lighting on. Compositionally, sometimes it can look alright to have parts of the body missing, but in this case i would say the image looks hurried and awkward with the ladies feet missing.
You have more courage than i taking photos like these, but i think this atempt is probably not your best effort, and you would need to rethink the shoot for poses (you must have other poses from this venture), maybe more landscape in the backround, subtler lighting ie. fill in flash, reflectors, softer sunlight etc.

If you have any technical info/enquires on the shoot as regards to lighting etc it would be good to hear so you can be advised more for future attempts.

Keep having a go, and i'm sorry if i was a little harsh.

[skipper954]

Thank you so much for your honest opinion, Lolyton. I appreciate it.

This shoot started 2 hrs late at 9am, and this image was taken 500 shots later at 11:30. We ended the shoot about 4 minutes after that. We were both hot, sweaty, and she was beginning to burn. She forgot sunblock - bad idea!

It was much too late to be taking photos outside, and I did use fill flash, but the shadows were obviously incredibly strong.

I agree that the missing feet are a problem.

Beach photos are always difficult because there is not much else there but sand, sky and water. I will surely keep all of your comments in mind with my next shoot.

Here is a question for all: did the different (unnatural) pose cause you to look longer or keep your interest more?

Thanks again.

skip