Blinding Addiction

[PixelRabbit]

I've made a commitment to myself to try photographing people, my son is here for a while so I figure he can be my guinea pig!

I've had this shot in my head for a long time and gave it a try today, I'm not 100% in love with it but I'm in like with it. I am torn about the left side, thinking maybe have it fade to black and enhance the effect of the smoke being part of him?

Would love to hear what you feel is successful and not so successful in this to carry forward to more versions of this.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Thanks for taking a look

 

[tirediron]

I like the concept PR, but I think maybe more of a profile shot? As-is, it's hard (for me at least) to separate smoke from hair.

 

[frommrstomommy]

its interesting.. but I agree with the above statement and I think the smoke totally hiding the eyes is strange.

 

[Dagwood56]

I'd have to agree with both comments so far. I'm not a fan of the eyes being hidden by the smoke. I think John is on the right thought track with suggesting a profile shot.

 

[PixelRabbit]

Thanks so much so far all! Before this sits for too long I will add a couple other versions with eyes showing etc...

 

[frommrstomommy]

last is my fav

 

[PixelRabbit]

Thanks Bonnie!

 

[The_Traveler]

Get his eyes open so at least one shows - and then get him to stop smoking

 

[PixelRabbit]

Thanks Lew, both noted

 

[JacaRanda]

I think the last one looks really cool. Like the face is morphing into a Jason mask or something.

 

[jenko]

Strong concept and very interesting results!

The first is actually my favorite. I suggest turning it a bit counterclockwise so his face is "straight."

The last one also appeals to me a great deal. Maybe some curves to bring out the highlights a bit.

Overall, I really like them, and completely "get it" being that I have battled addiction issues myself. Addiction definitely has a blinding quality to it and I think you captured that idea brilliantly, creatively, poignantly.

Good stuff.

 

[PixelRabbit]

Thanks Jaca! It does!

Jenko, thank you! Good suggestion about straightening the first, for the concept of the addiction I think the first is the most successful to me also, the rest are cool but more... mainstreamish to me I suppose.

 

[Derrel]

I like the last one because the smoke is seen emanating from his mouth, so it looks more, like well, like he's exhaling smoke. I think the last one needs more contrast though. I'd like to see brighter highlights in it, and just more "snap!" overall. Maybe more like the second shot, in terms of crisp, strong, dramatic lighting.