The Wow Factor

Whitby Goth Weekends are full of interesting people, but every now and then one appears with a real wow factor.

Looks like an Alien from Doctor Who. Great capture John.

I'm sure the young woman would be delighted at that comparison But yes, very effective and tightly cropped portrait John, and its good to be able to see such detail, both on her face and the tube-like surrounds in her head-dress. Could benefit from a little extra brightness & sharpening to her eyes ?

I think she'd take it as a compliment. Goths aren't trying to look like Barbie dolls

I'd have thought they were trying to look like Goths.

A very interesting and unusual portrait. I love the greens.

An unusual and powerful portrait.

A stand out image John.

Is she a young Poison Ivy?

Best regards

I'm afraid I don't like it.
I want to step back and see the outfit, not all the makeup and (non) concealer.
Her eyes are lost in the shadows; lifeless, but not in a goth way
I find the whole effect uncomfortable.

For me, this has very little wow factor, with the exception of the colours of her clothing which I'd like to see more of. As a portrait, it's too close and way too sharp for me. I can almost see the grains of powder from her makeup.

It may have a hidden wow factor though that some more post-processing might reveal.

I like it, there is something of the reptilian. I'm not convinced by a square format which places the eyes too centrally for my liking. But a very good result.

So far in relation to this subject we've had references to 1) Aliens from Dr Who 2) Barbie Dolls 3) poison ivy 4) reptiles

I don't understand why she cannot just be thought of for what she is - a Goth. And she has chosen the makeup style, so then any good photograph of her should simply present the detail of that as faithfully as possible I feel. I think that is the case here - lots of detail, just as you'd see if standing next to her and chatting.

The harsh lighting has created a contrast challenge, and I still think it would be better to see into the eyes more with some selective brightening and sharpening to the eyes.

It's not my 'cup of tea' but I can appreciate the photo for what it is, which is a skilfully taken portrait. Also, it has attracted a lot of comment and interest which is a positive for any photographer.

I don't mind the harsh shadows as this adds to the extreme character of the person being portrayed, sometimes it's not about making a 'perfect exposure' with all highlights and shadows readable, sometimes the character and feeling of a shot are more important.

Regards
David

I've just be leafing through "People in Vogue" and there's a book that we can savour. The portraits throw out of the window all those camera club clichés and we have some people pictures with real passion in them. We also have blown out highlights, deep black shadows, wild and wacky composition...analysing why none of those matter in this context is I think quite valuable.

But they are not shot randomly and there is inspiration and skill, something we could aspire to.