Until today, I've managed to plan my shot, shoot it and upload on the day without problems. Today I had decided to shoot a bronze sculptured head to illustrate form and shape as described in Michael Freeman's book for the B&W Bookclub. But today we had 25 guests, so I spent the morning cooking, the afternoon entertaining and the evening dining. Happily, I found a half-hour free at the end of the afternoon to take some photos and confirm that they met the brief. At almost midnight when I got back to the computer, it was clear that they did not meet the brief. Several re-shoots and 2 hours later, I think I have something approaching that which was in my mind 3/4 of a day ago! Whatever, it's this or nothing now.... sigh!
Don't beat yourself up! Your guests come first, after all, and you set yourself quite a challenge here. You've got excellent separation of your subject and background, lovely details, and a real sense of depth and volume. The only reason I can see for you to say "something approaching that which was in my mind" is a few strong highlights on the right side of her face, and bronze is hard to shoot - dark as it seems to the human eye, it's still reflective! This is a lovely piece, and I think you've done it justice.
Well thank you Ma'am - those highlights really bugged me, but when I lost them, the photo went flat, and especially the eyes... they were really difficult to get right. i had set my heart on trying to stay within the exact letter of the rules for this site... but when I had to choose between posting a below par photo on time, or something better a bit later, quality gained the day over quantity.
Stop beating yourself up. It's not productive. Life is more important than a picture a day. And since you've taken on this month's extra learning project, it's not like you can just submit an i-phone snap like I did today.
Very nice form and light. Your project, your rules. But it is better to make it through. Sometimes when people get too strict on themselves they crash and burn.
Nicely done. I agree with others, don't beat yourself up. Where I live we still have 4 hours of February 11th so you are good. I think it's great you are challenging yourself. I'm playing it safe and haven't participated in challenges. Hopefully I can when spring arrives.
This reminds me of a character from an old English novel. I applaud your sticking to it and getting a picture that is pleasing. I hope you had a wonderful day with your guests.
@johenn@tigerdreamer@moxy@joansmor Thank you ladies for your kind comments. When I posted this in the early hours of this morning, it was at the end of an enjoyable but tiring day so my apologies for being a bit 'precious'. Hopefully we're back to normal service today!
It's not fair to expect excellence three hundred and sixty-five consecutive times: you'll burn out. That is, unless you shoot the same look, same style, same process again and again. And that's not what the project's about!
As for me, I think the highlights make it. There is only the teensiest little blowout I see, on the back of her scarf (and I really had to scrutinize - it doesn't nothing to detract), and there is rich detail in the shadows. All in all I find myself thinking: what a charming little bust! She's got such worried eyes but a sweet smile - I wonder what she's thinking.
@louuncouth Thank you Lou for the sound advice - I was being a bit 'precious' at the end of a long, tiring day... I'll try not to let it happen again ;-))
Ian
As for me, I think the highlights make it. There is only the teensiest little blowout I see, on the back of her scarf (and I really had to scrutinize - it doesn't nothing to detract), and there is rich detail in the shadows. All in all I find myself thinking: what a charming little bust! She's got such worried eyes but a sweet smile - I wonder what she's thinking.