photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Canon DSLR Challenge | all galleries >> Canon SLR Challenges - FAQ >> CSLR - Best of... >> Best of 2006 > 5th Place
Mystique
by Vikas
previous | next
25-SEP-2006 Vikas

5th Place
Mystique
by Vikas

New Delhi, INDIA

Was fun trying to do a portrait with only one light and no reflectors of any sort; dark b/g; was an interesting experience. That is what I love about these challenges, doing things one doesn't normally do.


other sizes: small medium original auto
share
alexeig01-Oct-2006 15:50
It tells not so much mystique as cold determination to me. Very nice technically.
Canon DSLR Challenge28-Sep-2006 20:58
Ugh, poor thing to be stuck with such horrible skin! LOL! Yes, getting the light in tight and overexposing a tad is a good thing for skin. Thanks for the detailed explaination. :) ~ Lonnit
jnconradie28-Sep-2006 17:00
Thanks for the detailed explanations, Vikas. I learn a lot from these and therefore appreciate it. Regards ~jnconradie
Canon DSLR Challenge28-Sep-2006 06:50
Dearest Vikas's Sister: You have a very classic beauty about you...wholesome and feminine and yet striking. I don't mean this badly, I just thought I'd let you know. Best Wishes, Traveller
Vikas Malhotra28-Sep-2006 06:14
Traveller, thank you indeed. Regarding the skin; I started by having my sister put on a fair amount of make up; foundation and powder. She anyway has lovely clear skin so that make up took care of any blemishes that may have been there. Then I overexposed her face slightly to give it a cleaner look and finally used the clone/healing tool to clean away the rest of the blemishes/uneveness. After that, a very very slight blur layer with highly reduced opacity and thats it. :-)

Thanks Michael/Cheryl, , appreciate it.

Thanks Nico. Used an average sized softbox, square in shape, very close to the face. Regarding the left side of the nose, yup could be more shaped but with one light it was a little tough, used to dealing with at least two lights and a reflector but for this one, discared the reflector also to see what I could come up with by using just one light. Thanks.

Thank you Shu, you are extremely kind. Thanks.

Thanks a lot Lonnit. Regarding the plastic look, didnt do too much of PP; just started with in initial great skin plus makeup and then removed the blemishes/uneveness in the skin and applied a very very slight blur layer.

Thank you CJ. Yes the skin is slightly overexposed purposely to give it a smoother look. Thanks.

Cheers, Vikas.
Canon DSLR Challenge26-Sep-2006 14:02
Beautiful portrait Vikas. I love the colors and texture of the scarf. Her face seems a little bright but it may just be my monitor. Really lovely! CJ
Canon DSLR Challenge26-Sep-2006 13:07
Excellent portrait, though I must say the nose and lips, in particular, are getting a bit too plastic looking for my taste. Fabulous capture! ~ Lonnit
Canon DSLR Challenge26-Sep-2006 02:08
Not only does Vikas have beautiful models, he also has exceptional command of his camera, a great eye for composition and color and artistic vision that is hard to beat! shu
Canon DSLR Challenge25-Sep-2006 18:44
Vikas, can I ask what post processing you did on this...as a learning exercise for myself?
The scarf is very sharp and defined, but the face is smooth and without blemish. My feeling is that you used some softening or bluring on the face, Correct? If so, how did you do it? Best Wishes, Traveller
jnconradie25-Sep-2006 15:33
Vikas, the portrait is world-class... pro quality work. It is about 15 billion times more lovely than any portrait I have ever managed. The reflection in her eyes speaks of a (large) softbox? Is that how you managed the lighting? And now let me add a minor remark: should the left (as you look at it) of her nose not have been just sligtly more "defined"? Compliments. ~jnconradie
Guest 25-Sep-2006 14:17
Wow what a shot! Just beautiful in every way!
Cherylm
Guest 25-Sep-2006 04:52
Stunning portrait. -Michael
Canon DSLR Challenge25-Sep-2006 02:19
Well, well, Vikas, Sir, this is why we like to have your around also...to lead the way. this is just wonderful for the skin tones...and interestingly, I did not know that ths was yours when I first saw it....My initial impression, "Good, we have a new great Talent!"

Thanks for the entry. Best Wishes, Traveller