OPINION NEEDED ! - W H I T E H O R S E - Nude Art Photography on Fstoppers

Bernd Stoeckl July 1, 2018

It's horrible. A girl in the water, a horse too, both in the middle where the focus point was. Harsh lighting with bold shades and contrast.

Scott Townley July 6, 2018

My first impression of this photo was what's going on? Followed by the unique facial characteristics of the model and her incredible red hair.
At this point I realized that this should be a fantasy scene definitely not in water.

I will mention two aspects not already mentioned. If, and I do say if you are going to shoot you need to either in-camera or post production create more atmosphere to support your story. My first impression above said differently was I don't understand what's going on.

To be specific, anywhere in the Western world you would have animal advocates tying you up and burning you alive at the stake. The horse is a good example of post processing required to tell your story. The horse would look strong and noble next to the princess, fawning because he has a crush on the beautiful princess, or let's say on his death bed because he saved her. You see, a story. With each version the colour/ing, postures, location, lighting etc. support what you are telling. In one shot that white maned horse would be in pure white that virtually glows.

I am actually quite amazed at how many elements go into composing a high quality photo. When laying it out it can seem overwhelming and I think it is practice, playing with shooting, learning, connecting with other photographers that we improve our craft.

Good for you for ;trying. Without a doubt I have shot worse....and true confession, I probably still do. Except I recognize it in camera and delete them as I proceed with my shooting.

Good luck.

Scott

Dan Marchant July 6, 2018

I applaud your effort and hope you keep on making such efforts but this image doesn't work for me.

Not sure what is happening with the sky and the light is too harsh causing ugly shadows. But even more important I don't know why the woman and horse are in the water.

When I think of women+horse I think of the power of nature. If she is naked she should be unabashedly naked. This woman is standing covering her nudity as if ashamed of it or as if the camera and viewer are unwanted onlookers which makes for an uncomfortable viewing experience instead of an empowering one.