Something a bit different.. *mild warning: not for the squeamish*

[xyphic]

Hi all,

I haven't partaken in much photography lately, mainly due to lack of creativity. But I was chatting with a friend yesterday and the subject came up and I was tasked with creating some pictures that were "dark".

So here are a couple that I thought turned out okay. I'm a bit nervous about posting them because they are a lot more personal than I would normally post. Note: If you don't like blood (even if it is fake), probably best to hit back now!

1) I got to thinking about "dark" and my first thought was of death, or pain. Quite a lot of post-processing was done, though nothing too complex.

2) I'm not sure what part of my psyche this one came from... I've never modelled for my own photos before so it was something a bit new!

Note: No xyphics were harmed during the making of these photos, though one bottle of HP sauce was severely depleted.

Feedback appreciated... I'm thinking of doing more of this type of image, so it'd be good to know what you all think of it!

Cheers,
xyphic

 

[divine`]

Liking the idea (I've tried similar but wasn't happy with it at the time)

For me the first shot is better but the second has more potential.

I think the second one would benefit from a dark background (black would be good) as white brightens the photo too much for the 'dark' effect to really work well. Secondly, a better facial expression. You seem a bit too happy (almost on the verge of smirking/giggling) for someone who's face is covered in 'blood'

More mood in the face and darker background would do that picture wonders I feel.

 

[bcjames]

I like the set up of the first shot, but I feel maybe the blood is a little subtle. That may be your intention, but my first though is 'guy laying on bed', and unless I really look at it, I'd probably move on without realising it as anything else, if that makes sense.

 

[DailyGeek]

Cool post-processing.

The one thing I would say, is that if the first one is a guy having slit his wrists, is that you need to be careful about publishing graphic imagery of suicide - some random new law came in last year I *think*

 

[SidewinderINC]

i agree with divine_madness with all points.

i like the processing style, almost as if it was a security camera on the 1st one - something out of a computer game.

 

[DailyGeek]

i agree with divine_madness with all points.

i like the processing style, almost as if it was a security camera on the 1st one - something out of a computer game.

Thats what it reminds me of - the cutscenes in Max Payne!

 

[xyphic]

Cool post-processing.

The one thing I would say, is that if the first one is a guy having slit his wrists, is that you need to be careful about publishing graphic imagery of suicide - some random new law came in last year I *think*

Thanks, I hadn't heard anything about that. I couldn't find anything on google. I'm alive and well, and only smelling slightly of condiments. Still, Dons: if you think I'm on dodgy ground I'll take it down.

I was actually going for the Max Payne stylised look with that one. I didn't actually do too much post-processing:

* Desaturation almost to the point of being black and white, but not quite.
* Tweaks to brightness and contrast.
* Applied Photoshop watercolour filter.
* Added a vignette effect.

It's the watercolour filter that gives it the grainy look.

The second one was a bit of a concept. I wanted to see how well it'd turn out with everything but the blood on the face desaturated. The smirk was intentional, though I don't think I get the point of the photo across very well -- my idea was that you're looking up into the face of someone who isn't thinking happy thoughts about you. I think that's just poor execution on my part!