I find shadows harder than any other form of manipulation. This is the fourth time of doing them.
Blue
Yes, I think you've got it much better in that last version.
creators
I really didn't suss it until I spotted the single leaf on the right 2/3 up, and realised the sun was casting a shadow almost vertically, throwing the shadows very slightly to the left. It took a long time because the left side of the window is in shadow whilst the right is in full sunlight seeming to suggest that the sun is coming from the left. Very odd.
Blue
Yeah, I can see how tough that must be. I am staring at it still, trying to see where the light comes from in this one, and where the shadows "should" be, and honestly I am just taking your word for it, because I can't tell. But visually, I like it a lot better now that the shadow doesn't fall over her face.
creators
Well, this was what I took as my reference in the end. Both leaves are catching sunlight and seem to be at the edge and follow an identical line, so I just decided, perhaps a little arbitrarily, that's it.
Blue
Ahh- yes, I see that now. That was a tricky one, because a lot of those shadows are from leaves higher up and out of frame.
Is this meant to be a natural-looking composite, that might fool someone into thinking she was actually there, or is it just a composite for the sake of beauty. I ask, because there are a few things that to me make it obvious that it's a composite. For instance- if she was actually there in the window, I don't think she would be quite so bright, and also, I think the color of the light on her might be a little different... as it is obvious (to me, anyway) that the ouside has natural sunlight, and the girl is lit by a studio flash. It's very subtle. Also, she looks a little bit too big, especially in reference to the bricks and leaves. I other words, even though it is gorgeous art as it is, and pehaps that is what you were going for, in real life I think she'd be a little smaller and darker... just a little.
creators
No, you are right, it was never meant to be photo realism, it was done as a frame. The 'story' is - I think it's a very beautiful shot of Leah, who is holding a mask which kinda goes with the castle setting, even though in contemporary clothing, and she's not quite accessible yet her completely engaging look says, 'it's your call', and the viewer must wonder about that mask. What's going on here? There's something contrived, but what is it? There are layers of deception going on here.
Blue
Yes, it definitely seems like she's playing some sort of game with the viewer. If I was a man I'd head for the hills. No, actually, if I was a man I would probably be intrigued and try to woo her- but as a woman I would ADVISE any man to walk, no-run, away. She's up to something. (but it is a lovely portrait. )
creators
Thank you on all counts, you have put it so much better than I did, but it tells me I succeeded, thanks.
