Pics by Peep – Page 280

A Head of the Pack

Image February 15, 2013PeepSideshow DarkwardLeave a comment

Boy…I was SO tempted to go with a different title for this post, but I decided to keep it G-rated 😀

Head shots are one of the most challenging types of photos to do because the attention to detail is critical. If you get it right, it’s a close-up not only of the subject’s face, but also a glimpse into their soul. I don’t do one on every shoot, even though I do try to capture at least a few shots that I can play with. Eh…it doesn’t always work out. But I’ll keep trying, shooting those tight photographs and working on my technique. I want to be able to offer at least one to every person I photograph. Stay tuned as I work on realising that dream.

I also kinda fudge on what a true head shot is. Generally speaking, it should just be the face and possibly shoulders. But I extend that to include the upper body – basically, chest up.

That’s what I did with this photo of my friend, Fox. He has beautiful eyes and I wanted to show them off, but it just didn’t seem to work with a tight head shot. So, I extended the cropping to allow me to include an overlay that I think helps create a mood that reflects more about him.

This photo of my cherished, Tylar, is actually a re-work. I wasn’t happy with the original, so when I started playing around with overlays, this was one of the first pictures I experimented with. It’s still not perfect, but it not only shows Tylar’s beauty, it gave me an opportunity to express my love for my dear friend.

I’ve used myself as a guinea pig for head shots more than anyone else, because if I fail, I am not disappointing anyone who is expecting a usable finished product. I shoot photos of myself for a variety of reasons: sometimes to relax, sometimes because I want to test a new prop or pose, and sometimes just because I get the itch to try out new techniques and I want new material to work with.

One of my favourite effects is called Orton. It gives a dreamy, romantic mood to a photograph. It doesn’t work with every shot, but when it does, I’m overjoyed. I think in this photo, it worked. I love the warmth and softness it conveys.

I’ll be revisiting this topic as I improve my technique. I’d love to hear what you think about head shots – either shooting them, having one taken of you and even if you think I’ve succeeded.

Or not. 😉

Simply Shane

Image February 13, 2013PeepSideshow DarkwardLeave a comment

On first glance, Shane is as tough as the title character of the classic movie by the same name. Protective, mysterious and a little bit dangerous. He projects an air of quiet confidence that is not to be trifled with. That was a side of Shane that was easily captured when I did his photo shoot.

But there’s another side of Shane I wanted to portray, as well. The side that stole a pixie’s heart. A man who is fashion-conscious while maintaining a masculine image. A man who is generous and caring behind a facade of unyielding masculinity. A side that is a little harder to get to know, but worth every ounce of effort.

He’s a bit of an enigma. He’s decent and kind.

He’s simply Shane.

You Don’t Know Jack

Image February 12, 2013February 12, 2013PeepSideshow DarkwardLeave a comment

I met Jack at the club where I work, Breaking The Rules. Jack was new to Second Life and stumbled in one night while I was working. He was witty and funny and there to make friends.

And he did. He comes into BTR sometimes, but mostly he’s off doing other things in Second Life now, with a whole new group of friends. He’s funny and nice, and now that he’s been around for a few months, he’s found his identity. And he’s found his “look”, with the help of those new friends.

So now, you know Jack. Well, a little bit about him. He’s one part bad-boy biker, one part hard-working mechanic, and a whole lot of parts that you’ll have to find out for yourself.