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The Mask

© Dale Hardin

The Mask

Uploaded: April 14, 2013

Description

A fine example of craftsmanship found at a Chumash Powwow in California. Flash gel used and background replaced in PSE.

Shutter Speed: 1/250.00 F-stop: f/2.8
Focal Length: 24.00

Exif: F Number: 2.8, Exposure Bias Value: 1.00, ExposureTime: 1/250 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 400, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 24.00 mm, Model: SLT-A77V

Comments

Jeff E Jensen April 14, 2013

Very cool, Dale! So, I have to ask, why the clipped feather at the top and so tight at the bottom? #1523987

Nikki McDonald level-classic April 14, 2013

It's stunning against that deep red background, Dale. #10653820

Arthur Bohlmann April 14, 2013

Nice subject, color, detail and comp. Curious to know why the crop too? #10653841

Dale Hardin April 14, 2013

Thanks everyone. Jeff and Art, no crop. I just shot this one too tight. I should have increased the canvas size and fixed it. Got in a hurry. #10653881

Kalena Randall April 14, 2013

Love the deep red background. My other question got asked and answered! Saved me work! #10653905

Kristin Duff April 14, 2013

I too love the rich background Dale! So much texture all the way around! #10654004

Michael Kelly level-classic April 14, 2013

Great detail and workmanship on the BG replacement. My only problem with the shot was already covered. #10654049

Dale Hardin April 14, 2013

Thanks for the nice comments everyone. I will probably work on this some more to correct that faux pas.

In the meantime, here is another shot of the same mask with a little "tweaking" added. #10654101

Rita K. Connell level-classic April 15, 2013

wow dale your second post has my vote. the eyes says it all....everything about it holds my interest but your original just makes me look and move on...sorry!

just curious your original doesn't have eyes in it. but your second does... how did you do it? Are those Teresa's eyes? #10655239

Dale Hardin April 15, 2013

Thanks Rita. The eyes belong to Kayla Bailey, a young lady I met at the Carnvale Ventura, earlier this year at another shoot. I think I have the shot these came from on my blog from that time.

The procedure was easy since I had already layered the mask to place on the background. I simply opened the space for the eyes, put them on another layer and then shaded to match the light. #10655260

Peter W. Marks April 16, 2013

If it weren't for the second image I guess like Rita I would have thought 'nice bit of native American work' and moved on. But with the second image those hazel eyes really grabbed my attention.
I like this very much Dale. #10655569

Peter W. Marks April 16, 2013

If it weren't for the second image I guess like Rita I would have thought 'nice bit of native American work' and moved on. But with the second image those hazel eyes really grabbed my attention.
I like this very much Dale, did you win or lose at the casino?. #10655573

Dale Hardin April 16, 2013

Thank you Peter. When I told the artist I planned to do this, she couldn't understand why or how it could be. I sent the images to her through a friend of hers, but have had no reply from either. I would guess that about 80% of the time I send images to people, they do not respond, even though they asked for the photos. Strange. #10655758

Michael Kelly level-classic April 16, 2013

I like it with the close up and eyes added - makes for a very captivating image. Great detail and color. Wonderful work as it looks totally natural to me. #10655869

Dale Hardin April 16, 2013

Thanks Mike. I enjoy that type editing. #10655892

Rita K. Connell level-classic April 16, 2013

what do you mean by :simply opened the space for the eyes #10656338

Dale Hardin April 16, 2013

When I separated the mask, I had forgotten to cut out the eyes so the background showed through, Rita. So I had to cut (separate) that part so the eyes would shot through. Just a bad choice of wording. #10656428

Elaine Hessler April 18, 2013

These are really impressive. I prefer the first, because the second photo really gives me the creeps (although it is very well done!). Something about the mouth being absent or covered is disturbing to me. I think that means your placement of the eyes is very believe able to me! I love the background you chose-I would never have guessed you did that. The colors are rich and gorgeous. #10657776

Dale Hardin April 18, 2013

Thank you Elaine. Just for the purpose of "un-creepying" you, I've included a shot of the girl the eyes belong to. Her name is Kayla Bailey. #10658015

Rita K. Connell level-classic April 18, 2013

I can see why you choose her eyes #10658220

Dale Hardin April 18, 2013

The color and the look was perfect, I couldn't miss. :o) #10658232

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