50 dollar project

Wow.. can't believe I'm critiquing your image Mark... thanks for asking.... your work inspires me.. so for me to be able to even consider being critical of your work is a real challenge for me... however, I do think I have some input that may be useful to you.

First... I love that you decided to go High Key B&W with this, with selective color of the blood... so many photographers today feel this technique is a bit passe.. but to me I think it works to enhance the impact that you have intended for this image.

I am a bit disappointed with the models expression though.. I feel like if indeed she was truly cutting herself, we'd see a bit more expression from her... her gaze is a bit expressionless for my tastes... perhaps that was intentional...

I also feel like the angle of her hand is a bit awkward... I'm sure you were trying to show the amazing hand carved texture on the blade of the knife, but I feel a bit more oblique angle of the blade would have still conveyed that detail, while creating a more realistic angle to her hand if indeed she were truly cutting herself, the angle as it is almost makes it seem more like an afterthought..

While I feel that this image doesn't quite measure up to your amazing work.. I do feel that it serves its purpose well as part of your 50 Dollar project, a project for which I applaud you for... I think your ability to show our fellow up and coming photographers that you don't need an inflated budget to create beautiful images...

I love that you've touched on a delicate topic for this image. I love images with impact, and an image like this is sure to turn some heads.. I applaud you, and the model for creating images like this that are sure to draw some criticism... I love an image that speaks to you.. even if what it says makes us uncomfortable. Kudo's to you and the lovely model!