Dress by MaryPierson Ball

Sorry this image does not do much for me. I would rather see it being worn by a bride instead. Alternatly I would say that this image is not very exiting by POW standards.

A lot of symbolism here, Mary: the open windows, the dress that hangs like wings ready to be worn to take one out of one world into another--or perhaps a chrysalis from which someone has already stepped. Technically the photo is superb, with just the right amount of backlighting to give a wonderful airiness and sense of freedom.

It's original. Far apart from the usual shot with the bride in the dress. Technically it's also very well done

I too like the poesy I see in this picture, and its symbolism. Someone wrote before me: "I would rather see it being worn by a bride instead." While I can certainly understand this opinion, I think it would just be a totally different image. Let's not compare apples and oranges.

To me, this is a still life, and has very little to do with Mary's work, which is generally more about people. To some extent, though, as Nabil mentionned long ago, the absence reveals the presence of the bride in this case. This shot is almost an invitation for her to "jump in" - in married life as well, and pun *is* intended...

Besides that, I am somehow in agreement with Jed Goode about the vertical lines, though one may also say that the slant adds dynamism to the picture, and indeed it does.

Finally another little point that could be argued about, but that's perhaps just the scan, is the sharpness of the gown. Is it slightly blurred due to the movement and was it meant to be blurred, or is it simply a scanning issue. I'd be curious to know, since I'd personally prefer a sharper gown, or a more blurry gown, rather than this in-between sharpness.

All else are positive points: the light is truly superb and so is the fact that I can really *feel* the wind in this image. Great mood, here.

There we are. Now I hope you won't moderate my post too heavily, Mary. :-))) Cheers.

Second thoughts...

After a while looking at the picture, I'm now wondering whether I wasn't the victim of some sort of optical illusion...

It *seems* to me that the window immediately behind the gown was open at the bottom (in this white area), because the gown feels like it swell somehow, but is it really so ? Maybe not. Maybe the gown appears swell and almost flying off simply due to the fact that the image is slanted and that the gown itself has a lot of layers... Now this is getting really interesting... Could you possibly have slanted the shot to add to the impression that the gown is flying off ? If so, I'm starting to wonder whether the slant is not the most interesting and original aspect of this image - together with the light...

When I said I could *feel* the wind, I really meant just that, and yet, it occurs to me now that there was maybe no wind at all...:-) Fascinating illusion if there was indeed no wind...

This image was shot quickly Marc and it might be a DOF issue but I also always shoot with a #1 soft warm filter and then again - maybe a scan problem or a breeze. I honestly don't know. But I do agree with your observation. I don't have the original image or negative any more so I can't even analyze it.

As to the thought that this not being a typical representatation of my work - it actually is.. I'm always thinking of "detail" mood shots for the album. This was the opening shot I chose for the brides's formal album. I usually upload "people" images because my instructions to the lab is to give me 4-5 CD's of their choice of the couple and group shots. My lab is in VT and it is cheaper to do CD's at the time of processing. Then - I upload them and also e-mail them to clients. I invite them to check out a few previews of the wedding on Photo.net. Since at that point they are mostly interested in themselves and the wedding party - that is what I post.

I love getting creative with the flowers or the dress and other important "non-people" details in the attempt to elevate the final album with a little "art".

Kudzu - the backlighting of the dress was exactly what prompted me to shoot this shot. Not many wedding dresses are transparent enough to shoot in a window taking advantage of that light. Thanks to all for your thoughtful critiques. Negative or positive constructive comments are very welcome.

Mary, First, congratulations on POW. This one is worthy of it. When I ask myself what I like about it most I find it's the fullness of the dress & the translucence of it on the left side. Details like this shot are an important part of the wedding photos as long as one doesn't sacrifice the 'must' shots such as the full length and 3/4 length posed shots of the bride. Looking at your folder gives me confidence that they are indeed extras, not taken at the expense of the more traditional & expected shots. Best, LM.

This is a great shot. Very moody. I hope that when I get married, my photographer thinks to take some shots like this.

Elegent & Sexy ... Simply Beautiful!