HOME | DD
cristina-otero —
one life.
Published: 2014-06-09 16:48:27 +0000 UTC; Views: 97907; Favourites: 7286; Downloads: 0
Redirect to original
Description
If you like my work, you can follow me on FACEBOOK !--
thank you, dad.
self-portrait
---
other work:
Related content
Comments: 554
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
A Première vue : le visage lumineux attire le regard. La situation du personnage (militaire, jeune et ensanglantée) est on ne peut plus clair.
A Seconde vue : une fois que l'on s'est arrêté, on peut se plonger dans l'image. Et même si la situation du personnage a été définie par les "accessoires" (taches, blouson, casque), c'est l'expression du visage qui peut potentiellement déranger, car on ne sait guère si la jeune femme est étonnée d'être ainsi photographiée, ou si elle ne le voit même pas (elle semble regarder un peu plus haut que l'objectif), ou si elle est emplie de frayeur guerrière. Ces questions dérangeantes vis à vis de la compréhension de l'oeuvre, incite donc à la
Troisième vue : d’après tout cela, on peut extrapoler le passé du personnage pour comprendre son présent et imaginer énormément de choses (c'est je pense la force première de cette photographie) : la plus plausible est que la jeune fille sortirait par exemple d'un carnage belliciste ou autre, qu'elle aurait dûe se battre pour sa vie, etc. Mais (car il y en a malheureusement un), on ignore où elle va. En effet, elle semble se déplacer vers le bord du cadre, sans voie de sortie d'après la composition, elle ne semble pas avoir de but, même vague. Conséquence : cette absence d'information ne nous permet pas d'apprécier/comprendre pleinement la photographie à cette échelle.
Conclusion : cette photo reste tout de même — de mon point de vue — extraordinaire, mais semble sortie de son contexte imaginaire quand à la continuité de la fiction qu'elle propose.
Bien à vous, en espérant que cela vous aie été utile !
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I think this is a very high quality work. Technically the image is clean and devoid of distracting elements. Focus is accurate and ranged perfectly to highlight that portion of the image the artist was looking for. Exposure is subdued just enough to create thematic harmony. The dark background rolls off the clothing, helmut and hair, making it a natural story extension.
Compositionally, tension is built by a few visual elements. First, the rule of thirds has been loosely applied to position the eye line above and to the left of the first thirds; this "violation" of the rule hints to us that the image is about violation. Second the eye plane is in opposition to the helmet line, suggesting that the helmet, a symbol of war, is at odds with the human on whose head it rests. Additionally, the eyes are not looking where the helmet is pointing -- more symbolism and tension. Third, the photographer is carefully meting out color so as to control the message. This is not black and white: a photojournalist's tool. This is not vivid color full of life. Rather, color has been all but drained from the image, reinforcing the previous tension clues. The makeup on the face and the unkempt appearance of the uniform also suggest to us a terrible experience. Lastly, the model is facing away from the expansive darkness on the right of the image, given a clear signal that she wants to put the darkness behind her.
The model has almost captured the mood in her facial expression, but I think it might be a little bit too inquisitive for the somber visual elements. Inquisitive might have the wrong connotation -- the eyes are perhaps saying "How could you?" Whichever, the eyes are either unsupported by the other elements or are not themselves supporting the other visual elements, at least not enough to allow me to feel confident in guessing what the model is supposed to be feeling. Perhaps a little more tired? A little more down cast? Or a bit more squinty (anger). However, I could also argue the eyes might be perfect for someone experiencing shell shock.
The makeup overall is very effective, but it lacks experience; I believe the application needed a bit more splatter and drip to appear like it was acquired under terrible conditions.
I think the photographer executed and displayed her vision quite well. There is real originality in the combination of elements and technique. Therefore the impact is high, with just a little room for improvement (if my analysis was correct) in ensuring the story the photograph is meant to convey is the story the viewer perceives.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
This photograph invokes many emotions and questions as to why she has such a mournful expression. The eyes, clearly the centre of the piece tell a story of their own like literal and metaphorical windows into her soul. I think that the almost tragedy of her expression is only amplified by the excellent use of mud, grime and what could be blood. This picture simply yet subtly shouts of conflict, sadness and maybe hints of a broken heart. Despite all of the negativity of the emotions conveyed there is a certain beauty to the picture in how she has supposedly risen from a battle undefeated.
Sorry I'm not a great critic but I tried to convey what I thought.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
This popped up in my "other from DeviantArt", and the level of the picture is already shown by drawing me in.
My thoughts on it (and this might be my first critique!):
I see what you want to do. The vision is clear and well executed. It does what it wants to do. Which is why I rate it so highly.
The motive is not used that often. Many forget - especially from rather pacifistic areas like mine - that soldiers are humans in harsh situations, very harsh ones, and you're showing that. It's not a stellar praise of the proclaimed heroism and fight for the good, but showing that people are going through a hard time, and may be worn down by it in the process. Since the discussion about how to deal with veterans is actually a very acute one, this makes this piece worthy of a four-star originality in my opinion.
The technique has the most room for improvement in my opinion.
* The picture is not centered, if I look directly at the monitor, I focus on the helmet, not the face. It would be beneficial if the eyes were in the center, so they'd be inescapable. This would cut off your shoulder, but that's okay for my taste, as long as your face draws the viewer in.
* The hair and clothing irritate a little by being unfazed. Your skin is dirty but your clothes and the hair are clean and without wear and tear. If that would befit the dirty skin, the picture would've had more impact.
* And despite the contrast between dirty skin and clean clothes being irritant, your skin "makeup" is absolutely gorgeous. It shows what it wants to, and I especially like how the face was "dirtied" up. The lips in particular are displayed in a realistically "dry" way, which is a detail that makes me focus on them even more. If only the picture had been a bit more centered, the balance between the glistering eyes, the lips with the dirt patch in the middle, and the strainy hair would've been perfect.
All in all, I give the technique a 3,5, mostly because it was just a positioning issue and a small props detail. Lighting, pose, and especially the makeup are very well done.
You nailed the expression. The eyes, the slightly opened mouth, that's what drew me into a military picture which normally really isn't what I even click on. Not only do you have an extremely good looking face, you've utilized it perfectly to draw attention.
Your eyes are in the perfect state, half-opened, as a tired but attentive person. The entire expression is simply gorgeous. I can't rate this lower than 4,5 - call it a personal preference, but this picture shows humanity, and I like that a lot.
All in all, this is a hard 4 star picture. I'm very glad to have seen it, and will remember it - and you - for it. Seeing it makes me think about military personnel - which I personally don't have any connection to - as humans, and as humans in harsh situations, as beforementioned. Finally, the picture was even as a thumbnail awesome enough to even get me here - so it must be good in my opinion.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I guess it is a different way to show what happens to the "innocent'' in the war. A beautiful face like that automatically brings the association with a child soldier, no matter what.
Eyes perfect, makeup at its finest, equipment done at maximum authenticity, no excess features. But maybe too simplified. If there was a different background that looks like a battlefield in the place of that black sheet, it would of been a truly epic photograph.
The impact with me was quite severe. I have a friend that is only two days younger than me (I am 18), who is departing to Afghanistan in one week ... this picture makes me think about him, makes me wonder how he will come back, how much mental damage he will take ... if he returns
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
First of all, I found this to be a beautiful and aesthetically striking piece.
VISION: The vision, to me, in this piece is centered around a sort of vulnerable paranoia. It almost appears as though you wanted to look as though you had just escaped some horrible feat of war, that you had narrowly avoided the jaws of death just as the light is spilling over the left side of the picture; as if you are being thrown back into reality somehow. It's almost as though we are seeing this disheveled woman through our own eyes, witnessing this look of distress all on our own. However, my only real qualm with your vision the is lack of a complementary background. Though, that is quite diminutive when I feel like the center of the piece is rather the horror depicted on your face, particularly the eyes, which by the way are stunning.
ORIGINALITY: I have to admit, the originality in this piece is a bit lacking for me. I've seen many photos like this (I've even taken some myself) and I feel like even while no one look can be exactly replicated, there is a strange originality simply in the way you captured the look in your eyes. Though your eyes are typically a focal point you like to make in each of your pieces (usually) so it's natural I would compliment your expressive eyes. But, as I said, the originality of the piece could be enhanced, possibly through a different posing of the body, a bit of background, and maybe even a stronger title. While I dig the title, I really do because it makes complete sense in my mind that the woman is realizing that she only has one life and it is being absolutely consumed by bad memories of a warzone, I think it could've been enhanced with a personal incentive, using a name or a number or even a location. Vietnam, Iraq, any place that has been stricken with war in the past sixty years really due to the choice of military-like dress you're wearing. But those are just my thoughts.
TECHNIQUE: As for the technique, and yes, this is an overall quite positive one, I feel you did a wonderful job photographing and despite my previous suggestion at reposing, the pose is vulnerable yet stiff, paranoid yet fragile. That in itself is a sign of good technique, when the viewer can see so many things warring inside one photograph. Again, my only qualm is the background, but you've already heard enough about that. (Then again, if this photograph were to be taken figuratively, I could assume you feel yourself coming out of the warzone and into a new life, hence the dark fading into light, and you are simply haunted by your memories). Please pardon my wanderings.
And lastly,
IMPACT: I have been returning to this photo within the last day quite a few times and the more I look at it, the more it reminds me of the simplistic vulnerability of any human, not just humans with their paths interwoven into the battlefield. Topics that revolve around war, especially figurative topics always appeal to me and this photo definitely spoke to me in many ways, as you can tell through my many wanderings throughout this critique.
I hope that you continue making art like this one, with so many different feelings and sentiments compounded into a single artwork. It really makes food for thought, and not only do they create striking pieces, but they may enhance your own view on the world.
Overall, 4.5 / 5! Have a nice day, Senju-HiMe! e.deviantart.net/emoticons/h/h… " width="38" height="15" alt="
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Photo"s essence is gloomy and mysterious, but it still fascinates me.
I like army related pictures, which is taken with good quality.
She looks realistic, when there is dirt on her face and thorax.
It is one good point of this photo. Gaze of her is profound,
melancholic and interesting. Lighting is very good.
Shadow on her face makes her look more lively.
I think you have done very awesome and exciting photo
of army girl, although other people can think differently.
I dont notice flaws of this photo, if there`s them.
It`s been awhile, when I have writed critique. I am surprised you are this talented and I hope you good times. Have a nice day! e.deviantart.net/emoticons/s/s… " width="15" height="15" alt="
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
The one thing that draws me into this Photo is the eyes. It appears the young soldier has just returned from a mission outside of the wire where things did not go as planned. She has lost several good soldiers and was betrayed by those who sent her in to harms way. Her eyes show distrust and her clinched jaw shows here anger . I like the fact that she is dirty and tattered . I would just make a couple of alterations. She needs a t-shirt . All soldiers wear them . The chin strap needs to be on the chin not the neck or unsnapped and the helmet needs to be as dirty as the soldier.
It is a really good job you have done . I would love to know what she was thing at the time of the photo.
I think I may qualify to critique this ...twenty two years in service .. and the last 2 years and counting in Afghanistan.
take care and keep up the good work
From the shadows,
Hoodo13 (Wolf)
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I could only see one flaw in terms of "if this photo was of a real soldier" line of thought. she has mud splashed over every section of exposed skin. and yet her shirt, and especially her helmet, look completely untouched. (there is also the chin strap not being on the chin. but I am willing to over look that)
there is also the possibility that you could have changed the lighting. perhaps keep spotlight on her face but have her torso more in shadow. I personally think it would have more impact if only her face was brightly illuminated... but then again, I am not a photographer.
otherwise this photo is pretty much perfect. her hair. her clothes. the chain for what I think is dog tags. and especially her expression.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
ok guys, my turn!
First off, I would like to say that I like this photo very much. It clearly shows the things you know (and you know them very well indeed) and the things you should practice more often.
The composition is very textbook but in this case, nothing fancy is required. It is good in general, as we still can see quite a bit of that exquisite face, but the helmet somehow takes way too much space. I do believe, for the sake of the story behind the picture, that the helmet is an important element in this photo but it strikes me as a bit too much. It catches a lot of light and thus seems larger than necessary. some more practice with large bulky object in portraits is advisable from what I have seen so far.
The eyes and expression are simply perfect. The pose and lighting are spot on and the makeup is simply brilliant. The whole look is rough, dirty and realistic and it clearly shows you know how to make an excellent portrait and that you have some strong skills.
The picture is very captivating and intriguing, however, it is not very clear to me what the story is about. You are, as an artist of course, free to leave it up to our own imagination. In that case, I would be distracted by the big bulky helmet and wonder if it's massive weight might be a burden on that fragile little face underneath.
Although I criticised it in this review, if the helmet was intended to be this obnoxious, I would honestly find that very poetic. Thank you for sharing this with us.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
The expression on her face is of desperation and loneliness , her gaze is soul piercing and reaches out beyond the photo , the dark background adds a feel of solitude to make this a breathtaking yet sad portrait , the mud on her face and her chapped lips along with the camouflage clothes go really well.The crooked helmet stabilizes the portrait.This is a very well done self portrait and shoes the desperation that go through when are truly alone , an amazing work of art and i look forward to the artists work , and sorry if i couldn't provide the best critique , its my first time.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
It's definitely an "attention getter."
But it's missing something critical. It appears obvious that the eyes are the focus of the piece, but somehow they don't stand out enough from the rest of the piece (mere shine is not enough, there has to be some "air" to the stare or glare--whether it be intensity, frailty, etc.) Perhaps it all needs is a slight touch of darker contrast--just an idea.
The title also deserves attention; meaning that it seems to be too simple, specially in the ambition that the picture tries to capture. One life comes off as generic, and sadly, it has been "cliched" by popular media. Something more specific would shine the humanity of the individual in the piece, such as "Cary," or "ID Tag: xxxx."
What confuses me is the background and overall compositions. The piece is suggestive of an "impromptu candid" shot (thus the dirt, possibly blood< on her skin, yet the background is dark--so I'm left to my own devices to guess a context. To add to that, the stance of the subject in reference to the camera looks like a 3/4 photograph--which takes away from the candid nature of it all.
"So, was anything done right, according to you Mr. Critiquer Anus guy?" Well, yes.
The hair is done in a natural, but frazzled way, a.k.a. it doesn't take anything away, it adds to the piece. Also, the lighting (excluding the background) on the subject is a good balance of "natural moonlight" qualities with the good sharpness, and no over-the-top shine. It captures enough detail of the uniform, and of course, the helmet. This is where the light may have aided in the eyes, by perhaps touching up the brightness on the eyes--but not too much either, it can become to obvious and become a facade of itself. aka. instagram douches who take a filter and think they are photographers pros.
That's all. I hope I don't come off too harsh. It's been a while since I've critiqued anything and this is my first critique on DA.
Good luck. And as I tell anyone I critique, I'm not a pro myself, so take what I say as partial opinion, partial observation, and partial salt.
👍: 0 ⏩: 6
Wow ppl say you are too harsh, but I think, I just read the best critique on DA. This is exactly what DA lacks - constructive criticism. Usually critiques I've read on other artists were full of superlatives and no info about, what should the artist do better next time. So *thumbs up* for you.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Very well thought out and balanced critique. It's too often you get people who simply give everything five stars and simply write "Great job!" when an artist requests a review of their work. They asked for a critique for a reason: to improve! By simply telling them that's it perfect and ignoring the flaws people aren't helping them at all. You did exactly what your supposed to do, point out what you thought needed to be improved and also explained what you thought they did well. Nice work and hopefully you continue to critique.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I have to say, I cannot agree with such a harsh critique. The only point, I can support is the background issue. An old wall, a green tent or even a wood would have given the picture a bit more context. Other than that this is a wonderful and expressive shot.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
lol , after seeing this , i am reconsidering sending in my one
awesome job mate
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Probably one of the worse critiques I have ever seen.
👍: 0 ⏩: 2
How can that be the worst critique? It does what a critique is supposed to do, it raises the question of " what could have been done differently?" and also points out the good. If every critique is 5 stars and omg its amazing, there can be no growth.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I guess so, but I can't look at the picture and see anything that says "Something should be different!" Yes, I know critiques are generally for improvement and feedback, but art is art, it's not something I consider to be based upon the standards of others. I could write a book about how this picture could have been better in my opinion, but I feel it somewhat defeats the purpose. But that's just my opinion and how I felt about the critique, and how I think it's missing the beauty is this piece of art. Nothing I said is factual of course, it's just my opinion, as so is a critique to a piece of art. I guess that's why I said that 2 days ago...
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
indeed you are right that art is not something that should be considered by the standards of others. if you didn't want to display it to others of course. an artist should have the freedom to create their own art the way they want it, but in the end, it is how their art connects with others is what really matter. then, art should be considered by the standards of others. would you praise an art that you can't understand and somehow connect with it just simply because the artist said it is an art?
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I respect your opinion.
I welcome your critique; which in the end, can only help the photographer become better. Which is what critiques are about: feedback to build upon and thus become better.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
That is true, and my statement was very blunt and without support anyway. It's merely my opinion of your critique.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Are you kidding? This deserves 5 stars. The person who critiqued this is just jealous and trying to act cool. :/
👍: 0 ⏩: 2
White knight of beta division reporting for duty sir!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I'm no way attempting to be "cool." I'm an artist myself, and what I appreciate is honest feedback; this includes what works in my pieces, from composition to impact to execution.
I appreciate comments "I love it" or "THis is amazing." I appreciate their validation, but in the end I appreciate HONEST feedback much more, whether it's good or bad.
All my comments are done in a thoughtful matter in the aim that the artist here (who is quite skilled already) to get better.
An artist that loves their art form and takes it seriously does not aim to be mediocre--they aim to be better, to achieve greatness, and you cannot get there with people giving you the good while withholding flaws in execution.
I welcome your critique because I am only ONE voice. There are things I may see that others don't and vice-versa; the more (balanced) points of view this photographer has, the better her art will get.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
dont do facebook not now not ever, and unless they have changed their hidden policy about pictures on their site is they claim every thing uploaded as their own and will do as they wish with it, check it out , by all means do not my word for it. who knows it might be changed now, but then we can always trust big business to tell us the truth
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
OK, this is...horrible, but I have to say that the artwork is great. Should be put as an anti war campaign.
How do you managed to put all of...this in her eyes...
Im not sure if I want to know...why are you thanking your dad?
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Hello! i used this photo here on my work ^_^
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Of all the photos of yours I faved, this is the most beautiful.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Hard to get the "1000 yard stare" without t, the HARD way... Great Pic.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
| Next =>