Family Portrait

[dooda]

I was trying to shoot this with an undercurrant of violence. Not sure if I succeeded, but I sort of dig the pic.

[Steffen]

That's a very captivating composition, and masterfully exposed. I can't even start to describe the multitude of associations this image causes in me.

I'd love to see a larger version.

Cheers
Steffen.

[dooda]

Thankyou so much Steffen. This is one of my proudest photos in recent, just because it is a bit of a departure, it was visualized long before it was realized.

The concept came from a theme that I had dreamed up, called "violence at the dinner table". I dreamt up a family having a full meal with a child standing in the middle of it with pistols or something staring straight at the camera. This became slightly difficult so I waited for after dinner and asked Tanner, the boy, if he had any toy guns or swords. He proudly showed me his sword and pirate hat, so we worked with that. My brother is always game for doing something interesting, and the daughter didn't want to be left out (she was really bored). I basically told them not to smile, look as bored and meaningless/serious as possible. The major challenge was lighting, it was really dim, so I shot in Raw, high ISO, and reduced the noise in Rawshooter (the large version is quite soft), but I love how it turned out. Here it is large.

http://static.flickr.com/53/127330003_903316f2cd_o.jpg

Check my flickr stream to see the other takes of it.

[macka]

Wow, this is an incredible image. There's so much interest in all of their faces and expressions, it feels like there is a real story behind it. Composition is great, there are interesting elements all throughout the image, and lighting is fantastic: sombre, but light enough to see. I love it.

[Manta]

What a piece Dave. As Steffen said, the exposure is brilliant. I love the muted colours and the sense of foreboding. To me, it's as if they're all trapped in the room together and each will slowly unravel in his/her own time. I reckon the baby is the one to watch....

[the foto fanatic]

Great lighting and composition, Dave.

A fine example of making a photograph. I love the unusual and quirky theme.

Well done.

[sirhc55]

Spot-on Dave - a photo that can be looked at and looked at - not just a quick look

[avkomp]

great shot

you have created a stark image here.

looking at the shadows I wonder how you lit this. maybe you could provide a few details.

Steve

[gstark]

Dave,

What a great family portrait, although not one for the more traditional family.

Apart from the lighting and exposure issues that you've already touched on, I expect that you would have had to address some issues with depth of field/focus as well, given that there's a fair bit of depth to cover in this image.

Have you tried printing a large version as yet?

[Alex]

Fantastic and very creative portrait, Dave. Like it a lot.

Well done.
Alex

[losfp]

Wow!

A bit different, but very, very interesting! I like it.

I'd like to hear about the lighting too - obviously there are the 2 light sources in the room, but it looks like you had something behind the camera too?

[marcotrov]

Creative design and composition dave and as has been mentioned exposure is perfect. The whole tone suits the image and concept.
cheers
marco

[Simon]

Thats a cracker picture.

Very nicely done

[camrak]

Very good job! Composition and exposure is gorgeus!

[SteveGriffin]

Dave,
I just love that picture. I have been back to this thread 3 times now just to look at it again. Well done it is really captivating

[leek]

I love it Dave - excellently stage managed & shot...

If the Dad had been staring at the camera as well it would've had that extra level of ooomph...

[psionic]

I've been back to this thread twice now and have to say I really love this image. It is a very different family portrait and has so many related elements that it just captivates and holds you looking at it for quite some time.

Congratulations on a great composition and an excellent portrait.

/M.

[dooda]

Thanks for the comments all.

I haven't tried printing this yet, but I probably will eventually.

The rounded up a bunch of lamps (2) and set them up behind me. That helped a little bit.

I'm really excited about this pic too, I'm so glad everyone likes it.

I agree that with the dad looking at the camera it would have changed it, possibly for the better. I originally only wanted the boy to be looking at the camera, but the scene sort of evolved.

[stubbsy]

Dave

Brilliant. While a departure in some ways from your usual images, this still very much has the same feel as some of your nighttime landscapes to it. This is one of the most interesting "photo as art" shot I've seen here. If I could produce just one image of this depth in a year I'd be a happy man.

Thanks for sharing this.

[wmaburnett]

Great Lighting and excellent mood!

[dooda]

Interesting comment Stubbsy.

This idea sort of came to me out of the blue, and I imagine it's a product of much of my experience doing different night scapes. I'm suddenly wondering if there's a way for me to marry industrial nightscapes and meticulously choreographed people portraits like this one? Something for me to think about maybe. I really appreciate that comment, as it just might give me some direction.

[Slider]

Great shot and others have already said it just keeps bringing me back for another look. Well done

[suzanneg]

This is a fascinating image. "Adams family" was the first thing that came to my head (although that could just mean I am weird!). Certainly a sense of foreboding.

Well done.

Suzanne