The F-Word

Critiques [Translate]

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• oamkumar (619)
• [2007-05-12 14:52]

Hello Lara,
This is a very good image. I love the composition. The boots stand out well. Your expression is also good. The black and white image gives the punch to the image.
TFS,
Regards and best wishes,
Oam

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• sergie (212)
• [2007-05-12 15:08]
•  [Show CommentHide Comment] [+]

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• joopschotsman (3484)
• [2007-05-12 15:19]
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Oke, oke, I'm convinced. It is a pity that my english isn't good enough to have a discussion about feminism ..... I would surely win, because the fact that I'm a man ! ;-)
Very good photo ! You're face expresses exactly what is written in your note. Technically the photo is also very good.
greetings,
Joop!

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• chefcop (4116)
• [2007-05-12 15:24]

Lara you certainly make your point with this image, a picture is worth a thousand words, or so they say. Strong composition, with emphasis on the boot. Like the use of black and white. The shadows are slightly distracting but don't take anything away from this powerful portrait.

Peter

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• woody (706)
• [2007-05-12 15:24]
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Hi Lara,
A perfect note for a perfect photo. They both simply ooze of Attitude!! Definitely one of best self portraits posted yet. Technically speaking, The B&W tones simply magnify the beauty of the entire Compo - the lighting, the pose as well as the boots. Very Well done on that.
Ideally speaking, I would have loved to recommend this very shot for maybe a CAT boots ad, but lets stick to the theme being passed on by your note. Congratulations.
Regards,
Varun

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• milas (22110)
• [2007-05-12 16:51]

Hello Lara,
This is a very good image. I love the composition. The boots stand out well. Your expression is also good..
selamlar

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• moli (7065)
• [2007-05-12 17:17]

Hello Lara.
Very interesting presentation of F world. Very effective and looks good. Nice portrait also. My compliments.
Janek J-23

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• LSF_kalil (173)
• [2007-05-12 17:47]

Hey Lara,

again another good shot.

you are a good photographer, and you are a feminist.

my regards,

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• rewshearer (14834)
• [2007-05-12 18:42]
• [+]

Well ... the note is somewhat more "in-ya-face" than I was expecting, but then it matches the photo! Gritty, tough, unashamedly strong - the lighting, POV and sharpness are all very good.

The black-and-white execution seems appropriate, it seems to reflect the strength of your statement.

Thanks for sharing
Rew

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• aros (717)
• [2007-05-12 18:47]
• [3] [+]

Lara

Technically and photographically this is spot-on... also the expression you've managed to generate suits the tone of the posting and the explanation in the note.

The low angle emphasizes the drama, which is no doubt what you intended.

My only suggestion for improvement would be centered around what your boot is standing on... perhaps some literature or other artifacts hostile to the notion of feminism would be a good prop here?

I suggest maybe a stack of "women's magazines" (that's what they are called this side of the rock - "Womens weekly" etc) - which seem to rely on the assumption that women are only interested in preparing food, reading gossip about celebrities and fussing with cosmetics!

Oh and I forgot to say - good idea to do this one in B+W too - it invariably adds atmosphere to take a photo to B+W

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• cobratan (1425)
• [2007-05-12 19:26]
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A very nice boots...ooops i mean Composition in B&W presenatation.The tittle and the facial expression is kind of intrigue me cause you are so serious he he.It reminds me of the Movie "Rebel with a Cause".I like your smiling face better and Kudos to your cause.
TFS:)
Mel

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• Beger (14608)
• [2007-05-12 21:37]
• - [workshop] [compare] [+]

Hi Lara,
Very good photo to accompany your note! The B&W adds more relevance. The strong light in your face, the defying attitude and, in the same time, your great assurance are so convincing! I think that the boots are a important element of your composition, like a symbol, here. So, more lighting on them could be appropriated. Look at my workshop. And don't mind, it is just an idea... Bravo! Annie

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• WTS (1123)
• [2007-05-12 22:14]
• [+]

The funny thing about this Lara is that you did not need your notes you used at the beginning, as the photo said it all. It is one of those (a picture is worth a thousand words)
I don't find the shadow distracting I think it just adds to the element of this photo, great POV and and facial expression to go with it.
Wayne

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• stealthfighter (699)
• [2007-05-13 1:43]
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Hi GENERAL .CONGRAJULATION GENERAL.GREAT IDEA GENERAL.I like this picture! It is very expressive and also artistic.
FROM ME YOUR SOLDIER. :D
Amir

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• laura4 (166)
• [2007-05-13 3:06]
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I like this, I am learning a lot from your critiques and photos. I like the lighting, the intensity and your passion.
Stay strong.
Love the boots and the statement you have made with them, you seem to think of every detail.

Laura

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• mark25 (3303)
• [2007-05-13 3:46]
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hi lara!

u surely are improving your 'self portrait' skills... and it shows here...

i am so glad you presented this in black and white, and especially in proper 'tones'... just the right balance...

i like the attitude on your face... and the grain is very good here (although it seems a bit more like 'pixelated' than 'grainy') but you can always revert to your raw file and take care of that :)

congrats!

muhammad muhsin

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• Alba (2762)
• [2007-05-13 4:00]
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Hi Lara,
Who could doubt it? According to your whole theatrical attitude, your use of efficient symbols like the boots, the way you look at the world, the ability of decision you intend to illustrate...everything evokes feminism and that's why your picture is so well achieved! Congratulations!
Mary

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• jonathanhart (9963)
• [2007-05-13 9:13]
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hello Lara,
yes -this time- the message and the photo works perfectly together, and the shadow is not distracting IMO because of the impact of the lightened part of your body...
about the light.. just a little part of your brow is overexposed
good presence and pose
regards
jo

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• AKF (574)
• [2007-05-13 10:04]
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Wow..Lara! I didn't expect it to turn out this well. You did a great job. I like your note, too. Love the boots. I'll check out the videos. The B&W was a good effect. The boot really does stand out. The shadows IS a little distracting but your pose keeps us hypnotized..so I didn't notice it at first. I would increase the contrast a little more, the background I feel isn't dark enough for you to stand out as much as I think you want to. I think you already do stand out a lot...but I think even more would be better. I think you got your message across. Your expression is kind of scary but very effective. Nice work! I'll come back tomorrow to give you your well deserved points (I can't give any more today..unfortunately). Great mood you created here..and well said :D

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• lollie (133)
• [2007-05-13 11:42]

Hi Lara,
Bravo very nice portrait, exellnt expression.
Steph.

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• livios (396)
• [2007-05-13 21:13]

Lara, great pose and pov. I also enjoy the attitude the photo bears.

In my opinion, the shadow is not distracting.

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• voodoo (0)
• [2007-05-14 2:29]
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Ahh, there she is putting it all out there..
wonderul portrait Lara. I like the B&W very much.
Cool boots.
matt

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• Bambolero (267)
• [2007-05-14 8:47]
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Nice boots, like Lara Croft! Whats mean Feminist? Is it some word for girl?

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• Biance- (165)
• [2007-05-14 23:18]
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Well now! You certainly are self-assured Lara! 20 something daughter, agnostic, worldly photographer... you've certainly got variations to you. Pacifist, I'm definately in favour to that! Now one thing I noticed in your note, you never mentioned you ARE woman... I'd have thought that'd be #1 on the list of things you are.

Your boots... good God (not a religious reference... just a habit,) I don't think I could ever wear shoes like that... in the time it takes to tie up those boots, I'd have already eaten breakfast/brushed my teeth and gotten dressed for school! ;P But you know what's great about this... your face lacks emotion, it's just attitude, and your eyes don't allow any counters-thoughts. Real sassy... yes I had to use the word sassy, it was actualy the first thought that came to mind when I saw this! I'm impressed both with you and your portrait. You got it lady! :)

Biance.

"I don't have to be anti-man, to be pro-woman." Ah totally brilliant!

(Neat links by the way. Especially the first one, and you know what- when I first read you were a feminist, I nearly took a slight dislike to your notion... why? Hell, I have no idea- quite foolish of me. You certainly are yourself Lara, and I think that is something few people can comprehend!! And I truly mean that. C'est la vie!)

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• salil (1959)
• [2007-05-15 13:01]
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Well ... a real gutsy photograph! You do look like a woman with ovaries. You are one tough lady, Lara. I admire that.
One thing. Why does the face look a bit patchy? And the boot seem to send out a hint of the dominatrix.

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• Urfaust (10129)
• [2007-05-15 16:30]
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i dont like the word femminist.. it's only a word.. dont hate me for this.. why the maschilist word sounds so badly? it is not right!.. maybe filantropo for every sex it would be better..
I like this photo.. u look so hard!! the expression, the irony inside.. the b&N it is used optimally... optimal interpretation, ar u perhaps an attrice?? however a good work.
bye

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• SkyF (6138)
• [2007-05-16 7:07]

Hi Lara,
a shot with lots of attitude,
"you go girl"
Excellent B/W tones that emphasize the facial expression.
Very well done.
Sky

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• Boots (97)
• [2007-05-16 11:33]
• [3] [+]

Lara,

F'ing nice work. I haven't checked out the links yet, but I think you have found a good way to present your feelings here. Really nice full length self portrait. Your pose and expression are great. I disagree with somebody who said your forehead is overexposed, I think it is good.

The shadow is distracting, I noticed it right away. You are too close to the backdrop to avoid it easily, but I am sure space was an issue. I am also not sure if I miss seeing your back leg... perhaps a little more level there?

But your intention is clear, your wardrobe, box, backdrop, and pose all say the same thing: The F- Word. I am somewhat reminded of Rosie the Riveter. How does the feminist world view her?

Well done.

Andrew.

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• Rpoole5552 (944)
• [2007-05-16 20:25]
• [+]

Your point well made Lara. I will accept you for all the above; but it almost sound's as if you have an inferiority complex about being feminist. Maybe I'm wrong about this.

Anyway, I looked through your Trek Lens portfolio and just wanted to say I think you really have some outstanding photos. Keep 'em coming.

Best regards,

Rob

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• harpya (31727)
• [2007-05-18 8:20]

Hi Lara,

I adored his text, creative, realist and well that in the macho world. I adored the forms of everything that the woman is she is seen different or feminist, or wanting to be her same without labels.
This is the very good image. I love the composition.
Congratulations adored his form of expressing and if it shows.
deserves so many and so many praises.

Sérgio
:)

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• mugush (1666)
• [2007-05-19 19:57]

very well written note.. equally good self-portrait.tell you,you are very good at self-portraiting,though its not an easy job to do.
congratulations
keep it up
love
mugush

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• degetica (2779)
• [2007-05-20 16:28]
• [9] [+]

I'm a women, but i'm no feminist:)
I'm very feminine, but I'm no feminist.

I'm tired of feminism. At the begginig, it was real neccessary..but know it's out of control.Female composeres, female painters, female writers...I wish we were all just human beings.
the tough attitude you;re giving us is also something a don't like about feminism.

I hate discrimination in any form, but i like to be a woman...and human being.
Feminism is just too much for me:)

About the photo: the shaddow is distracting, but the compo is good for the occasion.You've managed to trasfer your feeling through this image, that's important!

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• shelbeesmom (32272)
• [2007-05-23 14:44]
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VERY BOLD! I love it when women tell it like it is. While I am NOT a feminist, I have owned my own business, beat men at volleyball who were 6'3", hit the softball to the fence with glee and must to the shagrin of the poor men who moved up because a GIRL was at bat! HAHAHA! I love your bold photo and it's really nice!...the POV states that I am smaller..which adds to the emphasis! Love it!
You GO GIRL!!
Linda
B-)

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• architer (250)
• [2007-05-25 5:28]

great shot! i love the composition and the tone! lighting is also great. TFS

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• bscheller (792)
• [2007-05-26 13:26]
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I reckon its rather brilliant the imagery in this photograph. When I look at it, it speaks to me of raw physical power, women are strong, hence the boot, they are not easily walked all over, hence the pose and the overall strength of it.

I like it! Sorry for no points, but I've turned them off...
-Bart

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• gavindya (3831)
• [2007-05-27 11:56]
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Helo Lara...
How i can miss this portrait ?
love to see your lighting sett here, nice lighting, but i see the shadow on the background :), i think you still need more lighting to give more dimention in her leg, its to dark, or maybe you can use styrofoam under the right and left model to bounce back the lighting from the top.
:) thas just from my experience photograph.
tfs
Haldian

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• photobones (262)
• [2007-05-28 10:42]

Wow! If we ever got together for a conversation we could have some round and rounders! I'm not anti-feminist so much as I am a casual observer that disagrees with most of the tenets of modern feminism. A well reasoned reflection of my thoughts have been written by (?) at http://freethinker.typepad.com/the_free_thinker/2007/04/the_feminist_fa.html .

I imagine those boots are good for hiking.

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• jamfest (3827)
• [2007-06-01 7:00]

Very thought-provoking image, Lara. Excellent lighting, with a strong, almost defiant, pose. Well done and the note is very helpful in explaining the mood portrayed.

TFS,
David

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• saguzar (850)
• [2007-06-02 18:56]

Hi Lara,
All a women with attitude, I like the force that transmit. An excellent self portrait and an excellent job!
Cheers
Hernán

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• hester (9563)
• [2007-06-11 15:40]

Hi Lara

A nice strong image with great attitude shown. The POV compliments this feel. Perfect B&W tones and nicely composed.

TFS

Karan

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• Shoot_Score (0)
• [2007-06-13 13:49]
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Salaam Lara, Kayfik?

"These boots are made for ..." Stomping?

Given the connotations of BOOTS I would say that the portrayal of the F-word in this F-oto is not 100% F-ositive.

Why associate a symbol of suppression with F-equality? Unless of course the F-word is about F-uperiority...

Boots in idiom: [ from WIKI ]
Boots, particularly those worn as protective footwear by workers (work boots) have a reputation for being as hard-wearing as their owners, hence the commonly used simile "tough as old boots".
A long established cliché of anglers, especially those who are inexperienced or angling in waters known to be poor for fish, is that of the "old boot", caught in place of the expected fish. This can be seen in many cartoons, parodies, etc., and is usually depicted dripping with weeds and with part of the sole detached, giving the impression of an open mouth.
Another fate of a discarded boot is in the construction of a musical instrument known as the "mendoza".
To "die with one's boots on" means to die from violence as opposed to from natural causes (to "die in bed"); hence Boot Hill as a popular name for Wild West cemeteries.
Boot camp a colloquial term for the initial training of new recruits enlisting in a military organization.
Stormtroopers, skinheads, and other agents of authority or political strongarm tactics are typically referred to by their detractors as "jackbooted thugs." Authoritarian rule, ... by groups of ... intimidators, is imposed by "jackboot tactics."
To "give someone the boot" means to kick them out (of a job, a club, etc.), either literally or figuratively.
To "put the boot in" derives from kicking someone when they are down, meaning to add additional pain on top of an already hard situation.
"The boot is on the other foot now" means that a situation has become reversed -- a previous victor is now losing, for example.



So long,
Sandalclad Jay, Equalitist.

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• Tomek (11236)
• [2007-06-18 7:46]
• [+]

Hello Lara:)
I was thinking a long time about this photo, since you posted.
You are with expression on your face and message is so clear here. Even without note I can see that. I don't know a lot about techniques in studio with that kind of shots but it look for me ok except that shadow in lower part behind you. Even you notice that in your comment.
One thing I don't like it------- boots - they look ugly on lady's legs. I hate army, soldier's life style and all this nonsense there. Where army base starts - there logic stops.
These boots remind me that. And I was in army back in Poland because no matter you want or not you have to go by draw, and I hate them fore my 2 years stolen for nonsense, 2 years of humiliation, 2 years of my young life.
Best wishes Lara:)
:) later

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• inaam (1348)
• [2007-06-26 9:05]

A fine fatastic foto is framed with full famist features. Monochrome composition is enhancing the mood. Nice 20´s perspective. Well done Lara.

Thanks for sahring this image.

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• lavan (2072)
• [2007-11-10 5:30]

good pov
good capture
tfs
regards
lavansj

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• AndroK (6605)
• [2007-12-06 23:09]
•  [Show CommentHide Comment]

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• korbee (7809)
• [2008-03-09 5:29]

Heeeeeeeeelp,my god Lara!!!!!!!!!
All your pictures are gone Whyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!
Love from jan.

please be Lara,not an ""ist"".......
I like Lara.