Dean,
The image overall looks sexy and attractive. Decent execution.
The finger itself is a bit weird and prominent. Perhaps fade it from the left of the frame going in. This is the only major issue I personally have with it.
Other details I myself would alter...
The polish on the finger nail can follow the direction of the finger more towards the tip and not flair out. (The way it is now makes her finger look a bit "off". Also something too edited looking about the cutical).
Your highlight blows on the lips don't look too clean.
How do you price such an image for a piece that sells for $136?
Overall sexy! And great for V Day!
Hi Phil, thanks so much for your Comments.
All the things you mentioned that you would change are exactly what i had done or suggested before client changes. I 100 % agree with you on them. The cuticle, the polish shape and the lips. The client chose to change back to how it is now. The nail polish i had adjusted to retain the sheen but neaten up the tip to a harder edge but keeping the natural feel as if the nail had been carefully manicured. I dont mind the finger too much, but i hear where you coming from and agree that the finger is odd. Its the best of the batch of shots taken though.
The highlight on the lips was a difficult one, because it is natural and is as it was shot. I honestly struggled with the lips and did not have a solution for them, though i had an idea of how i wanted them to look. Basically i should have had make up done a bit different. Though not sure if it would have sold the problem. Perhaps a different light modifier?
The whole image is a little to worked if you ask me, but client expectations are sometimes just more important than my opinion.
Thanks again, i really appreciate the feedback.
Oh and lastly, to answer your question on the value of the ring and how i price a shot like this. Firstly i must mention that here in South Africa and especially my city, Durban, the whole place is about bargaining. Similar to Thailand and its negotiating system. Now i know some might say, "yes yes so is the rest of the world", trust me on this one. Its bargain central. In Durban in particular, we have a large indian demographic and are really tough negotiators which really pushes the whole city to drive a hard bargain really.
With that said - The Client is a large wholesale jewelry client. They spend fairly well on the photography and post production. Then they look for the best 'value for money' printer that can print run 100s of thousands of leaflets and a large portion of in-store posters for the countries 80 + outlet stores. They also offer credit payments over 3 months. Value for money. Not expensive, not unique, not quality.
I am not sure if this is painting the picture? Its always difficult to explain how this crazy country works.
I hope you like the little story i wrote anyways, I seem to ramble on sometimes.