Karim Fakhoury: Paint your future

Massive photoshop here, but it is not supposed to be hidden, aside from the smooth transitions and blending. The subject is well equipped in regards to facial structure for this photo, so a good model choice, a strong feature. All of the items are well integrated, and the idea behind the piece is conveyed effectively.  Color is spot-on, and the galaxy feel just continues to add to the effect. very cool indeed.

Karim Fakhoury: New Era

This one reminds me of the Myst series (A trend with me, deal with it ;D). The figure and the foreground are original, but the background and the reflections are no doubt added in. With lots of of work on the lighting as well. Subject placement is fine, but the real beauty lies in the surroundings, so that is not a point of interest. The whole theme is really cool though, and this has been added to my background folder. 

Karim Fakhoury: Departed Soul

Another one of Karim's photos, this one began as a lonely field, on a bland sky. Obviously that is no longer the case. The rocks, mountain, sun, deer, all of that have been added, and I must say look reasonably natural. I say reasonably because how often do you get that mess in the antlers. The light work is what is amazing, as the deer has the correct highlights and everything. Very neat, very skilled.

Karim Fakhoury: Genesis

I am gonna give you a warning: I found an artist I love, and I am going to exploit it. So yeah, expect more posts about Karim. This is part of a Illustrative Portfolio, where the picture is taken and the details added. The original photo is the figure on a rather blank background; the smoke and animals have been added. This whole series is a very cool application of Photoshop, In addition to regular photography. The model posed fantastically, allowing for the Illustrations to be easily drawn no doubt.

Inna Mathews: Untitled

Taken at Piedmont Cemetery  this picture has fascinating colors involved. The black of the subject, contrasted by her blonde hair, which goes with the light green in the background, all combine beautifully. Shadows fall wonderfully, and the balloons have an adequate amount of highlights. As far as concept, the balloons are an odd touch, not something you normally see at a funeral or in a cemetery.   But the addition of those items lets the subject have a nice lean, and balances the piece.

Utilitarian Photo by Erwin Olaf

Okay, she looks creepy, and in charge. In charge for a reason. Perhaps she is the daughter of the commander? Who knows. But that leather dress does well in the light, and her hair is perfectly shaped for the photo. I get the impression that someone found this dress and felt the need to use it. Her arm placement is what makes her seem important, despite her size in contrast to the chair she sits within. Best of all, she is not seen from a direct angle, but from this fabulous side view. Now if only she would stop staring, it's rather creepy.

Witchhunt(?) Carrie Angel of Lunnaesque

Out of all the ones posted so far, I think this has the strongest story element. The costuming is fitting, and the cage is very interesting visually and concept-wise. Then the green mist is curious, adding a flair of witchcraft perhaps. Jagged rocks denote a distant land, and the clouds are gradient-ed accordingly. The pose is reminiscent of somebody fleeing another, so this could be a witchhunt. Interesting historical inclusion, should my assumption be correct. Now, excuse me while I get lost in the landscape.