Addiction is dangerous

[Iandude]

The darker side of any habit
For this illustration I used a Nikon D80 and two SB800 flash
If you would like complete info please ask.

this is my first post BTW

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs472.ash2/74501_446919388869_625938869_5604649_2175052_n.jpg

[Kathy]

Wow. That's a powerful image.
I still have lots to learn so my questions are coming from "beginner" status. You had to have posed this in some way but the facial is so dramatic, it's like you caught someone at the low point of their life and they still won't let go of what is causing the grief. Was this a studio shot?

How did you get the detail on the hands without causing the same changes on the bottle?

[Iandude]

You are very Kind Kathy, thank you for looking.
This was not a studio shot, rather it was composed at a kitchen table in a house.
Keeping it technically simple; I used one Sb800 flash with a snoot attached to illuminate the bottle.
The second flash was directed at the individual in the background by using an opaque or white umbrella to create a soft background light that does not compete, yet presents sufficient detail.
The hand was selected or masked in photoshop and the "poster edges" filter was applied.
The exposure was very fast in order to eliminate any background and focus on the subject.
Hope this helps?

[Kathy]

Yes, you descibed it perfectly for me. I was able to comprehend it all. What inspired you to create and take this picture? Was it for an assignment of some sort?

[Shanna-Marie]

.....and deadly....I've known many who could not or would not ask for help and they are no longer with us. Very powerful photo, it speaks volumes.

[Iandude]

This particular photo was created to remind my son... to hopefully illustrate the concept before it is too late for him.

[Kathy]

This particular photo was created to remind my son... to hopefully illustrate the concept before it is too late for him.

That's a good reason to put so much effort into getting the message across. You did well.

[Calliope]

Wow... very powerful indeed. Love the details and lighting. Excellent first post!! Love it!

[Oldfireguy]

I can't really add much. It is a very powerful shot as others mention. I work around my fair share of addicts on the job. My step son is recovered addict/alcoholic.

I hope it makes an impression on your son because it wouldn't have on my step son. Crashing, burning, loss of a job, and jail did. He's been clean for 10 years now.

[Shanna-Marie]

Fred, you just added a whole lot my friend. Most often, begging, pleading, etc.... otherwise known as "frothy emotional appeal" doesn't work. The addict/alcoholic has to literally hit rock bottom and in your step son's case that's probably the best thing that ever happened to him. Although painful, it was necessary for him to start rebuilding or be reborn to a new life. Congrats to him, and thank you for sharing this. :)

[Chiller]

I loved this image when I first saw it. One of the more powerful images I have seen relating to this subject.
I have lost a few friends to abuse, and there was nothing that could be done. I think you really created a moving image here. Well done. :thumbsup::thumbsup:
Thank you for sharing your set up too. :)

[Dori]

You did a great job with this one. It speaks volumes!

[Anicole]

A wonderfully composed image!