Post by Janice Dickinson on Dec 11, 2013 6:56:44 GMT -5
For the first time this cycle, everyone submitted. Hopefully we've weeded out those non-submitted.
Balding Brutes:
Hephaestus:
Vin:
Hephaestus is the Greek god of blacksmith. In much of what is written about him, he is a solitary God, preferring to work on his projects alone in a place all his own. I have chosen this photo because of the dirt and grime all over Vin and the outfit he is wearing seems representative of a blacksmith and he is crouching just outside of a cave, his solitary hide-out.
Balding Brutes:
Hephaestus:
Vin:
Hephaestus is the Greek god of blacksmith. In much of what is written about him, he is a solitary God, preferring to work on his projects alone in a place all his own. I have chosen this photo because of the dirt and grime all over Vin and the outfit he is wearing seems representative of a blacksmith and he is crouching just outside of a cave, his solitary hide-out.
Janice: There's one thing that's very apparent to me, and that's the how obvious a production still this is. Moving past that, we go directly to aspects of the picture. The fact you say he's crouching conflicts with me, as I see he's about to jump out into action. The outfit is very "blacksmith" like, but I feel that overall atmosphere of this picture does not read Hephaestus to me.
Noel: You seem to be pretty fond of using Production Stills in this game. While under the right circumstances, Janice seems fine with them, I personally prefer not to have them. I'm very big on the modeling quality of a shot and production stills do not focus on the same areas that a modeling shot does, so in a modeling game, it doesn't have as strong of an impact as something meant to be used for modeling. If you'll recall last season, Janice loved one of your shots, yet it ended up fairly low in the rankings due to Morgan and me. The finishing details of a production still don't stand up to other shots in the tastes of two of the three judges. They're better than candids, any day, and you should use them if you have no other viable options, but not in place of modeling shoots. That said, I can see some of the theme in this shot connecting, but it's not my favorite execution I've seen from you. You have done a good job selling the shot, though, and it's an example of how a good description can gain you points in the rankings. Visually, I don't like the modeling value, but I touched on that with my mini-rant above.
Morgan: Usually I'm a fan of the dirty, sweaty working man (surprisingly enough) and I like that appearance that you have going on as well as the connection it has to your greek god. However apart from your attire (which also could easily be interpreted as a combat look) and grime the photo falls short of giving us a majestic, epic insight into your god. I'm yet to see Vin look like a model, which is not a good sign since this is a modelling competition.
Bomb Squad:
Mami Wata:
Oluchi:
For this photoshoot, I am choosing Mami Wata, the African Goddess of Beauty, who is also one of the water spirits. I chose Oluchi for this photoshoot to tie the connection with the African Goddess. The photo has many of the obvious and subtle elements Mami Wata. She is surrounded in water, being a water spirit, she is beautiful, and usually accompanied with a snake, Oluchi's garment imitates snake skin.
Janice: Didn't you already submit this? Oh, no, that's right. Just something that's insanely similar. Do you remember last cycle, when you posted a picture of Alessandra in lingerie, followed by a picture of Alessandra in lingerie which ultimately lead to your elimination. Yes. Same thing here. In your first week's picture, we saw Oluchi in a bikini, with her legs in water. In this picture, we see Oluchi in a bikini, with her legs in water. If it were a swimsuit in a different setting, different pose, I'd be a LOT more lenient towards this, but it's not. So far, Oluchi is a one hit wonder, and I am not impressed at all.Mami Wata:
Oluchi:
For this photoshoot, I am choosing Mami Wata, the African Goddess of Beauty, who is also one of the water spirits. I chose Oluchi for this photoshoot to tie the connection with the African Goddess. The photo has many of the obvious and subtle elements Mami Wata. She is surrounded in water, being a water spirit, she is beautiful, and usually accompanied with a snake, Oluchi's garment imitates snake skin.
Noel: Yeah, I also have a problem with how incredibly similar this is to your last shot and unfortunately, that'll show in my scoring, but that said, I like this shot better than your original. You have much better fashion and posing in your current shot. It's tied to the theme well enough, too. I would love this shot so much more if it had been the first time we had seen you in this type of shot.
Morgan: Quoting the other judges you definitely want to stay away from the title of being a "one hit wonder." I too would like to see a different side to you with some fashion, alternative scenery and overall look. Your description is appreciated I enjoy the insight you have given us into how your model is representing a African Goddess rather than pointing out the obvious you have given new meaning to the fashion and the scenery. A pass from me today, but I'm looking for an A+ next time!
Coven:
Psychopomp/Santa Muerte:
Daphne:
Psychopomps are deities or spirits in many religions whose responsibility is to escort newly deceased souls to the afterlife. Their role is not to judge the deceased, but simply provide safe passage. Fear of death is universal and worshiping the existence of these deities offers comfort in confirming that there is existence after the death of the body, and that a compassionate being will be waiting to offer their assistance through the transition.
Different cultures portray psychopomps differently (Hermes, Anubis, angels) but they all play the same essential role. But if you want a specific deity, then I'll go with the female Mexican saint, Santa Muerte.
Psychopomp/Santa Muerte:
Daphne:
Psychopomps are deities or spirits in many religions whose responsibility is to escort newly deceased souls to the afterlife. Their role is not to judge the deceased, but simply provide safe passage. Fear of death is universal and worshiping the existence of these deities offers comfort in confirming that there is existence after the death of the body, and that a compassionate being will be waiting to offer their assistance through the transition.
Different cultures portray psychopomps differently (Hermes, Anubis, angels) but they all play the same essential role. But if you want a specific deity, then I'll go with the female Mexican saint, Santa Muerte.
Janice: I am familiar with the concept of the psychopomps, but the specific example "Santa Muerte" isn't really that apparent. The face is very forelorn, perhaps you're a new psychopomp, and also afraid like he is. I like the fashion here, love the face. But on the negative, I think your explanation, though explaining thoroughly on what a psychopomp is really missing how you think it relates to a psychopomp. More specifically, why you thought "Santa Muerte".
Noel: We have a saying back in NC for a face like this: "looks like she just smelled shit." That said, I have to disagree with Janice about your description. I feel you did a great job tying your shot to your chosen deity. There's definitely a sense of emotion in this shot and I think it ties well with the story you've painted for us. That said, I'm not thrilled with all of the visual aspects of the photo. I already mentioned the face (which I don't care for here), but also the body language, while story appropriate, isn't the strongest posing or staging for a modeling competition. Still, theme was well-done for me.
Morgan: I enjoy these types of photoshoots, I get little lessons myself on the different gods/goddesses that exist in various cultures. A very well suited description to your photo, I see a story and I see emotion. I enjoy the intimacy that is existing between you and the deceased, you look like a natural caregiver. The facial expression is a bit off however as you are taking on a non human form I enjoy the darkness and intensity in your facial expression. I would have liked to see more of a full body shot to witness your full power and stature.
Team Curious:
Sinann:
Chloe:
Sinann A beautiful & curious mortal woman spent much of her young life searching for knowledge. Knowing that all the knowledge was to be found at the well which was surrounded by nine trees and where the Salmon of Knowledge dwelled. So thrilled by the well and the knowledge she was about to recieve she began to dance. The waters beneath her began to swirl and rise in joy with her and as she opened the well they flowed free over her. She allowed the waters to take her and she became one with the now flowing river. A Goddess of the River Shannon. In her death she became a Goddess.
Sinann:
Chloe:
Sinann A beautiful & curious mortal woman spent much of her young life searching for knowledge. Knowing that all the knowledge was to be found at the well which was surrounded by nine trees and where the Salmon of Knowledge dwelled. So thrilled by the well and the knowledge she was about to recieve she began to dance. The waters beneath her began to swirl and rise in joy with her and as she opened the well they flowed free over her. She allowed the waters to take her and she became one with the now flowing river. A Goddess of the River Shannon. In her death she became a Goddess.
Janice: First of all, your explanation of the river goddess Sinann is good, but we're missing why you think this picture portrays Sinann. I love your lipstick here. Skin flawless. Eyeshadow, great. Great beauty show, but the fashion content... Where is it? That's a huge problem with choosing such a close up beauty shot. We can't see much fashion content.
Noel: I do really like how your lips pop with that red in the sea of turquoise in this shot. Yeah, with just a headshot, you're missing out on some fashion content here, but it's still a nice, striking shot. It's easy to see the connection to your theme here, too. It's just a nice shot, overall and I'd imagine that you should be safe with it.
Morgan: I can see you have taken a risk here, portraying a goddess mearly through a beauty shot is a large feat and I'm not so sure that it has resulted in the desired outcome. As mentioned your lips are beautifully puckered, and your eyes are a deep blue connecting us to the river of knowledge. You look wonderful, beautiful in fact however I think you may have been able to better portray your goddess with the inclusion of some body modelling also.
Heart Attack:
Nüwa:
Boa:
Nüwa is depicted as a creator deity. However, not many stories ascribe to her the creation of everything; they usually confine her to the creation of humanity.
A legend states that Nüwa existed in the beginning of the world. She felt lonely as there were no animals, so she began to create animals and humans. On the first day she created chickens; on the second, dogs; on the third, sheep; on the fourth, pigs; on the fifth, cows; on the sixth, horses; and on the seventh, humanity. She began creating human beings from yellow clay, sculpting each one individually. After she had created hundreds of figures in this way, she still had more to make but had grown tired of the laborious process. So instead of handcrafting each figure, she dipped a rope in clay and flicked it so blobs of clay landed everywhere; each of these blobs became a common person. Nüwa still laboriously crafted some people out of clay; these people became nobles. Nüwa is also regularly called the "Snake Goddess".
I guess my photo doesn't need explanation since what's stated above is already obvious. I chose this because she's the snake goddess also the creator of animals and humans.
I'm already a princess in One Piece so it's not that hard for me this week, but i hope it's not too safe for me this week.
Noel: Yeah, you're missing a lot of clothes here, but when it comes to ancient deities in art, clothing tends to be entirely optional, so it's actually fitting, here. It's pretty obvious that you spent time on researching your deity and connecting it to the shot and I think it pays off for you. I don't need links in the explanation since no other models so far have done so, so I will not hold you to a standard I'm not holding others to. I like the detail and style of the art, especially around your face. You have a great modeling pose here, too, so it's a nice marriage of modeling and theme this round. Good work.
Morgan: Ow chihuahua! You can be my goddess and I will be your slave or clay model any day. This is impressive, you look larger than life (and I mean this in the best way possible) very dominating and strong. You are the focus of this photo, the feathers on your sleeves and the snake, skull appear to represent the control you have over life and death. Of course as Janice mentioned those types of links between your fashion and your goddess should have been explicitly mentioned from you.
Team MAY:
Epona:
Draculaura:
My inspiration for this week photoshoot is Epona who was a protector of horses, donkeys, and mules.
Draculaura is definitely in love with her horse here. So she will do anything to protect Dracupony. I just love the fashion and modeling content in this photo. Draculaura worked her pose and even Dracupony looked fierce.
Epona:
Draculaura:
My inspiration for this week photoshoot is Epona who was a protector of horses, donkeys, and mules.
Draculaura is definitely in love with her horse here. So she will do anything to protect Dracupony. I just love the fashion and modeling content in this photo. Draculaura worked her pose and even Dracupony looked fierce.
Janice: I'm sure if Rarity were on the panel still, she'd be having a total fangasm right about now. One thing I don't like about this is how you and Twilight Sparkle blend in together. Your face is great here, as is your pose. Again, I love the default outfit of Draculaura too. As for the connection to Epona, the protector of Equines, I somewhat see it, but I feel your explanation could have been a lot stronger, especially in linking the goddess and Draculaura together. Also, I think Twilight Sparkle might be stealing the picture here.
Noel: Ok, so the theme is there and we don't really need to touch on that, cause it's just spot on. I do want to talk about the level of detail in this shot. Your first shot utilized an art style that I wasn't particularly fond of for a modeling competition, but this is a vast improvement. The placement of your right arm is nice enough, but we can't see your left arm at all. I get that the pony is covering up a lot of the area where that arm would be, but we should at least see part of it. With that small exception, I do like your shot and makes me feel better about your choice in fictional character.
Morgan: Draculaura and Dracupony are so connected, I cant tell where he ends and she begins! Literally it too me a while to dissect this photo to find out who's limbs belonged to who, whether the light pink on your vest was some cheeky skin or part of your fashion. I love the overall execution you look masterful and innocent at the same time, however perhaps some differentiation in colours and posing would have helped to separate yourself from a tangle of limbs. Very strategic choice of goddess as well!
Team Pisces:
Nehalennia:
Michiru:
Nehalennia (spelled variously) is a goddess. Of unclear origin, perhaps Germanic or Celtic, Nehalennia is attested on and depicted upon numerous votive altars discovered around what is now the province of Zeeland, the Netherlands, where the Rhine River flowed into the North Sea. Worship of Nehalennia dates back at least to the 2nd century BC, and veneration of the goddess flourished in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.
I chose North Sea because you can see the ice around the water and the icicles hanging all around
Janice: Oh dear... Are you even trying? You're the guardian of a planet named after the God of the Sea, for Neptune's sake! First of all, the quality is horrendous. Absolutely abysmal! Pose - Boring. Face - Boring. Fashion - Boring. Background - Great. Basically, the best thing about this picture and the theme connection is the background. Not you. You said it yourself. The reason why you chose this is because of the background. Do I need to remind you this is a modelling competition. I know you're busy, but it's not hard to find a picture of Michiru and water, or Michiru and music. I am VERY disappointed.Nehalennia:
Michiru:
Nehalennia (spelled variously) is a goddess. Of unclear origin, perhaps Germanic or Celtic, Nehalennia is attested on and depicted upon numerous votive altars discovered around what is now the province of Zeeland, the Netherlands, where the Rhine River flowed into the North Sea. Worship of Nehalennia dates back at least to the 2nd century BC, and veneration of the goddess flourished in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.
I chose North Sea because you can see the ice around the water and the icicles hanging all around
Noel: I have to agree with Janice that I know you're capable of more, but I don't think I dislike this shot as much as she does. Yeah, the quality is pretty low, but I think I can see where you were coming from here since this shot does have potential. With better quality, the background could be stunningly beautiful. The posing is ok, but could have been better. I do think you wanted to avoid just going with Neptune cause that would have been a cop out. I can still see this tied to the deity you did go with, but the poor quality of the shot itself and the mediocre posing are presenting the problems here.
Morgan: First thing that screamed in my mind when I saw this "QUALITY!" Quality, quality, quality, if you really wanted to use this picture then you could have easily found a version of better quality. This looks like a cover to an old VHS tape. Now description, although it gives us a historical overview of Nehalennia, you have only given us one sentence to link the information, your chosen goddess and the photo together. Its not enough for me. You are a beautiful model, however standing awkwardly in a environment that you are not interacting in and choosing a goddess that you appear to be confused about how to represent isn't going to win over Morgan's heart.
Team TestosterOWNED:
Hermes
Tyson:
I have chosen Hermes as my deity. Hermes was known as the messenger of the Gods and was often called upon to travel quickly between realms. He is often portrayed with winged shoes to indicate his speed. Hermes is also known as the god of athleticism and sport. In most art depictions, Hermes is shown naked. I have chosen Tyson for this modern interpretation. His winged shoes are in this case are his running shoes. The sleek curvature of his body exudes power and speed and a natural athleticism. I know it is a risk from a fashion aspect as he is only wearing shoes. But damn if I don't want those shoes now.
Janice: Not that I'd usually complain about naked men, but where's the fashion content. Granted, there is some visible in the shoes and watch, I'd like to see more. Your face seems a little tense. Your explanation and linking it to the god is impeccable. Perhaps the best of this round. I also think perhaps the selective black and white is taking away a bit from the picture, and in future, I'd suggest not do profiles with Tyson. It doesn't seem to be his best angle.Hermes
Tyson:
I have chosen Hermes as my deity. Hermes was known as the messenger of the Gods and was often called upon to travel quickly between realms. He is often portrayed with winged shoes to indicate his speed. Hermes is also known as the god of athleticism and sport. In most art depictions, Hermes is shown naked. I have chosen Tyson for this modern interpretation. His winged shoes are in this case are his running shoes. The sleek curvature of his body exudes power and speed and a natural athleticism. I know it is a risk from a fashion aspect as he is only wearing shoes. But damn if I don't want those shoes now.
Noel: I am completely fine with nude shots as long as they are tasteful nudes, and this is a tasteful nude. When it comes to the fashion content on a nude shot, I tend to go with the overall styling of everything in the shot and how good and healthy the model's skin looks. I do this so that tasteful nudes aren't discouraged, since otherwise, they'll only be able to get a max of 15 points and in a modeling game, having the option to go an artistic route like this should not be discouraged. I agree with Janice that you probably have the best description this round. However, I disagree with her about disliking Tyson's profile. I think he has a better straight-forward look, but your profile still looks good to me. I'm having a hard time finding fault here.
Morgan: Wow this is actually quite stunning. You look statue like, your story and purpose has been frozen in time. A very well thought out description I can see complete sense in the connection between you and your chosen god, a contemporary portrayal of Hermes as well with the inclusion of symbolic accessories. Your body looks wonderfully sculptured, I could actually see this photo becoming an advertisement for the accessories you are wearing.
Team XY:
Hephaestus:
Kurt:
The deity that I have chosen to represent is Greek god Hephaestus who is the god of fire, blacksmiths, metals, volcanoes, and artisans. I took a very literal approach for this photo shoot. You have Nightcrawler surrounded by a fiery inferno that could possibly be a volcano that is close to erupting so that relates to Hephaestus being the god of fire and volcanoes. Then you have the two swords that Nightcrawler is holding which is representing the blacksmith that Hephaestus was in constructing all of the weapons for the gods. The swords are also made out of metal which is what Hephaestus is also a god over as well. A final similarity that I would like to point out between Nightcrawler and Hephaestus is that physically deformed from normal people or gods. I mean Hephaestus is sometimes drawn with having his feet pointing backwards because he is "lame" and can't walk without assistance from this, Nightcrawler on the other hand is human but his skin is blue, he has unusual hands and feet (only three digits on each), and a tail. I would also like to point out that this version of Nightcrawler has what looks like burn scar/mark around his left eye which gives him another deformity and it is most likely due to fire and heat which is Hephaestus.
Janice: I'm going to say straight out, your face looks as if you're constipated. Your arm and leg are also amputated. I like the face marking, and what I can see in your outfit. Description is great - Definitely one of the best this week. There's not so much to say though, it's not the best modelling or fashion picture.Hephaestus:
Kurt:
The deity that I have chosen to represent is Greek god Hephaestus who is the god of fire, blacksmiths, metals, volcanoes, and artisans. I took a very literal approach for this photo shoot. You have Nightcrawler surrounded by a fiery inferno that could possibly be a volcano that is close to erupting so that relates to Hephaestus being the god of fire and volcanoes. Then you have the two swords that Nightcrawler is holding which is representing the blacksmith that Hephaestus was in constructing all of the weapons for the gods. The swords are also made out of metal which is what Hephaestus is also a god over as well. A final similarity that I would like to point out between Nightcrawler and Hephaestus is that physically deformed from normal people or gods. I mean Hephaestus is sometimes drawn with having his feet pointing backwards because he is "lame" and can't walk without assistance from this, Nightcrawler on the other hand is human but his skin is blue, he has unusual hands and feet (only three digits on each), and a tail. I would also like to point out that this version of Nightcrawler has what looks like burn scar/mark around his left eye which gives him another deformity and it is most likely due to fire and heat which is Hephaestus.
Noel: You, like all of the other models this round, have done a good job tying your shot to your deity. There's a fairly good pose going on here and your face doesn't bother me like it seems to bother Janice. It's a pretty striking shot, but I feel like the overall modeling effect of the shot is a bit lost here since it's more of an action shot. Still, solid work.
Morgan: In the pursuit of adopting the persona of Hephaestus you seemed to have forgotten about making yourself look as modelesque as possible. I love the way you look animal like, the solitude and dedication towards your craft has truly turned you into something distinct from human. The connection to your greek god is captivating and strikingly evident, if only you could have been more poised and fabulous.
