Post by Chris Hernandez on Feb 4, 2014 23:30:22 GMT -5
Hello Models!!!
You guys did great this week. It's a tough week so good job!!! Let's see the photos.
AARON AS FRIEDRICH WIELHELM NIETZSCHE (GERMAN PHILOLOGIST, PHILOSOPHER, CULTURAL CRITIC, POET & COMPOSER)
Nico: I can definitely see the resemblance between you an Wilhelm (similar hair, moustache)... you even have the outfit pretty spot on. I'm not a fan of the fake green screen behind you in the shot.. its obviously a promotional shoot. The pose is very simple but not bad and I like the way you connect with the camera... you are reserved but not too reserved. The colours work well too, blue outfit & blue eyes. Aside from the photoshop this is a decent photo... good luck!
Ru: Nico may not be a fan of all things fake, but honey, I love fakery. I really can't think of anything negative to say about this really. To nitpick, maybe a bit stiff, but that's a part of the character. And I do love a good, stiff man.
Jensen: Let me first start off with saying, that I didn't expect this round to be as phenomenal as it turned out. And this might be signature challenge from here on out <3 For you, while I've enjoyed your smirk, I'm so glad to see something new. Not only that but can I just say that you totally BLEW me out of the water with this photo. The similarities are amazing!!! I really love the connection here and then you really look the part you're playing. Wow, just wow.
Neil: Aaron, looking back in Production and the rankings the past couple rounds, I've been your harshest critic. However, I'm happy to say I won't be this round cause you've definitely impressed with this shot. The connection to your historical figure is plain to see. You have a great pose and are styled perfectly for this shoot. I don't have anything negative to say here. Great work.
Chris: Aaron, you manage to nail the theme and at the same time, still not forget that this is a modelling competition. I love this photo. You manage to convince me that you're the person that you want to portray in this photo. Great job, Aaron. You never disappoint me in this competition yet. Keep it up.
DOUGLAS BOOTH AS T.S ELIOT (AMERICAN ESSAYIST, PUBLISHER, PLAYWRIGHT, LITERARY & SOCIAL CRITIC)
Nico: I love this Douglas! You really look like Eliot.. I love the comparison in the photos... really shows the similarities. I'm not sure if he would've work a fur coat, but it adds great fashion appeal to the shoot. The setting is perfect and the pose is very modelesque. Great week yet again!
Ru: The resemblance is uncanny, Douglas. You look like a real model here, and it makes me question your status in the competition. Of course, that's a good thing.
Jensen: There's so much here that is just perfect. The books really help you sell your point. I really love that you have a similar serious expression as the man you're portraying. Your modeling as usual, is top notch. I really really like this photo.
Neil: Yeah, you do have a resemblance to a young TS Eliot in the face. I'm happy you have the setting that you do, though. Cause it helps create a stronger connection. You look good and you're well put-together here. I think you've worked quickly to establish yourself as the guy to beat in this competition and the other guys need to work to beat you.
Chris: Duh.. I don't have anything to say except 'Wow'... maybe 'Fantastic' too. Great job!!!
ERIC MONJOIN AS FABRIZIO RISTORI (ITALIAN COUNT)
Nico: It would've helped if you had a bit of a description to show the similarities between you and Fabrizio. Looks wise, I can definitely see you as a modern version of him and it helps that you are facing the same way. I think we were looking for more of a connection from a fashion/setting/props standpoint rather than appearance... since looks aren't a great comparison. Shot alone... this is one of your better pictures this season... you look very sexy and dapper. I love the wildlife setting and your fashion sense. I just wish your connection with your historical figure was stronger. Good luck!
I agree. Look wise, it's spot on. It definitely hits the fashion and modelling marks on RuBot's fashion app... But I have no idea who Faberge is, I'd like to know who Fabiola is. WHO IS FABIO!?
Jensen: I agree with the other judges. Your pose and looks are pretty damn amazingly spot on. But that for me wasn't really what this challenge was about. I'm glad you went the route that worked for you though. But would have liked to have known about this man and his life. Ok, I just did a google search and Fabrizio is actually a character on a show. Yikes, that's not what I wanted at all. I'm sorry.
Neil: This shoot was about going with a historical figure and you've given us a fictional one. That right there makes it hard for me to give you points for theme connection. That said, you do match your character fairly well. The fashion is a nod to the style of the character without being a copy. I definitely like it better than your shot last round, so a step up.
Chris: I'm not sure who is 'Fabrizio' too. I googled and it's a character from an Italian Soap Opera. But I don't know if he's real or not. I think your modelling is perfect in this photo but I'm not sure if you give what the theme want from this photo.
HUGH DANCY AS JEFFREY DAHMER (AMERICAN SERIAL KILLER & SEX OFFENDER)
Nico: I wish this was a full bodied shot! It does look very creepy and sexy at the same time. The connection isn't super strong... i mean blood could be anything (if you were eating some raw meat, that'd be another story lol).. but what you have works. Your jawline is beautiful and your connection with the camera is good. I just wish this wasn't a head shot... it really hurts the photo. Good luck!
Ru: This just isn't doing it for me, Hugh. I know you're a serial killer, but a little blood spatter on your glasses is all we see. I'm with Nico, more of you would be better.
Jensen: At first glance I thought this was a doctored candid. It just looks fake, not just the blood, but the picture vibe. I do like your creepy expression and after kind of just staring at the photo for a bit, I might like it a bit more than another one.
Neil: I feel like you're the opposite of Aaron for me. I had previously been his biggest critic on the panel, while I feel I've been your biggest advocate with my rankings. However, this round, you two have swapped for me. The theme is there, but the modeling quality suffers for it. It does have a bit of a candid feel to it and there's not much about the headshot to make it really stand out. Yeah, there's some blood, which is unusual, but nothing done modeling-wise to make it special to stand alone as a headshot. I hope you return to form next week since I do feel you have great potential and I've been a fan in the past.
Chris: I get the serial killer vibes from you. Yeah the blood are just too much. But I love how simple and efficient this photo is. So I kinda like this cause sometimes, less is more.
MACKLEMORE AS VASILY ZAYTSEV (SOVIET SNIPER)
Nico: Well this is a very interesting choice... but it works! I definitely get that Russian vibe from this photo. I dislike that everything is brown in the shot.. brown is not a flattering colour.... but neither is your historical figure so maybe it actually works. I definitely get the powerfulness that your are trying to emit.. it's a good shot... maybe a little too boring.. but it works! Good luck
Ru: Well, this picture wants me to have a cocktail with some Absolut Vodka. Yes, that's Absolut Vodka. I'm liking the Soviet feel, but where is your ARSEnal? I want to see what arms you bare to convince me you're a sniper. I want to see you shoot.
Jensen: I usually go to imgur and resize to like 700 high. But this is utterly impressive! A spot on account of what you're going for. This is what I really wanted. To feel the character without a comparison photo. Don't get me wrong though, I love most the comparison shots. But like my examples, your explanation with your photo is all we need to hit a home run. The attitude and styling are amazing. Great job.
Neil: This shot is definitely growing on me the more I look at it. I'm happy that you took the time to connect the shot to your figure through more than just your attire, since seeing Macklemore in fur is nothing new (I don't think I've ever seen him not wearing fur). You've done a great job highlighting parallels between your historical character and yourself. It's a solid modeling shot, too. Nothing ground-breaking, but it works. Solid showing.
Chris: Mackie!!!! Finally you impressed me. I can see the resemblance between you and that sniper. I love your styling. For the first time I think I look at a model. I like this side of you. So keep it up.
MARK WAHLBERG AS THE COPPERTONE GIRL (ICONIC FIGURE IN AMERICAN HISTORY)
Nico: hahahaha this is great Mark! Really funny/adorable too. The photo comparison is spot on! (except I think you should've been facing the same way... i'm sure your tush is beautiful). I hate the quality in the shot.. it looks really bad... I'm also not a huge fan on your facial expression (cheeky as it is). Aside from that... the is an amazing comparison! Everything just works... great job!
Ru: I agree. I'd like to see your ass. That would really hit the spot for me. I have two other qualms here. Your face is one, and it's linked to the second: the quality. You're submitting a picture from a different era, obviously, but I've seen pictures from the 40s in better quality than this.
Jensen: The quality is horrible, which is why I googled it to see if it was a real shoot, which I think I knew awhile back it was lol I love how spot on this is and we just all knew immediately who it was lol Amazing fun shot though.
Neil: Like Jensen said, Eric went with a fictional character just like you did. I feel like if people hold that against him, they should hold you to the same standard. However, the difference between the two is that your shot is referencing an iconic character from the past, so it's more acceptable for me. Moving on, the quality is off and your head is weirdly shaped. You have three gay guys and two ladies on the judging panel, so the comments about wanting a different angle to see your butt should be expected. I do like the playfulness of the shot and I enjoyed seeing it
Chris: Yeah, I agree with Neil. But you definitely kill it this week. You took a risk and I think it works. Welcome back, Mark. But be careful with the quality next time.
MICHAEL AS JESUS CHRIST
Nico: I'm not sure how I feel about this... I can definitely see the resemblance with the crucifixion... but the shot itself, just feels too fake. There's not much fashion and I dislike the nonexistent neck. The comparison is there (maybe a little morbid lol)...but the shot is a little too cheap for my liking. It's just not hitting all the marks for me... good luck!
Ru: I like the representation here, but I'm afraid the modelling is really suffering here. I'd prefer less clothes here too, and that's not just because I like naked men. I think it'd actually be better in terms of fashion appeal than what you have on.
Neil: You definitely have the theme down this round, but I'm not completely thrilled with the modeling. The posing is necessary for the shot you're going for, but the attire and facial expression are both just not doing it for me this round. However, I'm sure you'll be fine with this shot cause the theme was done very well.
Jensen: I like this but I do get what the other judges are saying. Too much clothing but the pose and the blood just FIT. Not bad though
Chris: I don't have lot of problem with this photo. I think your theme execution is good. But maybe you can work more on the styling so it fits your theme more. Just be careful with the angle of your face. You look like you have no neck here. Keep it up, Mike
PENN BADGLEY AS MICHAEL JACKSON (AMERICAN SINGER, DANCER & SONGWRITER)
Nico: This is great Penn! Yes... I will be shaming you on the shadows/silhouette, but it doesn't ruin the shot. I definitely get the Michael feels when I look at this.. didn't even have to look at your description to see that! Fashion is nice.. setting is a little boring but it works for the shadow aspect... I just want to see more of you, despite the objective of this photo! haha Good work!
Ru: There is a time and place for a silhouette. A Michael Jackson shoot is one where I'd make an exception, and I am. But we can see your clothes here, and I must say I'm not a fan of them. You're also missing an arm. I think you need some more energy. Michael was known for his energy. However, I do think Latoya would be happy to see this though.
Jensen: I don't mind shadows when they work, and this works. I actually thought Fred Astaire at first, the styling and the hat. But the minute you said Michael Jackson I was like oooohhhh YES I see it!! I agree about the energy. Your pose is great. I really like this a lot.
Neil: I'm fine with the shadows in this instance. They add a little sense of intrigue to the photo. The hat and your arm placement are what really makes this shot connect, though, since that's roughly how I'd imagine Michael Jackson would pose. It's not the strongest photo we'll see since the modeling could be stronger, we could see more of you, and the overall level of quality of the shoot (not of the pixels of the image, but of the staging and production levels) could have been better, but they could have definitely been worse.
Chris: I like it. I think this photo has so much potential. I can see MJ here but I think the styling could be improved. I don't think the styling reflects MJ's style. But from the pose and the concept of this photo, you did good. Good job!!!
TOM C AS JOHN F KENNEDY (AMERICAN FORMER PRESIDENT)
Nico: I don't know how I feel about this one... I can see the connection... its definitely different but it works. This just doesn't feel like a modelling shot... its like a picture you'd see on the side table in some office for an award for excellence... and i guess someone got mad and punctured a hole in it. I just get no modelling value from this shot. Its too simple.. too boring. Good luck!
Ru: I'm going to say straight out: I hate this. It's literally a picture of you in a frame that has a bullet hole in it. It's a great beauty shot, don't get me wrong. But as a picture: it's mediocre.
Jensen: *bangs head on desk* This theme was so broad. For my examples, the first one, I looked at the picture, thought "grave diggers" googled Grave Diggers, found famous one time grave diggers and that is how my example came to life. This just feels like a cop out I'm sorry.
Neil: Somebody has a set of brass balls on him. I thought you had this in your confessional as a joke, but now I see you're serious with it. Well, it does look like someone shot your photo in the head just like they did with the former President, so that morbid connection is there. There's an unfortunate watermark on the photo that's very obvious.
Chris: I kinda like this but at the same time, I totally get why the other judges didn't like it. It's too safe and nothing's going on in this photo. I think you look great, but I'm still worried for you this week.
TOM H AS DONALD TRUMP (AMERICAN BUSINESSMAN)
Nico: You may have been confused with this shoot, but I think you nailed it! You may not have the physical appearance of Trump (thank god for that), but you definitely emit that power that he has. Your cool, calm, and collected... ready to strike up a huge business deal.. or you know... fire someone haha. I wish the background wasn't as blurry as it is as it almost feels like a green screen... it doesn't ruin the photo, but it doesn't help it either. Aside from that, I love everything else! Good job
Ru: You may have been confused, but I think you've hit most marks on this photo. I really like how it all comes together. It looks very CEO without the bad toupée I was secretly hoping we might see Loki.
Jensen: I dont' know WHY anyone voted for you for one of the worst photos. This is one of the best. You blew my mind, right up there with the others that blew my mind lol This works greatly!!! You look angry, you're in a suit, well a very lovely business like coat lol I see the plane. I dont' even need the example photo but it's nice to compare. This is good, you're modeling very nicely as well.
Neil: The only remote problem I can see someone having with this shot is that the shoot is for historical figures and Trump is still alive. That said, I don't care about that. You've connected yourself to a celebrity that you would never expect to see in a modeling game and you still look good doing it. The setting is great and I find your demeanor to also enhance the connection. Good work.
Chris: Trump is alive? Jk.. I'm not sure if you can choose someone who is alive or not as your Historical Figure, but I like this photo. The attitude that you bring in this photo, really reminds me of Donald Trump... But at the same time, I'm not sure in term of the theme execution. I don't know..
USHER AS ALISTAIR COOKE (BRITISH/AMERICAN JOURNALIST, TV PERSONALITY & BROADCASTER)
Nico: Well I don't watch Masterpiece Theatre, nor do I know anyone specific that you would be representing, so it really hurts that you didn't use a specific historical figure... *key word historical... masterpiece theatre is still around today. Aside from the lack of theme connection, the shot is pretty good modelling wise. I like the setting and the whole british vibe you have going on. Very posh... the colours are nice, and you look very serious and judgemental (what I would assume those chumps are like?). It's a decent modelling shot, but the theme connection is hurting it a lot... good luck!
Ru: Well you certainly are having a nice tea party. But why wasn't I invited? Being the sheltered, innocent lady I am, I only remember Sesame Street's parody with Alistar Cookie. I'm on the fence with this one. I'm willing to forgive the mild connection to that theme because you also bring a bit more to this picture.
Jensen: I am glad you included a description because in the Sneak Peek I didn't get it. I wish you would have been more specific when posting because Chris didn't include the Masterpiece Theatre bit and I was confused until I came here. Yes Masterpiece Theatre is still around. In it's 42nd season or something. This is brilliant. The minute I saw you say who you were, I got it. He is famous for sitting in his chair and talking to the camera. Heck, he probably always drank tea too lol The only thing missing? Books!! Otherwise, spot on Usher!!!
Jensen: Looking at the example Chris posted with your photo, THERE'S A CUP OF TEA ON THE TABLE!!!
Neil: I could see you hosting and episode of Masterpiece Theater in this photo, but my problem lies with the fact that you seemed to have connected yourself to the show rather than the person. The reason I feel this way is that you didn't even look up what the guy's name was, so it kinda shows a lack of effort there. Still, I like your suit, your posing is solid, and the setting is a nice enhancement.
Chris: I totally don't have any idea what is Masterpiece Theatre. But when I searched for the photo, I totally get what you want to do this round. I think it's a very great photo. I love the setting. Great idea. I'll definitely see you again next week, Usher
You guys did great this week. It's a tough week so good job!!! Let's see the photos.
AARON AS FRIEDRICH WIELHELM NIETZSCHE (GERMAN PHILOLOGIST, PHILOSOPHER, CULTURAL CRITIC, POET & COMPOSER)
Nico: I can definitely see the resemblance between you an Wilhelm (similar hair, moustache)... you even have the outfit pretty spot on. I'm not a fan of the fake green screen behind you in the shot.. its obviously a promotional shoot. The pose is very simple but not bad and I like the way you connect with the camera... you are reserved but not too reserved. The colours work well too, blue outfit & blue eyes. Aside from the photoshop this is a decent photo... good luck!
Ru: Nico may not be a fan of all things fake, but honey, I love fakery. I really can't think of anything negative to say about this really. To nitpick, maybe a bit stiff, but that's a part of the character. And I do love a good, stiff man.
Jensen: Let me first start off with saying, that I didn't expect this round to be as phenomenal as it turned out. And this might be signature challenge from here on out <3 For you, while I've enjoyed your smirk, I'm so glad to see something new. Not only that but can I just say that you totally BLEW me out of the water with this photo. The similarities are amazing!!! I really love the connection here and then you really look the part you're playing. Wow, just wow.
Neil: Aaron, looking back in Production and the rankings the past couple rounds, I've been your harshest critic. However, I'm happy to say I won't be this round cause you've definitely impressed with this shot. The connection to your historical figure is plain to see. You have a great pose and are styled perfectly for this shoot. I don't have anything negative to say here. Great work.
Chris: Aaron, you manage to nail the theme and at the same time, still not forget that this is a modelling competition. I love this photo. You manage to convince me that you're the person that you want to portray in this photo. Great job, Aaron. You never disappoint me in this competition yet. Keep it up.
DOUGLAS BOOTH AS T.S ELIOT (AMERICAN ESSAYIST, PUBLISHER, PLAYWRIGHT, LITERARY & SOCIAL CRITIC)
Nico: I love this Douglas! You really look like Eliot.. I love the comparison in the photos... really shows the similarities. I'm not sure if he would've work a fur coat, but it adds great fashion appeal to the shoot. The setting is perfect and the pose is very modelesque. Great week yet again!
Ru: The resemblance is uncanny, Douglas. You look like a real model here, and it makes me question your status in the competition. Of course, that's a good thing.
Jensen: There's so much here that is just perfect. The books really help you sell your point. I really love that you have a similar serious expression as the man you're portraying. Your modeling as usual, is top notch. I really really like this photo.
Neil: Yeah, you do have a resemblance to a young TS Eliot in the face. I'm happy you have the setting that you do, though. Cause it helps create a stronger connection. You look good and you're well put-together here. I think you've worked quickly to establish yourself as the guy to beat in this competition and the other guys need to work to beat you.
Chris: Duh.. I don't have anything to say except 'Wow'... maybe 'Fantastic' too. Great job!!!
ERIC MONJOIN AS FABRIZIO RISTORI (ITALIAN COUNT)
Nico: It would've helped if you had a bit of a description to show the similarities between you and Fabrizio. Looks wise, I can definitely see you as a modern version of him and it helps that you are facing the same way. I think we were looking for more of a connection from a fashion/setting/props standpoint rather than appearance... since looks aren't a great comparison. Shot alone... this is one of your better pictures this season... you look very sexy and dapper. I love the wildlife setting and your fashion sense. I just wish your connection with your historical figure was stronger. Good luck!
I agree. Look wise, it's spot on. It definitely hits the fashion and modelling marks on RuBot's fashion app... But I have no idea who Faberge is, I'd like to know who Fabiola is. WHO IS FABIO!?
Jensen: I agree with the other judges. Your pose and looks are pretty damn amazingly spot on. But that for me wasn't really what this challenge was about. I'm glad you went the route that worked for you though. But would have liked to have known about this man and his life. Ok, I just did a google search and Fabrizio is actually a character on a show. Yikes, that's not what I wanted at all. I'm sorry.
Neil: This shoot was about going with a historical figure and you've given us a fictional one. That right there makes it hard for me to give you points for theme connection. That said, you do match your character fairly well. The fashion is a nod to the style of the character without being a copy. I definitely like it better than your shot last round, so a step up.
Chris: I'm not sure who is 'Fabrizio' too. I googled and it's a character from an Italian Soap Opera. But I don't know if he's real or not. I think your modelling is perfect in this photo but I'm not sure if you give what the theme want from this photo.
HUGH DANCY AS JEFFREY DAHMER (AMERICAN SERIAL KILLER & SEX OFFENDER)
Nico: I wish this was a full bodied shot! It does look very creepy and sexy at the same time. The connection isn't super strong... i mean blood could be anything (if you were eating some raw meat, that'd be another story lol).. but what you have works. Your jawline is beautiful and your connection with the camera is good. I just wish this wasn't a head shot... it really hurts the photo. Good luck!
Ru: This just isn't doing it for me, Hugh. I know you're a serial killer, but a little blood spatter on your glasses is all we see. I'm with Nico, more of you would be better.
Jensen: At first glance I thought this was a doctored candid. It just looks fake, not just the blood, but the picture vibe. I do like your creepy expression and after kind of just staring at the photo for a bit, I might like it a bit more than another one.
Neil: I feel like you're the opposite of Aaron for me. I had previously been his biggest critic on the panel, while I feel I've been your biggest advocate with my rankings. However, this round, you two have swapped for me. The theme is there, but the modeling quality suffers for it. It does have a bit of a candid feel to it and there's not much about the headshot to make it really stand out. Yeah, there's some blood, which is unusual, but nothing done modeling-wise to make it special to stand alone as a headshot. I hope you return to form next week since I do feel you have great potential and I've been a fan in the past.
Chris: I get the serial killer vibes from you. Yeah the blood are just too much. But I love how simple and efficient this photo is. So I kinda like this cause sometimes, less is more.
MACKLEMORE AS VASILY ZAYTSEV (SOVIET SNIPER)
Nico: Well this is a very interesting choice... but it works! I definitely get that Russian vibe from this photo. I dislike that everything is brown in the shot.. brown is not a flattering colour.... but neither is your historical figure so maybe it actually works. I definitely get the powerfulness that your are trying to emit.. it's a good shot... maybe a little too boring.. but it works! Good luck
Ru: Well, this picture wants me to have a cocktail with some Absolut Vodka. Yes, that's Absolut Vodka. I'm liking the Soviet feel, but where is your ARSEnal? I want to see what arms you bare to convince me you're a sniper. I want to see you shoot.
Jensen: I usually go to imgur and resize to like 700 high. But this is utterly impressive! A spot on account of what you're going for. This is what I really wanted. To feel the character without a comparison photo. Don't get me wrong though, I love most the comparison shots. But like my examples, your explanation with your photo is all we need to hit a home run. The attitude and styling are amazing. Great job.
Neil: This shot is definitely growing on me the more I look at it. I'm happy that you took the time to connect the shot to your figure through more than just your attire, since seeing Macklemore in fur is nothing new (I don't think I've ever seen him not wearing fur). You've done a great job highlighting parallels between your historical character and yourself. It's a solid modeling shot, too. Nothing ground-breaking, but it works. Solid showing.
Chris: Mackie!!!! Finally you impressed me. I can see the resemblance between you and that sniper. I love your styling. For the first time I think I look at a model. I like this side of you. So keep it up.
MARK WAHLBERG AS THE COPPERTONE GIRL (ICONIC FIGURE IN AMERICAN HISTORY)
Nico: hahahaha this is great Mark! Really funny/adorable too. The photo comparison is spot on! (except I think you should've been facing the same way... i'm sure your tush is beautiful). I hate the quality in the shot.. it looks really bad... I'm also not a huge fan on your facial expression (cheeky as it is). Aside from that... the is an amazing comparison! Everything just works... great job!
Ru: I agree. I'd like to see your ass. That would really hit the spot for me. I have two other qualms here. Your face is one, and it's linked to the second: the quality. You're submitting a picture from a different era, obviously, but I've seen pictures from the 40s in better quality than this.
Jensen: The quality is horrible, which is why I googled it to see if it was a real shoot, which I think I knew awhile back it was lol I love how spot on this is and we just all knew immediately who it was lol Amazing fun shot though.
Neil: Like Jensen said, Eric went with a fictional character just like you did. I feel like if people hold that against him, they should hold you to the same standard. However, the difference between the two is that your shot is referencing an iconic character from the past, so it's more acceptable for me. Moving on, the quality is off and your head is weirdly shaped. You have three gay guys and two ladies on the judging panel, so the comments about wanting a different angle to see your butt should be expected. I do like the playfulness of the shot and I enjoyed seeing it
Chris: Yeah, I agree with Neil. But you definitely kill it this week. You took a risk and I think it works. Welcome back, Mark. But be careful with the quality next time.
MICHAEL AS JESUS CHRIST
Nico: I'm not sure how I feel about this... I can definitely see the resemblance with the crucifixion... but the shot itself, just feels too fake. There's not much fashion and I dislike the nonexistent neck. The comparison is there (maybe a little morbid lol)...but the shot is a little too cheap for my liking. It's just not hitting all the marks for me... good luck!
Ru: I like the representation here, but I'm afraid the modelling is really suffering here. I'd prefer less clothes here too, and that's not just because I like naked men. I think it'd actually be better in terms of fashion appeal than what you have on.
Neil: You definitely have the theme down this round, but I'm not completely thrilled with the modeling. The posing is necessary for the shot you're going for, but the attire and facial expression are both just not doing it for me this round. However, I'm sure you'll be fine with this shot cause the theme was done very well.
Jensen: I like this but I do get what the other judges are saying. Too much clothing but the pose and the blood just FIT. Not bad though
Chris: I don't have lot of problem with this photo. I think your theme execution is good. But maybe you can work more on the styling so it fits your theme more. Just be careful with the angle of your face. You look like you have no neck here. Keep it up, Mike
PENN BADGLEY AS MICHAEL JACKSON (AMERICAN SINGER, DANCER & SONGWRITER)
Nico: This is great Penn! Yes... I will be shaming you on the shadows/silhouette, but it doesn't ruin the shot. I definitely get the Michael feels when I look at this.. didn't even have to look at your description to see that! Fashion is nice.. setting is a little boring but it works for the shadow aspect... I just want to see more of you, despite the objective of this photo! haha Good work!
Ru: There is a time and place for a silhouette. A Michael Jackson shoot is one where I'd make an exception, and I am. But we can see your clothes here, and I must say I'm not a fan of them. You're also missing an arm. I think you need some more energy. Michael was known for his energy. However, I do think Latoya would be happy to see this though.
Jensen: I don't mind shadows when they work, and this works. I actually thought Fred Astaire at first, the styling and the hat. But the minute you said Michael Jackson I was like oooohhhh YES I see it!! I agree about the energy. Your pose is great. I really like this a lot.
Neil: I'm fine with the shadows in this instance. They add a little sense of intrigue to the photo. The hat and your arm placement are what really makes this shot connect, though, since that's roughly how I'd imagine Michael Jackson would pose. It's not the strongest photo we'll see since the modeling could be stronger, we could see more of you, and the overall level of quality of the shoot (not of the pixels of the image, but of the staging and production levels) could have been better, but they could have definitely been worse.
Chris: I like it. I think this photo has so much potential. I can see MJ here but I think the styling could be improved. I don't think the styling reflects MJ's style. But from the pose and the concept of this photo, you did good. Good job!!!
TOM C AS JOHN F KENNEDY (AMERICAN FORMER PRESIDENT)
Nico: I don't know how I feel about this one... I can see the connection... its definitely different but it works. This just doesn't feel like a modelling shot... its like a picture you'd see on the side table in some office for an award for excellence... and i guess someone got mad and punctured a hole in it. I just get no modelling value from this shot. Its too simple.. too boring. Good luck!
Ru: I'm going to say straight out: I hate this. It's literally a picture of you in a frame that has a bullet hole in it. It's a great beauty shot, don't get me wrong. But as a picture: it's mediocre.
Jensen: *bangs head on desk* This theme was so broad. For my examples, the first one, I looked at the picture, thought "grave diggers" googled Grave Diggers, found famous one time grave diggers and that is how my example came to life. This just feels like a cop out I'm sorry.
Neil: Somebody has a set of brass balls on him. I thought you had this in your confessional as a joke, but now I see you're serious with it. Well, it does look like someone shot your photo in the head just like they did with the former President, so that morbid connection is there. There's an unfortunate watermark on the photo that's very obvious.
Chris: I kinda like this but at the same time, I totally get why the other judges didn't like it. It's too safe and nothing's going on in this photo. I think you look great, but I'm still worried for you this week.
TOM H AS DONALD TRUMP (AMERICAN BUSINESSMAN)
Nico: You may have been confused with this shoot, but I think you nailed it! You may not have the physical appearance of Trump (thank god for that), but you definitely emit that power that he has. Your cool, calm, and collected... ready to strike up a huge business deal.. or you know... fire someone haha. I wish the background wasn't as blurry as it is as it almost feels like a green screen... it doesn't ruin the photo, but it doesn't help it either. Aside from that, I love everything else! Good job
Ru: You may have been confused, but I think you've hit most marks on this photo. I really like how it all comes together. It looks very CEO without the bad toupée I was secretly hoping we might see Loki.
Jensen: I dont' know WHY anyone voted for you for one of the worst photos. This is one of the best. You blew my mind, right up there with the others that blew my mind lol This works greatly!!! You look angry, you're in a suit, well a very lovely business like coat lol I see the plane. I dont' even need the example photo but it's nice to compare. This is good, you're modeling very nicely as well.
Neil: The only remote problem I can see someone having with this shot is that the shoot is for historical figures and Trump is still alive. That said, I don't care about that. You've connected yourself to a celebrity that you would never expect to see in a modeling game and you still look good doing it. The setting is great and I find your demeanor to also enhance the connection. Good work.
Chris: Trump is alive? Jk.. I'm not sure if you can choose someone who is alive or not as your Historical Figure, but I like this photo. The attitude that you bring in this photo, really reminds me of Donald Trump... But at the same time, I'm not sure in term of the theme execution. I don't know..
USHER AS ALISTAIR COOKE (BRITISH/AMERICAN JOURNALIST, TV PERSONALITY & BROADCASTER)
Nico: Well I don't watch Masterpiece Theatre, nor do I know anyone specific that you would be representing, so it really hurts that you didn't use a specific historical figure... *key word historical... masterpiece theatre is still around today. Aside from the lack of theme connection, the shot is pretty good modelling wise. I like the setting and the whole british vibe you have going on. Very posh... the colours are nice, and you look very serious and judgemental (what I would assume those chumps are like?). It's a decent modelling shot, but the theme connection is hurting it a lot... good luck!
Ru: Well you certainly are having a nice tea party. But why wasn't I invited? Being the sheltered, innocent lady I am, I only remember Sesame Street's parody with Alistar Cookie. I'm on the fence with this one. I'm willing to forgive the mild connection to that theme because you also bring a bit more to this picture.
Jensen: I am glad you included a description because in the Sneak Peek I didn't get it. I wish you would have been more specific when posting because Chris didn't include the Masterpiece Theatre bit and I was confused until I came here. Yes Masterpiece Theatre is still around. In it's 42nd season or something. This is brilliant. The minute I saw you say who you were, I got it. He is famous for sitting in his chair and talking to the camera. Heck, he probably always drank tea too lol The only thing missing? Books!! Otherwise, spot on Usher!!!
Jensen: Looking at the example Chris posted with your photo, THERE'S A CUP OF TEA ON THE TABLE!!!
Neil: I could see you hosting and episode of Masterpiece Theater in this photo, but my problem lies with the fact that you seemed to have connected yourself to the show rather than the person. The reason I feel this way is that you didn't even look up what the guy's name was, so it kinda shows a lack of effort there. Still, I like your suit, your posing is solid, and the setting is a nice enhancement.
Chris: I totally don't have any idea what is Masterpiece Theatre. But when I searched for the photo, I totally get what you want to do this round. I think it's a very great photo. I love the setting. Great idea. I'll definitely see you again next week, Usher