Post by Jensen Ackles on Apr 3, 2014 7:17:18 GMT -5
The element inspiring this photo is that of wind. By Japanese philosophy, wind represents things that grow, expand, and enjoy freedom of movement. It runs congruent with the human mind. As we grow physically, we learn and expand mentally as well, in terms of our knowledge, our experiences, and our personalities. Mentally and emotionally, it represents an "open-minded" attitude and carefree feeling. It can be associated with will, elusiveness, evasiveness, benevolence, compassion, and wisdom.
I feel like this is a perfect representation of Ariel as a character and model. The photo displays the element of wind through the obvious hair blowing, but also with the motion of the waves. She looks stunning and embodies the element at more than just a physical level. As a character, Ariel begins her story very naive. Her growth throughout her story runs congruent with the traits associated with wind. Her experiences shape her as a person and increase the amount of wisdom she holds, also molding her personality. The open-mindedness and carefree feeling hits Ariel spot on, but I also love the area of compassion the wind element embodies.
Overall, I hope the wind element can give Ariel the boost she needs to put her back on the top away from these bottom feeders.
Thank you, judges.
Jensen: I really love this Ariel. I saw wind right away because your face is the first thing we see and the hair blowing is obvious. Water seemed like a good choice but for me it's like an after thought, so wind is definitely best. I really like your explanation as well. I definitely think this is a fabulous photo. The patches of scales across your body are also unique, I like that.
Doctor: I think Jensen is on crack. This is horrible in regards to your theme. Physically, the only hair we get is from a very subtle breeze we can see through your hair. We see more water than any other element, which is really bad for you. As for the other aspects of your element:
"represents things that grow, expand, and enjoy freedom of movement"
I don't see any kind of growth or expansion and to be honest...you look miserable or bored in this. You honestly look depressed IMO, like you're still pining to be part of the land; trapped under the sea. Which is the OPPOSITE of your element. I was very disappointed by this submission.
Rei: I applaud you for not choosing water as your element as that would have been the expected route. It's still hard to see you with an element other than that. I can see the windblown effect and it works enough to touch on your element. I do see the depressed look that The Doctor was talking about and for your element, I would have preferred to see a more carefree expression. For me, elements of the theme are there, but could have been stronger. That said, this shot is absolutely beautiful, which we have come to expect and love from you. The details of the shot look great and you can tell someone really talented created this shot.
I couldn’t resist not using it for this round because there’s so much theme connection going on. In Japanese philosophy, wind represents freedom of movement. Mentally and emotionally, it represents and open-minded attitude and carefree feeling. In the picture you see the wind physically carrying her cape away, but you also see her carefree attitude towards losing her cape. Almost like she’s letting it go on purpose, but couldn’t be bothered by it. There is always going to be wind and there is always going to be movement. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow and #letitgo.
Jensen: This photo is fabulous. I love the wind blowing your cape away. It definitely fits with your description. I love the placement and modeling of your hands. The dress is fabulous and blowing in the wind. The only thing I'm not like is the way your face was drawn here. Not sure why, just not my favourite look for you. Otherwise, fabulous work darling!
Doctor: Simply fantastic. I've nothing to say here. I wish I did, but I can't see anything negative. I'm in love with this photo and I think you hit the theme perfectly.
Rei: You know what I hate about this photo? I hate that I'm not the one playing as Elsa and that I didn't submit this photo. It's easy to tell what your element is here and you look stunning in it. Perfect shot.
In Japanese philisophy, the element of Void, or Sky/Heavens represents that which is beyond our everyday understanding and perception. Particularly those of pure energy. Upon reading that definition, I though the element would be perfect to Emma to portray with this picture. With the astral projection of Emma in the background against the black, and the transition into diamond form, I think this picture portrays that aspect of Void. In addition, Void also represents the ability to think and communicate. According to Wikipedia, "A warrior properly attuned to the Void can sense their surroundings and act without thinking, and without using their physical senses." This is perfectly portrayed with Emma's telepathy (communicating with thought) visualised in this picture in her pose and the astral Emmas behind. As for the expression, I'm drawing inspiration from the Western interpretation of Void as something being serious, dark and evil, but also in the Japanese interpretation of the element in that void represents Power.
Jensen: I liked this right off the bat, but then reading your description really makes me like it more. You did your research for sure. I love the astral projections of Emmas behind you and then you front and center. Each part of you looks fierce and warrior like. The hand up to your forehead is perfect, makes me think of military/warriors and also your comment about the ability to think. This is really good work Emma!
Doctor: I understood the connection to your element instantly. I think it was a brilliant choice. However, I feel you made the counter mistake to Ariel. Whereas for me, she failed to show her element yet modeled excellence...you've shown perfect element yet poor modeling. The pose is strong, but your hair covers part of a very grimace face. The crunching of your face and is unbecoming. If the face were more focus and less scowl...this would've been perfection.
Rei: It doesn't surprise me at all that you went with this element. You were always a fan of going after one of the non-traditional elements (earth/fire/wind/water/...heart). I do like the approach you've taken here and it's an easy connection. Yeah, the face is a little too fierce, but that's about the only complaint I really have. Strong posing, good look, and good theme representation making for a strong shot.
I went with this photo because the starry vibe from Morrigan performing magic with the book felt that it hit the theme element of Space/Aether. Even the background gives off the vibe that's she's actually out in the galaxy. Maybe she's the one who created it all? Muhaha! You get to see her yellow eyes while giving a soft smile. Plus the Light from the book goes straight to her face.
Jensen: I agree with you. All I see around you is space! The lighting makes me think of stars and the galaxy. You do look like you're creating the world. I absolutely love your face here. The only thing I don't like is probably that weird thing that looks like a weird hand coming out of the book with your trade mark light on your palm. Is that a hand? What is that lol Otherwise, I really do like this a lot.
Doctor: My only negative remark is the less than perfect quality. I checked for the original photo and found that it's done that way originally, so that will be less damaging to you. I think it's a great choice. I got it instantly and I just love this. Great job.
Rei: Like The Doctor, my only complaint about this photo is due to the quality. It's easy to see your element on display here. I do like your posing as it makes sense with the action of the shot while still giving some nice lines. I love the dark vibe in the shot and feel it compliments who your character is while working really well for a modeling competition.
水 Sui or mizu, meaning "Water", represents the fluid, flowing, formless things in the world. Outside of the obvious example of rivers and the lake, plants are also categorized under sui, as they adapt to their environment, growing and changing according to the direction of the sun and the changing seasons. Blood and other bodily fluids are represented by sui, as are mental or emotional tendencies towards adaptation and change. Sui can be associated with emotion, defensiveness, adaptability, flexibility, suppleness, and magnetism.
Jensen: This is a beautiful photo. At first glance I was like, why did you choose water? Because the water was not prominent but then upon seeing the water and reading your description, you've sold it to me. I like the soft feminine look of your face here. This is a good job!
Doctor: Your element is very prominent, but not domineering. Which is exactly what you want for a shot like this. I love that you included the plant aspect to this. Even more what I think was brilliant...the eyes. Your character is a Japanese creation, but those eyes are even moreso anime than normal. Very well done. You lose a bit of form in your body, but your arm commands the attention. It contrasts the rest of the shot very well in that it has all the rage and harshness within while everything else is calm and smooth.
Rei: There are superficial aspects to the photo that show the element of water, but your description definitely helps to expand upon that to make your connection even stronger. I am astounded by the level of detail put in this photo; it's so beautifully done. I'm not that worried about your body since it's your character design to have all of the extra clothing and accessories that cover you up so much. This may be your normal attire, but it still feels very fresh. My favorite part of this shot has to be your hair. Anyway, great work.