Sarah V

I really like this portrait. The model's expression conveys to me both confidence and vulnerability, a competition of opposites. The side of the face that's in shadow is nearly inscrutable, which adds an air of mystery.

A common enough approach, but the little details make this picture. The expected symmetry/asymmetry is always off just a little, from the hair being parted just to one side and angling back; to the hands coming together off center alignment with the face; the shadow only covering part of the right half; the lip being opened just slightly wider on the right side (the model's left); etc.

The tear track on the left suggests vulnerability, but the look of the eyes is directly at the camera and almost defiant. The feelings being portrayed come across, to me, as being more genuine since they are not so easily codified.

I would guess that in any number of photo shoots this model's skin looks silky-smooth. Not here... the skin on the forehead and what's visible of the face have a little rougher than usual texture than most made-up models..... to the point where they appear a little like the texture of the wall. She's laid bare like the wall; she's up against the wall; she's resolute like a wall... she's all of the above.

Finally, I think the photo is restrained in a way that adds to it's impact.... for example, a wise choice to have lipstick but no nail polish.

Great pic!