Eorzea's Next Top Model Cycle 4 - Round 1

Alright everyone, it's that time! ROUND ONE GO!

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pIx07-C0AP...y-is-ready.gif

Yes, I know that this round is in alphabetical order. It's non-elimination, the next round will have the order swapped up.

So without further ado...

THE SHOTS!

The theme of this round was simply: Freestyle! I just told the models to have fun with it and did specify that dungeons were OK.

Judging is going to be done differently this time around. Specifically, it's going to be done the same way as it's been done in the YT Cycle, which is a system I feel works a bit better and makes my maths a little easier to adjust for the judging. Per the clear winner from the poll, judge votes will count for 75% of the overall score with the public vote making up the remaining 25. As with prior cycles, once voting ends I will release the judge critiques and scoring along with announcing the round results.

I have also decided to stick with forum voting for now. My reasoning behind doing this is simple - there's a lot of threads going right now in the run up to Heavensward and I'm afraid that if I go with a poll that the voting thread will quickly disappear under them. By using forum voting, we can keep it nearer the top and help people notice it.

So, how to vote:

Make a post in this thread, ranking the shots in order from strongest to weakest. That's it!

Good luck to all the models! And remember, this is a non-elimination round set up to help models get used to how the contest works and to get feedback from judges and the public before the next rounds.

Voting will close 11:59pm EST, Tuesday May 5th

Good luck everyone!

Cycle 4 begins! So excited, and best of luck to everyone - can't wait to see y'all from week to week~! <3

01) Epsil Ion
02) Tinsley Tru'hart
03) Brun Hilda
04) Stephen Fairbrook
05) Hopelle Losstoam
06) Sunny Day
07) Aeon Rakshasa
08) Nozomi Kei
09) Alexion Skylark
10) Kaya Solimar
11) Katarh Mest
12) Arrelaine Fashonti

First off WHOOHOOO Cycle 4, and what a way to start guys, wonderful shot seriously /clap. Starting off with a bang! I love it! Well I'm gonna leave just a lil' critique for all, DON'T PANIC, I'm not gonna be all harsh or anything. Just wish to give you a lil' perspective from a model as well.

1. Tinsley Tr'uhart - Lovely shot! I love night shots a lot, I think a lot of people don't utilize them often enough, I love the effect that is surrounding your character as well! It really draws the focus to you as a model. My only nitpick I'd honestly have to say is I wish you were turned slightly at a different angle to see more of your gorgeous glamors! Keep up the great work so far ^.^
2. Sunny Day - A man after my own frozen heart! I love snow shots soooo much! And you nailed it, props to another night shot! I really enjoyed your shot a lot, and I LOVE that outfit, really great with the black vs the white snow background! You're lighting is pretty well done as well. My only concern for you would be to maybe try a lil' more angled downward I think? Just to get a lil' more of that beautiful sky in the background! Otherwise great job so far!
3. Hopelle Losstoam - Hmm... very risque shot I must say.. very risque! But... it works and I adore it!! I LOVE THOSE WINDOWS TO DEATH! I've always wanted to do a shot with'em and you went and did it! Were you reading my mind at one point? lol I love the back shot too, those are hard to execute properly, and you did rather well on this one. I love the mystery of wondering, "What is she thinking? What's her emotion? Is she sad because she lost a lover? Is she in a daze waiting for that lover? Is she crying? Smiling?" Oooo I got goosebumps! My only thing I'd have to say critique-ish would have to be, I wish you were zoomed in just a smidge more... but I understand why you were zoomed out so far, so you could get those gorgeous windows all the way in the shot! I just feel I lose you just a bit with the windows being so big, either way it's still such a beautiful shot amazing job!
4. Epsil Ion - Mr. Perfect lighting as usual teehee. Seriously.. you just have a freaking amazing talent for lighting my friend! I love that you're coming back to the model business!! I love the gear set up you have going on too! You sure do love them spears, and I think they love you as well, they always look good when you do a shot! I really like your "wet effect" sexy! lol My only thing I'd have to say is, I feel the water effect on you is just a tad too much, because I feel you get somewhat lost inside the effect we don't get to see enough of Mr. Smexy Epsil! Also I'm not entirely sure if the glasses fit with your overall outfit. Otherwise GORGEOUS shot, as always! <3 Keep it up Epsil ^.^
5. Brun Hilda - Wow, this is an amazing shot! I love darker shots most of the time over lighter shots if they're done well, and this one is! I really love the contrast of your outfit against your background, it works well. Only thing I worry about is your dye choice, it's a lil' too much almost. It's a gorgeous color, but idk if metallic blue was the best choice, maybe something just a tad bit softer? You have a harsh dark background with a harsh bright blue on your glamors, I just feel the mix of soft/harsh together would have contrasted even better! It's still such an amazing shot! The blue was spot on, it really was! Just too shiny for my taste I suppose, though I do love that blue in the right setting! <3 Keep up the amazing work Brun good to see you back in the game! I hope and look forward to you making it far this time! <3
6. Stephen Fairbrook - For a new comer this is a stunning shot! I love how close you got, and the off-center (even though I actually prefer centered shots more most of the time) is just so well done! I really love the simplicity of it, it speaks great volumes of how humble and sweet you probably are! I really love your Lalafell to pieces! Most Lala's love to go all comedy with free-range shots, but you went in a much softer direction, and I absolutely love it! BEAUTIFUL background, simply wondrous! My only nitpick with your shot is, I feel your lighting is just a lil' too much on you, maybe back it up just a smidge next time? Sometimes you can have just a lil too much lighting, and I feel there was a tiny bit too much on you. Otherwise, keep up the great work! I have high hopes for you :3
7. Aeon Rakshasa - I think I see what kind of model you are, and I love it! Not afraid to show a lil' skin, especially when your down at the Golden Saucer! I think the GS will bring a new range of interesting shots in the future of ENTM, and it's nice to see you already utilizing it! I love your posing it's rather nice, your glamors is SO spot on for the GS as well. Only thing I'd have to say otherwise about this shot is, I'm not sure the minion you chose really fits your theme you were going for? And your natural light you're using (which I LOVE natural lighting) it's outshining you a lil' bit don't let your scenery pull more focus than yourself, it's not too bad. Just keep it in mind for future shots. Really nicely done.
8. Katarh Mest - What a very lovely shot! I really like the scenery, you're angle is killer (good way) and I love the female book /cpose! It's very pretty shot, and lighting is nice, the only problem I have is your glamors. I'm not sure if those glamors work well with what you were going for. I feel the hat and skirt are on point, but the dress up shirt seems a lil' too formal for such a beautifully greenery type shot. Just be weary of what you're wearing and what your background is going to be. Otherwise this is a very pretty and lovely shot! GJ!
9. Alexion Skylark - Wow.. just... wow! Not many people can execute battle shots properly, but I really am digging this one a lot! You have your Holy effect getting prepped, your mob right behind in full focus, and you about ready to do your own thing! It's really really well done! Only real thing I'd haveta nitpick honestly is maybe your glamor choice, with your white hair as well as the Holy effect going off, it almost washes you out just a tad bit. Nothing too horrible, just be careful about it in the future, you want to shine! Not let your shine wash you away though (ok, I suck at jokes lol). Keep up the nice work.
10. Nozomi Kei - I like where you were going with this. The pose is really nice, and I love you're in coils. Turn 4 correct? It's a nice shot. I understand where you wanted to go with your concept, I just feel your lighting source (natural lighting of course) just washes you out too much. Yes you're very blue, but you lose a lot of your handsome features inside the lighting as well. Also I'd love it if you were zoomed out just a lil' more to get a better look at your overall glamors and character! This was a really nice shot though, nice angle too, and I enjoyed your Elezen a lot! Elezen pride <3
11. Kaya Solimar - I really love the commical shot you were going for. Oh noes! She's got way too much work, how will she ever get it done in time D: Remember not to work too hard! My only thing I'd say is, I wish the angle was slightly more towards the right so we could see more of your character, and I wish you were zoomed out a smidge more. I understand though when sitting behind a desk, it's hard to get your character close up enough to get a good shot. I really enjoyed your concept a lot! Really fun, great way to start out. GL to ya ^.^
12. Arrelaine Fashonti - You have a very beautiful Miqo'te. I love that you chose Coerthas as your background! Again I love me some snow! I just wish you hadn't chose white, white on white can tend to blend together, and you can get a lil' lost. Also, smile! Do a lil' dance, being active in your shots can really help you out a lot! It gives your character a lot of personality, heart, and can entice the viewers. It's a very pretty shot, and I do love that set. GJ on your shot. GL as well!

Well I hope I wasn't harsh >.< I just wanted to provide some small insight from a former/still model and what judges might look for in the future! This is some really great work guys, I enjoyed your shots a lot and I can't wait to get more.... I NEED THEM!!!! MOAR SHOTS!! <3

Also if anything I've said upsets any of you in any way, please let me know and I'll gladly amend it. I do not wish to be the next Simon Cowell >.<

01) Epsil Ion
02) Tinsley Tru'hart
03) Stephen Fairbrook
04) Brun Hilda
05) Sunny Day
06) Katarh Mest
07) Aeon Rakshasa
08) Hopelle Losstoam
09) Alexion Skylark
10) Nozomi Kei
11) Kaya Solimar
12) Arrelaine Fashonti

Wonderful job, everyone. :) Best of luck to all involved--it's already looking like it's going to be a great cycle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Yamimarik

Aeon Rakshasa - I think I see what kind of model you are, and I love it! Not afraid to show a lil' skin, especially when your down at the Golden Saucer! I think the GS will bring a new range of interesting shots in the future of ENTM, and it's nice to see you already utilizing it! I love your posing it's rather nice, your glamors is SO spot on for the GS as well. Only thing I'd have to say otherwise about this shot is, I'm not sure the minion you chose really fits your theme you were going for? And your natural light you're using (which I LOVE natural lighting) it's outshining you a lil' bit don't let your scenery pull more focus than yourself, it's not too bad. Just keep it in mind for future shots. Really nicely done.

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Thanks for the feedback. :)

Oh god at first I was like... "what minion" UGH MIDDY I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE YOU WERE OUT. Wow. I'm observant.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Yamimarik

Katarh Mest - What a very lovely shot! I really like the scenery, you're angle is killer (good way) and I love the female book /cpose! It's very pretty shot, and lighting is nice, the only problem I have is your glamors. I'm not sure if those glamors work well with what you were going for. I feel the hat and skirt are on point, but the dress up shirt seems a lil' too formal for such a beautifully greenery type shot. Just be weary of what you're wearing and what your background is going to be. Otherwise this is a very pretty and lovely shot! GJ!

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Nope, not too harsh at all. That was a glamour that I'd assembled for someone's wedding once, and I didn't think about it being too formal for the setting until you mentioned it here. (I also noticed that the skirt is pure white and the coat is snow white; will need to fix that before the next wedding, hehe.)

Thanks for the insights! I'm generally much better at taking scenic shots than I am shots of myself, and I'm already learning a bunch based on what everyone else has posted.

1. Sunny Day
2. Tinsley Tr'uhart
3. Stephen Fairbrook
4. Arrelaine Fashonti
5. Katarh Mest
6. Alexion Skylark
7. Brun Hilda
8. Epsil Ion
9. Aeon Rakshasa
10. Hopelle Losstoam
11. Kaya Solimer
12. Nozomi Kei

The diversity of the shots is amazing! :D Here's my order:

1. Hopelle Losstoam
2. Tinsley Tr'uhart
3. Epsil Ion
4. Brun Hilda
5. Katarh Mest
6. Stephen Fairbrook
7. Alexion Skylark
8. Sunny Day
9. Aeon Rakshasa
10. Kaya Solimar
11. Nozomi Kei
12. Arrelaine Fashonti

I have no critiques to offer since I'm an amateur in this area, but if you are near the bottom of my list, do not be disheartened! There was some aspect in each shot that I enjoyed!

1. Epsil Ion
2. Aeon Rakshasa
3. Tinsley Tr'uhart
4. Hopelle Losstoam
5. Katarh Mest
6. Brun Hilda
7. Sunny Day
8. Stephen Fairbrook
9. Kaya Solimar
10. Alexion Skylark
11. Arrelaine Fashonti
12. Nozomi Kei

1 - Tinsley Tr'uhart
What can I say about this shot! It's beautiful! The framing, the use of the effects the flowers the contrast balance. It's almost as if this was a picture of a fairy that had been captured by a photographer. Overall I love it!

2. Epsil Ion
Honestly, this one really stood out to me! I absolutely love it! You managed to use the effects to perfectly frame your model and really enhance his presence. Using the sun minion to make your features pop also helped immensly. The outfit was nicely chosen, and the pose fits the frame as well~ i.e. I think if you had done a crazy pose or something it might have just been....off. The only thing that irked me just a teeny bit was your head going off the frame. But I'm sure it was hard enough to get this shot.

3. Sunny Day
An excellent shot! Color was nicely balanced as well as lighting and pose. I love the hill shot as it frames the background nicely, and the windows lit up in the background give the background a nice pop that doesn't overshadow your model, but at the same time stands interesting. The lighting on your model is nice as it really helps him stand out as well. Overall a good strong shot.

4. Stephen Fairbrook
Amazing shot! Love the pose, the model placement, the background, the use of lighting! It would have been a perfect shot if it hadn't been for one teeny detail....I just wish you had given him a different facial expression...he just looks...bored :(

5. Alexion Skylark
Very nice screenshot! The balance of contrast is very nice, as well as the clean effects, which I know can be very hard to accomplish on the battlefield. Overall a very nice shot. A shame Van's head was cut a little, but I'm sure the shot was hard enough to get.

6. Brun Hilda
This is a beautiful shot! Love the outfit you chose and the position of your model! The contrast is very nice and you chose a befitting background that really helped you pop!

7. Kaya Solimar
This is an adorable shot! I love the expression of your miqo'te and the environment around her. She looks overwhelmed with work the poor thing. I only wish lighting, like lamps or the sun minion had been used to make the image pop a little more.

8. Nozomi Kei
This is a nice shot with great outfit choice mixed with interesting lighting and background. His features really pop but perhaps the lighting is a little too bright...it washes out your face a little. Overall though, I think this was a good shot with a nice color scheme.

9. Katarh Mest
This is a lovely shot with a lot of colors! You chose a nice outfit, and these scene itself tells a cute story of a miqo'te who was interrupted while enjoying a good book on such a nice day. The only thing that kind of puts me off with this picture is the background. Although colorful, I think one that focused more on your model and perhaps a less...erm....housy...bg would have made this picture higher on my list.

10. Hopelle Losstoam
This is one of those shots that is really very pretty too look at, but I feel like the model herself (though a very important part of this shot) just doesn't get enough focus. The first thing I notice with this shot are the windows and the lighting. And although it is really very beautiful, I just wish a shot with more emphasis on your model had been chosen.

11. Arrelaine Fashonti
You have a very beautiful miqo'te, but I have to agree that the white outfit with the white background hurts this particular shot. I think you should have tried a more colorful outfit to accent your beautiful skin and enhance your features, really making you stand out against the snow. But that's just my opinion.

12. Aeon Rakshasa
This screenshot has very nice lighting, but the overall shot, to me, feels just a bit too busy and there's not enough focus on your model. The outfit, however, was a good choice. And the pose is befitting the environment. But I think choosing such a busy background is what hurt it to me.


______

Hopefully my critique's don't come off as harsh. You guys, overall had very nice shots! lol As you can see, I'm a huge sucker for color, contrast, and framing.

I think this will be a good addition not only for contestants to get some feedback, but also for them to see what some of the more experienced contestants are capable of and hopefully push people into trying some new things!

Since this is just a trial round, I'm just going to give feedback to people on the list that would benefit most from it. Some of you are already da bomb. :D Hopefully everyone gets plenty of feedback from the real judges though.


1) Tinsley
2) Epsil
3) Hopelle
4) Brun
5) Katarh
6) Nozomi - I really love the interesting lighting in this shot and I love that you're slightly off center which shows you're able to vary the composition well. Just make sure you don't wash out your character too much. This shot does a great job of preserving most of your details, just a note for the future!
7) Kaya - I really like shots that have humor and a story, and yours has both! The expression + emote is great as well! I would suggest playing around with different angles and putting yourself in different thirds of the screenshot. Not because this shot needs it, just to play around with variation for the future.
8) Sunny - The background is cool, the outfit is interesting, the angle is cool and I like the bit of light you've given yourself! I think you've addressed a ton of elements for a good shot in just the first one, so don't don't feel off about my rank. The pose and expression is just a bit lacking. Don't forgot about that aspect as well.
9) Alexion - Bonus effort points for trying to take this picture during a trial, which is crazy difficult to do...well, always. I do like that I go from you up to you-know-who in the picture, but she steals the shot more-so than you do. I like it for the story, but I like it better when I feel like you're the star of your own shot. Just be cautious!
10) Stephen - I can tell you took the time to play with the angle and the lighting and both really do work well! I think what you can do is play around with the expression and work on not necessarily having your character stare right into the camera (at least just trying for the future), I think you'll make some more varied shots and lively. But still, it shows a lot of promise!
11) Arrelaine - I really enjoy the outfit coordination with the background. I'd look at the others' shots and get some ideas on how you can vary the angle and playing with different emotes/motions and expressions though to really give some life to the shot. By itself, it's definitely very pretty, but not very complex. Of course, it doesn't always have to be, just wanted to suggest things to play around with.
12) Aeon - I really really like the lighting. It's very interesting. The minion and pose just sort of work against whatever story you're trying to convey. If the quote wasn't there, I honestly wouldn't know anything about what was going on. In addition to trying some different screenshot aesthetics, definitely make sure you've got a cohesive story. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be fine!

Yay, look at the votes coming in~! :)

Great job everyone! This thread needs more votes ^.^

1. Brun Hilda
2. Stephen Fairbrook
3. Tinsley Tr'uhart
4. Hopelle Losstoam
5. Sunny Day
6. Epsil Ion
7. Nozomi Kei
8. Aeon Rakshasa
9. Kaya Solimar
10. Arrelaine Fashonti
11. Katarh Mest
12. Alexion Skylark

1. Epsil Ion
2. Tinsley Tr'uhart
3. Stephen Fairbrook
4. Arrelaine Fashonti
5. Katarh Mest
6. Alexion Skylark
7. Brun Hilda
8. Sunny Day
9. Aeon Rakshasa
10. Hopelle Losstoam
11. Kaya Solimer
12. Nozomi Kei

Ah I almost forgot to vote in this!

Strongest to weakest then, huh? OwO

Tinsley Tr'uhart // I love this effect, I love the blur it gives the flowers, I love the movement in your robe, just overall this shot is the most exciting and well framed. My only complaint about this shot would be that the hat doesn't seem to match with the rest of the outfit very well, but overall wow~ gorgeous~ (I'd love to know what move you used tbh)
Epsil Ion // Gorgeous effects, the wet look worked out so well for you. I like the pose, and the atmosphere, but I feel like it could have been framed a little better. Overall, stunning~
Hopelle Losstoam // Even with the back shot here, I'm completely in love with the atmosphere. It almost feels lonely. I think a different pose would have suited the emotions more, like a wistful glance over the shoulder, but I'm a sucker for a dramatic set up like this.
Aeon Rakshasa // Great personality and story for this. My only complaints would be your minions floating feet and a lack of energetic framing.
Brun Hilda // The colours are gorgeous. I debated a bit over where to put you in my list, but I kept going back to your shot and that's a good sign. It means it stuck with me! I feel like you could have done something a lot more interesting for a "free style" shot, but I'm really digging the lost look you've got going for you, wind blowing in your hair on a stormy shore... shivers!
Kaya Solimar // Great idea! Poor execution! The lighting really would have benefited from the portable sun minion, or (since this is in a house) a light placed nearby. I also feel like the colour of your outfit is a bit out of place, but that could just be me. Overall, it's unique and I love it! But it doesn't stand out due to poor lighting and blurry quality.
Katarh Mest // Another nicely framed shot, but it just seems a little bland. I'm getting a "sunday afternoon stroll" vibe, but it's just lacking a sense of excitement or draw. I'm not too sure what you could have done differently, to be honest, but it's just not doing it for me over the other ones.
Stephen Fairbrook // The shot itself is nice, but I'm not getting any sense of story or charm from it. Love your outfit coordination, though! I feel like, if you could have gotten a bit more of your personality shining through, it would have stuck out more to me.
Nozomi Kei // I'm always a sucker for a man in a well coordinated taffeta shawl! But this is another one I feel could have been something a lot more exciting for a free style shot. The blue is great, but I think you could have gone a long way by casting a spell for a nice particle effect to go along with all that glowing blue. A tri-disaster, or maybe summoning ifrit for that blue and orange contrast.
Sunny Day // I like your angle, and your framing, but I think looking away was a mistake. You blend into the background almost TOO well, and fail to stand out against the dark.
Alexion Skylark // As great of a spell as holy is, it's a bit unoriginal and I feel like Nael's position clutters up the shot. It almost would have been better, I think, if you caught it at the end of the cast (staff held high) with nael angled behind you a bit more (maybe even mid attack!). It really was the cluttered feel to the image that killed it for me, I'm sorry.
Arrelaine Fashonti // I can see you tried to match the red and white of the hat to the red and white of the background, but I think the cloudy skies and boring expression / posed killed it. Particularly, the exhale of breath. I'm sorry, the shot just felt like the weakest to me of the bunch. :(

D: I have to order them all? Grah! Impossible!

1 Hopelle Lossloam
2 Brun Hilda
3 Sunny Day
4 Nozomi Kei
5 Tinsley Tr'uhart
6 Aeon Rakshasa (I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable visiting an establishment that lets dragons wander about... Unless it's a tame dragon, that is! Is it? It looks gentle enough ♥)
7 Katarh Mest
8 Arrelaine Fashonti
9 Kaya Sollmar
10 Stephen Fairbrook
11 Alexion Skylark
12 Epsil Ion (I'm sorry! I just can't get past the Clark Kent look >.< It really bugs me, for some reason.)

(Well, okay, maybe not impossible since I just did it, but... I wish I had could have put more of you at around the 4-6 area D: )

Haha, it'll get easier as the field gets narrowed! I honestly thought this would be easier on people since so many complained about having to pick just X number of models each week. Perhaps I was wrong!

people will always complain. Top and bottom are generally easy, it's the in betweens that stump people ..

1. Epsil
2. Brun
3. Kaya
4. Tinsley
5. Alexion
6. Stephen
7. Aeon
8. Arrelaine
9. Hopelle
10. Sunny
11. Nozomi
12. Katarh

nobody asked me, but let me just point out which I found pretty anyway :>

1) Brun (such a beautiful expression there :3)
2) Epsil (dreamy glasses guy is dreamy <3)
3) Alexion
4) Nazomi
5) Katarth
6) Stephen
7) Sunny
8) Kaya
9) Aeon
10) Hopelle
11) Tinsley
12) Arrelaine

Very varied shots so aside from things like framing, lighting etc I really ordered these according to my personal visual appeal. Since I had a busy weekend and Monday, I am typing at 2 am in the morning so forgive the lack of details.

01) Epsil Ion
02) Brun Hilda
03) Hopelle Losstoam
04) Stephen Fairbrook
05) Tinsley Tru’hart
06) Sunny Day
07) Alexion Skylark
08) Nozomi Kei
09) Kaya Solimar
10) Arrelaine Fashonti
11) Katarh Mest
12) Aeon Rakshasa

I don't have time for a full vote, but I loved your shots Epsil and Tinsley.

Holy-moly, that was difficult! I'm really loving the diversity here, it's never easy doing a freestyle shot - especially when you have no idea what concepts everyone else will be going with - so taking all that into consideration, i think everyone did amazingly well! Looking forward to the next round :) Please don't be disheartened if you are nearer to the bottom than the top, there's a few which i'd have put joint but that isn't aloud so i had to be ruthless! Good luck, everyone~ :D

01. Tinsley
02. Epsil
03. Brun
04. Katarh
05. Hopelle
06. Sunny
07. Stephen
08. Nozomi
09. Arrelaine
10. Alexion
11. Kaya
12. Aeon

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mirta000

nobody asked me, but let me just point out which I found pretty anyway :>

1) Brun (such a beautiful expression there :3)
2) Epsil (dreamy glasses guy is dreamy <3)
3) Alexion
4) Nazomi
5) Katarth
6) Stephen
7) Sunny
8) Kaya
9) Aeon
10) Hopelle
11) Tinsley

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Mirta, you missed one of the models, the Beautiful Arrelaine.. your votes wont count unless you fix your list and include all 12 of us. :D Hopefully you see this before the deadline <3

Tinsley beat me to it! <3

Love you Tinsley.

https://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m...4Jx1roobqn.gif

12 hours left to vote!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tinsley

Mirta, you missed one of the models, the Beautiful Arrelaine.. your votes wont count unless you fix your list and include all 12 of us. :D Hopefully you see this before the deadline <3

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Fixed it!

I don't like giving last places though so I tried subtly avoiding it :D

I started to vote, but decided that makes me too uncomfortable to vote this way. I dislike having to put anyone at “weakest”. As the person who was dead last for the YouTube edition on fan votes, there is a big difference between not being in the top four choices and being the last on the list. I just can't do that to anyone.

There are some very wonderful photos. You all did a great job.

I'm not really happy about putting someone last either, but I want to vote, so... Also, wish I could give feedback on all the images - there's so much I could say - but the cost in energy is more than I'm willing to pay at the moment. Again, better to actually take part and vote!

Beautiful screenshots ♥

1. Brun Hilda
2. Epsil Ion
3. Tinsley Tr'uhart
4. Hopelle Losstoam
5. Sunny Day
6. Alexion Skylark
7. Nozomi Kei
8. Kaya Solimar
9. Stephen Fairbrook
10. Arrelaine Fashonti
11. Aeon Rakshasa
12. Katarh Mest

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Koriander

I started to vote, but decided that makes me too uncomfortable to vote this way. I dislike having to put anyone at “weakest”. As the person who was dead last for the YouTube edition on fan votes, there is a big difference between not being in the top four choices and being the last on the list. I just can't do that to anyone.

There are some very wonderful photos. You all did a great job.

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Koriander, i totally understand where you are coming from as i had some rough rounds as well in cycle 2 and it can be daunting and intimidating to be in the bottom half. But, as a model, instead of voting an order why not post your thoughts, helpful suggestions and words of encouragement on the screenshots. Im sure this would be appreciated by all the models to get more insight/praise on their shots :) something to think about

Sorry for the lack of feedback to go with my list, but I'm pretty busy getting ready to move. Still, these shots look promising, so I'm interested to see what you guys bring to your first elimination round!

1. Epsil Ion
2. Tinsley Tr'uhart
3. Brun Hilda
4. Stephen Fairbrook
5. Hopelle Losstoam
6. Alexion Skylark
7. Katarh Mest
8. Kaya Solimar
9. Sunny Day
10. Aeon Rakshasa
11. Nozomi Kei
12. Arrelaine Fashonti

Judge Feedback and Rankings:

Adam's Feedback and Rankings:


Tinsley Tr'uhart

This shot is just phenomenal! I'm highly impressed with the framework, and how you managed to seize the shot - keeping yourself the center of attention, as well as kept the effects subtle, yet making the shot more poppin'. The thing I like most about this shot is not only your pose, but also your expression (which some of the other models opted to show), and the coordination with your clothes. The background also supports your choice of theme very well; showing contrast between the dark and the light. Very well done! You'll be one tough Ginger Cookie in this cycle, and you can be sure of that!

Epsil Ion

This shot just screams amazing! The effects are a very nice touch, but I think it is slightly overpowering and the background is a little dull. Nonetheless, your choice of pose is amazing and I have to give you props as well for opting to include an expression! It tells a lovely story even without reading the text. Your clothes coordination is spot on too! Keep it up! I'm quite curious as to what you'll bring to this cycle being that you too are a veteran.

Katarh Mest

I'm a sucker for these kinds of shots.. hehe. You manage to pull focus onto you even though it's well zoomed out! The background is very vibrant, but is not overpowering you - the main focus of the shot. I do have one pet peeve; and that would be the glow and the graphic effect by the book. It isn't very noticable from afar, but it's there when zoomed in. Still, great work! I can't wait to see more from you!

Brun Hilda

Honestly, I love your shot. It depicts the loneliness you were aiming for - and it is very well done! Your expression as well as your choice of background also enforces this feeling of loneliness to the point where you can actually feel it. Your pose, expression, and clothes are amazing, but I was kind of hoping to see this 'lovely treasure' you mentioned in the text that I can't seem to find. I can't help but feel like you missed something there. Nonetheless, great shot! I have high expectations from you after seeing your amazing shots in the YouTube cycle!

Sunny Day

I just have to get this out; YES. This shot is just great and pretty strong for your first shot. The angling is juuuuuust right, and your costume screams out that you are going out of the main town on an expedition for research purposes. You reinforce this quite well! Following that, you also have managed to pull focus onto yourself which is a big plus! However, I have to deduct a few points (figuratively speaking) for the negative space on the right. Other than that, this shot is very well done! Though, it would have been helpful if you included what the shot was about in the short text.

Kaya Solimar

I like how you managed to make the table all messy. The expression on your face and your pose also reinforces towards an unwanted mess, and you pulled it off very nicely! The background, however, is kind of 'meh' in comparison to the main focus. Maybe you could have placed a bookshelf or two? I guess that's the only thing I feel is missing. You managed to pull the shot very well and I applaud you for that, but please be mindful of the area behind you too!

Hopelle Losstoam

You silly goose! Taking risks at the start of the cycle.. tsk tsk. Like I said earlier, I'm a sucker for these kinds of shots. The risk you took seems to have payed off somewhat, and I've placed you higher on my list. Your pose, choice of clothing, and the scene are just perfectly blended together that your face doesn't even need to be shown to know your expression! Still, there is tad a bit too much negative space on the edges of the shot. Maybe you should have zoomed in a little more?

Stephen Fairbrook

I'll start this off by saying that you did an excellent job with the framing. You managed to pull focus onto you even though you are off to the side, which is awesome! Choice of clothing is spot on, and the background is lovely. However, I'm not too much of a fan of expressionless faces staring right at the camera cliché. Might I suggest you face to the left and look upwards with eyes closed? It would have reinforced the whole R&R a little better. Great shot nonetheless!

Arrelaine Fashonti

The backgound is very lovely, but I think you could have framed it a little better had you panned the camera more to the right. Your expression and pose are pretty bland, in my opinion. Try to include them to give your picture a story to tell! I'm also very picky when it comes to what you are wearing - from your boots to your acessories. So I have to point out that the choker you have equipped does not mesh well with the rest of your clothes. Be very careful with that! Other than that, I think you pulled off the serene and cold frigid temperatures very well in this shot!

Alexion Skylark

Your choice of theme is pretty funny and you kinf of managed to capture what you were after. Don't let this put you down though! Your choice of clothes, and pose is great! The main problem I have with this shot is the NPC in the background. I find myself looking more at her than you - of whom should be the main focus of the shot! Don't worry, working with NPCs is very difficult in of itself (and also very risky if I may add), so I applaud you for taking the risk!

Aeon Rakshasa

Your expression and pose are great, but then everything else starts to seem like a huge mess! The lamp right next to you - for starters, pulls attention from you which isn't good! Your minion (although he is cute), seems to be floating in mid air to the point where he looks like a giant lizard standing in the background! It just bothers me that I find myself looking at the minion and lamp more than you yourself. Clothing choices could have been better, but is overall decent. There is a lot of negative space on the left as well. I think you probably overthunk the freedom of the Freestyle Shot. It could have been better, honestly, because the theme you chose is pretty great. However, the execution is pretty subpar. Keep trying! I've seen your audition shots! I know you can do better that that!

Nozomi Kei

I'm not too sure about this one. It just feels very empty and strange. It would have been better, in my option, if you used the Akh Afah Ampitheathre as your shot location to best fit what you were aiming for.. probably? This, however, is confusing. The lighting is very bright and washes out all the colour of your clothes and yourself which isn't very good. Your pose is also awkward and your choice of clothing is also pretty strange considering what you were trying to accomplish. I personally don't think it does what you were aiming for any justice. Though, I do recall you auditioned wearing the same articles?



Adeline's Feedback and Rankings:



Epsil Ion – Ah the ever so stylish Epsil, gettin’ all crazy with your shots again! I really love that you are off centered, the spell effect, lighting, and pose. All so very exquisite! A lot of my people may not like your glasses, but I love them~ I think they really add personality. Heh, I challenge you to wear them everyone round if you want xD! You make them look good~

Nozomi Kei – I’m actually quite fond of this shot, I think it matches the description you gave us quite well. You’re off centered, and I love the color hue you have going on. The background is a nice touch too~I guess the weakest thing about this shot would have to be the outfit, but I’m a sucker for exposed man chest, so you’re safe for now xD Just be careful with outfit usage in the future~ always try to make sure your outfits aren’t too wonky and match the theme/background~

Katarh Mest- I really love this shot, and I feel you stand out a bit more than other contestants since you went with a wider angle. The scenary is beautiful, and I feel you and your pose accent it very well. My only advice is to try and zoom in as much as you can while still capturing your background~ as with shot you may seem a bit too far away, and you always want to make sure you yourself are the focus.

Stephen Fairbrook- I love the tranquility of this shot, and the angling of you character is awesome. Your color matching of your outfit and the background is amazing too! I think this shot is a great start for you~ just make sure to always practice around with facial emotes, as you seem a tad unfriendly with your expression :< Otherwise, great job.

Tinsley Tr’uhart- Ah the ever great Tinsley steps into the ring! This is a visually stunning shot, and deserves its place among the top 5 for sure. I love the spell detail you have going on, and I’m gonna have to ask what one it is :O I don’t recognize it! I really like the lightning too. I guess the thing I don’t like about it is that I wish I could maybe see the angle of this shot more toward your front side (if that makes sense?) Great job none-the-less!

Brun Hilda- This is a great shot! I find your description so sad, and I think your facial expression really tells the story you’re trying to portray. I find the weakest things about this shot is that your outfit significantly out contrasts your background. I think if you wanted to give off a feeling of dreariness, it might of helped to have colored the gear a bit different. Great job though, keep up the good work!

Hopelle Losstoam (AKA MY BOSS GULP) – This is quite indeed a risky shot to take, and it’s a breath of fresh air and so very different than what a lot of the models did, so I give you super props for attempting it. The window lighting is amazing, and I feel as though with your outfit you might be about to get married :O! I do find the picture to be very zoomed out, and I’m sad that I can’t see you more, even if it’s just your backside :<

Kaya Solimar – Another shot that I feel is very different compared to what everyone else did. good job for stepping out and trying something different! I like the thought behind the story here, It’s very cute, and how you look like you’re upset at the books themselves. I find the lighting very dull in the picture though, and I think maybe looking at the camera and zooming in could of helped this shot a lot.

Aeon Rakshasa – Exposed half-naked man cat alert` my weakness…next to naked Au ra/Elezens-stop teasing me xD! I really like the lighting of this, and how you’re attempting to compensate the Gold saucer outfit with a male version! With that, I think the execution of this shot could use some improving. You’re very centered, and I’m not sure who you’re gesturing to. Are you gesturing to me? Or to someone off camera :O? I think either adding in some extras to show who you’re gesturing if you’re going to angle yourself that way, or gesture toward the camera so that whoever is looking at the picture feels the ‘welcome’ you’re trying to pull off.

Alexion Skylark – I like the effort put forth here. Getting a cool coil shot can be very difficult, or any battle shot for that matter. My biggest gripe with this shot is that I’m just not a huge fan of Holy anymore. I feel it’s a highly overused spell, and I’ve seen a bazillion shot use it. (it ranks upon my top overused list of emotes used in this game, along with the female Miqo’te shy stance >_>). Now with that, I understand that a whm skill set is very limited, so with the concept you’re trying to portray you were lacking in options. I think it would of also helped to see if you could move close to the camera, so that Nael doesn’t seem like the focus of your shot (you always want to make sure you are~). Your angling is also a tad awkward, and would of make more sense if you had shifted yourself more to your right, to look as if maybe you were summoning Nael.

Sunny Day- This is a clean shot, and I really like the lighting, I just have no idea what you’re trying to tell me. With the other shots, models described what they were doing, so it helped, but you didn’t and with just looking I have no idea what you’re trying to say :O. I’m assuming you’re trying to look cool (which you do), but your angling is quite odd to me. While you’re not centered, which is good, you are looking off to someone else, and I’m left with “Why isn’t he looking at me?! ; ;”. This shot just doesn’t stand out much compared to others~

Arrelaine Fashonti – While I like the attempt here to tell a story, the lighting here just doesn’t flatter you that well. I think perhaps waiting for a certain time of day, or certain weather would of helped this shot a lot. Also this is another picture of awkward angling, where the model is looking off at someone else, but not conveying that to the audience. Also I had to dock you down for the overused miqo’te pose sorry :<



Flare's Feedback and Rankings:



Tinsley - The over all composition is nicely done! The night shot helps the spell effect stand out, which looks stunning being around you. I thought the lighting was to bright for how dark the background is, but I feel like it balances well with the shot.

Epsil - This is beautiful! I love how the water effect isn't distorting your face, which I'm drawn to first by that GAWJUS lighting! The bubbles around you adds a soft touch to the picture. The glasses seem out of place.

Brun - Your expression sells this picture for me. It's like your reflecting on life and current events. This background takes it ever further. Best background out of the whole bunch. My only issue is your outfit could be less matchy.

Hopelle - Someone having second thoughts on getting married? This is another shot that shows a powerful reflection shot that can tell a couple of stories. The framing is beautiful, and I love how your character is in the dead middle. The camera could have been just a bit closer for me.

Aeon - The Gold Saucer needs to employ you ASAP! Outfit goes great with the theme you were going for. I noticed in a post you forgot the dragon was out, but it works well with the shot. My only complaint is that lamp steals your thunder a little.

Stephen - This whole shot is super warm and inviting. Makes me want to be there with you! The whole photo is simple and subtle which can go a long way. One this I will say, Lalas have some of the best expressions in the game. In further rounds, don't be afraid to use them!

Katarh - This definitely reminds me of a warm Sunday afternoon. The background is very vibrant and I love that pose with the book! For me however, you just seem like your a part of the background and you don't stand out as much. That jacket would have looked fabulous as a little blue or pink to make you stand out more.

Sunny - Nailed the background, and the outfit fits perfect. That visor is very alluring and could have made this shot for you if you would have had your character stare at the camera.

Nozomi - You really can't go wrong with any of the coil backgrounds. Your gaze tells a story, maybe your becoming impatient waiting for your fellow adventures to join you. I understand your concept, but felt like it wasn't fully executed. This would have had a better effect if you had friends around you and less of the blue hue.

Arrelaine - The mountains and hills background is stunning! How you captured your breath like that adds to the picture. While your avatar is beautiful, I wanted to see a pose that looked like you were enjoying the scenery more.

Alexion - Don't look now, but there's a demon....lady....thing thats about to sit on you! I absolutely get what you were trying to do with this picture. And I enjoy the humor. But Nael looks like shes about to use your head as a chair! Also if we could have got a small glimpse of your friends running away, that would have be great!

Kaya - I think its safe to say that I enjoy humor more than anyone in this contest, and while I do love what you were trying to do, the photo itself is just bland to me.



Sakuraya's Feedback and Rankings:



Tinsley Tr'uhart
This is lovely - the way you're using the effect makes the eye come to you but doesn't overwhelm. The lighting is very nice, and it makes you pop without making you look overly lit. Your staff does look a bit over exposed, but I noted this as an afterthought when examining the image closer, and it didn't take away from my focus on you. You are truly the light in that darkness surounding you. Good job and my favorite this week!

Brun Hilda
Yay a fisher, and boy do you pop with that purple/pink outfit! You are defiantly a 'lovely treasure' in this image, a gem in the stormy unforgiving landscape. Overall I like this image, and I can't tell if you used something you help light you, or if you just depending on natural light and the bright colors of the outfit, but you pop against the darker terrain behind you. It's a simplistic beauty and I like it.

Epsil Ion
This is amazing - I don't know how you did that effect but you did and wow does it look remarkable. But as you see, that's what I was focused on - I feel it over comes you and becomes the focal point. I literally spent a few minutes looking at the picture trying to figure out what it was and how you did it before I really looked at you. Make sure the effect doesn't out do you because honestly once I got past my awe of the effect you're awesome in this image!

Hopelle Losstoam
Took a risk with a back shot, and it paid off in my eyes... this reminds me of a scene in a romance where the loving wife is waiting for the return of their beloved partner. The light coming though the windows and creating this almost halo effect around you is really lovely - I wish you were a bit closer so we could see the motion and dress in a bit more detail but overall well done!

Sunny Day
At first when I opened it I was worried about the dark on dark, and while I do feel that you do seem to blend slightly, the lighter trim around the outfit really helps you out with this picture. You're slightly off to the side, allowing that gate in the background to give an interesting touch to the overall picture, without the background being overwhelming. Also, for a night shot, you did a good job with the lighting - enough that you pop but not so much you look overly exposed. Just keep making sure you stand out in the image!

Stephen Fairbrook
I like this pic, you have really made yourself the focus of the image all about you and you've done a good job of lighting yourself - almost as if there is a fire just off to the side. But I will say you're skirting that border of - a bit more and I would feel like you might be over lighting yourself, so be careful of that! The background is simple, but interesting as you scan across and there is a little subtle differences though out.

Arrelaine Fashonti
This is a pretty shot, with the darker skin that you have I'm so glad that you went with the lighter clothes and lighter background. In my option, it makes your lovely Miqo'te really pop - just wish that little puff of breath wasn't there since it obscures half of your face. I also wish that maybe you had a bit of a smile or something, since you're mentioning about how lovely Coerthas is but you look a bit bored. Over all you're lovely, light tones make you pop and the scenery is lovely without overwhelming you.

Alexion Skylark
Kudos on a battle pic, I know these are hard to do! I like the contrast of colors with this image, it was smart to go with the while/black theme with your clothing and styling contrasting against the darker pallet of the mob above you. I feel it makes you stand out from a lot of the dark tones within the image - but that said, I can't help but be distracted seeing that the mob looks like it's about to overwhelm you and take over the shot.

Kaya Solimar
With all of the wood tones around you, it was very smart to go with a color that honestly really pops in this image. Even with the messy desk, the eye is drawn to you. I do wish it was lit just a bit more - it does fall on the muddy/darker side - but nice job.

Nozomi Kei
I love the set up of the shot, and how you're glowing - it's almost like you're becoming one with the area around you. The blue almost making you look like this 'ice' you reference. That said, the light does over expose you and makes me wonder- is it a cool effect that would have benefited from being dialed back just a bit seeing that it almost washes you out.

Katarh Mest
This is a nice pic, and the scenery is charming. Everything is well lit for the most part, but your face almost seems like it's in shadows. That said, the outfit color makes you pop against all of the vibrant colors that are around you, though I'm not sure the body piece fits the nature theme I feel in this image. I will also admit that the huge potted plant beside you was a bit distracting to me given its size - but you have a lovely eye for scenery.

Aeon Rakshasa
I like the concept of the image, and think you did a good job. Only thing I would say is you are a very handsome darker skinned Miqo'te, but there are so many bright flashy colors in the picture that I feel the scenery is pulling my attention from you. Make yourself the focus, cuz you would make anyone's stay there delightful~!


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THE SCORES:

810 Epsil Ion
810 Tinsley Tr'uhart
696 Brun Hilda
565 Hopelle Losstoam
531 Stephen Fairbrook
496 Katarh Mest
454 Sunny Day
343 Nozomi Kei
318 Kaya Solimar
297 Aeon Rakshasa
278 Alexion Skylark
252 Arrelaine Fashonti

awesome feedback judges! I think all the shots this round were great and can't wait to see what happens in round 2.

for those that asked, the spell effect i used was Quickcast. :)

@_@ *holds hands with Tinsley* Math work *dies*