OFFICIAL WEBSITE
AMEERA JOHARA
WARDA NUR
The rich portfolios of Warda Nur and Ameera Johara contain some of the most beautiful and creative modeling images that I have ever critiqued and would be the envy of any model many years their senior. The dedication of Ameera and Warda to their art shows in every single image they model, which is always unique and speaks to the viewer in the emotions and thoughts that they convey. Today you are witnessing the youth of two models who are destined to be among the world's top models of tomorrow.
TOP MODELS AMEERA JOHARA and WARDA NUR collection of critics by...
THE PHANTOM CRITIC
The image spoke to him, truly spoke to him. But how could he tell anybody how that was so? He knew nobody would believe that he was admiring this portrait of the princess hanging there on the museum wall embedded in a gilded golden frame when suddenly he saw something out of the corner of his eye. He stood there studying the painting for several minutes, alone in a massive art gallery at closing time, wondering what it was that he sensed had moved. Then suddenly the red light that backlit the thick and wavy mane of the princess seemed to glow brighter, and a feint flicker could be seen. He rubbed his eyes and thought that perhaps a reflection had caused it. But then the hair began to move as if a gentle breeze were blowing onto her, and the next thing he knew her eyes blinked. His heart sank as he saw this, thinking that perhaps this was how a person lost their mind, a total break with reality severing him from the real world. But then the princess turned to the side and suddenly her arms came out of the portrait and rested there outside on the frame! Wide-eyed with fright and wonder, he stood open-mouthed, speechless at what he saw as he saw her look out of the corner of her eyes to somewhere either in the gallery or in her world. He wondered how all of this could be happening. Yes, he had thought, he had completely lost his sanity. "You aren't crazy," he heard the princes say, watching her lips as she continued to look off to the side. "I am Princess Ameera of long ago, and I have a message for you to carry to the world." That is when it began, when she told him of ancient wars and hidden treasures, and where he could find all that he needed to show to the world in various places around the world. "You will be my mouthpiece to the world so that the truth may be known of what happened to me and my people," she said, looking directly at him. This is how the story began that would take him far and wide across the globe, transporting him to places that would reveal ancient secrets and truths and would eventually lead to his amassing a massive fortune. It is also the start of a romantic relationship that started between him and Princess Ameera, something that was made possible only through the tasks that he set about to perform for her, a romance that would eventually lead to their being together. All of this and more are contained within the legend Princess Ameera!
PRINCESS AMEERA
Looking to the corner of her eyes with her head tilted to the other side, the curious observer hearing the phone with one ear but showing a keen interest in the other person who she suspects may be eavesdropping. Meanwhile, the other person tries to show little interest in what is happening to her side by focusing her eyes more away from the other person but still in that direction with her head tilted towards the other person, showing that she really is eavesdropping.
Of course, the styling of this image replicates that of Audrey Hepburn in her famous image from Breakfast at Tiffany's. In keeping with Hepburn's acting talent, though much younger, model Warda Nur here also possesses those same expressive powers and alluring beauty.
Modeling, which is actually a form of acting, is about
expressing a thought or emotion, especially by using the face. An effective model uses their eyes, lips, nose, facial muscles, and the positioning of the face and head alone or in combination with the rest of the body to successfully convey the concept. Warda Nur in this image series shows that already she has a firm grasp on how to convey and express in these ways.
MERLINO COUTURE
Ambling through the lush green vegetation of the forest, she made her way, dressed in the regal finery of the position she was about to assume as princess. While the palace buzzed with excitement at the installation of the new heir, here she remained, alone and quiet, pondering her future and giving thought to her rule. Gracefully making her way through the place she loved so much, her attention was drawn to a small creature passing underfoot, causing her to lower her chin and cast her eyes down, revealing a sweeping angular jawline and long-lashed eyes, her toned and bared neckline and delicate shoulders. Flawless was beauty, which would make many look up to her she knew, yet when she ascended the throne she would resemble no other monarch who had come before her, a ruler more concerned about her people than the aristocracy, more concerned about justice than politics.
YOUNG AUDREY
MONA LISA
The locks of her long and thick, wavy, chocolate brown mane fell to one side, covering her bared shoulder and back as she sat at the water's edge with her chin hanging low and her unblinking eyes directed to the sea, guiding her thoughts along the waves that crashed ashore. The ebb and flow of the sea had a soothing effect on her spirit, with the unceasing rhythm serving to distract like stanzas in one of Nature's songs. Like medicine for her soul, the ocean always calmed her, wiping away the tears and using its force to remind her of the power of God that never failed to guide her in all circumstances. As the light of the afternoon sun kissed her pink cheeks, a subtle smile came to her full pink lips as she somehow found her happiness in her own quiet way. As she sat there on the rocks beside the ocean, a painter from afar noticed her and found himself unable to stop gazing upon this peace-filled spirit with a powerful natural beauty unlike he had seen in anybody else, and it was at that moment that within his heart there stirred an inspiration like he used to have in his youth as an artist for he knew that he had discovered his Mona Lisa.
A chilly and blustery breeze from the Siberian winter blew through the place, sending a shiver through Amira as she raised her arms to her fur-collared sweater as if to ward off the cold. Sitting there wearing a thick ebony mink hat, she looked at the opulence of the ancient mansion in which she sat, awaiting being called to walk the ramp at this remote fashion show that felt like it was in the middle of nowhere. Locks of her wavy reddish-brown mane fell generously along her bared arms and down her back as she looked at the stage just a short distance away with her head slightly angled as she admired the other models as they swagged up and down. There was about Amira a strength that was evident in her icy blue eyes that shone like diamonds in the light, in the way she sat there and so calmly awaited her call to walk, a kind of strong resolve evident in her face, in her wide-eyed gaze and her strong yet relaxed features. Her beauty wa the envy of the modern world with a creamy smooth, to-die-for complexion and full pink lips and blue eyes on a toned facial structure with a wonderfully angular jawline. Many people who only knew her casually thought her aloof because they did not take the time to really get to know her. Had they really known her, they would have found out that her outer beauty paled in comparison to generous and loving heart. As she prepared to rise, her heart fought off the winter chill and she felt warm at the thought of the orphan children who would benefit so greatly once again by this performance.
WAITING
SWOON
Swoon - Her entire life seemed to reawaken as the blood rushed to her head and she felt light-headed, causing her to lie down. Golden-bangled wrists came to her face as her fingers caressed her hair and her palm ran over the smooth skin of her face as if she were trying to feel herself, wondering if this was really happening, too good to be true. Teardrop-shaped, speckled green eyes glittered like jewels beneath her long lashes, gazing into the distance, blinded to the images in front of her but seeing into the memories of the night, replaying in her head like a movie. Her thick, reddish-brown mane flowed like a rushing river as it twisted and rolled its way from her head, which hung over the edge of the bed, her golden skin glowing in the light and her pink cheeks flushed ever so slightly as she remained mesmerized. The night was like a dream and passed so quickly, even now she felt the whirling of her pirouette as she danced the night away in her long green silk gown, and she could hear the crowd roar still as they applauded her efforts, and the look of amazement on everybody's face when she was called for an encore the third time. It was the first night of the fulfill of her dream as she had envisioned it so many years before, the plank that would lead to her eventual world stardom.
As she walked along the boardwalk she somehow became one with the landscape of eel grass and wild green shrubbery that grew along the trail there at the ocean-side. With a leopard printed scarf wrapped about her head, her flawless rose and ivory complexion stretched across the smooth contours of her bared face and shoulders, leading down to a pink silk ribbon on her back that joined a fur wrap about her torso. As she walked she looked over her shoulder and then back, making entirely visible her powerfully attractive facial features. The leopard print head scarf and the fur gracing her shapely bared shoulders combined with her immense beauty in that landscape gave her a regal look, like an African queen out for a stroll. As beautiful as she was, it was her perfectly-formed eyes that were as white as ivory and as dark as coal, long-lashed and almond-shaped, that commanded attention, beautifully intelligent eyes that at every moment were either curious, observant, or warm and inviting.
AFRICAN QUEEN
THE LOST HEART
With hair of gold and skin so fine,
she seemed ablaze in the light divine.
But when my way she turned her eyes,
at that moment I was paralyzed,
by a beauty so powerful and fair,
it made me feel as light as air.
When in that moment our eyes did meet,
it was as if our hearts did beat,
in unison we were no longer two,
but as one, no me or you.
But then she turned and went her way,
and I felt my heart with her depart,
and ever since that fateful day,
I have searched for my long lost heart.
PERSIAN PRINCESS
Critic Submissive and graceful hands of a peaceful soul are held up, resting at the neck of the princess-like beauty who is adorned in a golden crown and the wispy vanes of a blue-green feather. With her chin held low, the eyes of the young beauty rise up to meet the world, a gesture revealing her unassuming nature, a virtuous being of great humility. As the strands of her luxuriant and thick brown mane flow around her face and cascade over her bared neck and shoulders before tumbling down her back, she holds a steady gaze as she focuses ahead with large and long-lashed blue eyes and a subtle smile from full magenta lips, forming a radiant beauty emanating from within. A sitar can be heard in her vicinity, perhaps a tribute to her being crowned princess of some long-ago Persian land, a princess strong and proud who always put her people above herself, the object of inner beauty that served as a role model for all those she served, the woman who all of the people looked up to and hoped would be the type of person who their own children would emulate.
PEOPLE'S QUEEN
She had that look you rarely find with the grace, tenderness, strength and elegance of a queen, a down-to-earth personality that showed in her guileless and humble eyes, and a startling, incomparable and universal beauty. In short, Princess Amira was to one day be "The People's Queen" - that rare and unique mix of qualities, of human caring and compassion, humor and good will along with a great sense of fairness and political savvy that made her beloved by her people and yet feared by her rivals. On this day, as she stood there answering what kind of kingdom she envisioned in the future, she tilted her head to the right as her lovely light emerald eyes looked up and to the left as she visualized that world, pushing back her long wavy mane, pausing to carefully construct the type of image that her people would also want. In that moment, her pink full lips began to part as she attempted to deliver her vision, and all those people present could see in her incredibly beautiful expression the look of an honest and thoughtful answer with the most endearing eyes of almond shape, eyes that conveyed the love of her heart and the vision of her mind, eyes that everyone admired and trusted.
DEFIANCE
Straight-faced and staring with both hands resting on her waist with her head tilted to one side and her hip thrust outward, her attitude says it all with a "what are you going to do about it?" look. Dressed in silk and lace with a tousled and teased mane that is bigger than life, she exhibits beauty and strength without having to look fierce, not always an easy attitude to model.
Though the night was coal black, she courageously set out along the deserted road, sheltering under her ornate parasol from the misty air, dressed in regal attire. Nothing was going to stop her, she thought, for her work would save thousands of people and there was no way that fear would hold her back. If she did not deliver this note, all hope would be lost. Though warned not to go alone, she set out anyway, and as she made her way she was lit for a few moments by the light coming from a dwelling along the road. As she passed, she heard a noise behind her, yet she continued to hold her head high, confidently yet slowly striding as the steps behind her neared. Though her heartbeat increased, she made no outward signs of fear but as the steps came up behind her, she turned head to the side and looked out of the corner of her eyes. The light from the dwelling now fading still illuminated her, and her powerfully striking beauty was still evident to the man who who approached ever closer. Finally she stopped and looked unafraid with chin still raised high as the light made his long sword glimmer and left his face in complete shadow as the assassin reached her and raised his arm up to his armored helmet. Suddenly, without warning, she heard a whizz in the air and he fell on one knee and then forward, landing face first on the ground. Behind him stood two knights with bows in hand and in the dead assassin's back were embedded their arrows. She breathed a sigh of relief, bowed her head and continued on her way.
MODELO
FLY LIKE A BUTTERFLY
Transparent blue flowered silk wafts through the air like great ocean waves, surrounding a female fair, blending with the blue of the domed sky above, resembling great wings that seem to be lifting her skyward. As if in flight, looking to the the side, the irresistible beauty holds one arm over her head and one to her side as she looks down with loving eyes, as if visiting grace upon some lost soul there below.
Note: This image, like pure poetry, is by far the most beautiful and touching image I have critiqued yet, a tribute to the talent of the model and photographer.
Loosely robed in white, the goddess of love lifts her bared and toned arms and reclines her head, causing ringlets of her long brown mane to cascade off her shoulders and to hang in the air behind her arched back. Turning her head to the side, the creamy texture of her porcelain white and pink skin glows in the sun, a base for tantalizingly beautiful facial features and a facial structure of unmatched tone and beauty. Prominent and pouty lips form but a hint of a smile as her riveting eyes meet ours and captivate under high and thinly-arched brows, forming a riveting beauty. Hypnotically captivating, the beauty of Venus is like no other, compelling and irresistible.
THE GODDESS
LOOK
Sharply-focused eyes look to the horizon, seeing what nobody else saw, knowing that life for her people would change unless she took action quickly and acted decisively as the new queen of her land. As sunlight made the gold of her dangling earrings sparkle, her focus remained to the sea, her strikingly beautiful countenance retaining its serious demeanor, an expression that, as impossible as it seemed, somehow made her even more beautiful than when she was smiling. Though crowned for barely a day, already there was in her face and in the way she stood there an aura of authority about her that everyone present silently observed and respected, something that had already built confidence of her in their minds, a confidence that would strengthen their own resolve to fight for their country and fight for their queen. As the sun cast shadows on her face and bared shoulders, her dimensions were made visible, her strong muscle tone, her striking features, her prominent lips and dark brows that somehow created an allure about her long-lashed and intelligent eyes, an allure that powered her beauty yet at the same time made all present respect her authority. Finally she turned her head to the horizon and pointed her hand and gave the sign to her people. It was time to sail, to struggle for survival and defend their people and their queen.
SEA SHELLS
A thick, wild and wavy mane spouts into the air like a geyser, a magnificent shining crown of hair announcing the arrival of a goddess-like beauty that is sophisticated and elegant, youthful and stylish. Leaning to one side, the pose provides a wonderful sense of balance with one hand firmly planted on the hip and the other upraised and behind the head. At the same time, the pose serves to showcase her curvy and flexible figure. An interesting angular and circular composition serves a dual purpose, to guide our eyes around the image and back to center while at the same time presenting a lot of angles and beautiful and interesting elements. As a navigation tool, the composition leads our eyes outward from the central beauty of the face to either bared and tone arm and returns us back to the face from an upraised arm holding the back of her head or up along her hip and curve of her narrow waist and up. A super crisp focus captures all of the details of this immaculate and clean image, from the smooth texture of the skin to the ornate flowers at the top of the bust, from the details of the pins in the bracelet and beads of the necklace and earrings to the solitary wispy hairs that float in the breeze. A sharp contract of the coal black background to light rose toned skin emphasize the creamy texture of the complexion and makes the subject stand out with no background distraction to subtract from the overall detail and beauty. The colorful and unique floral design of the dress is flattered by matching colors used in the jewelry, makeup and skin tones. In turn, the colors in the jewelry and the dress flatter the beauty of the model. The apex of beauty lies at the heart of the image in the face with its full pouty lips, gentle contours, and long and thinly arched brows that frame narrowed and beautifully fragile blue eyes, eyes that reveal a certain vulnerability yet express confidence.
Swirling, rolling, tumultuous, free-flowing, thick, lustrous, long, and shimmering locks whirl their way about a face of goddess-like beauty. This interesting and unique composition uses black and white to effectively accentuate the contrast of the hair with the skin and the white background, which combines with great lighting to show the wonderfully strong, thick and curly texture of the long mane. Positioning her head and shoulders to one side and stretching out the flow of hair to the remainder of the image is a highly effective way to draw attention to the magnificent characteristics of the hair, which in a commercial sense would be a great way to advertize a hair care product or service. At the same time, this image showcases an incredibly powerful beauty with a wonderfully structured face with prominent wide and full lips, a nicely angled jawline, and compelling eyes under wide arched brows and an envious and unrivaled mane. The choice to present bared shoulders in this bust shot with such great beauty and with such an unusual composition with hair that defies gravity in an almost supernatural sense is a fitting way to feature a woman with such Venus-like beauty.
AUTUMN
FLY HIGH
An immaculate, vibrant and peaceful female beauty clothed in white linen lies on a forest bed of fallen leaves, her long, rich and curly brown hair strewn about her bared shoulders and arms and her hands gracefully resting upon her. With her head turned to the side, she reveals a face of China doll perfection with wide and pink lips, graceful and thinly arched brows that sweep widely over dark and almond-shaped eyes of pure intent. The serenity that exudes from her being makes it seem that this place is as comfortable to her as the most extravagant of the land, as if she prefers this natural place to any other. Her beauty and peaceful manner, her impeccable appearance and white dress and the glow endow her with a supernatural air, very like an angel without wings who has happened upon a place to rest her head as she spreads her message of peace.
EBONY AND LACE
Ebony and Lace - Black lace veils svelte arms and provides contrast to light skin tones. Long and lustrous curly hair is a pillow for a V-shaped face of a stunning structure with a wonderfully angular jawline and delicate, finely sculptured high cheekbones. A subtle but evident smile from prominent and silvery pink lips and a sideways glance from sparkling starlit blue eyes along with a relaxed pose make it evident she is comfortable in her surroundings and perhaps with the object of her focus.
ANGEL'S CAN'T FLY
Helping Hands - Two young, delicate and innocent sisterly barefooted angels dressed in white appear lost and alone as they navigate between the surf and a treacherous, rocky shoreline. With arms extended and fingertips just out of reach, they try to travel safely across the dangerous edge of the ocean. The richness of the image lies in the charity and kindness during a struggle that is made all the more iconic by its comparison to "God's Creation of Adam" as portrayed in Michelangelo's fresco on the Sistine Chapel ceiling in which God and Adam extend their hands to each other in the same way as God creates him.
POWER & BEAUTY
POWER AND BEAUTY - In a photographic image that more resembles a painting of a goddess, we witness an incredibly powerful female presence whose expression conveys great beauty and at the same time radiates a thoughtful concern, humility and intelligence. Brown waves and curls roll about a blameless face of exquisite beauty with soft features; a flawless pale and rose complexion; pink, sensual and pouty lips; and light, wide arched brows that frame long-lashed and large, blue pondering eyes with wide-open, piercing pupils. Humble, downcast eyes and a somber look reveal an introspective nature, the look of one who is considering something of great importance. The composition of the image leads our eyes from left across an stone background that is perhaps symbolic of many things, perhaps her power or the obstacles that she now faces.
SUPERSTARDOM
When a young Brooke Shields was recognized by the popular press at the time, they foretold of her superstar model status for she was just 13 and already she so impressed the fashion world and critics that it seemed evident she would eventually achieve the status that she did receive. In the same way, this lovely young lady, who has not yety failed to inspire The Phantom Critic in ANY of her images - including the dozens that TPC critiqued as well as the thousands that he has reviewed - is surely bound for superstar status. There is something about her confidence, the way she poses, her mannerisma, expressions, and beauty that somehow makes her friends with the camera despite the angle, be it a profile or a face shot, whether in casual dress or forma, every image is alluring, all either conveying emotions or telling stories. Ameera Johara, a Manila model, is surely bound for superstardom in the world of modeling, acting and beyond.
HIGH FASHION
A strong sun illuminates the ivory smooth complexion of a bejeweled, regal and mystical female beauty who seems to take flight as a strong wind casts her black silky train high into the air over either shoulder. With her hands on her hips, the tall, majestic and commanding figure remains confident and steadfast with her hands firmly planted on her hips and her elbows bowed outward, dramatically posed as if performing magic.
Cast against a vivid blue sky, we are presented with a young and vibrant beauty dressed in a rich black silk gown with a massive train that serves to add a touch of drama and an air of importance as of a princess or sorceress. The confident expression and pose with the vivid colors and powerful black outfit help to create this awesome work.
REFLECTION
Reflecting on everything, she gazed into the mirrored surface at her image, wondering how others perceived her as a person, whether they felt loved by her, whether anything she had done had helped anybody, and if anybody saw the beauty beyond her physical characteristics to her soul. Was she merely a doll, adored and admired, but unloved and replaceable, someone who would be easily discarded in place of another?
SKY BLUE
With her back arched and train in hand she stands in the desolate countryside, a blue beauty filled with life in an otherwise barren and lifeless landscape. Long and lustrous waves of dark hair cascade behind her feature-rich face, a rich crown of a princess fair. The creamy texture of her smooth and flawless complexion is a fitting base for her regal beauty, contrasting with the rough rocky terrain.
With a backward pose and an over-the-head display of the train of her blue gown, our eyes are drawn to an ingenious circular composition. First we are guided up and around her arched back and down her long trailing mane and then back up and around the outer edge of her gown to rest on her beautiful facial features. A great use of contrasts of life, color and texture draw attention to the foreground beauty.
Wrapped as a leopard, her wild untamed mane spiraled out from under her golden kerchief and fell over her bared shoulders and cascaded to her waist, contrasting with a strong and defiant face, beautiful yet fierce, calculating and confident. Though nowords passed from her pursed lips, she asserted her defiant stance with one bangled hand on her outthrust hip and and the other supported by a felled tree. She was a female form fair that also possessed a powerfully strong side. With her large gold hooped earrings sparkling in the sunlight, she had the in-between look of a gypsy and an alluring beauty with whom noboy dare tangle as her protective, guarded nature ensured that only serious contenders would approach. With her garment spread wide, her petite frame somehow seemed to grow and assume the appearance of a wall, another of her defenses that barred intruders and kept her safe. As she stood looking eye to eye with what might be her contender or her prey, she remained with a fixed expression that conveyed neither hate nor happiness when at last she broke into a smile and greeted her lover who darted across the street to meet his love after a long time overseas, hungry for her love and a willing victim to her caress.
LEOPARD FASHION
As if holding herself down, her arms grasp her shoulders at the base of her neck as a turbulent wind assaults her, twirling and tossing her hair angrily in the air while on her face there appears a look of contained peace, serene and beautiful.
As they always seem to do, model Amira Johara and photographer Waltz Luis here make an impact and a statement with a beautifully compelling image. Artistic images make a statement by often using techniques used by others but done in a different, unique and compelling way. The juxtaposition of a serene face and a wind-tossed mane here should immediately draw us in to question why there exists such a stark contrast.
PORTRAIT
ANGELIC FACE
A blameless angelic face rises above golden waves and ripples, a beautiful and stabilizing presence among the ebb and flow. Like a sea angel, her gazing eyes exude a tranquil calm on a face of mesmerizing beauty. The golden waters and the soothing nature of her perfectly beautiful expression combine to form a welcome and warm image that is refreshing and perfectly peaceful.
GRAVITY
Seemingly defying gravity, two angelic faces float amidst the firmament with hair of golden brown curls and flawless complexions, eyes of blue and innocence of heart. The composition and zoomed in view work together well to create a sense of anti-gravity in this beautiful image. The use of two young models who each possess such guileless expressions and who both have similar physical features, such as flawless complexions, the same eye color and curly locks, works to create a sense of floating cherubs, flawless and beautiful.
In every woman's life there is a time when they are somewhere in between being a young lady with a firm grip on the memories of their childhood, a time in which they still hold onto things of the past as they embark from the dreams, hopes and desires they had as a young girl and enter into the new adventure of becoming a woman. Long brown hair curls and twists its way about, forming a wonderful crown for a lovely young lady, sweptback hair that exposes the alluring features of an impressively beautiful face with an angular jawline that parallels elevated cheekbones and a long straight nose, heart-shaped lips, and arched brows whose outer edges flare to a point, overhanging warm and delicate, catlike eyes. Seemingly caught in between two worlds, she stands dressed in the finest of gold, jewels and a coat and dress of the finest cloth while she firmly holds a stuffed bear to her chest in what perhaps could be the last vestige of her hold on her childhood.
DREAM
ANGEL'S FOOTPRINTS
Are Angels Real? The foamy surf seems to be in momentary retreat as two barefoot, winged, innocent, fragile and light-hearted cherubs walk cautiously along the shoreline, taking a respite to explore God's creation, their fading footprints the only evidence that they were there. A masterful composition effectively tells a story by leading our eyes along the path of footprints in the sand to the delicate and fragile winged cherubs carefully making their way between the rocky shoreline and the foaming sea. The fading footprints add a magical touch to the image since they seem to tell us that these supernatural beings actually do exist, walking and perhaps flying among us, and even they are appreciative of the gift of nature.
Even today, many people feel that Pele, goddess of volcanoes in Hawaiian mythology, is responsible for volcanic eruptions, with each one an expression of her longing to be with her true love.
Critique: As she longed to be with her love, Pele began to rumble with passion, her love heating and transforming into pure lava. With downcast eyes and a tilt of the head, Pele looks upon the base of her skirt upon which spills orange flaming lava while out of her arms the molten liquid spurts. Her earthen colored dress hugs her, defining her fine feminine form with its narrow waist and slender arms. Long, thick, chaotic and curly hair flames as it flows about her face and to the floor. A face of eye-riveting beauty is adorned with sensual pink lips, and an angular jawline that sweeps up from her chin to her ears, with barely visible long-lashed eyes framed under high and thinly arched eyebrows. Standing erect and tall, her beauty glows as her passion for her lover erupts, heating the night air with her unquenchable fire of love.
VENUS
PEBBLE & DIAMOND
The Pebble and the Diamond - Raising her svelte arm to run her fingers through her untamed and long wavy hair, she glared at him through cold blue eyes, realizing that to him she had been nothing more than a pastime - last month's flavor. As he finished apologizing, she realized he did not know her at all. This was dating, not marriage, and she never tolerated cheaters. Learning from others who had been hurt, she was resolved to flush her dating mistakes away and move on. He looked at her overwhelming majestic beauty and the way her long flowing mane graced her bared shoulders and fell upon the red ruffles of her dress, his heart fell as he suddenly realized that he had traded in a priceless diamond for a pebble. This time, he now knew, he had also forever lost her as he watched her confidently rise, turn and walk away. The sea breeze blew the floral scent of her his way for a few moments and then faded away as she disappeared into the bustling crowd and out of his life forever.
Amira is a model destined for greatness, steeped in humility, with a wealth of talent someone many years her senior would admire.
FLY HIGH
Sheltered from the harsher elements, a parasol protects a passionate purveyor of beauty. Bathed in the golden sunlight, she stopped strolling to muse on her meditation, looking down at the gardens at her feet and the wonder of that creation, smelling the fragrance of the flowers, realizing that tomorrow they would be gone and that they were made for her to enjoy today. On that thought a sweet smile stretched across her face and the light twinkled in her eyes as her heart became filled with the realization that all of this was made for her, a bountiful gift from Heaven.
SUNNY
Everything about her life was consistent, the way she loved all people, the way she was always herself regardless of who was with her, and the way she refused to ever lose heart or get down. Even on the last night that I ever saw her, she remained as she had been before. Knowing how much she loved me, I thought that when I disappointed her that she would finally change, and stay with me although I could never blame any woman who left me for what I did. After she discovered what I did, she just smiled as she had always done, and started to walk away without saying a word. Long ago she had told me that if I ever cheated on her that she would see it as a blessing and she would see it as an opportunity to find someone else more worthy of her. As she stood there on that city street facing the sidewalk in the opposite direction, she looked over her shoulder and back at me and at that moment I thought that she would change her mind. Her head was tilted ever so slightly as her eyes met my mine and her long mane trailed down her back over her bared shoulders. On her lips she still beheld that forever-pleasant smile and as she turned and walked I knew I would never see her again.
LIGHTS
MASQUERADE
As she stood there in the parlor with her hand resting on the fireplace mantle, she listened to what was being said to her, words that wounded her heart and pierced her soul. As the assault continued, she imagined herself in some rocky place by the ocean, being pummeled and slowly consumed by the sea, drowning and being free from the pain of the moment. Yet on her face nobody in the room could see the pain and to everyone's amazement she stood with quiet resignation, looking completely unaffected. Indeed, she had the strength of mind to cover her real feelings, and unbeknownst to everybody there, she also had the strength of mind and heart to escape this place and survive on her own.
A tilt of the head emphasizes the lustrous and thick nature of generous waves of brown locks that tumble and spiral their way along the face and bared shoulders, contrasting with clear and light skin tones of a satiny smooth complexion. Wrapped in green silk, her flawless porcelain complexion and defined facial features resemble the perfection of a china doll. Sharply-defined, ebony eyes twinkle beneath long-lashed eyelids, eyes that combined with a thoughtful and sober gaze reveal a child-like innocence and express evident intelligence and a thoughtful nature.
THE FACE
Inner peace helps to form great inner beauty that in turn is manifested in a person's outward expression and being, something that somehow is translated from the soul to the person's face and seen most notably in the eyes, a peace that creates an overwhelming beauty. It is a peace that in an image can be seen and sensed in a very palpable way, making that image riveting for the emotion that it conveys. That is what I see and sense in this image.
INNER BEAUTY
Gloved within a white lace veil, a sensitive heart remains quiet and still, her silent and devout prayers almost palpable as her face mirrors the impassioned pleas of her heart. Clutching at the neckline of her veil as if to somehow comfort her heart, her face betrays the cares of her soul, evident when her eyes are open or closed and whether her head is erect or tilted to the side. In her state of solitary prayer we can perceive the greatest beauty of any living being, that of a caring and concerned soul.
YOUNG MARY
YOUNG MODELS
CONGRATULATIONS TO three young models who have been critiqued here on TPC. Recently, they were all part of a photo shoot for the Mossimo Kids Collection; here they were doing a shoot for the collection at Toy Town. From left is Amira Johara (Candy Honey Clark), Kelly Anne Shane Lector and Warda Nur. All three young models are very active in photo shoots and modeling events.
A WORK OF ART
Truly exceptionally great talent goes into the generation of each of your images Manny, and you chose a worthy model and image upon which to base your art. Truly, here we have a great photographer who captured the original image, a great sketch artist who created this awesome work and a great model upon whom both artists based their work. The beauty, the attitude, the shy and quiet nature of the beauty in the image is truly remarkable.
CLEOPATRA
An occasional drop and swish of water is all we hear in the dark of night as a flawless female form floats in tranquil waters. A perfect balance of light, reflections and soft shadows make visible the gentle contours of the face and shoulders of a mesmerizing beauty that looks to the stars with hope-filled, inspired and blameless eyes that exude an aura of peace and serenity, eyes that seem to somehow grasp the immensity of the universe as she glides about in the glass-like liquid. Colors of gold and crimson adorn a flawlessly smooth complexion that add to an already rich beauty of a slightly rounded, V-shaped face with a toned jawline that arcs around irresistible facial features extending from a petite chin around full and pink lips and past majestic, almond-shaped and cat-like blue eyes. The golden light paints the gentle contours around the facial features, defining the dimensions of the prominent lips the slightly curve outward at the edges, of the gentle roundness of the chin, of the subtle depressions and curves around the eyes that show their depth, and of the petite and alluring structure of the face and bared shoulders. Just enough light is also present to make evident a thick and lush crown of shiny dark hair that flows up and behind her as she floats past. A distant gaze from her magnificent eyes reveals someone with great vision and intelligence, with a confidence and strength, with a tranquil but powerful soul. The golden light and perfection of beauty in this graceful female form truly give her a queen-like presence perhaps similar to how Cleopatra may once have looked as she swam the waters of the Nile.
Waiting and Hoping
Thought-filled eyes daily scan the ocean horizon, ever-searching and hoping, never allowing despair to fill her heart, remaining positive with expectant-faith of the return of her sailor. Each day she ascends the stairs and stands on her balcony with a subtle smile on her face as the wind puts a spring in the ringlets of her curly mane that fall along her face as she keeps vigil over the sea, waiting and hoping for his return.
Using an ample amount of white space in this composition emphasizes the span of the sea on the horizon, emphasizing its expanse and its relation to her by holding her to the side of the image with her hopeful face looking out. The use of black and white as well as the wide-brimmed bonnet and large waist bow of an era long ago helps to age the photo and allows us to apply in our interpretation of the image a story of long ago are reminiscent of the whaling era when women would hold fast in the widow's walk on the peaks of houses (typical of 1800s home architecture along the New England coast in the US) waiting for the return of their men at sea. Of course, the steadfast and positive tough concerned expression sets the tone for the image. The beauty adds to the staying power of the image, which truly tells a story.
Ball Party
Dressed for the ball, the glamorous woman heard the truth and lost her will to celebrate, just standing there still and silent, her eyelids reddening as the sadness set in. Finally she realized that the man who she thought truly loved her was in love only with her physical body, not her heart and soul. As the reality of it all sank in, her chin dropped, her head tilted to one side and her eyes narrowed slightly, slowly losing their luster. Now acutely aware of the truth, she realized how little he really cared for her as he lived a life of lies, whispering sweet words and promises in the ears of so many beautiful women he would meet and breaking their hearts at will after he had his way.
Young Audrey
Though she is very young, there is something about her expression that transcends time, making it seem that she is many years older than her young age, with large, beautifully-defined and intently-focused eyes that project a high degree of understanding and maturity, compassion and love. Though serious, she is also optimistic and reflects in her expression a strength of character and determination, a person with an unbeatable spirit.