Please look carefully. Taken in scheveningen….
I call it reverse contrast when the contrast is created by having the subject subdued on a much livelier background. This photo is an extreme demonstration of this technique.
A photo that uses subtly this technique is this one:
Alona, originally uploaded by liber.
The problem with this technique is the high dynamic range needed. The trick is not letting the highlights blow, yet keeping enough detail in the shadows to recover in post processing. Shoot RAW, ofcourse.
where is it! the photo is great! both delicate and shocking! makes you think and slow down..
Scheveningen, a beach town part of The Hague, in The Netherlands.