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 This image was disqualified from the Free Study 2009-08 challenge.
Kate Chandler Morgan (1944-2009)
Kate Chandler Morgan (1944-2009)
mm767cap


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Free Study 2009-08 (Advanced Editing VII)
Camera: Canon EOS-40D
Lens: Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
Location: Biddiford Pool, Maine
Date: Aug 12, 2009
Aperture: f22
ISO: 100
Shutter: .5s
Galleries: Landscape
Date Uploaded: Aug 21, 2009

 Taken on the Maine Coast at sunrise. Combined 5 exposures. Adjusted curves, saturation, hues, and lens distortion. Resize, save for web.

Holy MOLY!! I can't believe that I got a ribbon in a free study, AND broke 7 for the first time with one entry! Thank you all so very much for the comments, favorites, and votes. I'm floored.

This image is far and away the most important to me personally that I've ever taken. I went to Maine for the memorial celebration for my Aunt. It was a rainy, cold, miserable weekend, and I REALLY wanted to take a shot that I could frame for my family from that trip. For just about an hour at sunrise the morning of the service, the sun broke through and I was treated to this little miracle. I figure that was probably compliments of my Aunt Kate.

Well, this image is being DQ'd. Thanks for all the nice comments. Per Scott Kelby's CS4 book, when I import my RAW files, I've been checking "Convert to DNG". He goes into great depth in Chapter 4 as to why this is an important step to future proof your images. According to the site council that makes your original files ineligible for validation. That's all I've got so, this image is going to be gone. Oh well, this was for my family anyway, and way more important to me than some ribbon in a challenge.
Disqualification Details
You must retain your original, unedited file (exactly as recorded by your camera), and provide it to the Site Council along with a list of your editing steps within 48 hours of any validation request. Files that have been saved or altered with any editing or transfer software are NOT originals.

Statistics
Views since voting: 4392
Views during voting: 295
Comments: 65
Favorites: 36 (view)

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AuthorThread
 10/08/2009 12:07:47 AM
I just saw the Dq on this...oh, what a shame...but it still remains the beautiful picture that it is....wow
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/13/2009 09:13:41 PM
Originally posted by mm767cap:
Originally posted by ineedauniquename:
any chance of seeing the original 5 before combining, this HDR lark is driving me nuts a bit and it would be interesting to see the starting material.


Actually, it's not an HDR image. I manually blended the 5 exposures. 2 for the sky, 1 for the sun, 1 for the water, and 1 for the rocks/house. If you saw the RAW files, they wouldn't look like much because each area is exposed differently. For example, on the image where the sky is exposed properly, its completely black in the bottom half of the frame. The choice to expose this is either to use Graduated ND filters, which I didn't have, to do HDR, which I tend to not like, or to manually blend the exposures which is what I did here. Hope that helps explain it better!


First, pity about the DQ, but as you say it's not that big a deal in the context of the image and what it means to you, which is good.

However, regarding the statement above ("It's not an HDR image...") you couldn't be more wrong. A "High Dynamic Range" image is exactly what it is, and you accomplished it the old-fashioned way, by tedious and detailed hand work. In that, you're in good company, as this approach is ideal for producing "natural looking" HDR images. With the HDR programs out there, there's another (and often very useful) element at work, the enhancing of "local area contrast", and it's basically the exaggeration of that effect, combined with an extreme flattening of the tonal range, that produces thew "cartoonish" effect that so many incorrectly believe *is* HDR.

You did a great job here,a nd congrats on that :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/13/2009 12:40:50 PM
Miles, I just became aware of this incredibly beautiful shot and its unfortunate DQ. I hope you don't let it discourage you from entering future challenges, that would be a loss for all as you are clearly very talented and produce great images.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/12/2009 11:20:26 AM
Wonderful image and great story behind it. Sorry to see it was DQ'ed, but as you said, it's more about the image and what it means to you than where it placed... and... you know it placed 3rd except for a silly technicality. Seems like we (DPC) may need to revisit some of the rules to continue to encourage the best photographic practices rather than encouraging a less-than-best-practice for the sake of the rules.

Wonderful colors and composition. Thanks for creating it and sharing!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/10/2009 06:35:53 PM
I am sorry that your work was DQ'd, but let me say that among all of the outstanding work I have seen on DPChallenge, this is one of the best of the bunch IMHO. I look forward to seeing more of your outstanding work in the future.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/10/2009 01:00:39 PM
Originally posted by SandyP:
Oh, DARN, Miles!!! DARN ! Well, I just read thru the comments, and I'm very happy to see that you have such a great perspective on the whole DQ thing. It really IS about the beauty of this phenomenal photo and what its significance is to your family. I had a ribbon disqualified once because I unknowingly did something illegal in editing; then recently had one disqualified but it ended up getting reinstated, but I took the whole DQ process harder than you. Can I be you when I grow up????? :)

Just keep sharing these amazing works of art with us! We will all grow from your work!


Thanks Sandy! Yes you can be me when you grow up :)

It's no big deal, really. I was thrilled with the ribbon, but easy come, easy go. This image accomplished what I was hoping it would, so I'm really happy with it!
 09/10/2009 09:20:25 AM
Oh, DARN, Miles!!! DARN ! Well, I just read thru the comments, and I'm very happy to see that you have such a great perspective on the whole DQ thing. It really IS about the beauty of this phenomenal photo and what its significance is to your family. I had a ribbon disqualified once because I unknowingly did something illegal in editing; then recently had one disqualified but it ended up getting reinstated, but I took the whole DQ process harder than you. Can I be you when I grow up????? :)

Just keep sharing these amazing works of art with us! We will all grow from your work!

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/10/2009 09:03:50 AM
Absolutely stunning image! I am sure your family members will treasure the prints forever... I'm sorry about the DQ. It would be nice for someone from Site Council to revisit methods of importing images without alteration. I know I can't figure it out (and so haven't entered challenges for a very long time).

Your Aunt would be so proud of you....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/10/2009 08:55:14 AM
Bummer about the DQ, but it's the knowing how well it placed that should really matter. It's a winner in my book.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/10/2009 06:58:53 AM
Very sorry to see this one DQ'd - A great image and one to hang on a big wall somewhere - that beats a virtual ribbon anyday.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/10/2009 06:37:44 AM
So sorry about the DQ but you can still be very proud of this fantastic photo.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/09/2009 10:56:23 PM
truly lovely shot. I'm sharing this with friends!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/09/2009 10:17:09 PM
Sorry about the DQ, but I hope there is some consolation in that this photo is incredibly beautiful.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/09/2009 01:47:38 PM
Originally posted by justdidi:
Hi-
Photoshop is absolutely amazing when it comes to blending landscape shots like this. You really utilized it to its capacity and made a stunning image...
I didn't realize that when you convert to a DNG file (which is encouraged by only the most professional photographers and computer graphics individuals) that you loose some of the metadata. Isn't there a side car reference on the DNG? And when you did the conversion, did you save your RAW files? Conceiveably you can send in the data from the five RAW/JPEG converted shots to show that you used them for conversion purposes. In fact I thought when you do massive amounts of Photoshop post processing substantial amounts of data were lost as well. OY, I'm confused. Maybe you can re-explain.
Totally beautiful image, once again. You should be proud.

Diana K.


Hi Diana,

I'm not very smart when it comes to DNG conversions and what it does/doesn't do. To be honest, I only did it because the CS4 book that I bought by Scott Kelby told me too! There are several advantages (according to him) to doing so when you import your RAW files from your camera, so I just figured that was a normal process than most people do! I did not save the RAW file, because that just takes up extra HD space. The only time I can think of that I would ever need the RAW file and not the DNG is for this website, so I'm not sure I want to change my whole workflow just for DPC. I'll take a look into the RAW+JPEG, as I was told by the Site Council that would have worked as well, but I didn't know there was a problem at the time so didn't shoot that way. I wish I could explain more about it, but I don't know anything else! Oh well, in the long run it doesn't really matter all that much. I was really pleased to have gotten a ribbon, and thrilled to get so many nice comments and fav's. This image is all about my family anyway, and I don't want to get bogged down in what I did/didn't do correctly when saving the files, so I just told the Site Council to go ahead and DQ it if thats what needs to be done. It's fine... I'm not mad or even that disappointed. I've still accomplished what I wanted to accomplish with this photo, and that was to have a strong image that I can print for my family to remember Kate by. I'm perfectly satisfied with how it turned out. Thanks tons for all your support!
 09/09/2009 01:37:39 PM
Originally posted by Xappa:
This is truly an outstanding shot. I can't stop looking at it. The viewer becomes part of the image. I can smeel the sea; feel the spray. DQ or not, hold your head high. You accomplished what you set out to do, and that cannot be taken away. I have been inspired. I would really like to put this shot on my desktop screen, if that's OK.


Thanks very much Xappa. Feel free to use it as your desktop. Thanks for asking!!
 09/09/2009 01:36:51 PM
Originally posted by anantbhatia:
One of the most amazing compositions.

Request you to post a tutorial on how you achieved it and put it up at the "How'd they do that" section of DPC so that we amateurs can learn the art too.


Thanks very much anantbhatia. When I get a little more time, I'd be happy to write up a quick tutorial. I'm certainly no photoshop expert, so it won't be too long! :)
 09/09/2009 01:35:10 PM
Originally posted by ineedauniquename:
Originally posted by mm767cap:
Originally posted by ineedauniquename:
any chance of seeing the original 5 before combining, this HDR lark is driving me nuts a bit and it would be interesting to see the starting material.


Actually, it's not an HDR image. I manually blended the 5 exposures.


Did you mask bits out of different layers?


Yes, I do all my work painting on layer masks. I'm TERRIBLE at making selection tools work, so I end up just zooming in and using the paint brush
 09/09/2009 12:53:48 PM
Hi-
Photoshop is absolutely amazing when it comes to blending landscape shots like this. You really utilized it to its capacity and made a stunning image...
I didn't realize that when you convert to a DNG file (which is encouraged by only the most professional photographers and computer graphics individuals) that you loose some of the metadata. Isn't there a side car reference on the DNG? And when you did the conversion, did you save your RAW files? Conceiveably you can send in the data from the five RAW/JPEG converted shots to show that you used them for conversion purposes. In fact I thought when you do massive amounts of Photoshop post processing substantial amounts of data were lost as well. OY, I'm confused. Maybe you can re-explain.
Totally beautiful image, once again. You should be proud.

Diana K.

Message edited by author 2009-09-09 12:54:43.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/09/2009 11:49:04 AM
This is truly an outstanding shot. I can't stop looking at it. The viewer becomes part of the image. I can smeel the sea; feel the spray. DQ or not, hold your head high. You accomplished what you set out to do, and that cannot be taken away. I have been inspired. I would really like to put this shot on my desktop screen, if that's OK.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/09/2009 05:28:46 AM
One of the most amazing compositions.

Request you to post a tutorial on how you achieved it and put it up at the "How'd they do that" section of DPC so that we amateurs can learn the art too.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/09/2009 02:04:14 AM
This is a really breathtaking photograph! You should be very proud!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/09/2009 01:53:00 AM
Originally posted by mm767cap:
Originally posted by ineedauniquename:
any chance of seeing the original 5 before combining, this HDR lark is driving me nuts a bit and it would be interesting to see the starting material.


Actually, it's not an HDR image. I manually blended the 5 exposures.


Did you mask bits out of different layers?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 11:42:16 PM
You accomplished your goal in having a photo you can frame. It is simply stunning. You could probably make a packet from this one. I know it's crushing to get this close - heck, you made the grade - and then have it taken away. But you know you can do it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 11:06:43 PM
Awesome in so many ways. Congratulations on this wonderful memory you and your Aunt Kate captured.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 08:55:05 PM
Beautiful image, and a shame about a DQ for something like that. As a thought, shoot RAW + JPEG. That way you have the richness of data in the RAW, and the JPEG for validation.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 07:25:55 PM
What a beautiful memorial to your Aunt Kate. I'm sure it will be a family treasure. Tough about the rules.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 05:20:10 PM
Originally posted by ineedauniquename:
any chance of seeing the original 5 before combining, this HDR lark is driving me nuts a bit and it would be interesting to see the starting material.


Actually, it's not an HDR image. I manually blended the 5 exposures. 2 for the sky, 1 for the sun, 1 for the water, and 1 for the rocks/house. If you saw the RAW files, they wouldn't look like much because each area is exposed differently. For example, on the image where the sky is exposed properly, its completely black in the bottom half of the frame. The choice to expose this is either to use Graduated ND filters, which I didn't have, to do HDR, which I tend to not like, or to manually blend the exposures which is what I did here. Hope that helps explain it better!
 09/08/2009 05:12:46 PM
Simply stunning! Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 05:11:30 PM
any chance of seeing the original 5 before combining, this HDR lark is driving me nuts a bit and it would be interesting to see the starting material.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 04:45:18 PM
I knew this would do well when i saw it here and on Canon POTN. Great PP!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 04:24:40 PM
My names morgan! :D
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 12:41:17 PM
Great shot and great tribute, these are the moments that make taking photos worth it!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 12:31:37 PM
Originally posted by annig:
gorgeous! congrats on the Red!


and a true tribute to Aunt Katie...she smiled on you for your diligence and patience...well timed capture(s). Your family will no doubt love this on their walls! I sure would...
peace!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 12:30:04 PM
gorgeous! congrats on the Red!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 11:59:53 AM
Awesome photo. Congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 11:37:49 AM
Congratulations on your new PB and the ribbon! This is such a great tribute to your aunt.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 11:28:01 AM
A really beautiful shot and I'm sure a memory that will be framed in honor of your aunt! Congratulations. Well deserved!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 11:08:28 AM
Congrats on your Ribbon!! Beautiful image for your family to remember Aunt Kate.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 10:41:33 AM
Lovely photo and story. Congratulations on your ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 10:26:40 AM
awesome! great story and shot. i'm up there right now, typing from the library in Lubec :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 10:02:26 AM
So lovely. It's a beautiful tribute to Aunt Kate.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 09:59:45 AM
Hey! I didn't know you were over here too :) Yayy! And CONGRATULATIONS on your 2nd place prize for this amazing tribute to your Aunt Kate :) I think ALLLLL your photos deserve ribbons :)

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 09:01:17 AM
Terrific color and light - perfectly exposed - congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 08:31:57 AM
Congrats on the ribbon... You had an excellent shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 08:18:55 AM
Congrats on your ribbon!!! Aunt Kate is quite pleased even if she can't tell you.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 07:07:58 AM
That is freakin' gorgeous! Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 06:20:35 AM
Aunt Kate did you proud and you seized the moment perfectly. CONGRATS
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 04:18:16 AM
I recognized this - very pleased it did well here, too. Congrats on the ribbon and 7+ in a FS!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 02:57:37 AM
Congrats captain on a job well done, this was one of my favorites..
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 02:33:08 AM
Just the right exposure, and great color...congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 02:13:58 AM
A lovely tribute to your Aunt Kate, I think she would be very proud! Congrats on your ribbon and PB : )
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 01:57:24 AM
You can't beleive you ribboned and got > 7 ? You are kidding right? Those rocks alone are worth that. Lovely shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 12:50:37 AM
great story behind this shot.. thx so much for sharing... it's just amazing..
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 12:50:23 AM
Delicate and peaceful. Stunningly beautiful. You have every right to be proud of this image. Congratulations on your new PB and red ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2009 12:09:45 AM
Congratulations on your ribbon .. what a beautiful place, you must have felt the peace and joy that a beautiful sunset brings.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
09/07/2009 10:30:51 PM
Classic and Perfect...Good work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2009 08:30:17 PM
Well made and good timing
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/06/2009 06:37:09 PM
Everything about this image is beautiful. Well composed. I really like the feel of the water gently lapping up against the rocks as the sunsets sun rises on the horizon. How did you get the sun to have the star shape?



Message edited by author 2009-09-08 00:48:21.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/06/2009 10:09:26 AM
almost doesn't look real.. I can never capture the sun like that.. We never have cloudy skies like this either.. totally jealous.. Love this.. 10 for me
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/04/2009 11:31:25 PM
Wow!!! This could be a painting, the colors are perfect the focus is sharp and yet kind of soft at the same time, the glow on the rocks and house are perfect. One of my two 10's in the challenge. I hope this ribbons.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/04/2009 11:10:45 AM
Dramatic image with dramatic lighting. Nice processing.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/03/2009 10:16:57 AM
Nicely done, this is one of my favorite landscape shots in this freestudy.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/02/2009 10:40:43 PM
Lovely scene. Well photographed with beautiful detail in those rocks.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/01/2009 06:17:01 PM
WOW it almost looks like a painting...good job.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/01/2009 05:55:58 PM
Oh my!!! What a stellar memorial image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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