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Prelude to Freedom
Prelude to Freedom
togtog


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Dolls & Puppets (Basic Editing)
Camera: Nikon D300
Lens: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Location: Garage
Date: Sep 2, 2008
Aperture: f/22
ISO: 1600
Shutter: 1/200
Galleries: Emotive, Black and White
Date Uploaded: Sep 2, 2008

 When I saw the challenge the idea of a living puppet being freed from its strings came to mind. Not having ready access to a real puppet I once again leaned on the help of my mother as model. I used black acrylic paint to make the joints.

In hindsight I wish I would have considered it reflecting the flash, however it was too late to correct. I used pieces of cotton twine tied via an elaborate knot system allowing each string to be adjusted in length. I should have taken a little more care with the wrist string as the gap is quite visible.

Black sheet as a background and a reverse aimed flash for fill lighting. It wasn't until editing that I noticed I was still at ISO 1600, thankfully it only resulted in a couple of hot pixels.

As for the title I had several ideas; To be Free, Die Free, No Strings Attached, Freedom to be ones self. Prelude to Freedom was the last title I thought of and it just really pleased me.

I had this planned but at the last minute I didn't feel like shooting it, being both tired and down about recent low scores I was afraid to put effort into something when the majority might hate it.

However I came to realize that it would have bothered me more to let the chance to enter pass by. So for better or for worse here it is, I hope you all enjoy it.

Hope this gets at least 5.7101 :)

Editing done:
Crop
Levels
Desaturate
Healing brush (to remove 2 hot pixels)
Sharpen
Resize
Sharpen
Save for Web

Statistics
Place: 24 out of 108
Avg (all users): 5.6959
Avg (commenters): 6.3636
Avg (participants): 5.4167
Avg (non-participants): 5.8049
Views since voting: 1273
Views during voting: 297
Votes: 171
Comments: 14
Favorites: 1 (view)

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AuthorThread
 09/15/2008 10:29:55 AM
Nice idea for the challenge, I think it lacks a bit of impact through a bit too much negative space within the image which might have been a factor on the end result. Ever seen the film "Strings"? would recommend it if you enjoy the whole concept of puppets...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/10/2008 03:11:19 PM
This is a great idea. Very definitely meets the essence of the challenge.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
09/07/2008 08:55:32 PM
Very interesting of a shot. I like using a real human hand for the puppet
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/06/2008 08:30:17 AM
Interesting and strange suggestion. Good composition. 6
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/05/2008 06:21:02 AM
wonder if u had another stringed puppet hand cutting the strings ... nice idea shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/04/2008 06:55:18 PM
Interesting take on the challenge.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/04/2008 05:02:06 PM
Great Idea and nice lighting
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/04/2008 04:35:52 PM
good, I think that isn't dnmc infact doll don't means that must be of plastic materials! 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/04/2008 04:21:37 PM
I get what those black lines are supposed to be, but since you used a real hand instead of a fake one, I think the photo might have worked better if you had played that up to make some kind of statement about people being puppets of the government or consumerism or whatever : ) It might also look a bit cleaner if you couldn't see the knots and the extra hanging bits of string. I love the concept though!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/03/2008 09:31:45 PM
How emotive. Beyond photography; This is art.10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/03/2008 01:47:39 PM
Although a puppet is "implied" I would not say
this picture meets the topic.
 09/03/2008 11:12:31 AM
Nice idea. I like it!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/03/2008 03:29:22 AM
I like the creative take here, but I'm not loving the presentation. I think I would like to see the puppet hand held in a less natural way, and if the strings had not been such a bright white, I think the image might have a better flow.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/03/2008 01:48:26 AM
That is a good interpretation of this theme.
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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