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Winter Princess
Winter Princess
Ken


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Free Study 2008-12 (Advanced Editing VII)
Camera: Canon EOS-40D
Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Location: dining room
Date: Dec 30, 2008
Aperture: F/6.3
ISO: 100
Shutter: 1/250
Galleries: Portraiture, Children
Date Uploaded: Dec 31, 2008

 I didn't have much for this month and bet the ranch on a daytrip to Chicago last Monday. Due to time and outrageous parking fees it didn't happen.

Plan B was take use the new fisheye in the local old church but the priest was very cranky and unfriendly and un-priest like so that didn't pan out.

So this was plan C. I've been a huge fan of mpeters version below and decided to try my own. I believe his is superior but at least I like how this one came out.

Mark's version:


Alien Bee in front to her left and reflection on bottom left.

convert from raw
crop
convert duplicate layer, blowout background, mask out Cartesia
curves/levels
lots of spot hue/sat/luminosity adjustments
clone out small imperfections
Nik Efex Glamour Glow
Nik Efex Tonal Contrast
Nik Efex Classic Soft Focus
Nik Efex Vignette Blur
resize
sharpen
save for web

All the Nik filters were used with a light hand to give a subtle effect.

Post challenge: This is one of my most disappointing entries ever. I had high hope for this one but I blew it. After resizing and sharpening, I thought the voters would think they were too sharp (I was fine with them). I second-guessed myself and got out the blur tool, blurred 'em and submitted. I should know beter. Hopefully I learned something.


Statistics
Place: 128 out of 407
Avg (all users): 5.8757
Avg (commenters): 6.6000
Avg (participants): 5.9298
Avg (non-participants): 5.7636
Views since voting: 988
Views during voting: 290
Votes: 169
Comments: 17
Favorites: 0

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AuthorThread
 01/09/2009 02:14:19 PM
Hi Ken. My own shot crossed my mind when I saw yours! Several of your comments related to the eyes and their lack of sharpness. Looking back at mine, i'd say mine were overdone(remember the era of "pimp my eyes"). Somewhere between the two would have been the best IMO.

Perfect color match on the ornament and her eyes. Your lighting is professional.

She is beautiful and the score is secondary... Thanks for being a fan of my niece and her photo. ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
01/07/2009 10:28:19 PM
Good lighting, good composure, but the sharpness could be increased a little. Perhaps not in the whole photo, but definately around the eyes. Those nice blue eyes are a focal point.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/06/2009 07:09:15 AM
Absolutely stunning photo KB - 9+ 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/05/2009 03:17:31 PM
Nice high-key child portrait. For the genre, it's well done. Good work.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/05/2009 01:31:08 PM
My only nitpick is I think she needs a bit of a smile, or to look at the camera. Her expression just seems too static to me. It makes a big difference in how it comes off to me, however.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/05/2009 12:57:34 PM
Very pretty eyes.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/04/2009 02:16:24 PM
love the blue theme, I SO wish those eyes were sharper!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/04/2009 12:04:13 AM
great eyes...nice lighting
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/02/2009 10:27:56 PM
ah this is beautiful. my only problem is that her eyes are a bit out of focus. great subject positioning and everything though
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/02/2009 10:39:45 AM
Nice portrait! Very Dr. Achoo kind of a shot!. I wonder if this is his picture. Nice high-key toning! 8.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/02/2009 04:57:52 AM
lovely
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/01/2009 03:55:31 PM
Wonderful Christmas portrait.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/01/2009 01:31:19 PM
great shot, and the eyes are WOW i have not see eyes like that ever, 7
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/01/2009 11:17:01 AM
Nice tones and color-match of bauble and eyes. However the eyes at least have to be sharper. good luck
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/01/2009 02:58:43 AM
a gorgeous little winter princess for sure .. love the soft and delicate processing . her expression is perfect .. in fact everything is perfect . good luck in the challenge .. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/01/2009 01:04:54 AM
She is absolutely beautiful. Great portrait as well! Good job and Happy New Year!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/01/2009 12:06:51 AM
Nice portrait.
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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