Unity
by MistahT

Comment by giantmike:
It's really too bad for the watermark. This is amazing.

coracao
by MistahT

Comment by Rgarcia:
Sorry for the DQ, I hope you continue participating and sharing your excellent work.

coracao
by MistahT

Comment by tanguera:
Oh man. What a pity!!! You would not believe the number of first-timers who win a ribbon on their first try, only to have it DQd due to not submitting the original. You're in excellent company, and I hope this will not discourage you from entering more challenges :)

coracao
by MistahT

Comment by PennyStreet:
Gorgeous light. Congrats

coracao
by MistahT

Comment by tanguera:
Nice way to make an entrance! 7+ in a free study. Welcome to DPC and congrats on your HM

coracao
by MistahT

Comment by MistahT:
Thanks for the nice feedback on my first entry everyone! :D

This picture was taken around noon using natural light through the window at Betis Church, Pampanga in the Philippines. As far as editing goes my initial steps consisted of bringing out the details and balancing the light using highlights and shadows in Lightroom, and then adding some clarity.

I've achieved the painterly look mostly by using colour balance layers in photoshop and selectively darkened and blurred areas using a few layer masks with a multiply blend mode & strong gaussian blur (making sure to keep detail in the shadows).

As a final touch I've done some light dodging and burning to enhance the costumes and facial features a little and reduced the saturation of orange and red skin tones.

- T

coracao
by MistahT

Comment by Rgarcia:
Amazing image, congratulations on your placing!

Message edited by author 2014-06-08 21:58:25.

coracao
by MistahT

Comment by littlemav:
Where did my comment go??? any how I thought this the most outstanding image in the whole challenge! Just total perfection!!

coracao
by MistahT

Comment by Melethia:
Gorgeous pageantry, excellent light, editing.

coracao
by MistahT

Comment by neenee1999:
Absolutely stunning!