John's Paper Plane
by Blaino

Comment by faery:
I got so excited about the thumbnail... but when it opened it was a tad small. But I can see that this is just an experiment and that you're going places... if the face was is focus and the image larger format on the page, I would actually think this a real contender in a Grunge Challenge. You are on a STEEP learning curve and what you're doing is looking terrific.

Flying Beans
by Blaino

Comment by faery:
Listen if this is your first experiment with HDR then you are really going to fly!! You've got talent boy! I have completely circumvented the whole HDR thing because I haven't a clue how to even begin. But greatly admire those who have the patience and diligence to get it right.

Patient Rooms 100-138
by Blaino

Comment by faery:
This is SUCH a moving image. Just one of those shots that takes most viewers to a place they've never been!

In terms of technicals: may I offer up the suggestion that you might want to straighten the image. Have you downloaded Picasa off the internet? Great basic editing tool (but remember to save all changes or else you may lose your original if you are wanting it later).

I might also crop it down to just above the silver ball/eye so that the image of you and others and that gaping passage are more dominant (meant to be in the picture).

A Brave and brilliant challenge you and your mom have taken on!!!

Bouquet
by Blaino

Comment by Blaino:

Originally posted by Mephisto: haha, this would be a nice shot for the current "body parts" challenge...;D but honestly, what exactly did you try to achieve by cropping it like this?

I guess I wanted the photo to be about the flowers, not the women holding them. I was struck by how well the bridesmaids posed themselves without me asking them to. Then afterwards, I noticed how the flowers made a cool half-circle with the Bride's bouquet in the center. It seemed too perfect. So I messed with the crop to get it right. Then, I was just experimenting w/photoshop (learning for the first time actually) and decided it would be a cool image to mess around with selective color and blurs. Long story short, I dunno, I just saw it that way! :)

Thanks for the comment. I wish I had shot this image recently so I could enter it! It does seem a little tacky coming back to it again. I still like it enough to put it on here though!

Cancer
by Blaino

Comment by citymars:
I couldn't agree more with the previous comment, this is indeed a wonderful photojournalism image.

I see in your profile that you are taking a year off to be with your mom. I can tell from this image that she has a good spirit. Best wishes to you, your mom and your family.

Bouquet
by Blaino

Comment by Mephisto:
haha, this would be a nice shot for the current "body parts" challenge...;D
but honestly, what exactly did you try to achieve by cropping it like this?

Comforted
by Blaino

Comment by SaraR:
Thank you, and your mother, for sharing these photos. You have captured a real sense of resilience here. The tenderness with which you have photographed your subject shines out.

Cancer
by Blaino

Comment by Retroesque:
I love the girl looking at your Mother - it's a wonderful photojournalism image.

Patient Rooms 100-138
by Blaino

Comment by SoulMan1978:
This an excellent shot and heartbreaking at the same time for obvious reasons. It takes me back to late 2005 when my Nan fought her own (sadly unsuccessful :-( ) battle with cancer. Is the lady in the picture your Mother?

I think it's great that you've taken time out of your studies to be with her. Treasure all the moments you have with her.

And welcome to the world of DPC :-)

Patient Rooms 100-138
by Blaino

Comment by Retroesque:
Wonderful image. Wish it was slightly sharper on your Mother, but LOVE the reflection up above - BRILLIANT!