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2nd PlaceThe Technician
Art Roflmao


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Norman Rockwell (Advanced Editing VII)
Collection: 2012
Camera: Canon EOS-7D
Lens: Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Date: Sep 22, 2012
Date Uploaded: Sep 22, 2012

 So, this was quite an effort on both our parts to get something usable. Riley had a crash course in expressing extreme emotions through facial expressions. :)


I paid him $5 for the shoot and told him he'd get another $5 if it ribboned. :) Worth it.

Regarding the one 1 vote - who knows - who cares. :) I do suspect it may be part of the balance of entering a subject that is well known - you may get some high votes for it, but you will also get some "penalty" votes. It is what it is. Helluva score in any case. I should retire now - I'll never top that.

The setup: Old PC (one of a dozen piece of crap oldies sitting in my garage) I put a sparkler inside it and that made it harder for me to get Riley to move in close - he was a little afraid. I also wanted the sparks to be at the tip of the screwdriver - I got a couple like that, but bad facial expressions. Went through a couple boxes of sparklers. I wanted to use my fog machine as well, but it didn't work. :( Maybe just as well.

Thanks for all the votes, favs and comments!

10/6/2012:
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Any chance you can add a summary of the post-processing you used to get the "illustration" look?

I've had lots of requests and I will be putting together something of a tips/tutorial together. Just as soon as I get done with a couple work projects. Thanks for your patience.

Statistics
Place: 2 out of 35
Avg (all users): 8.0992
Avg (commenters): 9.2500
Avg (participants): 7.4500
Avg (non-participants): 8.2162
Views since voting: 6674
Views during voting: 486
Votes: 131
Comments: 113
Favorites: 20 (view)

Please log in or register to add your comments!

AuthorThread
 03/04/2023 10:07:27 PM
There is something magical about this image. In true Norman Rockwell style, you have captured it perfectly. Given, that it's Advanced Editing, were you not permitted to move the spark? I know that you tried to get it closer to the screwdriver, but could you just move it in post? Anyway, I really like it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 12/31/2020 10:16:51 PM
Originally posted by glad2badad:
10/6/2012 - Art Roflmao - "I've had lots of requests and I will be putting together something of a tips/tutorial together. Just as soon as I get done with a couple work projects. Thanks for your patience."

Had time to put that together yet? I'd love to know too! :-)

Thanks for your patience. :)
 08/23/2020 05:34:33 PM
10/6/2012 - Art Roflmao - "I've had lots of requests and I will be putting together something of a tips/tutorial together. Just as soon as I get done with a couple work projects. Thanks for your patience."

Had time to put that together yet? I'd love to know too! :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/14/2019 11:03:42 AM
Great image, well deserved 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/14/2014 10:32:29 AM
Love this!! I know what you mean about trying to get the right expressions from kids! Wonderful Norman Rockwell style.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/19/2013 07:50:08 PM
Awesome!! I miss seeing your work! Love this :D
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/02/2013 02:07:58 PM
this really is so cool...... :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/12/2013 06:30:37 PM
You need a sticker that says "I got 8+ but no Blue" or something.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/06/2013 08:54:05 AM
Like most of your work, this brings a big smile to my face. :) I'm also thrilled for you at that score!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 12/06/2012 07:38:11 PM
"I paid him $5 for the shoot"
bribery, and a little bit of extortion!
congrats on the ribbon, Mr dictator
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/10/2012 10:27:29 PM
I've been away, so now is my time to congratulate you on 2nd place, well done Art, you deserved it!

Your son is a great actor but very under paid ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/07/2012 06:49:11 AM
Amazing shot Ken, wonderful process, a perfect Rockwell tribute! I hope this one is printed and displayed at home!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/07/2012 06:37:25 AM
Brother! Please share with me the post processing technique. It is divine!

Congratulations especially to the model, I see a big future for him.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/06/2012 11:01:13 PM
Congratulations on the Red Ken ! Well deserved !
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/05/2012 01:22:13 PM
This is one of those where I look at it and wonder "why didn't I think of that?!" ... excellent execution (by both of you) to go with the great idea.

Any chance you can add a summary of the post-processing you used to get the "illustration" look?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/05/2012 02:40:08 AM
Whooot! Fantastic to see you on the front page Ken. Riley (and you) did real good!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/03/2012 06:24:34 PM
Clever and very well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/03/2012 04:43:24 AM
Wow, over 8 ! Congrats, and well deserved ! A modern twist on Rockwell.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/02/2012 11:50:20 AM
Stroke of genius - Rockwell with a modern twist. Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/02/2012 10:23:26 AM
Congrats on the ribbon. This is priceless, and who knows how useful Riley will find it in the future to be able to pull out an extreme emotion "look" on demand when he wants to!!

Message edited by author 2012-10-02 23:49:13.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/02/2012 07:13:45 AM
That kid was worth every dollar... Excellent work, Art. Your 8+ is well deserved (probably ruined your update button, though ;-). Congrats on the ribbon and new PB ((Hugs)).
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/02/2012 06:28:39 AM
It's a good job you didn't mention the extra five-dollar bonus for an 8+ score!
(The one I wanted to win.) Glad to see your creativity getting a just reward.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/02/2012 04:15:35 AM
wow my 8 brought you DOWN! this is definitely an instance where i recognized the subject and held back so as not to appear biased to myself. awesome image should hang on your wall.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 05:26:24 PM
I gave it an 8 and it appears I underrated it. Love it and a fav.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 04:58:51 PM
Incredible work, Art!!! (It still doesn't seem right to call you Ken. You're just always Art to me. :)

Awesome score -- Way to go!

(look at that list of congrats! I had to scroll down all night just to read them!)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 04:44:15 PM
Awesome work - both from the photographer and the model. WTG Riley!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 03:54:49 PM
Really fabulous Ken !!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 02:57:02 PM
Ohmygosh!!! 8+ !!!!!!! So deserving!! You're a rock Star!!!!! I can't imagine an 8+ not winning 1st place!!!! WOW!!! It's museum work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 02:19:22 PM
Originally posted by sempermarine:
Riley needs an agent. My kids get $5 for the shoot. 5 for yellow, 10 for Red, 15 for blue and additional 5 for a free study ribbon. That's why I do so many self portraits. :)

LOL - that's why I'll never tell Riley you exist and have blocked you from his computer. :P
 10/01/2012 01:53:56 PM
WTG Ken, very nice
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 11:23:54 AM
Hey Ken - Terrific shot and gratz on the 8+ score and the ribbon !

Well deserved.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 10:27:40 AM
I usually have more than one highest rated, but here, this was the only one.
Congrats on the ribbon!
(that's one big graphic card you got in there...)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 10:04:37 AM
couldn't get a Blue even with an 8+ shot, eh?! I feel so genuinely sorry for you Ken :). Really great shot, and I actually like your processing here a lot (unlike many other super-topazed images in this challenge)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 09:53:48 AM
love this, expression is priceless, congrats
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 09:43:41 AM
Congrats! Awesome shot.

Riley needs an agent. My kids get $5 for the shoot. 5 for yellow, 10 for Red, 15 for blue and additional 5 for a free study ribbon. That's why I do so many self portraits. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 08:55:09 AM
You're the only ribbon winner who used an original idea. 6 from me.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 08:28:06 AM
Pure brilliance! Great idea to pay your kids to pose for photos.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 08:27:59 AM
Congrats on the ribbon,great stuff.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 07:46:25 AM
Well there is my problem, I only pay my kids $2 for a shoot :) Congrats on a new PB, an 8 and another ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 07:43:06 AM
Terrific image Art - definitely in the spirit of Norman Rockwell.

Congrats on the Red, and your new PB with an 8+ score!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 07:40:52 AM
Fine work m8! Cool outtake idea. Congrats on the 8+ :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 07:30:50 AM
Laughed out loud when I had the pleasure of seeing this for the first time. Congrats on the thin air score and the new PB!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 06:42:29 AM
Congratulations Art,well done, and you kept the flames to a minimum. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 06:42:06 AM
Riley needs to negotiate another $5 for an 8+ bonus, and another $5 for a personal top score bonus :)

Great Job, Ken!

Message edited by author 2012-10-01 10:42:17.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 05:38:00 AM
Nice work. Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 05:15:59 AM
Way to go Art! I love this one; great job.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 04:49:31 AM
Well done... well done...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 04:45:37 AM
Congratulations I gave this a 10 :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 04:23:36 AM
Fantastic stuff! Congrats on the 8 and the awesome image for your portfolio.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 04:22:06 AM
You took the classic style and made it modern. Way to go, man!! Congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 03:37:13 AM
Whooooo Hoooooo.... CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! In what world does an 8 get a red?? LOL Such great work in this I knew you were gonna ROCK this WELL
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 03:03:36 AM
Congratulations Art on your ribbon and great score. Love that expression!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 02:43:19 AM
Congrats on both the ribbon and the awesome score Ken! And hey, $10 for a model is darn cheap! Though, I only had to pay mine a pack of M&M's. ;D
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 02:29:54 AM
Wow that is some score! Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 02:08:33 AM
Very funny Art! His expression is very convincing. Congratulations on the ribbon and PB.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 01:39:38 AM
I told my friends this would ribbon. I was right.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 01:17:27 AM
Where did I put my 'CONGRATS ART' stamp....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 12:30:42 AM
Incredible, everything goes to the mouth, the rest doesn't matter, don't think I've ever been drawn to one point so fast, excellent.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/01/2012 12:15:46 AM
The artist as a young man ;) Big score and big faves and a one, well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 11:08:42 PM
Congrats on your new PB and great score, Ken (I still think you were robbed).
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 10:55:36 PM
sweet finish ken! congrats on the 8 and the ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 10:34:40 PM
Congrats man, you chose the best expression, great score!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 10:33:38 PM
A score of 8 and `only` a red is a rarity on this site - I can only think of about 3 other challenges with stats like that.

Incredible score for an incredible image. Well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 09:54:17 PM
Awesome Ken. Just awesome.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 09:51:55 PM
Yayyy Ken, I knew it! Well done!! Good thinking re the sparkler.

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 09:37:27 PM
Double congratulations, Ken - for the ribbon, and for the huge PB! You should be able to hire Riley out to advertisers and make a packet. He's got the looks and he's got the talent. Heck, just take him off to Hollywood.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 09:32:49 PM
Awesome job Ken! This was my favorite and pick for the blue. I thought it really captured the Rockwell spirit. Congrats on the red!

Message edited by author 2012-10-01 01:36:21.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 09:25:10 PM
Congrats on a fantastic entry. It's a shame those tonsils will have to come out.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 09:18:16 PM
Perfect! Congrats to both of you!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 09:10:44 PM
Great work Ken, congrats on the Red!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:59:44 PM
Yayyyy....nice work Ken....a huge congrats on your ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:57:54 PM
Congrats to you and Riley, on receiving a ribbon! Great image and great score! :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:55:51 PM
Great scott! WD Ken. Top three above 8! Nail biter.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:44:41 PM
Congratulations Art! Great picture!
:)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:43:41 PM
Wonderfully done. Really cute kid and his expressions are priceless.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:42:05 PM
You need to hunt down the person who gave this a 1 and sick Godzilla on his *ss. Great work Ken beautifully edited, and in a few years you will like this shot even more, when he is a few years older.

Message edited by author 2012-10-01 00:43:46.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:35:55 PM
I didn't get around to voting, but I did have a look at this one (because I recognised the little tyke and knew it was yours). I wondered how you got the spark there - is it, in fact, a sparkler?
Oh, by the way, congratulations for the massive score with the ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:30:22 PM
Nice Ken! Really refreshing to see your name on the front page, well deserved for this.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:29:14 PM
WHO gives THIS a one vote??!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:23:06 PM
I thought this your kid. My favorite from the challenge and a 10 from me. Glad to see it got the ribbon I felt it deserved. Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:23:00 PM
Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:22:39 PM
Amazing work, Ken. congratulations to you and Riley.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:21:15 PM
Congrats on the red. Great Rockwell. Wow, 8+ score :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:18:41 PM
Congrats Ken! Perfect image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:15:11 PM
Congrats Ken. Cute kid, great quality image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:13:03 PM
Big time win Ken, look at that score, home run, grand slam! proud of you man!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:11:10 PM
congratulations! I knew it is a winner. Very deserved ribbon! And YOU WIN YOU WIN ....finally!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:09:23 PM
Woot! well done!! congratulations! A PB by 1.+ Holy Cow, now top that!!! "D If you don't pay Riley, you get an automatic disqualification you know!

Message edited by author 2012-10-01 00:11:23.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:07:27 PM
Huge Congrats....Nice job!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:06:26 PM
Well done -- and what a score (and totally deserved). Congratulations Ken!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 08:05:56 PM
That kid needs a cuteness warning label! Lol.

Congrats on all of tour your new awards, Ken!

Message edited by author 2012-10-01 12:24:07.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
09/30/2012 06:43:47 PM
When I saw this I thought dang!! I think you are going to give me a run for my money. It will be fun to see who comes out on top. If I was a betting girl I think I would put my money on this one for the blue.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 06:20:27 PM
A nice modern take on the Rockwell approach. Both in processing and in a humorous twist to the scene.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/30/2012 06:03:53 PM
This is fabulous! I hope this wins a ribbon. Riley did an awesome job with the expression. This is my fave of the challenge because it really catches the sentiment of Rockwell and the processing is spot on.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/28/2012 09:49:40 PM
That´s how modern day Rockwell looks like!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/28/2012 06:54:42 PM
This is brilliant, Ken. Full marks to Riley, too.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/28/2012 04:27:36 PM
MY PICK FOR THE BLUE..... LOVE IT.....

MY PICK FOR THE SHERPET 'BLUE' STAR AWARD OF EXCELLENCE.....

COMING BACK TO ALSO GIVE THIS IMAGE AND THE PHOTOGRAPHER MY SHERPET 'JEWEL' AWARD OF EXCELLENCE AS WELL AS THE BLUE STAR AWARD..... LOVE OT SO SO MUCH....

-

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU FOR MY TWO TOP SHERPET AWARDS FROM SHEZ (THE JEWEL AND THE BLUE STAR)

Message edited by author 2012-10-01 06:36:54.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/26/2012 06:07:40 PM
Actually, he probably knows more than I do. Great idea and well executed.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/26/2012 05:54:37 AM
Riley! Got out right from a Rockwell print!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/25/2012 11:29:52 PM
good work on the processing and the expression of the boy - a classic. one of the best in the challenge.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/25/2012 08:31:43 PM
top 3
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/25/2012 05:51:38 PM
Wonderful! My favorite. Absolutely love the expression.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/24/2012 11:05:23 PM
Easily a winner. Excellent pose and expression. PP, especially the vignetting and clarity, makes it very rockwellish.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/24/2012 10:36:36 AM
Nice one with the spark :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/24/2012 10:33:31 AM
Great image. Voted previously, 10.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/24/2012 07:18:51 AM
Love this! My winner as it's not a direct copy, more an updated idea of Rockwell's type of thinking. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/24/2012 07:01:34 AM
Oh, KEN! This is .... PERFECTION!

I love it!

It's the Podium for Riley!


(commenting only)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/24/2012 04:41:15 AM
Riley!!! Love the expression. This is awesome.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/23/2012 11:00:11 PM
This is really good, and you know it, see you on the front page.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/23/2012 10:01:31 PM
well well ...well done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/23/2012 09:03:57 PM
Nice, a modern Rockwell. I think the processing is very Rockwell-like. Great expression on the kid.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/23/2012 08:14:45 PM
Oh excellent!!!! or Perfect!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/23/2012 08:13:50 PM
Is that Riley? Great job, anyway, perfect expression... Plus, of course, that Roflmao guy was askin' about vignettes like this, so.... :-) Feel free to confirm or deny, I am done voting on this one...
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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