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midnight in the garden
midnight in the garden
grigrigirl


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Self-Portrait III (Advanced Editing IV)
Camera: Nikon D100
Location: my home
Date: Feb 10, 2005
Date Uploaded: Feb 10, 2005

 I took this the day I found out about the death of my friend Mikael. I processed it with him in mind. I guess It turned out a bit sinister because everything surrounding his death feels sinister. He may not even have a proper funeral and it is beyond my control. So I suppose this is my personal expression for acknoweledging his existence and his death. Following are a few of his words about himself. I will miss him...


The colours of my Why's For the eyes of the believer, A Poet who illustrates light with blue eyes, like the Blue skies tangled colours in Brine and Sea, deeply spiritual and profoundly philosophic, noble, elegant, affectionate with an athletic terrain. But which all that that of is worth is left the conception to believe in my same one of this form: I believe in my forms, in my paths of experience those that hurt but that fruits render. I believe in the footpath of the truth, the difficult footpath. I believe in my core, that portion seized of me. I believe in my words and phrases ,my manners and my deeds . I believe in who I am and, therefore, in who in spite of the defeats I do not have intentions to let be. I believe in my dream, in the magnificent dream that I will continue constructing until I do not have left more forces to believe. I believe in the destiny, my history, my steps and my experience. I believe in my desire to give and I believe in a wonderful world that it hopes to receive my drop of affections.I believe in the friendship, the kisses, rain, the smiles and the secrets. I believe in my effort to grow, my desire to grow. I believe in the life, and the magic with which it touches all things. I believe in the destiny and in a future that compensates for those who confront the challenge of being faithful to themselves. I believe in me; mainly I believe in me when I fall, when I do not have forces, when the wind blows and my candles yield. I continue believing in holding and returning with all my forces to follow and to continue believing, and to continue walking, and to continue living. I believe in the feelings that can be of every day a different sunny. And of course, I believe in the love and that indescriptible way to be unemployed before the life, in that intrepid way to make pass the time, in that so dangerous form and simultaneously so exciting, to have the Open heart.

Statistics
Place: 20 out of 247
Avg (all users): 6.5932
Avg (commenters): 8.2105
Avg (participants): 6.3203
Avg (non-participants): 6.8402
Views since voting: 5281
Views during voting: 744
Votes: 322
Comments: 62
Favorites: 17 (view)

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AuthorThread
 01/26/2007 01:46:18 AM
Dear grigrigirl, I love your portfolio, your self-portrait, and most of all of them, this picture and the comments you add... You are close to everyone who has respect for others.
Regards
FrancoisB
//FrancoisB.book.fr
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 12/20/2005 06:59:59 PM
..........Powerful
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/30/2005 12:41:45 AM
What a stunning tribute in photo and words. The shot does not appear sinister to me at all. Maybe mysterious would describe it better for me. I love the softness and the upswing of the eyes. From the nose up, it reminds me of the actor, Elijah Wood.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/29/2005 10:15:25 PM
This would have to be one of my favourite self portraits on this web site! Outstanding.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/07/2005 09:51:44 AM
this is so good!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/07/2005 07:13:52 AM
My son said the girl resembles Froto Baggins of LOTR's. I must agree. And I love the photo (as is) obviously your eye saw something of death and of life. I wouldn't suggest any changes at all.

Cryptic.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/07/2005 01:12:18 AM
Wonderous things happen going through someone's portfolio.
Clicked on this thumbnail and had no idea what I was in for.

Not sure many portraits on this site, or anywhere else for that matter, have caused so many mixed emotions. Had chills for a second, then felt a warmth, followed by a trance of sorts. Then sat and stared.
As read your comments section, I was deeply moved and can't even begin to describe the overall experience.

Amazing work Julia!

An instant favorite and will be back to revist often!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/06/2005 07:00:55 PM
A very impressive photo. I don't find it to be a bit sinister, but mystical and hypnotic. I find the softness of the photo really adds to show the emotions you must be feeling.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/05/2005 04:59:15 PM
grief is a dangerous muse, but perhaps not as bad as self pity. you have captured what is such a vibrant part of what photography does best- taking a real emotion and making it live beyond the exposure- much like our memories and feelings live beyond the subject's life. very nice.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/21/2005 11:48:15 AM
i love it. you are so beautiful!<<< jillien
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/21/2005 08:31:03 AM
I thought this one was yours, Julia.
It's hypnotic. I wouldn't say sinister, but there is something about it that keeps me restless.
The very warm colors against the cold, marble-like feel of the skin, the over-saturated look of the eyes, the weird looking shadows...

not everything of your friend's words were clear to me, but just one short and very simple sentence of it is enough for a life time:
"I believe in the friendship, the kisses, rain, the smiles and the secrets".

Shouldn't we all?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/21/2005 05:23:41 AM
This is so beautiful and very emotional. God bless your friend and you for caring so much. I admire this shot very much.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/21/2005 12:31:59 AM
peace, julia.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/20/2005 08:34:40 PM
if this had been in the ribbons, i would have gotten all my picks. lovely shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/20/2005 07:41:31 PM
Congratulations on your top 20 finish. This image is magical.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
02/20/2005 06:14:01 PM
Those striking eyes remind me of National Geographic's famous portrait of the Afghan girl, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks so. I do wish the focus was a bit sharper- all the crisp detail seems to be in the hair.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/20/2005 06:03:39 PM
I love this photo. My top pick. Did you use a layer without the eyes to apply blur?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/20/2005 02:31:57 PM
Absolutely wonderful! From the alluring eyes to the soft skin tones to the dark detail in the hair.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/20/2005 12:17:08 PM
Great 10+
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/20/2005 10:45:23 AM
Eyes are great. More detail in hair would be good.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/20/2005 10:40:51 AM
Coooooool...really spooky and intense. I enjoy how the eyes are different colors and I like the overall softness that is sharp where it needs to be...almost like you did that on purpose...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/20/2005 07:19:15 AM
It's really soft looking, maybe a little too soft, but your eyes look stunning. You did a very good job, and I hope this picture does well.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/20/2005 06:51:02 AM
Even from a thumbnail size, it is obvious that this is a grat shot. Nice soft focus, concentration on your eyes, and shadow highlights. Nicely done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/20/2005 04:13:11 AM
Great shot, I love the soft focus and the blue eyes
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/19/2005 08:43:38 PM
i like the softening of the face and the placing of the face in the corner. the eyes are mesmerizing.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/19/2005 12:15:33 PM
Very artistic take. The eyes are haunting and the overall glow is a nice finish. Bumping up!

Returning Again. This keeps haunting me from the thumnail. Ok, you win, bumping from 8 to 10. Please don't haunt me :-) Very nice....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/18/2005 01:53:50 PM
This one definitely had the most striking thumbnail. But it's purposeful slight blurriness - especially of the eyes which would make the photo extraordinary - is its ruin. When eyes are lit so extraordinarily, we'd like at least one to be in focus. It's like going to an expensive French restaurant where everyone is eating the best cuisine the world has to offer and being served a bowl of Instant Oatmeal.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/18/2005 07:26:12 AM
great picture-
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/18/2005 06:14:56 AM
Awesome eyes. I hope you don´t take this the wrong way but when I viewed the thumbnail and before seeing the whole image in this size I immediately thought of Elijah Wood as Frodo. I know the soft focus is intentional but it doesn´t really appeal to me though but everything else I like about this shot, good use of light. Keep up the good work.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/17/2005 11:57:21 AM
Amazing shot. hypnotic eyes.
I love the marble feel of the skin.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/17/2005 10:35:41 AM
wow, this is an awesome portait picture, NICE WORK!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/17/2005 06:51:01 AM
Oooh those eyes! Beautifully executed must do well
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/17/2005 04:31:13 AM
A very cool and complete effect which conjures mystery and drama off the gate. Very smart to allow the hair drape and support the great face angle. Bumping up.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/16/2005 06:08:25 PM
Now I know where your daughter's beautiful eyes came from :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/16/2005 04:34:35 PM
Nice shot, beautiful eyes
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/16/2005 02:53:10 PM
Quite striking - excellent composition. I love how it seems you are just peeking around the corner.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/16/2005 01:29:02 PM
Fantastic comp - 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/16/2005 05:34:16 AM
same eyes as in pink challenge !! very cool :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/16/2005 04:28:23 AM
Beautiful haunting eyes. They really grab your attention. I love the processing of this shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/15/2005 06:32:42 PM
Just a tad 'to processed' for my tastes. Wonder what the eyes would have looked like naturally. Like the composition. Good job.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/15/2005 03:53:10 PM
Stunning.......wow.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/15/2005 03:21:56 PM
Overprocessed, lacking that " you could cut yourself on it" sharpness that is the measure of good work here at DPC. Of course the result is a highly personal and lovely image that hints at intimacy. I hope it ribbons 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/15/2005 02:06:33 PM
This would have been full marks if the focus on the eyes and not on the hair as the eys I feel should be slightly more prominent. I feel that you have shot this to show the eyes and give a slightly less sharp view on the rest of the face. Nice eyes though none the less...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/15/2005 01:58:19 PM
Very cool. Nice tones. Great eyes.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/15/2005 10:41:20 AM
Visually this is very appealing. The effect in the eyes almost makes them look like glass. The softness looks great on the face and the little bits of light in your hair is a nice touch. 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/14/2005 09:07:16 PM
Nice effect.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/14/2005 05:00:14 PM
creative take on the challenge
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/14/2005 04:43:34 PM
Very nice! great comp!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/14/2005 03:07:24 PM
Your eyes..........really pull me in.Great diagonal crop, love the hair. The processing works well with the lighting. Good luck with this captivating portrait.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/14/2005 02:54:45 PM
Where'd all the wrinkes go Julia?

Mwahaha >:-)

...


Just joking :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/14/2005 02:05:07 PM
Very nice. Those eyes do something for me. 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/14/2005 02:01:27 PM
stunning pic,i like it a lot ,well done
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/14/2005 12:17:07 PM
WOW!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/14/2005 10:40:46 AM
what eyes.
(I bet you get that all the time.)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/14/2005 09:38:28 AM
my favorite of the challenge (i would give it a 10 if i could vote)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/14/2005 05:53:29 AM
Extremely creative postprocessing, and excellent composition. Great work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/14/2005 12:07:33 AM
Penetrating! Love it!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/13/2005 11:06:04 PM
pretty
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/13/2005 08:55:55 PM
oh, gooood title. :) very cool processing, and you have the most astounding eyes ever!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/13/2005 07:51:42 PM
It's scary...i think it's the processing and the eye coloring...but you somehow look like Elijah Wood from LOTR. lol. Great portrait. One of the best I've seen so far.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/13/2005 07:38:07 PM
Photo fits the title. A powerful image!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/13/2005 07:25:41 PM
I really dig the color in your eyes...very nice touch
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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