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Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Portrait in Landscape Orientation (Advanced Editing IV*)
Collection: Favorites - Ribbons
Camera: Canon EOS-20D
Lens: Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon
Location: Easton, CT
Date: Oct 30, 2006
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 100
Shutter: 1/125
Galleries: Portraiture, Black and White
Date Uploaded: Oct 31, 2006

 I had zero inspiration this week. I went out and took some decent landscapes of fall foliage, but nothing special. I was planning to shoot an adorable local girl over the weekend, but she was called away at the last minute. Bummer.

With Halloween on Tuesday, my last chance would be to get something Monday night after a birthday party. I gathered my studio lights, a chair and my youngest daughter... and set out to take the best darn portrait I possibly could. No clever concept or quirky twist, just whatever I could muster on pure technicals. Mission accomplished! I'll have to wait to see what others think, but I must have stared at this image 200 times today. Win or lose, I am SOOOO proud of this shot! :-D

With no creativity to lean on, lighting and processing were crucial. I put a brolly box on the left side, a white umbrella monolight on the right side, and held a big gold reflector up to her face with my free hand. The lens was wide open to blur the background wallpaper, so I kept the lights at the lowest power setting.

Processing: First, I ran the Luko Unsharp Mask routine that Librodo favors and boosted the color with channel mixer. I dodged the eyes, burned the background and cloned out stray hairs. A little Noise Ninja to soften the background, but I used a History Brush to remove it from the face and hair. More light dodge & burn, then cropped. Just as a "what if...," I used Channel Mixer to convert to grayscale, then colorized for a slight tone. I had a really tough time choosing between the color version and this one!

Yay! It ribboned! Pity it didn't make my top row though. I do NOT understand the 3 and 4 votes. How the heck would this be considered below average or not meeting the challenge in any way?

Interesting to note that my first 7+ score ever was in a portrait challenge, with the same model, same chair, same room... and virtually the same score! For a laugh, compare this shot to my very first DPC entry. ;-)

Statistics
Place: 3 out of 271
Avg (all users): 7.0683
Avg (commenters): 8.0476
Avg (participants): 6.7711
Avg (non-participants): 7.2169
Views since voting: 9059
Views during voting: 401
Votes: 249
Comments: 78
Favorites: 37 (view)

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AuthorThread
 10/27/2010 10:51:01 PM
Just stunning.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/11/2009 08:13:39 PM
Beautiful.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/04/2007 06:04:50 PM
I really like this picture. The expression in her face is wonderful, great capture and nice sepia.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/02/2007 04:38:53 PM
This photo is captivating, definitely one you should be proud of.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/02/2007 12:34:16 PM
perfection. She is adorable too.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/14/2006 06:02:13 AM
Sooo cute!!!!!! I love this photo!!!! You are good with all kinds of pictures, not only crazy ones!!!!! Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/12/2006 07:00:11 PM
Great job Shannon! Beautiful clarity & tones. Great expression too. Congrats & well done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/11/2006 11:52:34 AM
You have beautiful children and a wonderful talent to capture a special moment.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/10/2006 03:21:18 AM
3 and 4 votes are people who have no damn clue about phtography or try knock other people down to boost themselves up.

Woderfull shot!. I've been having some serious issues with lighting for my protrait shots. Everything turns out to be way to dark opn everyones computer. But on mine it looks fine...I thinkI need to figure out TTL.

Anyways, all this to say: great job and thanks for the detailed description on the lighting. It gives me a chance to improve on my protraits :)

Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/09/2006 11:46:25 PM
Congrats Shannon!! This really is a portrait to be proud of.......it's simply wonderful!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/09/2006 02:29:02 PM
This is one of the best child portraits on this site. Although you had a difficult choice, I think I would have chosen this one over the colour one, too.
Congratulations on yet another ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/09/2006 09:19:40 AM
Excellent lighting and a beautiful portrait. Congrats on winning the yellow ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/09/2006 05:45:33 AM
an absolutely beautiful portrait...and congratulations on winning with something entirely different form your trademark work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/09/2006 04:14:36 AM
Kudos for a terrific shot!

I don't understand a 3 or 4 vote on any level......too bad that if you wanted to, you couldn't protest an obviously wrong vote and if the voter cannot qualify his vote, it gets chucked.That'd probably be an administrative nightmare, though.

I like the chair in the back ground as it adds to the pic for me......since it's an antique, it just lends a little character to the frame.

I also have a beautiful young daughter who is a delight to photograph, very photogenic (my wife doesn't want her pic anywhere on the 'Net) and I can appreciate your joy in having your talents and daughter's beauty appreciated.

I have the same dilemma with the last portrai I shot of my daughter.....I cannot decide whether I like the B&W or the color version better!

Again, congrats on a beautiful shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 04:46:34 PM
Fantastic!! Congratulations on your ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 02:42:24 PM
Wonderful photo. This is going on my list of favorites. The expression on her face is lovely and the eyes adorable. Congratulations on this one and how in the world did you get 3 and 4 (or even 5 for that matter) scores I'll never understand.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 12:21:39 PM
Congratulations on a well deserved Ribbon with this wonderful portrait! Beautiful capture and presentation of this sweet face! Fantastic work as always,Shannon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 11:39:02 AM
Originally posted by saiphfire:
One thing I love about your shots is that you always give us a detailed description of how you took them. I wish everyone would take the extra seconds to do that.


I'll second that! I always enjoy reading your photographers comments, even on something as simple and as this photo. Your daughter has really grown up over the last 2 years compared to your first 7+ photo... we'll keep an eye out in 2008 for the same chair to see how much more she's grown! Congrats on the ribbon... well deserved! :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 10:56:19 AM
wonderful photo! glad u ribboned.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 10:52:08 AM
I am so in awe that a guy with no inspiration could turn out a masterpiece work of art like this! This is one of those photos that will be precious even when your daughter is grown with kids of her own. The ribon: just icing on the cake! Congratulations!

Message edited by author 2006-11-08 15:52:56.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 09:28:48 AM
Wonderful image, congrats on your ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 07:59:27 AM
Fantastic work. And there will always be cretins, it's the nature of "art appreciation". And too dark, uncalibrated monitors. As long as ya average over 7 across the challenge, what's to worry about?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 07:57:27 AM
You really nailed it this time Shannon. Great job as usual!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 07:29:53 AM
An absolute winner! I hadn't voted on this during the challenge, but I definitely would have scored it a 10. perfect in every way. You should be proud of this one.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 06:32:01 AM
Shannon, this is far and away the best photograph I've seen you enter. Thank you for proving you're more than just a clever dude with a camera. ;)

Bravo.

P

ps I'm a sucker for a good duotone, but the colour version is stellar too. tough choice.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 05:51:43 AM
Stunning. Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 05:34:46 AM
Beautiful model, perfect lighting, exposure, comp. Doesn't get any better than this. Should have been 1st.
Forgot...I love the catchlights!

Message edited by author 2006-11-08 10:35:28.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 05:28:23 AM
One thing I love about your shots is that you always give us a detailed description of how you took them. I wish everyone would take the extra seconds to do that.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 05:18:42 AM
Yes, those 3 & 4 votes are a travesty, and completely incomprehensible. This is why I refuse to believe the maxim, "The voters know best." :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 05:15:52 AM
You should be proud indeed, of a beautiful daughter and a superb job on this portrait - both B&W and color, but I think you chose right. Congratulations!! (and I don't get those low scores either).
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 04:59:06 AM
Great portrait and engagement with the subject.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 04:39:51 AM
Congratulations on your ribbon with this wonderful shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 04:34:50 AM
She's very cute. Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 04:18:42 AM
I think this is a beautiful photo. You did an exceptional job...you have inspired me to try!!! I have two beautiful daughters of my own...can't wait to get started.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 03:31:38 AM
You've got a beautiful daughter. Maybe someday I'll be able to get my girls to pose for me without pulling goofy faces... Maybe not.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 02:45:52 AM
This is such a stunner, I'm surprised it didn't get even higher.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 02:09:35 AM
Nice to see you place without pulling any clever tricks. Beautiful and honest portrait!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 01:20:57 AM
Na na na na naaaaaaaaa na, I kicked your ass :P

Seriously though, nice portrait and a very cute little lady, nice going Shannon, keep up the potrait work :D
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 01:14:16 AM
congratulations. the color version looks also great ...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/08/2006 12:43:00 AM
You made a wise choice going for this shot over the colour shot (although the colour shot is also a winner.)

Well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 10:01:36 PM
A strong favorite during the voting, so glad it placed on top. This sure is a photo to treasure.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 10:00:43 PM
Lovely. Congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 09:58:45 PM
sweet shot shannon, col version rocks too.
congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 08:59:36 PM
This is one of your best lit images and what a relaxed darling! Congratulations on your Yellow!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 08:38:24 PM
scalvert:"I was planning to shoot an adorable local girl over the weekend, but she was called away at the last minute. Bummer."

Why? With kids like that, you needed to shoot someone 'adorable'. Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 08:37:30 PM
Right into my favorites! Nice shot! Congratulations on the ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 08:34:06 PM
Congrats Sahnnon...your lighting is superb for this (nearly as good as mine ;-) )
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 08:31:25 PM
congrats. definetely prefer this version to the color.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 08:10:57 PM
Great shot...I wish I could master lighting like you have here!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 08:01:56 PM
congrats on 3rd!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 08:01:01 PM
Dude, it's *normal*

I'm impressed.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 07:45:53 PM
Shannon Calvert! I am so impressed and amazed and surprised and omg, I didn't know you were a portrait artist! Crap, now you beat me at everything! lol This is uber-impressive, sir. Great job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 07:37:57 PM
Congrats, Scalvert - it was tied for first in my book. Simply excellent work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 07:37:19 PM
She's a doll. Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/07/2006 07:29:48 PM
Hey, you did it! Congratulations! I like this one very much. She's so beautiful. In a couple years you're going to have to fight off Larus and others you know.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
11/07/2006 05:43:47 AM
Excellent use of lighting. The use of B/W really works on this photo. Well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/06/2006 11:38:59 PM
cute ... i like it!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/06/2006 06:28:01 PM
Great shot! I simply can't help but comment on ones this good. =)

Excellent lighting and control in eliminating distractions. Sharp focus, good crop, engaging human element.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/06/2006 03:34:06 PM
Sense Appeal-9
Layout-9
Creativity-8
Applied Techniques-9
Meets the Challenge-10
Average-9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/05/2006 08:26:28 PM
Stunning.....just stunning.....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/05/2006 12:41:55 PM
Terrific shot. I love the lighting and the color treatment.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/03/2006 04:14:49 PM
Very nice
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/03/2006 12:59:19 PM
Studio quality...I'm thinking top 10 for sure.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/03/2006 10:55:24 AM
Meets Challenge:2
Technical:1
Lighting:2
Content:1 (wish I couldn't see the chair in the background)
Opinion:2
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/02/2006 05:33:39 PM
Super photo, this was one of my handful of favorites on my first 'pass' through. Clean, crisp, sharp, nice tint and the eyes are wonderful. I'll be looking for this in the Top 5 (hope I don't jinx you)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/02/2006 02:46:53 PM
the eyes have it. nice shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/02/2006 11:07:56 AM
Absolutely stunning! The lighting is fantastic, the details are sharp (haven't NI'd the skin to plastic). You can see the young adult in this young lady coming out. Boy are you going to have your hands full when she grows up with all those young men knocking at the door. :D My top pick. Good luck (doubt you'll need it) in the challenge.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/02/2006 09:01:54 AM
Really nice picture! I like the tones, the expression, really cute model.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/02/2006 03:24:12 AM
i like this!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/02/2006 02:34:06 AM
gorgeous...absolutely stunning
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/01/2006 08:39:44 AM
Stunning photograph. Great lighting in the eyes. Great contrast. Nice lines with the arms. Great expression from the child. Picked to finish to 5.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/01/2006 06:50:45 AM
Nice lighting. It almost has a metallic sense to the duotone. I'd have her sitting in something other than the carved chair. The florette of it is a touch distracting. Nicely done overall.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/01/2006 06:20:51 AM
excellent lighting, how did you do this? I like this portrait a lot
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/01/2006 05:19:19 AM
Wow. What a beautiful portrait, and a beautiful girl. Perfect light, crop/framing, expression, duotone, down to the slightly out of focus and beautiful chair back. Deserves a 10.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/01/2006 04:55:02 AM
Just takes your breath away�fabulous
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/01/2006 02:53:38 AM
sweeto
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/01/2006 12:44:38 AM
well lit
well processed
nice portrait
6
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/31/2006 09:34:03 PM
Wonderful portrait. Nice work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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