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dwterry


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Free Study 2007-04 (Expert Editing*)
Camera: Canon EOS-5D
Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Location: LaVerkin, Ut
Date: Apr 6, 2007
Aperture: f/8
ISO: 100
Shutter: 1/160
Galleries: Portraiture, Studio
Date Uploaded: Apr 7, 2007

Wow... I'm speechless. With only minimal editing in an Expert Editing challenge, I was so sure that this image would not ribbon. My daughter called shortly after rollover to tell me I got fourth place. I bought it hook-line-and-sinker.

Thanks to all the voters and especially the commenters. All of your comments are greatly appreciated!

--------------------------------

I was asked to show the un-edited image and the steps used for creating image. Although the steps involved are slightly more complex than I remembered (the editing was done over a month ago), the effects, as you can see, are minimal.

Here is the original:



Here is an unsharpened, unedited, 100% crop:




Editing steps included:

- Converted from raw using Adobe Lightroom

- Cloned out a small string hanging from her dress

- Added a small amount of gaussian blur to give it a little more of a "dreamy" look.

- Small amount of dodge and burn on the background to ensure focus is on the girl

- Cropped, reduced size, sharpened and added a border

As you can see, most of the real work was done "in camera" rather than photoshop. However, a small amount of PP was used to get the final image.

==============================

The first message in this thread gives a little bit of information about the lighting that was used.

Statistics
Place: 1 out of 573
Avg (all users): 7.3714
Avg (commenters): 8.6429
Avg (participants): 7.2258
Avg (non-participants): 7.7255
Views since voting: 11629
Views during voting: 348
Votes: 175
Comments: 98
Favorites: 73 (view)


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AuthorThread
04/01/2009 09:49:19 PM
i just have to say that this was the first portrait that i saw on DPC a year or two ago that really made my jaw drop! i had no idea then, how to create an image as stunning as this one. i can say i've gotten a little closer but none of my portraits compare to this. amazing image, congrats on such a great portrait.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
09/05/2007 02:26:11 PM
This is beautiful David I love your pretty model and the colours are just lovely Congrats on your Blue Ribbon Well deserved
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/20/2007 10:44:02 PM
dude! I had NO idea this was your photo, and i favorited it and everything! and when I was looking over your profile again today, i go, "wait, thats one of his photos?! My fellow Utahn?!" Congrats though that is way overdue, Im extremely pleased that this ribboned. Its a beautiful picture.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/10/2007 06:47:00 PM
This is so NICE. You're getting better and better. A favorite.:)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/04/2007 07:08:18 PM
Amazing....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/13/2007 07:40:29 PM
Congrats on the ribbon David. Long overdue, IMO. Enjoy the glow and then get back to work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/12/2007 05:41:32 PM
An image that dazzles in transporting the charm of the lovely subject. Congratulations on your BLUE!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/11/2007 01:59:48 PM
Wow, beauiful picture. Well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/10/2007 12:15:30 PM
really sweet shot. just adorable. congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/10/2007 06:04:58 AM
wow, just realised that this is your first ribbon. congrats and man is that a cute photo.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/10/2007 05:47:31 AM
delighted for you that you ribboned with this entry - beautiful composition and lighting and a great way to get your first ribbon. I also love the fact that it is very minimal editing.

Congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/09/2007 06:22:45 PM
Yup, stunning! Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/09/2007 03:34:56 PM
My Lord Terry! I was for sure this was photoshopped all over the place. You truly are a fantastic portrait artist. This is one to be admired!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/09/2007 10:28:59 AM
Great Work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/09/2007 06:05:10 AM
As always, gorgeous work.

Congrats
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/09/2007 05:57:21 AM
This is just beautiful! Congrats on the ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/09/2007 03:11:31 AM
Love everything about this portrait. Well deserved Blue ribbon, congratulations!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 09:01:55 PM
Congratulations. A very beautiful portrait. Ethereal.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 08:06:49 PM
Outstanding, she is a real cuties and you got it just right!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 03:45:56 PM
I really like this! Its great and it deserved a ribbon! Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 03:42:54 PM
Congratulations on a well desereved Blue with this gorgeous image! What wonderful work all around!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 02:27:16 PM
Congratulations on such a beautiful image and you captured her sweetness just perfectly.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 11:58:16 AM
This is such an amazing portrait. This was my top pick for blue. Very well deserved!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 10:51:02 AM
That's beautiful! I have to add it to faves!!! Great job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 10:30:32 AM
Outstanding portraiture...definitely deserving of the blue ribbon. Congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 08:01:55 AM
Beautiful work David. Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 07:29:31 AM
What a beautiful picture, definitely deserves the blue! Congrats!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 07:10:22 AM
Congrats Dave on such an outstanding entry in such a tough challenge. Beautiful work and I love it that you used minimal editing. Well done friend.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 05:24:18 AM
Very deserving Blue! Congrats! Your daughter will love this one printed poster-size!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 05:17:55 AM
Congratulations on the very deserving blue, this is just beautiful.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 05:16:21 AM
A stunning portrait of a little beauty. Congratulations on your well deserved Blue.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 04:58:40 AM
Just wonderful, congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 04:54:21 AM
Congrats on this beautiful portrait!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 04:36:40 AM
Wow, this is beautiful! :-O
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 04:35:12 AM
Stunning!!! Congrats on the blue! It is much deserved for this lovely shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 04:26:44 AM
Congrats! This is a darling portrait!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 04:24:36 AM
This was definately one of my favorites so congrats to you!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 04:19:16 AM
Wow! What else can you say -- its awesome that it didn't take so much photoshop pizzaz to win this competition! This one sure didn't need it! Mega congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 04:10:07 AM
DAVE! Way to go, a very deserving 1st place and 1st ribbon. Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 03:42:09 AM
Great job David, I'm thrilled for ya!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 03:37:58 AM
beautiful shot. Congratulations on first place!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 02:37:45 AM
Well done David...I didn' get through voting on all the images and so I missed this. WOW great job and a huge effort to finish first in almost 600 images. Congrats
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 02:19:06 AM
Well done, David. Well deserved indeed.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 02:12:57 AM
Inspiring work. nice one. and congrats.

We need details!!! Setup, lighting etc.. come on, give us the sauce!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 01:58:25 AM
Congrats! This is absolutely beautiful!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 01:44:56 AM
Congrats on the well deserved blue. This is an inspiring image.
The setup is stunning ... Love the floor :)
Way to go David!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 01:27:40 AM
stunning portrait! and congrats on the ribbon
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 12:53:57 AM
This is absolutely lovely, the colour, tones and lighting, not to mention your gorgeous daughter. Well done.

Message edited by author 2007-05-08 04:55:00.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 12:33:01 AM
YAY!! GOOD FOR YOU!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/08/2007 12:31:05 AM
Congratulations
It's like an old postcard
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 11:00:15 PM
Congratulations on your first ribbon David! Well deserved.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 10:48:31 PM
DUDE!!!! :D
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 10:06:59 PM
I would LOVE to see your original image. I have been trying to explore better ways of editing portraits and this is so beautiful. I would love to know how you achieved this look
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 09:54:04 PM
Well deserved David, and about time too!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 09:49:27 PM
David! Wonderful shot and a great image to initiate you into the ribbon club. Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 09:47:23 PM
David, congrats on the ribbon with this excellent photo. I love it!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 09:33:12 PM
congrats on the blue! This is gorgeous!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 09:27:12 PM
My only 10, very happy to see it win blue ribbon congratulations :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 09:23:56 PM
Beautiful portrait and the colors are superb. I also like how her face is the brightest. I do however think that placement of the hands could be better as her left hand blocks a good part of her lips and seems a bit awkward, and the right shows the back of her hand. Still, an exceptional image. Congratulations on your first ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 09:20:54 PM
Congrats on your first Ribbon. WTG.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 09:16:07 PM
yea David!!! it's about time! :0D
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 09:14:17 PM
so soft and beautiful! congrats!!:)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 09:14:02 PM
Wow, beautiful image! Congrats on your first ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 09:06:39 PM
Nice job David, congrats on your first Blue with this beautiful shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:58:19 PM
Oh WOW!! Totally gorgeous! Congrats on your well deserved blue David!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:58:10 PM
Wow Dave! Great job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:54:43 PM
Congrats David. It's about time!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:52:14 PM
It's about time, and what a lovely piece to grace your profile page.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:44:33 PM
David! Congratulations on your first ribbon, dude. Lovely image and well deserved finish. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:42:11 PM
Beautiful! I didnt see this in voting but I am pleased you got the Blue Ribbon
Lovely model and nice work
Congrats
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:24:06 PM
Well deserved ribbon!!! Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:18:41 PM
Great David! I was surprised to see this was your first ribbon--it was overdue given your talent!

Congratulations!!!!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:13:03 PM
Beautiful...congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:05:35 PM
looooooooong overdue bud. great job@!! been waiting on one of these from you.

keep up the good work
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:04:24 PM
Congrats..What a beautiful image!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:02:33 PM
he shoots and he scooooores!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:02:31 PM
congrats david!!!!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:02:19 PM
"WOW"..... Your first "Blue" ribbon.....

Actually your first ribbon of any kind, and so overdue in IMO.....

This is just a really excellent shot in everyway, and absolutely magical..... C.O.N.G.R.A.T.U.L.A.T.I.O.N.S.

Message edited by author 2007-05-08 00:05:29.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 08:01:43 PM
wooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
05/07/2007 05:09:27 PM
How sweet. I love the colors. IMO the lighting on the bow is a bit harsh but that may be my sensitive eyes. Very pretty.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 02:52:42 PM
Simply Beautiful, my pick for the blue! 10 & a fav.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/07/2007 07:56:01 AM
aww
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/05/2007 07:29:22 PM
GORGEOUS portrait! And she's a doll! Love the pointed toes in ballet shoes...Bumping up...
~10~

hope you ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/05/2007 04:56:04 PM
Awesome colors and light! WEll done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/05/2007 01:27:30 AM
wow, beautiful lighting and i'm sure you have done this little girl justice!
There really isn't much to fault in this one.....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/04/2007 03:38:31 PM
What a cutie! Beautiful softness and sweetness in this shot. Very nicely done. Back to bump you up to 9.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/04/2007 10:15:33 AM
So beautiful!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/04/2007 05:24:39 AM
The lighting in this photo is fantastic...a very stunning photo over all. Great job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/03/2007 05:41:12 PM
What a gorgeous portrait! Beautiful colors & lighting, and the little girl is adorable. 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/03/2007 02:18:43 PM
Lovely.
And great textures in the BG
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/03/2007 02:12:13 PM
Fantastic portrait. Composition, expression, lighting, editing...you name it, all right on point. I keep looking for something wrong and can't find anything...aka 10.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/03/2007 02:23:19 AM
Fantastic portrait, good luck.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/02/2007 07:19:07 PM
too cute & too good - my first reaction was, "You're kidding me!" - well directed & captured << 9 >>
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/02/2007 12:34:46 PM
Very studio finish like the colors....8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/01/2007 03:48:51 PM
wow splendid lighting
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/01/2007 12:18:27 PM
Beautiful ballerina! Great job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/01/2007 11:21:07 AM
8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/01/2007 09:55:20 AM
explicit 10. good work! Lighting, expression, and BG works great.
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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