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IreneM


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Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Your Occupation III (Advanced Editing VII)
Collection: Portfolio
Camera: Nikon D700
Lens: Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f2.8D
Location: My kitchen
Date: Aug 9, 2008
Aperture: f14
ISO: 200
Shutter: 1/60 s
Galleries: Still Life, Black and White
Date Uploaded: Aug 10, 2008

 OMG! How wonderful!! THANKS for the ribbon, the super comments and the great score (my first vote was a 10 and that has never happened before (thanks Jaime JaimeVinas for that and the comment).
The idea I had for this challenge was five, then six sheets of paper stapled together on one side flowing into a big old stapler. The lighting was a pain and I wasn’t really satisfied, even after doing a couple of hour long sessions. If I got the stapler good the paper looked crap and vice versa. Here’s an outtake

So I gave up the idea and decided to try something using the stapled paper and a white pen. Opened the pages with five on one side and one on the other lay the pen on it and…BINGO! Loved the composition at first sight. I ended up doing a load of shots before I was satisfied and in the meantime, I had the pages lying on top of some stacked printer paper. I thought this gave it a more businesslike look and made it less “artsy” looking.
Deb dsterner commented about “replicating cool shots” but this image just sort of evolved from my original idea and, although I know there are many paper/pen images, this is definitely my own interpretation and not a replicate.

O.k., I must tell you something. I bought a Nikon D700 the day before the challenge started and this image was from the very first batch I did with it.
I had NO intentions of buying anything at all when we went into our local camera shop, my husband only wanted to check out a second-hand lens they had in the window and I was just standing there waiting on him.
The shop owner (shifty devil ;-) walked past me and said “try this camera out while you’re waiting”. He’d put the 50mm/f1.4 lens onto it, so I did a couple of test shots in the shop with 1600 ISO. Also did a couple from the fairly dark shop out into the street. I was so impressed with the handling, the noise management and the accurate colours, I couldn’t get the camera out of my mind when we left the shop. After we got home I told my husband the D700 will be my next camera but I’d have to sell the D2X first. He said (quick as a flash) that he’d buy the D2X off me (I knew he’d had his eye on it since I got it ;-)
So... we made the deal and went straight back to the shop and I bought the D700. I’m totally in love with it – it’s a great camera.
Now I know I could have made this image with my D50 (or probably any camera) but the D700 is a gem to use and I’ve done plenty of testing with it this first week (done around 2000 shots) and I’m still very impressed. I’ve even been outside doing some photography (who’d have thought it? ;-)...

Statistics
Place: 1 out of 98
Avg (all users): 7.4091
Avg (commenters): 8.7941
Avg (participants): 7.6981
Avg (non-participants): 7.3034
Views since voting: 11717
Views during voting: 464
Votes: 198
Comments: 96
Favorites: 31 (view)

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AuthorThread
 08/29/2008 07:48:13 PM
You lucky thing you I wish I could afford a camera like that
No way living on a pension but I am so pleased for you and you always get such great shots Keep them coming
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/24/2008 03:34:29 AM
Congratulations on a well deserved ribbon! Excellent shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/20/2008 11:21:18 PM
Originally posted by yanko:
Irene Fun Fact #2: Super Woman

Irene started out a house of fire winning in her very first challenge at DPC and picking up her second in just her 4th challenge. However, afterwards something happened. For some unknown reason she lost her powers. 45 challenges went by without Irene on the front page. DPC nearly collapsed as it slipped into a dark age. Then like a beacon of light she re-emerges and the Irene Dynasty begins and continues to this day.

Still people (i.e. me) question what truly happened. Why did she lose her powers? One person (i.e. me) wonders if it had something to do with her time on the Outcasts team back in the WPL/DPL days. Their captain (i.e. me) would have welcomed all those ribbons during those hard fought weeks the team had against it's bitter rivals. Surely they would have won multiple championships during that time if only Irene had worn the cape she wears now. The world (i.e. me) will never forgive her for this.

:P

My dear Outcasts Captain... in the "lost my powers" phase I was watching and learning ;-) AND don't forget I saved our asses by winning with this little beauty during the most critical end phase of the WPL which gave me/us my highest score to date, so don't be too hard on me :P
 08/20/2008 08:51:56 PM
So friggin amazing!!!

I <3 it!!!

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/20/2008 04:29:32 PM
Irene Fun Fact #2: Super Woman

Irene started out a house of fire winning in her very first challenge at DPC and picking up her second in just her 4th challenge. However, afterwards something happened. For some unknown reason she lost her powers. 45 challenges went by without Irene on the front page. DPC nearly collapsed as it slipped into a dark age. Then like a beacon of light she re-emerges and the Irene Dynasty begins and continues to this day.

Still people (i.e. me) question what truly happened. Why did she lose her powers? One person (i.e. me) wonders if it had something to do with her time on the Outcasts team back in the WPL/DPL days. Their captain (i.e. me) would have welcomed all those ribbons during those hard fought weeks the team had against it's bitter rivals. Surely they would have won multiple championships during that time if only Irene had worn the cape she wears now. The world (i.e. me) will never forgive her for this.

:P

Message edited by author 2008-08-20 20:31:06.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/20/2008 11:39:20 AM
hmphf
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/20/2008 10:28:52 AM
It`s very nice actually it `s better then that.Graphicly it s ecellent.I like the Idea to do it in black and white.Harvey Sherman mrhsherman@yahoo.com
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/20/2008 01:16:24 AM
10/10! Great shot I absolutly love it! Fav
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/19/2008 09:22:34 PM
Congratulations on your ribbon! I hope you keep using your new D700 and put that D50 somewhere safe, like the back of the closet. :P
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/19/2008 12:53:54 PM
Without knowing, the object looked like some sort of an eyeball. It's really an eyeball point pen. What no waterdrops? Maybe at least an ink drop. Congratulations on the prize (you gave yourself), a new camera.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/19/2008 12:45:29 PM
Congratulations Irene :)
I thought the image was inverted then I saw the little portion at the bottom. If it was so I'd call this my favorite inverted image. You almost got me there.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/19/2008 08:29:41 AM
A hard worker photographer :)
Big congrat on blue.......lovely curves.Congrats hugzzzzzzz
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/19/2008 07:52:21 AM
Oh.....you're breaking my heart with the D700 story.....sob!

I was using your laundry list of fabulous shots with the D50 as my reason for holding out against the ever-present onslaught of progress.

Now you go and show me this blue ribbon out of the first batch!!

I'm going to have to cry myself to sleep!

Oh.....and congrats, dammit!.....8>)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 09:45:31 PM
You can just tell, that's an Irenem shot. Very very nice shot, also gratz on the D700!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 06:04:55 PM
So, Irene, am I to take from this image, that your trapped in an office, that's close to a flower shop where they put long grass in with the flowers, not to mention the dried out leaf, there must be a pile of them around, so I'll look for children playing in a pile of leaves, then there's the reference to an office again, (oh I think I'm getting close,) next to a bar that serves a flaming martini, where you can also get coffee with lumps of sugar, and the wait staff will torch your ice cubes if there to large for your glass, all the while their packing up your newly purchased Cds in a finely lite cardboard box, as they tickle you with a feather because you complained about finding dandelion seeds floating in your water.

I think I'm getting close to solving the mystery of where that tyrant has you hid, I just hope I'm not too late.

I see that he has tried to woo you with a new trinket, don't fall for the smoke and mirrors, he's a tricky one but I'll get you out, don't give up hope, Irene I'm getting closer.

MAX!

YOU ROCK THE HOUSE Irene.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 04:32:07 PM
I am just in AWE of, not only the technical side of things, with your amazing images, but also the simple ideas that you come up with, and execute them so perfectly.

Pure magic in every image, that you present to each challenge, that you enter.

I am also a huge fan of the 'square crop', as most people know.

CONGRATULATIONS Irene, and once again, you have added another ribbon winning image, to your portfolio.

You 'ROCK' girl.....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 03:43:09 PM
OMG what another blue? Surely you don't want yet another boring ol' ribbon cluttering up your profile now, do you? ;-)

Seriously, if you're ever selling any of your old Nikons, drop me a line...hell I have German citizenship too, I'll even fly over to get it!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 02:18:47 PM
Lovely. A d700 eh. Are we sure you're not getting paid by dpc for all these ribbons? Continued success and praise!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 12:30:54 PM
I am going to ask the SC to drug test you! I think your taking performance enhancing substances! Only joking - what and amazing run you are having. Another fantastic photograph. Well done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 10:43:27 AM
this reminds me of one my old shots:
though yours is far superior, ofcourse. congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 10:36:50 AM
Great image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 10:05:38 AM
Skillful and lovely.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 08:49:54 AM
Big congrat on another blue, Irene! Tell me ho much you are enjoying the full frame....I boil with jealousy! LOL!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 08:09:28 AM
oops, you did it again :). Congrats on your new camera, I am envious
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 07:52:23 AM
absolutly fantastic,well deserved 1st.top class
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 06:51:46 AM
Congrats on your ribbon! I really like the tones and design quality in this, definitely a winner.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 06:47:10 AM
Irene discovered the Sweet Spot of DPC... and it's like learning how to ride bicycle... Once you learned, that's it, you never forget :P

I hate myself (again) saying this, but.... keep up the good work
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 06:09:15 AM
A D700? Nobody else is ever going to win anything again! ;-)

Oh...the image is great, too. Nicely lit and composed. Perfect. I racked my brain all week to come up with something for my job, but couldn't find a monkey to put in my cube. You aced it with a job that's even harder to represent.

Congrats on both!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 05:52:56 AM
This one had IreneM written all over it...Congrats on another excellent image and the Blue.

Amazing level of detail, fantastic use of shadow and texture, one of two 10s I gave out during voting.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 05:04:44 AM
I had assumed that Techo was a clerk, since I've always admired this of his: *smile*

I'm not surprised that it's you, though.

Congrats (again). :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 04:52:18 AM
you da best! Who? You!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 04:48:50 AM
Congratulations to both: your new toy and the blue ribbon.
Great work.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 04:41:31 AM
Stunning Irene and congrats on your new baby--why couldn't you have just bought a point and shoot and given us a chance ;-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 03:54:35 AM
Very techo style done perfectly, congrats on the D700
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 01:44:14 AM
Whooooot! Congrats on your blue AND the D700 :D What a great week!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/18/2008 01:37:07 AM
It's a pen!
(I scratched my head trying to figure out what it was - looked like an eye)
Congrats on yet another blue ribbon Irene!

My only nit here is that it lacks soul. Creative, beautifully composed & lit, but it's sterile (to me anyway)
Come on out in the real world and take snapshots with the rest of us - lol.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 11:54:45 PM
Might have known ;^).
This was my fave. Beautiful tones.
Well done Irene. I think it's time you were banned. ;-)
Nice to see you have gone full frame.
If you ever want to borrow the 200-400 just pop round.
B

Message edited by author 2008-08-18 03:55:50.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 10:52:18 PM
what an abstract! lovely curves.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 10:48:02 PM
Congrats on your new toy and the highest rated shot with it (probably will only last a week or two til you improve it) and, of course, on your blue ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 10:15:54 PM
Congrats on your first ribbon! ..this week, I mean. ;-) Just razzin - loved this, gave it a 10.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 10:13:41 PM
Congratulations on your blue ribbon!! It's a perfect shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 09:18:31 PM
Congratulations Irene! This is an amazing image with a very unique and artistic aproach.
Edit: Congrats on your new camera!!

Message edited by author 2008-08-18 01:22:36.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 09:18:07 PM
Fantastic Irene fantastic!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 09:09:54 PM
Congrats Irene,....
I think we must ban you from using nikon D700 and above.
From now on, you can only use D40!!!!!!!!
Ha!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 09:07:51 PM
Awesome Irene, Congrats!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 08:49:20 PM
A W E S O M E win again for you Irene, with a brilliant image, done your way, and your style.....

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S..........
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 08:22:04 PM
Congratulations Irene picked this as a top 3, Now I have sold all my gear, what hope do we have against your new investment.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 08:19:54 PM
OH CRAP!!! We are all DOOOOMED! Congrats on the camera and the ribbon. Scott
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 08:18:38 PM
Love the flawless gradient in each sheet. Amazing macro, congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 08:17:27 PM
This site is slowly turning into the "DPIrene Challenge" :)

Congratulations!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 08:07:43 PM
LoL what did I say? What did I say? I said it in the comments. You are on a roll!!
Grats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 08:06:24 PM
I got a "shout out" in your comments!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 08:06:11 PM
Irenechallenge wins again! and now you have the D700!...no one will come close to your achievements. Congrats on the image Irene, and the new camera (he says JEALOUSLY!) Enzo
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 08:06:01 PM
I should have known...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 08:04:14 PM
I suspected this was you because it looks very similar to your 7.no entry. Great job, and my favorite from that challenge!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 08:04:13 PM
Originally posted by dsterner:
nice shot, but i think it has been used a couple times in challenges. If you are like me and try to replicate cool shots - well done! I'll vote on that idea to keep you in a nice score range ;)

I had no idea you were being you!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 08:04:01 PM
Congratulations!! Beautiful composition,POV & lighting.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/17/2008 08:03:06 PM
ok this is just getting ridiculous! stop this blatant display of talent right this instant!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
08/17/2008 06:15:57 PM
This one will score high. Oh, heck. I gave it an 8, but I'm changing it to a 9.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/16/2008 02:45:18 PM
Wonderful lighting and composition
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/15/2008 08:59:58 PM
Not so original, still amazing
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/15/2008 07:02:58 PM
Great looking shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/14/2008 09:49:29 PM
Absolutely gorgeous. Goes straight into my favorites. Beautiful and simple. I'm blown away. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/14/2008 04:01:51 PM
simple, elegant - outstanding interpretation of the challenge - you make clerk 'sexy'
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/14/2008 11:20:56 AM
Good concept, very creative!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/13/2008 01:12:27 PM
nice shot, but i think it has been used a couple times in challenges. If you are like me and try to replicate cool shots - well done! I'll vote on that idea to keep you in a nice score range ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/13/2008 12:53:08 PM
this looks like am IreneM photo, even if not is a good entry...8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/13/2008 10:56:15 AM
Very interesting shot, great lines, detail and tone... 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/13/2008 10:34:16 AM
Visually SUPERB, and full marks for that. The link to an occupation I find a bit tenuous though.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/13/2008 03:37:00 AM
Nice
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/13/2008 01:57:18 AM
Lovely!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/12/2008 12:58:39 PM
one of my top three.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/12/2008 11:26:54 AM
"..and Ribbon WInner" :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/12/2008 09:25:05 AM
Perfect way to photograph a boring(right?) job. just perfect!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/12/2008 05:58:35 AM
Striking image. My pick for the blue.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/12/2008 05:40:49 AM
very wicked take on the most used and boring shot 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 09:58:04 PM
Love the abstract idea, and the lovely processing.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 09:39:43 PM
Wonderful shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 08:14:27 PM
Awesome photo!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 05:36:54 PM
Very nice 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 03:46:35 PM
fabulous idea for a photo. just lovely-10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 02:13:11 PM
awesome! love this...has a great abstract look 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 01:48:12 PM
Brilliant lines and contrasts 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 09:55:20 AM
Love the tone here.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 09:15:49 AM
Beutiful. One of the ribbons I think 9 from me
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 07:14:16 AM
WOW! Very abstract and fantastic shapes.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 06:23:23 AM
aaah, Irene-Style!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 05:44:49 AM
nice textures and comp.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 03:43:39 AM
Great macro. I like the abstractness of it. Well done. 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 01:35:02 AM
IreneM?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 01:21:48 AM
Wonderful! A great study of geometries (8)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/11/2008 12:51:16 AM
Superb!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/10/2008 09:48:57 PM
B R I L L I A N T, just totally brilliant.......... 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/10/2008 08:45:42 PM
This has got to be yours Remb. Wonderful picture, I'd give you a 10 but I am in this challenge, so, I am not voting.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/10/2008 08:28:18 PM
Techo? Or a masterful imitation.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/10/2008 08:06:18 PM
Let me Guess? Irene? Geez if so, I expect another ribbon woman! :P
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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