Belly * by Canon DSLR Challenge


14-JUL-2005	Mikel Featherston

Canon EOS 20D ,Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM ,Canon Speedlite 580EX
1/30s f/1.4 at 50.0mm iso800 with Flash full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto

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Canon DSLR Challenge		01-Sep-2005 05:03
Sorry to disappoint, but on my monitor, the ragged line is still visible. The cure is in setting the black-point as per my earlier suggestion. --Olaf.dk

Mikel Featherston		31-Aug-2005 21:26
Thanks for all the comments! iso: it's all a learning process. Olaf: The ragged edge was an artifact created by the half-assed way I did the processing. Has it been cleared up for you in the latest copy?

iso3200		30-Aug-2005 07:49
Mike. This PP version is excellent. In fact the old version was good, but at least this one clears up any grey areas that some voters may have. Personally I prefer it, especially in the context we're playing in.

Canon DSLR Challenge		28-Aug-2005 11:26
The ragged line is not visible when I open this in Photoshop - damn Safari and how it interprets color profiles! Anyway, to be on the safe side, you could set the black-point to RGB=9,6,4, using Levels for example. This brings the darkest shadows of the skirt down to all black, without affecting the picture much otherwise. --Olaf.dk

Canon DSLR Challenge		28-Aug-2005 11:19
I looked at the image with the background detail in it again. I tried different techniques and am now 100% convinced that going all black is the best. That being said, on my monitor, I can see an unattrractive ragged line between black and almost black. A feather to your selection before filling with black would have been nicer... --Olaf.dk

Canon DSLR Challenge		28-Aug-2005 02:27
Mikel - I like this (bellyplay.jpg) better than the original and the bellyplay2- outstanding and spot on theme. - Kelly

Mikel Featherston		27-Aug-2005 18:57
Here is a variation along the lines of what Olaf suggested: http://mikel.oakmoon.net/gallery/currentchallenge/bellyplay2

Canon DSLR Challenge		27-Aug-2005 18:30
Mikel, you finally have gotten this image correct! I went wow, today when I visited the gallery....this picture stood out immediately....very nice. It is also maybe good to know that...you can go back to the same image and find yet a better picture. Best Wishes, Traveller

Guest		27-Aug-2005 15:42
Olaf said exactly what I was going to say. :) ~ Lonnit

Canon DSLR Challenge		27-Aug-2005 09:20
Wow! What an improvement! I liked it the other way too, but imo this is a stronger image, as there is no competition for attention. There is still plenty for the eye to explore - not a bore. The background in the other was part of the story though, so I wonder if instead of going all black, keeping it, but darkened considerably, would be the best option? --Olaf.dk

Mikel Featherston		26-Aug-2005 23:16
I figured I would fix it when I got home tonight. This is what happens when I get home late, see the topic, and psot a picture without reading the thread. ;)

Canon DSLR Challenge		26-Aug-2005 20:22
it's a blurred face. you can barely make out the features. I think that qualifies?? Otherwise, crop out the right side of the photo Mikel and show only the dancer. Or you can darken the background more so the drummer barely shows. dorys

Canon DSLR Challenge		26-Aug-2005 06:45
Nice pic but I see a face in it.