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Canon DSLR Challenge | all galleries >> Challenge 67: In repose (host: Michael Puff) >> Eligible > Yes*
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05-MAY-2006 Victor Engel

Yes*

Austin, TX

Canon EOS 10D ,Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
1/50s f/2.0 at 135.0mm iso800 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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kyoung kim photography14-May-2006 02:16
Love this shot! very emotional and intimate, love the lighting and expression.
Guest 11-May-2006 21:13
Victor, I *believe* my monitor is well calibrated so I can see cheek, ear, jewlery, and hair in both versions of this image. I've looked carefully at both and can understand why you can't decide which you prefer. Ultimately, I think I prefer your rework...you've pulled out a bit more detail while maintaining the artistic integrity of your original goal. -Michael
Victor Engel11-May-2006 01:14
Here's Photoshops auto-everything version of the shot.
http://www.pbase.com/victorengel/image/59992812
-- Victor
Canon DSLR Challenge10-May-2006 23:15
OK. The picture has been updated. I can't honestly decide which I like better. I suspect viewers will prefer one over the other based mostly on their monitors. People with monitors adjusted too dark will prefer this new one. Those with monitors adjusted too bright may prefer the old one. Here's a link to the old one for comparison purposes.
-- Victor
Canon DSLR Challenge10-May-2006 22:45
Now that I'm home using a more carefully calibrated monitor, I'm disinclined to make the suggested change. Because of the shallow depth of field resulting from shooting a 135mm lens at f/2.0, if I lightened her face (what little of it that is visible), it would be out of focus anyway. From my monitor at work, I couldn't see any detail at all, except for a hint of her hair jewelry. Here at home, I can clearly make out her cheek, ear, and earring, as well as wisps of hair. I think the overall gradient from top left to lower right is also important for the composition in this case. I might be able to rescue some detail in her hair, but that would be all I'd want to change, I think. -- Victor
Canon DSLR Challenge10-May-2006 20:18
I know what you mean about the detail in the woman's head. I'll check and see how much is actually available. As you can tell from the exposure, there wasn't much light to be had. The woman's back reflected most of the light to the camera, and I did significant dodging there. I recall also toning down the woman's hair jewelry, so there's likely something to work with. Thanks for the comment. -- Victor
Leo Charette10-May-2006 18:25
Excellent story telling in this image. Lighting is superb and the choice of b&w bring my full attention to story. I do wish for a tad more detail on the woman's head. Nicely composed.
Michael Kilpatrick08-May-2006 11:44
I can only support what has already been said. Stunning shot.
Shu08-May-2006 02:49
I think that not seeing what's in the box adds to the mystique of this beautiful image. Mesmerizing! shu
jnconradie07-May-2006 21:48
Romantic, elegant, just the right amount of light, in just the right places... I like it very much. ~jnconradie
Guest 07-May-2006 17:47
Really elegant, Victor. Simple, soft, filled with atmosphere and feeling. The brighter light on the white ring box and placement in the composition is inspired. -Michael
Canon DSLR Challenge07-May-2006 16:10
Funny. The way I see it, it went like this: Step 1 - Propose, Step 2 - Repose. I also have a picture of step 1 (several, actually), but it doesn't work for the challenge like this one does. -- Victor
Canon DSLR Challenge07-May-2006 13:04
Repose not propose. 8-)
Wonderful shot.
theFly
Guest 07-May-2006 11:35
There's something about this... can't quite put my finger on it, but I like it a lot...
Phil
Guest 07-May-2006 09:35
Excellent photo. The light is superb.