7th To Smell Each Rose* by jstrong by ctfchallenge

ctfchallenge | all galleries >> Challenge 98 - New Year Resolutions >> C98 - Eligible > 7th
To Smell Each Rose*
by jstrong


1/6/06	jstrong

I think we could all stand to smell the roses..and appreciate the kindness that we can offer to others. :) jano

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Canon DSLR Challenge		15-Jan-2006 20:37
Have I ever told you I love your self portraits? They are always so evocative and beautiful. This one too. Ann

Guest		14-Jan-2006 22:53
I feel we have shared every evolution of this phot in chat, just wanted to say publically ....GREAT! - Steve

Guest		13-Jan-2006 15:40
Nice work. -Cat

ctfchallenge		13-Jan-2006 12:30
Reminds me of a picture I shot some 35+ years ago in B/W, of my wife (than my gf). I'll search the old albums to find a photo that can be scanned OK... \Oved

alexeig		12-Jan-2006 14:46
Great expression, very dreamy

Rod		11-Jan-2006 09:08
I didn't read any of the comments either but! I'm glad you followed Britt's suggestion as this now works a treat, it’s really balanced now.

Canon DSLR Challenge		11-Jan-2006 00:09
Didn't read any of the comments, but! As I told Jano, this photo should be about HER, not the rose... aam1234

Guest		10-Jan-2006 15:04
Janeywaney this one I think has a much better focal point as you AND the rose together, whereas the other was you vs. two roses. I like this one much better. :)

janewigginsphotography		10-Jan-2006 08:58
Thanks Sueanne, Britt and Rod for commenting. Britteygirl - you mean like this? I had this version tucked away but it didn't go with the title of "..To Smell The Roses"... Silly me.. I just changed the title slightly so now it fits. Let me know what ya think. Now the other one is tucked away sleeping..... jano

Britt		09-Jan-2006 14:43
Hi janeywaney, I think this is lovely as said before and improved with the softening. Have you tried to see what it would look like if you cropped out that back rose? I think it might be a bit more powerful? What do you think?

Rod		09-Jan-2006 12:33
This is really a lovely shot & knowing Jano I can pick up on the feeling. The only worry I have is the studio look of the shot which If I didn't know Jano I'm not sure if the feeling would come through. I don't know if a background like Andreas kissing shot would work here but something like that or a blurred bokeh to take away the studio look. Please don't put a frame on like Andreas though as that would destroy the feeling for me anyhow:-) Great work Jano.

sue anne		09-Jan-2006 11:46
Beautiful picture (is this a self portrait) and the resolution is indeed a wise one :) I like the shot !

ctfchallenge		09-Jan-2006 05:01
Jano, I like the color that is more visible in the "sharp" rose. I do like the softness that was added to the hair and distant rose. Lovely concept and goal.....Yvonne

janewigginsphotography		08-Jan-2006 01:07
Thanks for commenting Mary Anne - the original post can be seen here for your consideration as well. http://www.pbase.com/jstrong/image/54486906 jano

janewigginsphotography		08-Jan-2006 01:05
Thanks for commenting Lonnit - go figure that my cam would actually get something so darn sharp at a time like this!!! Actually, I think with all the poses I did I came to realize that if I was just a tad bit behind the rose, the angle of my face could be better seen. Although it doesn't appear as such so definite, my face is actually angled towards the rose just slightly. I angled the rose to better see the color within the bud and the petals so I'm wondering if this is what is throwing it slightly out of perspective in the mind's eye. I will work to see if I can get it just so... :) jano

ctfchallenge		07-Jan-2006 23:02
Definitely improved. The face looks good but you could really go softer on the rose b/c it looks like the rose is closer to the camera than you are, because it is sharper than you - although, technically, I believe the rose is actually more on the plane of your rear hair. Definitely improved though. :) ~ Lonnit

ctfchallenge		07-Jan-2006 22:11
Jano, I didn't see the original, but this one seems to have the right balance of sharpness and OOF elements. Very nicely done. --Mary Anne

ctfchallenge		07-Jan-2006 21:31
Thanks to all for the critiques! I have since added some softness to background hair and rose. I like this better! jano

ctfchallenge		07-Jan-2006 20:07
Perhaps just a tad of softness could be added and warm the colors a little. With the stark black background I don't see how too much glow/softness would fit in. -Techo

Canon DSLR Challenge		07-Jan-2006 18:57
Nice image. I don't care for the rose being so sharp though, as it puts all the focus there. The rear hair then grabs second attention b/c of sharpness. I'd like the whole thing in soft focus, as it's a shot about emotions and tenderness. Sharp focus would be fine for a technical botanical article, but not for an image of this type. If you look thru my work, you'll rarely find a tack-sharp image like this. I think it makes an image too clinical and technical, overpowering the point of the image. Nice composition and concept. ~ Lonnit

ctfchallenge		07-Jan-2006 18:33
i like the thought behind the shot and its relationship to flowers. on the technical note, your hair (backside) and flower is in focus, which immediately tells my mind is you are not smelling the rose, otherwise your eyes/nose (face outline) would be in focus. nonetheless, i really like this photo. you are very dangerous with sps :) -Abstract

arminb		07-Jan-2006 16:11
I could follow the argument, that it might be even stronger if a little bit softer...

janewigginsphotography		07-Jan-2006 09:30
Thanks all for commenting. I may still be working on this - I'm never totally happy with anything (much to other's dismay :) jano

Joe Vigliotta		07-Jan-2006 08:37
Could I descent from the comments one time and offer a rather. I think, opinions be what they may, that this would be much more appealing softly focused rather than so crisp and sharp. Perhaps only to the extent of the foreground pieces of hair on her face. Additionally, I feel a slight imbalance with the crop on her face being so tight and short. Just my opinion, which I try NOT to offer to much, as to each there own, and knowing that everyone produces what they feel is their best work. My apologies if a "critique" is not welcomed. Sincere Regards j

Guest		07-Jan-2006 03:44
great focus on the prominent rose. lovely.

ctfchallenge		07-Jan-2006 03:18
Awesome... - RK

ctfchallenge		07-Jan-2006 02:34
Your words ring very true. theFly

aam1234		06-Jan-2006 22:58
Relax Techo, you have a date today don't you :)

ctfchallenge		06-Jan-2006 22:53
Truly wonderful. Excecuted quite nicely, the composition, lighting... the image as a whole is very pleasing and just doesn't want to let me go. Great job Jano! -Techo :)

aam1234		06-Jan-2006 22:45
Jano is getting more attractive by the day, isn't she? Oh, we are supposed to comment on the photo. Ok, maybe later :)

ctfchallenge		06-Jan-2006 22:39
Bleep kindness, send me cookies. :) Just kidding....this is gorgeous as usual Jano. :) ~Britt

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