Two Village kids (Best view larger)

Wonderful use of light and negative space, Alec.

Very captivating double portrait Alec. It is very engaging and very human. Well done - Glenn

Alec: in the submittal you state that you did not manipulate the image. A close check of the image shows that the entire background was dodged away, and not in a particular skillfull manner at that. My preference would be to present the original image which appears to be quite nice and to forget the adjustments.

Hi John, correct me if I am wrong but I don't think dodging and burning is manipulating an image but enhancing it - just like giving more vibrant colors to a RAW image.

Just as in the conventional darkroom, the tech can dodge and burn to achieve the final result, nothing is different in the digital darkroom. Personally, any background here would take away the lighting effect, imo....

In that case I would strongly recommend NOT checking the unmanipulated box in the submittal. Please note that the updated specs for manipulation clearly state what is and what is not.

Dennis thanks for the contribution. John, thanks for the update on the manipulation, I will tick it off. Best regards.

Beautiful image Alec - I think the unmanipulated box is meaningless, very few images are out of the camera. On the technical details you explained what did you do dodging - burning etc.

Great portrait. Excellent lighting.

I'll have to watch that one too...

Thanks for the input Chaba but John is correct, I have just seen the details on on manipulation by Philip Greenspun. Dodging and burning an image is considered 'manipulation' But like Dennis mentioned. It's a thin line if we compare enhancing RAW digital images to the works of analog film where even masters like Ansel Adams are famous for their dodge and burn darkroom techniques

I use this sharpening technique... I've asked John an opinion on that one.

Thanks Dennis, I use that too but sometimes for a quick job it's easier to use another layer with USM and just erase the edges or areas which are oversharpened or appear to have a "radioactive" glow. ^_^

well done Alec, awesome light here.

The lighting in this image is spectacular, to be sure, the tones excellent. But, it is the genuine emotion in the children's faces, that intangible something which cannot be faked, that separates this picture from the pack, and elevates it to a realm of art. 7/7.

Thanks Frank, Emmanuel, you are very observant. Well said. The key is to have natural easy posture for the main subjects and that's the difficult part to photographing children. They will normally stare at the camera for a snapshot so I have to 'break the ice' and make them feel comfortable before even taking a shot.

Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

excellent work with low lighting! Nice atmosphere!!

Hey Alec, I was been in Sapa few days after you!!!

A masterly work Alec ! The combination of innocence and happiness of the children made the picture great.

 

Kind regards

 

Mahen

Ha I've been here. I love the picture!I think square crop is appropriate.7/7

Blaz

Colours, light, contrast, composition...very good. Regards.

Gorgeous work, Alec, & masterly executed in the low-light condition. The light falls on them beautifully & their expression so natural. So very well composed. Tripod used?

Needless to say. Just agree. 7/7

Francesco, Mahen, Blaz, Pep, Spencer thanks for the kind comments.

 

Massimo, I have seen your first image from Sapa, very good indeed.

 

Cherlyn, I took this handheld leaning against the doorway, it looked good on the LCD but a little underexposed. Had to use contrast masking to brighten up the image.

Professional shot
Beautiful lighting
Best regards