2013 Magic of Christmas

Hey Len, saw this on the Christmas contest and caught my eye. What a charming picture.

I looked at the tech details and it made complete sense although the result does suffer a bit in the noise department, and applying any more noise reduction might make it look less natural. I like the honesty of it just the way it is. 

Long time, no see.  Great to hear from you again.  The subject is family and I'm much more able to put up with a bit of noise when expression is the more  important ingredient.  For gallery quality I'd certainly agree that some noise treatment would be appropriate.  I was really pushing the envelope with this one.  (kit lens f3.5 - f 5.6)  A good case for a fast prime could easily be made.  Would have given me 3 or more stops advantage, easily lowering the required ISO, & thus the noise.  Still, I find it acceptable for my purposes.  Not sure if the noise you mention will hold it back in the monthly contest.  Stay tuned!  Best, LM.

Apart from the winning expression I liked the warmth and softness of the light which came only from the tree lights.  I like to think I've captured the joy of Christmas as seen through the eyes of a 4 yr. old. Thanks for your take on it.  Best, LM.

Len, the noise was the most distinctive technical feature I noticed but I have no objection at all. In fact many of my pictures are much noisier. 

The overall charm of a happy child makes it for me. It's an honest portrayal of the Christmas spirit, and I hope you win. :-) 

A beautiful and lovely shot, Len!

This is definitely an improvement over what I could get with my trusty old Canon A540. (max. ISO 800)  Less noise at ISO 6400 than that camera would produce at ISO 800.  So for that I am grateful.  At least now I have the option of switching lenses if the occasion calls for it. Don't be a stranger.  Best, LM.

Thanks for taking the time to view & comment on this one.  Best, LM.

Sweet moment captured.  A winner in my opinion!

Kathy, thanks for your warm appraisal.  Lot's of great competition though.  Regardless of the outcome it's a winner at my house. (where it really counts)  :-)  Best, LM.

Hi Len

Very nice smile from this young Lady in Red :), Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. All the best.

Many thanks for your most welcome visit & comment.   If more people had your attitude the world would be a much better place.  I can't tell you how much it means to have a Muslim wish me a Merry Christmas, a tradition which has been experiencing some negative pressures even in my own country,  except to say my hope for mankind has been refreshed.  Thank you so much.  A Google search informs me that the closest Muslim equivalent is the festival of Eid. (3 parts?) So to you I return my best wishes for the season.  Hope to carry on this exchange in 2014.  Best, LM.

Len... I would like to thank you for every single word you have wrote. I have received your greeting in advance kind regards

I don't care if it looks rugged or grainy - this image captures the Christmas spirit. It's very lovely, and reminds me of my own childhood. Thanks for showing.

Thanks for your vote of confidence.  I'm happy that it resonates with you.  I also feel that content trumps technical quality every time though it's really nice when all the elements (rarely for me, it seems) come together.  'Christmas Spirit'...........hmmmmmmm,  I guess the decorated tree, the red dress, and the white top might give that impression, not to mention the look of wonder on our 4 yr. old subject's face.  :-)  Don't be a stranger.  Merry Christmas!  LM.

Len,

Very warm atmosphere of Chritmas here.  Thanks for a lot for posting this.  Marry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.  Best Regards,

And a Merry Christmas to you as well.  Looking forward to more of the same in 2014. I liked the warm feeling the Christmas tree lights alone gave to the scene.  I'm glad I resisted the temptation to use flash.  Even with bounce flash I would have lost the natural look in the process.  Best in the New Year,  LM.

The caption fits perfectly to what I felt in my heart when I saw the thumbnail, Len! Lights, innocence, happiness...wonderful!

Best regards

PDE

I had to take it in a hurry but that's what I saw too.  Thanks for the visit.  Merry Christmas.  See you in 2014.  Best, LM.

The bonus here is that the subject is my granddaughter.  And we know they are all beautiful by themselves.  :-) Thanks for your positive observations.  Have a Happy New Year.  See you in 2014.  LM

I'm a bit slow with my left arm training... but it is such a beauty.Her smile, the colors of the composition, but what is the most important,is  her inner pleasure you have succided to photo, and for me it is the most important issue!I think that it will be  a very much appreciated  memory for the future!

 My best wishes to you and your family for the new year! Just continue to photo /enjoy your grandchildren(  and I know what I'm talking about...;-))

From one grandparent to another I wish you the season's best and hope to continue the dialogue in 2014.  Yes, what this one lacks in technicalities it makes up for in emotional content and content always trumps technical issues for me.  I wouldn't complain if they both were fine though.  Good to see you are coming along OK in your recovery.  Your text comes through fine.  Couldn't tell that you are now left-handed.  :-)  Stay safe.  Best, LM.

Such an expression! it's going somewhere while years passed... Happy Holidays, Len, to you and your dearest ones!

Thanks for your thoughts.  Yes, the expression............ I thought it worth recording.  Happy New Year.  See you in 2014.  Best, Len.