Beefeater

;-)) great start for the new year !...but who eats who? the black stain looks like a big crocodile eating the man's  glassy  nose...lol .Or is it a  cow? in any event it is a nice frosen man, so no harm done! two addition: one, are you a vegetarian?;-))...;-)) and second, you have a new portrait on your main page,

A very NICE one!

Again, my best wishes for a creative ,heathy,happy new year!

Good start for the new year as you are the first to comment on my offerings in 2013.  This shot was actually taken on the last day of 2012 in Collingwood, Ontario. One of the many ice sculptures on display during the Collingwood Ice Sculpture Festival.  The theme for the festival was Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.  The beefeater  explanation can be seen here.  If I was a vegetarian I wouldn't be 40 lbs. overweight. :-(  Thanks for noticing my new bio photo.  I was testing a lighting setup for a portrait session but at the time the only person who could model for me was me.  Thus this self portrait.   Next time I'll reacquaint my hair with my comb.  :-)  Best for the New Year, LM.

A beautiful and original result, Len!

Thanks for the vote of confidence.  If the light is right ice sculptures (glass objects as well) are very rewarding subject matter.  Best, LM.

Len.. Merry Christmas and happy new year.

Just like Black and White Pastel painting, it is not an easy exposure subject but you have succeeded. I also LIKED your new portrait. regards

Best wishes of the season to you as well.  I hope to have many interactions with you in 2013.  If my memory serves me correctly you as well have an updated bio photo.  You appear very relaxed. I hope life is treating you well.  When photographing this type of subject one must move around a bit to obtain a pleasing balance of highlight and shadow areas.  I took about 4 or 5 shots of this sculpture, this one being my favourite.  Best, LM.

Happy New year and a great image to start things off.Sometimes it comes down to personal tastes. I essentially played with the bottom half of the image to increase contrast etc. I used the levels command and then added a vector mak then painted in the the 'change' to the bottom half. I am sure you are aware of that technique. By the way - love your new self portrait and I can see your relatively new studio at work. Perhaps the next time I am in your area, I can request your services.

All the very best,

An improvement for sure! More in keeping with the upper half now.  Thanks for going the extra mile.  I'll be sure to try it myself.  Let me know if you are going to be in my neighborhood and I'll give you a half price sitting. (what is half of '0' anyway?)  Even throw in a coffee.  Best, LM.

Dear Len

When I was in teenage I read quotation says " No one knows from where my shoes gets me pain ".

Since months ago I rarely sign in to Photo net because it was banned by my internet provider as it contain a nudity photo!, that is why I use proxy way with this site which slowdown the connection as it is disturber. Other provider doesn't have this resection but this one is so close to where I live.

I guess 'Big Brother' (the internet provider banning Photo.net) doesn't think you (and many others, no doubt) are a mature adult capable of deciding for yourself which content you will view and which content your personal moral compass will reject.  It's good that you've found a work-around so you can access Photo.net.  Too bad it's been made more difficult for you to employ.  A taste of freedom denied!  This type of censorship must be resisted where it can be.  Good luck in that effort and thanks for the explanation.  Best, LM.

Big Brother !! Thanks Len, you have reminded me of George Orwell's novel " Nineteen Eighty-Four  " the provider plays the role of Minister of Love.

I really like the way you have filled the frame with the ice sculpture! Before reading the explanation I was almost sure that I would read about a Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Glass Beer Tankard that you had found and photographed, the ear does look a bit like a handle : - ) ...or Maybe its just my fascination with beer !  I like Tonys adjustments too, makes it even more tangible!

Nice work Len!

Best Regards

Alf

Good of you to respond.  Yes, Tony's work improved this one.  The main purpose of posting here is to uncover ways to improve the shot & he certainly provided a good one.  Beer?  Who doesn't like beer?  :-)  Best, LM.