larry_etkin

November 28, 2004

I like this shot alot. Perfect exposure and excellent capture of the relection of the surrounding colors.

November 22, 2004

Outstanding composition and capture!!!!

Larry Etkin

November 7, 2004

It's always interesting to me how some get lost in small flaws instead of

appreciating an image. The beauty of nature is in the imperfections and

contrasts that create the drama. Excellent image!

May 26, 2004

Excellent use of focus to create an abstract image! Love it.

February 29, 2004

A work of art...it's lovely and very creative.

February 3, 2004

There is nothing wrong with a beautiful picture and this is one of them! I especially like the lighting.

November 24, 2003

This is a wonderful image combining great light and visual elements. I like the original crop...gives the feeling of depth and mysticism.

November 24, 2003

This is an oustanding image...the colors are so intense and the composition near perfect.

November 23, 2003

This (ie cloning, manipulation etc) has turned into more of a discussion then I

anticipated. I guess the bottom line is whether or not we accept the word of

our fellow contributors as truth or whether we feel the need to continually test

and challenge. As a trained scientist we always look at data in a skeptical

manner and we go back to the laboratory and repeat the experiments. In the

arts, such as photography, we are left with the frustration of not being able to

go back to the laboratory to repeat a photograph. Therefore, we resort to the

"detective" aspect of trying to figure out if an image is manipulated. I have not

felt any negative tone in any comments or questions, rather, I sense more of a

curiosity to want to know the truth. Isn't that what it's all about? That's the idea

behind forums like this, so in the long run it's really cool. I, for one, enjoy the

enthusiasm and challenge of those trying to figure out the reality of an image.

I enjoyed Lannie's discussion since it brought to light some good points about

cyber-discussion.

:)

November 23, 2003

Hey Steve I know a sure bet when I see it...how much???

:)

But in all fairness...the birds are as they were in the field!

Larry Etkin

November 23, 2003

I agree, the cars should go!! I think they detract from the photo.

November 23, 2003

There was really no photoshop other than some cropping done to this image. The contrast was due to the polarizing filter.

Larry

November 22, 2003

I enjoyed seeing the manipulated cloned crane images...they actually look

pretty cool. I am amused at the speculation of photographic cloning as well

as manipulation for the "Cranes in a Snowstorm" image. However, I must

confess that I have cloned things in the past. I'm a scientist (developmental

biologist) and have cloned living frogs through nuclear transplantation. I can

assure everyone that, at least for me, making clones of frogs would be easier

than making photographic crane clones since my skills at photoshop etc are

at the novice stage. The crane images are not manipulated other than color

correction to eliminate the bluish cast from the film scan and a small amount

of cropping. Having this image as POW has been a real thrill since it's one of

my favorites and really appreciate the excellent feedback from all participants

of the forum. I also want to thank those majestic "Cranes" and the

juxtaposition of the elements (ie snow showers) for creating this image. I

really feel that an image can be no better than the subjects that we

photograph and in that instant the shutter is released we can only hope to

capture what is in our minds eye. A combination of a little skill and a lot of

luck are major factors in any good photograph. :)

Larry Etkin

November 20, 2003

Not a great deal of technical info other than I used a tripod with a cable release, the exposure was unrecorded but was on Aperture priority, there were numerous lightning strikes in the area so I set the wide angle frame to cover the area of most strikes, and yes, I shot a number of rolls of 36exp film several of which contained a variety of different lightning images. This was the most dramatic. I closed up shop soon after because of the danger and rain that started. Hope this helps.

Larry Etkin

November 18, 2003

Patrick,

You are correct. There is a mistake in the technical details and the film was

Fuji Sensia 100. This was posted several months ago and I hadn't noticed the

error. However, interestingly enough this portion of the ritual dance is rather

slow and deliberate so the motion was not very fast hence I was able to

capture the image.

Yes, Alan film burning was involved...also a bit of numb fingers and toes since

I was traveling rather light and it was COLD!!!

I'm really honored by the selection of this shot for the photo of the week

...thanks!

Larry Etkin

September 18, 2003

Yes, this was in the field. The zebras were mixed in with a herd of other antelope. There's always a bit of wildness that you see in the expression (maybe the robustness or defiance) usually lacking in captive zoo animals.