madison01

There would be a Paul Deans shaped hole in the nearest wall. Holy Crud.

Is she wincing or smiling :0) I'd be wincing (at least)

Thanks for sharing

This is great but I agree with others, too small. I'm searching for the larger tab to find it missing :0)

It' a super shot though - which is why I wanted to look at it closer.

I composed this such that the thirds rule is observed. I noted during

the shot that the converging lines of clouds and coast seem to help

draw the eye to the couple.

The Seagull seems beautifully placed.

The shot was tricky as I

a) wanted a silhouette

b) wanted the seagull frozen in flight and

c) The light was failing

So I had to squeeze this shot out at 1/100th sec, f18

Tell me what you think.

Thanks and kind regards,

Paul

It seems as though you have used Shadow/Highlights in PS.

This is a great tool, though there are pitfalls

1) The halo around the tree (looks like a white force-field) can be eliminated by using a larger radius for the highlights. You have used this to bring back an over-exposed sky.

2) The Colours are unnatural. Shadow Highlights has this effect on photographs and the way to bring it back is by dialling down the colour correction

Hope this helps.

Apart from that, the shot seems to have potential given the composition.

kind regards,

Paul

I believe this is compositionally sound and I have taken care with the

colours to create a shot which I think works. It could be argued that

the water should come from the bottom of the frame but.. er .. I

didn't want to get wet.

Let me know what you think...

kind regards,

Paul

You can put any of my shots on the site. I'm flattered that you ask.

Thanks Jayme,

kind regards,

Paul

Another from the my Butley Woods landscapes.

Enjoy and let me know what you think.

kind regards,

Paul

Nice.

Have a look at the ones I took today. They just beg to be captured.

Yours is fairing better than mine :0)

Went in search of some bluebells and struck it lucky.

Hope you like it.

Taken with at least one eye on the surrounding bees!

(I know the horizon is slightly skewed. I may put it back on another

day with it adjusted.)

You couldn't walk past this and not take a photo. Great capture, thoughtfully taken.

It's not incredibly sharp but it was still enchantinging enough for me to click onto it and investigate further.

Thanks.

Love this alot. Great capture. Where they all in line or did you ned to adjust them? :0)

Well spotted.

P

Super shot.

There isa fairy tale-ness about it. Like the contrast between girl/dress and rugged background.

Thanks for sharing

Thanks Iain,

You are quite correct.

I have never printed out any of my shots and purely work in the digital domain and as a consequence have never put any thought into sizes.

I have also recently seen my shots on another monitor which perhaps is set up correctly. This showed me the lack of contrast that you spoke of.

I'm flattered by your opinion and feel pleased that your comments centre around elements that I can put right almost straight away.

I shall ensure that I get my monitor calibrated against a print and look into producing standardised sized shots.

I have been asked to take shots for a number of families but wanted to ensure that I charge the appropriate amount.

I would say that I would rope my Mother into producing all mounts (which she would do individually) to suit any crop. These would then be framed by her and the service I would provide would centre around high quality framed shots.

This is not cast in stone and so i should think about copies, etc. Best, as you so rightly say, in a standard format.

I'm afraid I don't have a clue about charging and wouldn't know how to charge for the extra (Digital darkroom) work that accompanies most (if not all) of my shots.

Perhaps I wouldn't charge for that at all.

Your help was really appreciated and turned out to be incredibly insightful making this the most useful critique I have recieved.

Thanks for you time. You've given me something to think about.

That next step is being considered.

Thanks again,

kind regards,

Paul

I agree that the bride looks a little resigned, however the lighting is fabulously done. Geat colours and a nice idea.

I think I shall rate well. It is definitely a cut above the rest.

How did this get a 3/3?

Great colours, nice composition, fantastic opportunity taken well.

kind regard,

Paul

She would certainly let me if I wanted to as she would have considered it a giggle.

I can claim that this wasn't the case though.

BTW, I enjoyed (and agreed with) your helpful comment about framing, presentation, etc for IM Jorcano's portfolio.

I would also welcome your advice. Have a glimpse through my portfolio (minus my Just for fun folder) and let me know what you think should you get the opportunity .

Thanks.

Your comments are always welcome.

It's always going to be a nice feeling knowing that the photo you just created is well thought of.

It's even nicer to know that the style (which is not always as popular as the diffused glow/softened ones)which I have tried to achieve and like personally is 'spotted' and liked by others.

Thanks once again.

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=3813764

See the original

Much of it (as you might imagine) occurs in the digital darkroom.

Whilst it changes for each shot, I do use the following in various ways:

I pick the blue channel on it's own (or use channel mixer to achieve much of the look) then Shadow/Highlights which for me is a tool to get that 30's look.

Playing with the settings can get some incredible results.

I use alpha sharpening (or sometimes unsharp mask) to improve a shot.

Soem blurring and definite;y dodging/burning as the shot you see with youreyes (like sunsets) rarley translates the same through the camera lens as it does through your own eyes as your eyes will compensate greatly.

I specifically concentrate on skin tones when I use shadow highlights. Skin is beautiful on children and so a closeup allows you to see this.

Another reason for taking the close up (instead of a full body shot) is that you do get the detail and it's easier to capture the character in the face.

Often, I'm not looking for smiles from my little ladies as they are shots for the family album. I tend to like the shots that show open eyes. (window to the soul and all that...)

Aside from that, I pay some heed to the thirds rule where possible. I don't usually go for the 'passport photo' composition.

Also, I don't use a studio set up at all.

I will chase them around the house with an D70 and SB-800 flash (pointed at the ceiling usually) and get the kids relaxed. This helps to catch them playing.

I hate the prop shots that you often see studios do. Sticking them on a sheep rug dressed as Santa is missing the point.

I think I have some Shadow/Highlight settings (for starters) if you are interested.

On some of my shots in my portfolio, you can see the originalsand the final results. Have a look if you get the chance.

Thanks for noticing the 'style' that I'm trying to establish.

If you want to know anything more, let me know.

Kind regards,

Paul

Please let me know what you think. View large as always,

kind regards,

Paul

Alternative titles:

1) "Daddy, I mustache you a question."

2) "Chocolate Mousse-tache."

etc, etc

Just a bit of fun