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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
10/3/2006 2:35:47 AM
Hey, sorry I've been MIA. So much work, so little time.
I am loathe to do "too much" Photoshop work on these class assignments due to the general disapproval I get when I use it. My teacher considers using Photoshop a "cheat" and therefore discourages it's use (particularly for manipulating).
I agree with you, cloning it out or moving it would have (perhaps) worked better. Personally, I think the fish give it added dimension as well as they bring LIFE to the image and I would hate to lose them entirely. However, this is maybe a bias on my part because they're my pets. :)
That being said, I've done a few minutes extra work on this to move Fellina and clone around her.
Curious to hear what you think of this version.
Long Exposure HUGS! ~R
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
10/1/2006 9:18:14 PM
Oh, sorry about the abreviation. That's "Rule of Thirds" (RoT).
I really appreciate your insights about all this. It certainly is more reassuring than "El Stinko Muerto." LOL!
I understand what you mean about the number of comments and it's always impressive to see an image that has HUNDREDS of comments (and there are quite a few). However, I was really just going by the meager responses I was getting as a microcosm of how the images hit people at first glance (just being analytical here).
Almost immediately I received comments on the other two but not this one. Now, mind you, I wasn't seeing this as a "woe is me... nobody loves me" issue :) but rather an issue of intrigue for the student in me. It was further increased because this was the one of the three I liked best. It just intrigues me to know what the mechanism is that creates this disparity.
As far as "commenting more" is concerned, I DO go to the Recent list and post comments to images that really hit me. I also venture into the award winners as well. I'm not specifically trying to "win friends and influence people," however, cultivating friendship is a wonderful outgrowth of this process.
You mentioned "other sites"; do you belong to other photo sites? Maybe you could share these?
Okay, so how about a HUG that is 10.0 on the Richter Scale! POW!!!! :) ~R
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
10/1/2006 7:57:42 PM
I love Monet's work as well. He was really the father of the Impressionist Movement. Although, what sparked the whole movement is something few consider today. Namely, the technology of paint changed. For the first time synthetic colors could be readily purchased (most particularly cobalt blue) and using them in paintings almost DEMANDED that people paint differently. The critics of the time thought that using these colors was "cheating" (not unlike the way some view the use of Photoshop in image processing today).
Who knew that Impressionism would be such a cherished genre of painting. Monet certainly didn't. He was never truly recognized for his work until he was in his forties (having spent nearly 20 years of perseverance for his love of it).
He was brave and a true hero. He had such determination and character that it inspired and encouraged the other impressionists to take up the cause. They were all basically rebels and outcasts to the hauty art world of 19th century Europe. Monet persevered and the others saw him as their "Rock of Gibraltar." He gave them hope and inspiration. Many wanted to BE him. He was their "idol."
The art world now owes him a GIANT debt of gratitude. Without him, how boring it all could have been. One wonders what he would have thought about how it all turned out in the end.
Lin, you look at artwork the way I do and for that you get major points. :) Thank you for the gentle, kind and sweet support.
For me, I like the white fish in this image but only wish he was swimming into the image instead of out. I call him "Big Fella" because he's the biggest and oldest in our pond. (Truth is, he's really a "she" and I've had to modify the name to "Big Fellina." But old habits die hard. LOL!)
BIG FELLINA HUGS to you! ~R :)
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
10/1/2006 7:26:38 PM
LOL! You are so sweet for being the first to post a comment here. I was beginning to think this shot was "Radioactive" or something. LOL! For all I know it may be still. Better stand back. :)
It would be useful to know why this shot gets passed-over. I know what I like about it and it would be helpful to know what others don't like about it. Perhaps I should put it in the Critics Corner just to get some feedback.
I like the transition from dark to light, the diagonal line and triangle that's created by the lighter side, the triangle of the flowers themselves, the flower in the center of the triangle, the ripples of green, the gathering of fish, the long stem of the upper flower, the RoT composition.
It's odd, I know, to make these comments about my own work but these were the things which I saw and liked about it for me to choose it. I truly thought it would be the one liked best. It wasn't and that only makes the student in me want to know why. Perhaps it's just something as simple as the thumbnail is not interesting enough to grab people. Or perhaps I am way off base and it is El Stinko de Muerto. LOL!
Lin, thank you for the feedback on this and for being brave enough to post here. LOL! You get Gigantopithecus HUGS for that! ~R
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
10/1/2006 6:50:15 PM
Hey Phillip,
That means a lot to me coming from you. One day I'd love to visit South Wales. Your shots of that place take me on a journey there in my mind. Just an awesome portfolio. Many thanks, Phil. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
10/1/2006 6:46:12 PM
Hey Lin,
Well it's no surprise that we like the same image again. 
It always catches me off guard when people don't like the image I do. I think I tend fixate on a particular aspect of a shot that others don't. It maybe a particular form, shape, color, gradient or subject and then I love the shot at the exclusion of all other things in it. Whereas, others may just see all the flaws of it and get stuck on these.
Not everyone loves the most popular song (meaning "you can't please everyone"). Some, in fact, may hate it. That's what makes the world go 'round.
It's funny though, over the past few days, I have grown to appreciate this image more than I originally did. LOL! It's growing on me. LOL! That's a benefit I hadn't thought of. By hearing the views of others about an image, it expands my own vision of it. I love that!
Super-duper HUGS! ~R
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
10/1/2006 1:58:06 AM
We could all use a bit of "uplifting" from time to time. My words, however, are genuine and sincere yet still fail to truly express the beauty I see. This is truly a work of art. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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Photo By: Shirley D. Cross-Taylor
(K:174199)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
10/1/2006 1:53:16 AM
Again, what could I say that hasn't already been said about this insanely beautiful image? Da Vinci comes to mind. "The Madonna of the Rocks," perhaps. Those ringlets of hair are outrageously gorgeous. The color stupefying. The light... just, "WOW!" The model... breath-taking.
I prefer this far more than the B&W version (or the one with added texture). Converting to B&W makes it look simply like a photo... ah, but the color version... a dream. I can only applaud Shirley. Fantastic work. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Shirley D. Cross-Taylor
(K:174199)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
10/1/2006 1:39:20 AM
I couldn't add much more than what others have said here about this image and the beautiful Gina. Except, perhaps, what many have elluded to; which is that she looks like she is straight out of the Renaissance. Yes, Mona Lisa... the smile... or perhaps a portrait of nobility by Velasques.
Shirley, with regard to your excellent capture here, the lighting and background are fantastic! The pose, classic. The look... enough to make a grown man cry. You humble me. ~ Warm regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Shirley D. Cross-Taylor
(K:174199)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
10/1/2006 1:30:08 AM
Thanks very much, Shirley. ~ Warm regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/30/2006 11:07:33 PM
Thank you very much Jan for the vote of confidence on this. You're right, the sharpening wasn't very much (always cautious about increasing the noise and halos). For my camera I use an amount of 250 at 1.5 px Radius and 0 Threshold. Then I Fade the sharpen to Luminosity so it doesn't sharpen the colors. On this I selected only the flowers for the sharpening so it would draw attention to them.
Thanks again for the really nice comments and for taking a look at my work. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/30/2006 6:10:11 PM
Thank you so much Christine. Your words are very appreciated. ~ Warm regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/30/2006 6:07:23 PM
Thanks very much Eric. I do kind of wish the white fish was a bit more in the shot (and swimming INTO the shot instead of out of it). However, I do think it helps to balance the shot (somewhat). Thanks for the kind words and for looking at my work. ~ Warm regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/29/2006 8:02:12 PM
Your work is ALWAYS amazing, Lars. When I look at this, it tells a story. In fact, many of your images look like they could be illustrations for stories. I love the color and toning of this. The lighting is fantastic and the composition wonderful. It's moody and isolated... lonely. It could even fit into the "Alone" project. Well done! Another really fantastic shot. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Lars Raun
(K:1701)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/29/2006 7:54:24 PM
Un'altra foto bella Benedetto! Amo il post-processing di questo. Assomiglia ad una pittura. Bravo! ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Benedetto Riba
(K:15792)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/29/2006 8:10:44 AM
Thanks so much James. Your comments are very much appreciated. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/28/2006 5:46:09 PM
It's funny how you see the same things as I do. That little branch was a dilemma for me. "To Crop or to Clone... that is the question."
Eventually, I decided to take it out with the Clone Stamp Tool but then it took away the sense that there was a bit of a tree barrier just off-camera and it felt like it was "unsupported" on that side. Cropping it changed the composition (negatively). So, in the end, I just left it in. I thought of doing some other things there (like maybe lowering the branch) but it was already getting over-worked and I was fizzling with my energy to work on it.
Seeing this image in the light of day, it looks too dark to me now. Funny how images look at night versus the day. I might go back and work on this more after all. (shrug)
What a wonderful critique you given me, Lin. Someone should make this a featured critique. I love how very pointed and specific you've gotten with what you see in this. Thank you, Sweetie for this TRULY appreciated support. You're the best! Cosmic Galactic HUGS! ~R
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/28/2006 2:17:03 AM
This is "Oooo! Ahhhh!" worthy! For sure. :) Great abstract again, James. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: James Cook
(K:38068)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/28/2006 2:15:54 AM
Whoa!!! Too cool!!! can't tell if it's water or ice. Love it. Great composition too, James. Nice one. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: James Cook
(K:38068)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/28/2006 2:14:21 AM
This would make a great illustration for a book or short story. Another fantastic image, Benedetto! ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Benedetto Riba
(K:15792)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/25/2006 3:43:15 PM
Thank you again, Tim. I thought this was different as well. It was very serendipitous as I went outside to look at the full moon and it was obscured by these interesting clouds. Night shots have always been my challenge and this is one of the few I am proud of. Thanks for the acknowledgement, Tim. I am again honored. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/25/2006 3:39:27 PM
Thank you for saying that, Tim. I didn't have a clue it was award-worthy. I look at your work and I wonder why every shot you have doesn't have several awards. Thanks for taking a peek at my work Tim. I am honored. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/25/2006 3:34:58 PM
Thanks so much, Tim. Coming from you I am completely humbled. You did pick out one here that was shot with the 12-24mm Nikon lens. I do like this shot too. The cloud colors are so beautiful this time of year, especially at sunset like this one. Thanks very much for your kindness in stopping by to look at my work. If you don't mind, I'd love to add you to my friends list. I feel compelled to keep up with what you do next. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Rocky Berlier
(K:2009)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/25/2006 8:23:28 AM
Tim, incredible shot. In fact, I just don't understand why every photo in your portfolio doesn't have an award attached to it. Your work is some of the most impressive I've see ANYWHERE! What beauty you are surrounded by. Going through your portfolio is like a major treat for the eyes. And it just one amazing shot after another. Just don't know how you do it. A BIG thank you to Linda for mentioning your portfolio. WOW! Just amazing!
By the way, I love that 12-24mm lens too. It's become my new favorite lens. Great work, Tim. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Tim Schumm
(K:29196)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/23/2006 5:24:35 PM
I love the composition of this. Her eyes are so beautiful. The hat, dress and background are used so well to frame her face. The expression is fun and the viewer can't help but smile to look at this. Great shot Zet. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: zet ka
(K:1411)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/23/2006 5:21:13 PM
This is very reminiscent of Gustav Klimt (one of my favorite artists). Just a beautiful work of art Zet. I'd love to peek over your shoulder sometime to watch you do your post-processing. What a wonderful mixture of painting and photography. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: zet ka
(K:1411)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/23/2006 5:14:17 PM
Fantastic texture and color. A beautiful abstract. Wonderful! ~ Warm regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Asdren Xërxa
(K:696)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/23/2006 5:05:31 PM
Love the DoF, the rich colors and the inverted s-curve the birds make as well as the diagonals of the branches. Very nice capture, James. ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: James Cook
(K:38068)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/23/2006 4:48:57 PM
Espressione grande su questo bambino. La amo! ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Benedetto Riba
(K:15792)
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Critique By:
Rocky Berlier (K:2009)
9/23/2006 4:44:59 PM
Realmente amo la luce in questa. Fantastico! ~ Warmest regards, Rocky
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| Photo By: Benedetto Riba
(K:15792)
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