First Communion (C&C welcomed)

Thanks for your comment Tony.

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Originally Posted by TonyW

I agree with Izzie about the bright reflections but Bill's subtle brightening of the face makes it even lovelier.

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Thank you for your comment Mike.

What you mention has been my exact issue of late. Although I only post here, I have been following some "fine art" sites and then several Instagram sites. All the images have that muted look or the very bright highlights you mention. I was feeling "old fashioned" and thinking I was at a disadvantage as I don't use PS, or do extensive PP. Thankfully, a kind friend pointed me in the direction to help me think this thru and what it came down to is -- there are trends in all arts (music, fashion, photography) that the masses follow and desire at that moment. When I am not getting caught up with that, my favorite inspirational site is National Geographic's Your Shot... not the make believe fine art world. :-)

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Originally Posted by Mike Buckley

Wonderful image, Kim, for all the obvious reasons.



As you think about that, perhaps consider that the prevalent thinking at CiC tends to be relatively conservative and that if you participated regularly in other sites (perhaps you do) or reviewed other styles of photography (perhaps you do), you would be exposed more to other approaches not often displayed or discussed here. As an example, I recently saw a relatively large photo in a magazine of a famous chef whose name doesn't come to mind. A small but prominent part of the background was a building lit very brightly by a low sun that would make the highlights in your background look absolutely tame. I'm confident that if that photo was displayed here and if its photographer wasn't revealed, the typical critique here would be to tone down the background. Apparently the editor at the magazine felt otherwise.

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Thank you Dan.

I think PP will be a struggle for me for a bit -- there's so much to learn, and I want to learn it all, whether I use it or not, just so I have the option.

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Originally Posted by NorthernFocus

Really a nice image, Kim. In this particular image nothing distracts my attention from those eyes. Nicely done.

Regarding PP, as others have said we all go through the struggle of whether to and how much. There are many things that influence that decision. Personal preference/style, client requirements, etc. are factors involved in the decision. Subject matter may also dictate. In situations where the photographer has substantial control over the situation no or minimal PP should be necessary. However when conditions in the field dictate lighting angles, lens selection, background content, etc, one has to decide whether to utilize PP capabilities, accept a substandard image, or simply don't bother with the shot.

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Thank you Binnur.

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Originally Posted by bnnrcn

Hi Kim. A very nice image. Although I like William's edit too, I prefer your original :)

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It seems rather than "not having any carry over", it should be an added consideration - I saw the scene, what did I like about it and want do I want to carry forward, and how might someone not there to witness it perceive the image?

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Yes - better articulated, thank you.

WW

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Originally Posted by Mike Buckley

. . . I can imagine Kim wanting to very carefully remember the mood, ambiance, atmosphere and other similar feelings experienced at the event to ensure that those same feelings are transmitted to the viewer by whatever characteristics are exhibited in the photo. . .

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Yes. I concur.

My written words did not articulate my ideas precisely.

I want to remember the mode and then apply that memory to an Objective Analysis as to whether or not the Final Image will carry that mood forward to the Viewer.

Please see my above response to Kim.

Thanks Mike for clearing and then consolidating my thoughts on this point.

WW

Great image Kim :)