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Fiery
1st PlaceFiery
gyaban


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Superpowers II (Expert Editing)
Camera: Canon EOS-5D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Date: May 24, 2012
Date Uploaded: May 24, 2012

 [May. 25th, 2012 09:59:10 AM]

This one was a lot of work to achieve, and I am quite happy about the result.

First, I had to buy lots of feathers, which I found in a creative decorations store. I bought different sizes and shapes of them, in order to be able to pick the most appropriate ones depending on the wing area. While shooting them was the easy part, arranging them on the screen in order to look like giant wings was intense, and took me quite a few hours before reaching a satisfactory result.

The day after, I made a fire at night, and took several hundreds of shots, in order to have a good amount of differently shaped flames. It was really important to shoot them against a pure black background, in order to ease their insertion in the picture (layers in screen mode make black transparent automatically, handy): the camera was set with that in mind. I also shot some smoke (using a lateral flash) to use as a texture above fire.

The background was simply created using a sky shot, and rocks that were deformed a bit and positioned vertically, to constitute these strange mountain peaks.

Last but not least, posing half naked was also an interesting experience, since it was a bit cold that day ;-) If this ends needing validation, SC members should not worry too much, I was wearing underpants that were cloned out in post-processing.

I hope some will like the result!
_________________________________________________________

Post challenge:

Wow! Thank you all so much. I am extremely happy this took my PB spot, and of course, very proud of the score.

Larger version of it can be seen here (prints are available too).

Statistics
Place: 1 out of 48
Avg (all users): 8.5920
Avg (commenters): 9.2609
Avg (participants): 8.2692
Avg (non-participants): 8.6768
Views since voting: 12061
Views during voting: 591
Votes: 125
Comments: 106
Favorites: 57 (view)

Please log in or register to add your comments!

AuthorThread
 06/17/2022 12:24:38 AM
I'm looking at this 10 years later and I can't believe I only scored it a 9 during the challenge. It's a 10 all the way. It's flawless and still striking in its concept and execution. Wishing you well!
 09/10/2012 02:58:25 PM
this is so amazing.....you should be voided here
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/06/2012 03:51:30 PM
Amazing creation, congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/06/2012 03:03:17 AM
I logged in especially after a few years to say: :-O wow good job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/05/2012 09:22:51 PM
Thanks!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/05/2012 09:22:51 PM
Thanks!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/05/2012 01:06:55 AM
simply perfect... you really deserve the first place.
Congrats
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 03:14:36 PM
This has to be a pain in the butt to give proof it was valid... So many photos to put in for validation!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2012 01:48:00 AM
Originally posted by Devinder:
So, I've got a question for ya.

I know you had fire to cover the topside of the wings, but in a scenario where you don't - how do you go about creating the right texture of the topside of the wings. Would you just leave the curved distorted feather shapes as is or would you smooth them out further to create a "thickness"?


I probably would have created a thick edge, using a small fluffy texture.
 06/03/2012 06:58:22 PM
So, I've got a question for ya.

I know you had fire to cover the topside of the wings, but in a scenario where you don't - how do you go about creating the right texture of the topside of the wings. Would you just leave the curved distorted feather shapes as is or would you smooth them out further to create a "thickness"?

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/03/2012 03:37:58 PM
Congrats Christophe! Nice pecs and abs btw, woohooo!! ;-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/03/2012 03:37:32 PM
Congrats Christophe! Nice pecs and abs btw, woohooo!! ;-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/03/2012 11:44:44 AM
Indeed the winner in my book. Congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/03/2012 07:23:12 AM
This is really good mate I am very impressed, much more photographic than your previous couple of entries, I didn't vote but would have been your 55th 10 I would say :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/03/2012 03:40:26 AM
Absolutely beautiful. You should be very proud of the work you have put into this image. Congratulations!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/03/2012 02:17:24 AM
amazing picture!!! I love it!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/02/2012 04:13:28 PM
Seriously...?

You made the wings in Photoshop out of loose feathers???

Wow. Just wow.

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/02/2012 10:06:38 AM
if i were the pope
i would ask you to redo the ceiling in the chapel
no big deal
just glue the pics over whatever there is now

well anyway just a thought so that droves of intoxicated dpcers can make their pilgrimage

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/02/2012 09:52:07 AM
Originally posted by NathanWert:
I have no clue how anyone can vote this low at all!!!!

Well obviously a guy with wings wondering why his hands are on fire is not a superpower because people do that all the time. 3
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/02/2012 07:41:00 AM
This is beyond AWESOME!!!!!!

I have no clue how anyone can vote this low at all!!!! You now have the second highest rated shot on DPC!!!! I personally think you should have been able to knock Langdon out of first!!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/02/2012 07:04:27 AM
Gyaban your work is outstanding... I pretty much only log into this site anymore just to see if you have entered anything new. This is a mind blowing image I love it! Congratulations on your Blue, definitely deserved! great work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/02/2012 03:55:11 AM
Congratulations on the blue and the new PB, Christophe. I wonder if Langdon can feel your fiery breath on his neck.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 04:48:49 PM
AHH! I love this one. :) I don't know that I could have come anywhere close to competing, but I was bummed to not be able to try! I enjoy expert editing challenges as I know you will be entering. ;) My husband and I have been in Croatia for the last two weeks, so I couldn't upload anything.

Congrats!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 04:27:28 PM
Meh, this is a decent enough image I suppose. It jumped out from the thumbnails like Gulliver doing a handstand in Lilliput. Oh sure, I showed it to friends and relatives all week and tried to buy stock in the number 10, but it's no low-angle pool table photo. Freak.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 04:11:26 PM
You never cease to awe me with your talent and hard work. Very amazing concept, and so well done, as usual. Thank you for providing us inspiration and sharing your techniques.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 03:36:54 PM
Wow you must have a nice camera ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 01:43:37 PM
:D

I love waiting on the congrats to read all the comments from you and everyone else.

What a blast!

Oh wait, maybe that's what caused the fire. :P

Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 01:41:23 PM
54 tens :) top work christoph :) amazing attention to detail as always great work

inspirational
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 01:18:45 PM
I'm not certain if this is your best work, But I would rate it within the top five. You are in a zone that not many of us will ever see. It's a pleasure to see your craft improving each and every entry. Congrats on yet another PB!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 12:39:24 PM
WOW! Such a creative piece of art! Congratulations on a very well deserved ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 12:21:33 PM
We all have our favorite direction we like to go with our creativity, and I know this is the type of image you truly love to create Christophe. I think you really nailed this one- might be your best yet. Without even considering placement or score, this must have been a total blast for you to create and I'm very happy for you that you were able to have that fun :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 12:17:46 PM
Christophe, your on fire! My only criticism, I think you need to eat more. Beautiful work.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 11:50:27 AM
Congratulations on another Blue to add to your profile and a new PB! Your last 10 entries are all Blue Ribbon winners with the exception of the one lonely HM - Amazing streak of wins! A remarkable entry Christophe showcasing your hard work, attention to detail, and PP skills.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 11:25:58 AM
This wonderful all your hard work paid off. Congrats on your win.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 11:09:45 AM
Congratulations,you seem to get better and better.Thanks for the info.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 10:50:59 AM
Originally posted by gyaban:
Originally posted by WebbTogg:
Its probably a good thing that you didnt have access to naked males!!!!! nice work btw


Thanks! But I'm not sure I understand the "naked males" bit? I suppose many professional models would accept the job, perhaps even friends or relatives. However, organizing a shooting session within a day or two is not always easy to do, not mentioning the cost.


Ididnt mean it like that i just meant there are not many people that have have a house full of half naked men it was suposed to be sarcasm i guess it never came across that way lol
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 10:45:07 AM
*still searching for a comment that would do justice for this picture*

P.S: Thanks a gazillion for including the details. One of the reasons why I make any picture a favourite of mine is because it includes the details on how it was done so that I can come back and see it and probably try it myself. But surely there is no matching your level of expertise and perfection.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 10:29:54 AM
You are a master of the post processing. Incredible creation.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 10:10:58 AM
I knew the day would come when we would see the inevitable nekkid self-portrait of gyaban...

::promptly tries to swoon...but feels vaguely disappointed when nothing happens::

*sigh*

Congrats on the high score...;-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 10:01:16 AM
Originally posted by WebbTogg:
Its probably a good thing that you didnt have access to naked males!!!!! nice work btw


Thanks! But I'm not sure I understand the "naked males" bit? I suppose many professional models would accept the job, perhaps even friends or relatives. However, organizing a shooting session within a day or two is not always easy to do, not mentioning the cost.
 06/01/2012 09:57:12 AM
Originally posted by gyaban:
Originally posted by NiallOTuama:
Did you expect your abs to get so much attention? :-)


Thanks a lot Niall.
In fact I find it quite amusing too :-) I don't really consider the guy on the photo to be "me": I wanted the model to be in that posture, and wanted him to be relatively muscled, but since the only male body I had access to was mine, I did what I could with it.


Its probably a good thing that you didnt have access to naked males!!!!! nice work btw
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 09:32:31 AM
Originally posted by posthumous:
your left wing is distended. you should probably get that checked.


Yes, I'm compensating World's one, which I tend to find a bit short.
 06/01/2012 09:23:52 AM
your left wing is distended. you should probably get that checked.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 08:40:22 AM
You're on fire! ;-P
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 08:35:53 AM
You are a miracle worker! This is incredible.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 08:18:37 AM
EPIC!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 08:13:30 AM
You are amazing! Hope one day I can do that
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 05:55:05 AM
HA! There is no way I would do THAT! Congrats! I am waiting for the 9 now! :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 05:52:45 AM
Originally posted by yanko:
Fantasy based theme + expert editing + low number of entries to compete against not to mention the low amount of votes challenges get these days.
Sour grapes?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 05:39:27 AM
Originally posted by NiallOTuama:
Did you expect your abs to get so much attention? :-)


Thanks a lot Niall.
In fact I find it quite amusing too :-) I don't really consider the guy on the photo to be "me": I wanted the model to be in that posture, and wanted him to be relatively muscled, but since the only male body I had access to was mine, I did what I could with it.
 06/01/2012 05:34:48 AM
At a loss for words! Congratulations. Those rocks are nearly my.favourite part. Your comments are funny! And so are ours. Did you expect your abs to get so much attention?
:-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 04:57:35 AM
Congratulations for all the achievements from this photo alone... but you do realize that if you beat langdon for the top spot it means that you have to run the site afterwards, right?? :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 04:18:34 AM
Originally posted by bohemka:
to be honest I'm much more interested in how the hell you got those abs!


Thank you Scott! About those abs: dodge and burn, I'm no way that much in shape in reality.
 06/01/2012 03:55:07 AM
Congratulations on all levels! Superb!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 03:54:26 AM
WELL WELL WELL - I BELIEVE YOU ARE AMAZING WITH THE TALENT AND BRILLIANT IDEAS AND AMAZING GRAPHICS THAT YOU PUT TOGETHER WHEN YOU ARE BEHIND THE CAMERA AND ALSO IN EDITING AS YOU ARE THE MASTER NOW AT DPC.

WITH ONLY A NARROW MARGIN BEHIND LANGDON OF .008 AND BEFORE LONG, ACTUALLY VERY SOON, I THINK YOU WILL BEAT THE HIGHEST SCORE HERE AT DPC AND BE THE KING OF DPC......

YOU STILL HAVE SO MUCH MORE TO GIVE TO BE THE BEST OF THE BEST WITH THE TALENT YOU HAVE...... I AM IN AWE OF YOU MY FRIEND AND THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOU TALENT WITH US, ALL OF US...

FROM SHEZ

PS - I ALSO THINK AN AWARD SHOULD ALSO GO TO YOUR WIFE FOR THE SUPPORT SHE ALSO GIVE YOU AND US RE HELPING YOU ACHIEVE YOUR DREAM...

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 03:42:32 AM
Amazing image, Christophe, and the story behind your creative process and execution is quite interesting, but to be honest I'm much more interested in how the hell you got those abs! Am I drinking too much beer? I've got a "one pack."
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 03:40:08 AM
Hey..... Not bad. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 03:27:57 AM
I'm a little surprised you didn't break the record in this challenge. It seem like the perfect storm. Fantasy based theme + expert editing + low number of entries to compete against not to mention the low amount of votes challenges get these days. Oh well you'll get it next time I'm sure.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 03:25:53 AM
looks like a fiery animal is leaping from your right hand
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 02:00:50 AM
Congratulations on this extraordinary achievement, Christophe! Truly magnificent!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 02:00:37 AM
Awesome work and commitment leaves me bewildered seeing your creations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 01:59:25 AM
Your commitment and passion for photography is astounding! From conception to capturing and the final execution – everything is in a league of its own. Pity that the ultimate top spot was not claimed – but that’s why we will have more challenges… so you can WOW us with your indescribable talent. Above all I’m amazed you have a full time job AND still married!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 01:42:26 AM
Lovely work Christophe, great to see that you continue to beat your pb's here, like a true champion.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 01:38:55 AM
AND you're cute to boot. I hate you too :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 01:18:07 AM
This is one of your best creations IMHO. The hard work really paid off. Congrats on the very well deserved blue and the PB!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 01:15:21 AM
Ooh la la!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 01:00:58 AM
An apocalyptic vision of yourself :)

Even the greatest one can get a PB. Your editing improves in every challenge - you need some sleep! :p

Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 12:47:11 AM
Originally posted by jagar:
I thought superheroes had hair on their chests ;-) a gargantuan task perfectly executed as usual, well done.


Haha, I didn't clone it out, promise! Thanks John :)
 06/01/2012 12:44:41 AM
I thought superheroes had hair on their chests ;-) a gargantuan task perfectly executed as usual, well done.

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 12:20:16 AM
Originally posted by adigitalromance:
By the way... 0.008 away from ousting Langdon. Nice nice!


Argghh, I know, I was hoping he would, this is fantastic!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 12:17:13 AM
Congratulations! Well deserved.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 12:15:37 AM
By the way... 0.008 away from ousting Langdon. Nice nice!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 12:14:56 AM
" If this ends needing validation, SC members should not worry too much, I was wearing underpants that were cloned out in post-processing.
"

Ha! You should always plan for this with images as fabulous as this. :D

Congrats... again.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 12:14:40 AM
8 after 8 after 8... I don't remember anyone doing this here...

Excellent work, congrats :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 12:14:20 AM
Wow...what an amazing shot. This gives you all 8's on your front page...that is just absolutely RIDICULOUS!!! In total awe....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 12:14:16 AM
This has to be my favorite from you thus far. Excellent detail, stroy, idea....I am floored by this image. WOW!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 12:12:31 AM
Originally posted by Gyaban:
If this ends needing validation...

Haha! You are pretty funny. I always assumed you uploaded your originals along with your entry. :-D

I'm glad this is your PB. It's by far my favorite of yours. Thanks for the inclusion of how it was achieved. Looks like a lot of work paid off.

I see you slowly approaching the 9.0!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 12:06:55 AM
Awesome work! Congrats on new PB and on the Blue.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2012 12:06:24 AM
Congrats on the new PB! Can't add more to what has already been said below. WELL DONE!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
05/31/2012 07:32:48 PM
Once again, a top notch graphic art image. Beautiful detail. (voted earlier)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/31/2012 12:42:49 PM
Very nicely done ,will be near the top somewhere.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/31/2012 06:25:15 AM
Brilliant - my favorite. BEAUTIFULLY executed!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/30/2012 12:53:58 PM
Cristophe you are in a league all your own. Not even necessarily your best work, and still clearly the ribbon winner here. The love and hard work you put into these really show. Creativity at it's best!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/30/2012 10:40:49 AM
Outstanding! Such creative use of color and shadows. Your model is perfect in his posture and expression. Congrats on a superb image. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/29/2012 08:32:03 PM
Very obviously the winner in this challenge, Christophe. The flamework on the feathers is sublime...quite intricately masked in. Only "oddity" is his ribcage which looks a little odd? Anyway, that's nitpicking...a 9 from me.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/29/2012 07:40:58 PM
I hate you... In the most loving way possible of course... This is just unfair! Your imagination is unbelievable! And the ability to achieve whatever your mind comes up with! To have the photoshop skills that you do is just a dream.... For now... ;)

Keep up the good work! I would be surprised if this didn't come out with an 8+ score... Yet another to add to your collection of those... Lol. (No vote yet but probably will get a 10 when I come back to it.)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/28/2012 10:14:30 PM
I have to hand it to you, you always keep the underlying image breathtakingly photographic. Another excellent display.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/28/2012 09:28:26 PM
super !!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/28/2012 04:06:26 AM
Lets hope you've got a nice detailed explanation about the composition and also the motives for the idea! excellent work - really top notch this one.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/28/2012 12:53:29 AM
You are a master at creation--what's not to like? Fantastic fire!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/27/2012 09:02:13 PM
Wow, that is on fire!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/27/2012 12:12:56 PM
Wonderful. I'm envious of the vision and technique!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/26/2012 05:28:02 PM
Hey gyaban, how long did it take to post process those abs?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/26/2012 11:43:39 AM
Best in show award, congrats, no competition in his challenge, disappointing.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/25/2012 09:06:10 PM
tutorial please.... really nice..!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/25/2012 03:31:45 PM
lovely work, Christophe, looks like I won't beat you this time round ;-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/25/2012 01:40:11 PM
You achieve what others can only dream of achieving. Excellent.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/25/2012 12:09:48 PM
wow
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/25/2012 11:17:51 AM
What a badass image. One of your best, in my opinion. The editing is superb, all the details are sharp and the lighting is spot on.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/25/2012 10:39:28 AM
thats pretty awesome....
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/25/2012 08:51:46 AM
This is just terrific. I can see it as a book jacket cover or even art poster for a futuristic movie. Very well done and not so much over the top that it looks like nothing but editing. Way to go.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/25/2012 07:13:08 AM
far and away the best.

10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/25/2012 02:28:05 AM
Gorgeous ...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/25/2012 12:18:22 AM
Perfect!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/25/2012 12:16:35 AM
Christophe, this is the Blue. Easily. Your recent imagery hasn't been quite as 'realistic' so I haven't enjoyed them as much. But this! This is stunning.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/25/2012 12:04:56 AM
There just is NO competing with you, Christophe.

(Nice abs)

(commenting only)
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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