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Silver and Gold
Silver and Gold
tanguera


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Free Study 2011-05 (Advanced Editing VII)
Collection: 2011
Camera: Nikon D700
Lens: Nikon AF Nikkor -S DX 18-105 f3.5-5.6
Location: Van Nuys, CA
Date: May 8, 2011
Galleries: Portraiture
Date Uploaded: May 10, 2011

 Models: Therese Barron and Riley
MUA: Sugano

The idea for this image came to me while out to lunch with Therese. I had this sudden urge to transform her into the Queen Latifa character "Mama" in Chicago. If I recall correctly, I think Therese blanched, but didn't say no. She said she'd think about it. She called me later and said "let's do it". I was thrilled. I immediately called Sugano, who signed on for the project.

But what's a photographer without a budget supposed to do about glamorous costumes and jewelry???? YOU IMPROVISE!!!! My years of haunting Goodwill and other thrift stores finally payed off. All the jewelry and headpiece (a broken necklace) are from there. The blouse is hers, tucked in strategic places. The glorious skirt is one of my curtain panels (yes, vestiges of Gone with the Wind...). The rest of the props (curtains, sofa cover, pillow, glass) are "on loan" from Bed, Bath and Beyond. I had a fan behind the panels to blow them into the scene.

The setup took two hours. I shot for 15 minutes. I'm so amazed that this turned out EXACTLY as I envisioned. I hope you enjoy it.

convert from RAW
crop
denoise
clone out blemishes
layer of topaz
gradient layer
layer in overlay mode for dodging
clone out sharpening halo
save for web

Statistics
Place: 121 out of 344
Avg (all users): 5.7704
Avg (commenters): 7.4000
Avg (participants): 5.7959
Avg (non-participants): 5.7027
Views since voting: 692
Views during voting: 261
Votes: 135
Comments: 9
Favorites: 1 (view)

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AuthorThread
 06/08/2011 12:26:19 PM
You're developing a body of work with these dramatic portraits of women with dogs. Very nice! I like the way you have the women gazing elsewhere while the dogs stare straight at the camera. Love the set, the light, and the tone in this one.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/08/2011 03:30:31 AM
Nice work.

Message edited by author 2011-10-11 22:28:14.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/08/2011 12:19:26 AM
The copper toning in this is so rich, so glorious - sumptous in its elegance! Marvelously envisioned and executed.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
06/07/2011 01:46:29 PM
I'm going through the entries, stopping at those images I feel have had the benefit of an unconventional eye and dwelling a little longer to try to see and appreciate what you saw. This is one of those images.

Positives: What a marvellous portrait. The light, the opulence of the surroundings, the dress, the pose, the aloof dog - all contribute to a really effective image. Everything goes together so wonderfully. I particularly like the blown curtain - it adds dynamism to a quite still image.

Critical stuff: I think eye contact may have worked really well to anchor the viewers eye.

Overall: I am a fan of good portraits and this is right up there.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/04/2011 10:45:48 AM
A wonderfully quirky composition. Only wish the dog's face were better lit -- I missed him at first.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2011 01:51:38 PM
A Rubenesque Beauty.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2011 12:54:08 PM
...the more I look at this, the more I love it. She's the queen of her realm.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2011 01:58:29 AM
Johanna? Is this yours?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2011 12:28:47 AM
This shot had potential. The perfect models. Shame your lighting is a bit off for my taste.
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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