The Retreat (2 of 31)
by Ecce_Signum

Comment:
First off, let me just say that this is just my opinion. I do like the scene you captured but the selective desaturation isn't working for me and here's why:

Generally speaking, selective desaturation is very hard to pull off. Now the way you used it does help to shift the focus to where you wanted it and also helps make the image easier to consume visually similar to what b/w conversion does but in doing so you've placed a big neon sign into the scene, one in which I now have to consider as part of the composition. Unless the selective desaturation advances or compliments the narrative in some way it would work but unfortunatley (for me anyway) that's not the case here. As it stands it is just a big bandaid covering up a technical cut so to speak.

Now lets compare that to the lens baby/blur effect. That too has been added into the scene but it doesn't stand out like a sore thumb because it finds a role to play within the scene itself. Not only does it help set the mood but it also heightens the juxaposition of the house and the tree in ways that can't be achieved otherwise.

So in short, the blur advances/compliments the story/meaning where as the selective desaturation does not. Perhaps someone might say should this matter? I say yes, IF the editing is to make it's presence known it should have something to say otherwise go back into the shadows and remain unseen.

Night Snowfall Wind Tree
by chromeydome

Comment:
Through the eyes of a snowflake... what worlds we see.

Carousel girl
by Melethia

Comment:
Look at that authentic expression! You can't beat that.

Larry the Barber
by toddhead

Comment:
Now this is a wonderful and rich portrait. As Deb mentioned all the little details is what makes this so real and so honest. Had this been shot in a typical studio setting all would have been lost. The idea of him would have been the only thing captured.

summer rain
by roz

Comment:
Let me guess you also didn't use a tripod and you had to time your focus while hopping around trying to avoid fire ants? :P Congrats Roz.

St Peter's morning light
by Melethia

Comment:
The dark figures approach St Peter's light. Is that Peter in white waiting for them in the background? He looks so small in such a majestic place.

Starlings and gulls
by Melethia

Comment:
Love the shot. I wish I could see the finer details better but the not much you can do about that.

God's Messenger
by pawdrix

Comment:
Wow. That's some comment and praise from ubique and quite deserving too. It would be hard for me to add anything more except to say I love this. I can never get enough of religious themes playing out in everyday life so this is an absolute dream. The fact that this is just buried in your portfolio in a way makes it even more appealing.

Pacific Daybreak
by DrAchoo

Comment:

Originally posted by FocusPoint: Oh man... return of a Jedi :) What a shot :)

No Jedi are good. He's clearly a Sith. :P

day...
by nixter

Comment:
This makes me smile.