Saved by the Light
by gyaban

Comment by SEG:
Your Photoshop skills astonish me!!! Perfect 10 for this one. Nothing in this challenge compares to this entry.

Keep up the good work.

Saved by the Light
by gyaban

Comment by Teafran:
There are two ways to look at this. One is acceptance of it as it is - a very good, no make that excellent, manufactured Photoshop image combining elements and creating a painting like impression. The other way is to really hit this hard because it just doesn't look like a real photograph, more like a painting which would more properly belong in a wholly different category other than "photograph". I honestly don't know what to do or how to rate it. My default position is give credit where credit is due and give this a ten just for the sheer ability and skill used in developing the image. I need to think about this and look at the remaining images before I rate it - comparison can sometimes help develop an opinion.

UPDATE: Well, this is clearly the class of the field in terms of editing skills. It also is the class of the field in terms of composition - the high drama is evident. Minor technical issue in that the two choppers would not be working that close together [sorry - former USAF Air Rescue (CSAR)], but that's not the point. I'm just not convinced that this qualifies as a "photograph". But that's really the point isn't it? You're depicting an emergency situation using photographic elements to make a coherent composition. However, there doesn't seem to be a dispute with regard to that issue so I'm giving credit where credit is due. Well done - I'm rating it a ten. Should win the contest.

Headache
by gyaban

Comment by Lydia:
Congrats on your HM, Christophe, even on a self-proclaimed non-grunge shot in a Grunge challenge. You're just that good!

Headache
by gyaban

Comment by Paul:

Originally posted by cosmicassassin: Only commenting on my low votes. Unfortunate Christophe, I don't like overly photoshopped images. I have a real disdain for them, and thus vote accordingly. It's hard to offer a real critique because this is simply a case of I simply don't like it.

That's a little ridiculous, this was an Expert challenge - the Photoshopping part is pretty much the point of the rule set.

If you feel like that, then don't vote in Expert challenges.

Saved by the Light
by gyaban

Comment by caba:
Best in show award, congrats. Well done with the lighting

Saved by the Light
by gyaban

Comment by LVicari:
Gyaban? Another masterpiece! Skills beyond words

Saved by the Light
by gyaban

Comment by Mark-A:
My Favorite of the challenge if I am really critical I find the guy on the log a little awkward and maybe should have been positioned a little lower in the water but that's just if I had to find a nitpick.

My 1st place and highest score 9

Saved by the Light
by gyaban

Comment by tanguera:
Wowowow. Christophesque. Just wondering what that thing on the right of his waist is. Also, the way the wave is splashing against his but makes it look like his left leg is extremely thin. There's something odd about that region. But the light, the drama, top drawer.

Headache
by gyaban

Comment by Dennisheckman:
An excellent creation. I was going back and forth on using the overlay, but decided to go with it since it was the first time I have used one. I think my entry made more sense to use one. I think they can add a great deal of mood to an image, but not make a bad image better. Congrats on HM Christophe.

Headache
by gyaban

Comment by CJinCA:
Congratulations on your HM Christophe. So well done, as usual!