Natural Beauty
by librodo

Comment by thatcloudthere:
Wow, this looks too good to be a candid! If it's a true candid (with made-up model and all), kudos! If not, shame on you...

I give you a 9, but very hesitantly! Nice photo, regardless!

Sound of the Wind
by librodo

Comment by graphicfunk:
from the critique club:

First let me explain the minor problem we have with some of the voters. Here the challenge is wind and the majority interpret wind in its majestic sense. The soaring of waves, the catapulting of objects by strong gales. The less passive modes evades them. In this category wind produced by the lungs or even by a fan are looked upon as rather too weak. This is of course a very serious error when one makes up one's mind as to what wind is. The same oversights are applied to many challenges were the narrow definition trumps.

Here you have the pleasure of observing a wind instrument by a competent player. I am at a loss if this is a reed instrument, but its exotic look along with the determined expression, the authentic attire and the premier pose lend a wonderful composition. The blurred colorful background adds to the strength of the image. It is a diagonal comp from just above middle left to top right. Observe how the red string/rope forms a u or a loop with the red ribbon as the final stop, if you will, to help circle the eye and bring it back again to the face in deep concentration.

The head position with the frill of the hat dangling down begins to carry the eyes right into the face, as there is darkness underneath in the shoulder/arms area, and from the face into the finger positions and then to the fluted part of the horn. Here we pause and follow the string down and observe the palm of the left hand, the sleeves and then back to the mouth. I can not hear the instrument, but look at the inflated cheeks. Is this not wind?

This is first, an exotic image and second, a lovely image which has been overlooked by those expecting the spectacular rather then the effective. Any wind instrument is using wind not to destroy but to make wonderful music. The only minor change that I would make with this gem is to patiently clone out the little halo that follows the left arm down and from the frill of the hat down. Even as it is, this is certainly a top ten image.

Message edited by author 2004-12-27 23:47:11.

brokenhearted
by librodo

Comment by cloverstar:
Congratulations on your achievement. I thought this would do well.
Cloverstar

brokenhearted
by librodo

Comment by kiwiness:
Wonderful portrait shot Manny, congrats on the ribbon.

brokenhearted
by librodo

Comment by jaimehurtado_:
its so good, very nice, congratulations

brokenhearted
by librodo

Comment by L1:
Congratulations Manny...this is yet another stellar shot from you!!!! :o)

Sound of the Wind
by librodo

Comment by dartompkins:
I knew this was yours. It is absolutely wonderful, and WAY underrated.

brokenhearted
by librodo

Comment by mzuri:
Thought this was a great photo - but apparently there a 13 or so people who voted blindfolded !

Sound of the Wind
by librodo

Comment by MadMordegon:
Thats just great!

brokenhearted
by librodo

Comment by Miinerva:
Manny, you are simply the best! Congratulatiosn. I just knew this would make it to the top. The both of you did such wonderfull job.