Only The Beginning!
by Judi

Comment by tigmo:
excellent shoooot !!!!

catwoman
by Judi

Comment by Krystle:
great job judi, i think i would have went for your outtake instead, although i'm sure you debated more than i have over it :)

catwoman
by Judi

Comment by SJCarter:
Great finish Judi! :-)

Capoeira
by Judi

Comment by 777STAN:
Considering the fact that you are not shy about self-portraits, I humbly submit that this could be a consistent reaction that you get from all men...Flipping Head Over Heels! :}

Oh, by the way, Is that your picture being used by Merriam Webster & Company to illustrate the term, "Ageless?"

Congratulations on a sparkling career thus far as both photographer and model! :)

Am I Trapped In My Sins?
by Judi

Comment by 777STAN:
Judi, This is one very POWERFUL image!

I agree with your concept about the many emotions & events of our past too often holding us back from accomplishing all we were created to accomplish. You (on the other hand)have been beautifully ironic as to the meaning of the photo...for you demonstrated skill, creativity, and determination to accomplish a worthy goal, the illustration of the human condition.

I bow deeply before GREATNESS! Great job! :)

Hearts & Bows
by Judi

Comment by noraneko:
Judi - I think this image was way underrated. I gave it an 8 and think I should have scored it higher. I agree with St. Davidson that it would do well in a gallery setting or in another contest at a different venue. Absolutely beautiful.

catwoman
by Judi

Comment by fotomann_forever:
rawr :-)

Hearts & Bows
by Judi

Comment by Artifacts:
Positives:
I'd like to be a dispationate critic but all I can think of to say is "WOW". The high key in this composition makes it special. The technicals and art within this imagery are only what I dream of in my own compositions.

Technicals:
Sharpness, high key treatment and the BW is perfect in every way. Color in the ribbons is just right. The solid white BG is absolutely the right choice.

There is a hint of jaggies in your model's hair and lack of detail in her cheeks, neck and left forehead that will be interpretted as a faults by some viewers.

Off centering your model more might add more interest.

The Challenge:
Does it meet the challenge? Yes. How well it does many will ask. This image was faulted for shoehorning to the challenge by some I am sure and/or for a weakness in the desat choice.

I know, I was one of the people that did it for the later reason. I was wrong and am now ashamed. This is one of the images I scored in about .3 milliseconds. I gave it an 8. I was wrong. This is a 10 all the way. I'm angry now at myself for scoring it so low. I think I instinctively knew I was wrong at the time but did it anyway. I'm certain I was influenced by the challenge topic mistakenly or in ways I should not have been.

In my opinion, I and the voters did this image a grave diservice by giving it a 5.5.

Suggestions:
Consider doing some touchup to remove some of the "jaggies" from your model's hair. Just use the blur tool lightly... very lightly. Little is needed.

The only other suggestion I can think of is to crop off some of the left side to off center your model and have her facing into the composition more.

Other than that I have no suggestions whatsoever. This is a great picture. This image could be an award winner in other venues and would make a great addition to a photo art gallery display.

Hearts & Bows
by Judi

Comment by brownsm:
what a beautiful image! I didn't see this one going through, but I'm glad I came upon it now. pure artistry!

catwoman
by Judi

Comment by snaffles:
pretty neat shot, makeup could be a bit stronger. 7