Set Free
by Techo

Comment by graphicfunk:
Great concept and deftly execution. Bump.

Set Free
by Techo

Comment by UNTITLED:
Very cool and clever silhouette. Great idea and execution!

Set Free
by Techo

Comment by lopposopper:
nice silhouette effect to create b&w, good shot.

Set Free
by Techo

Comment by neophyte:
Great job. Great idea to use a Silhouette for this. I like the comp and wouldn't be surprised to see this on the front page, good luck. 9

Set Free
by Techo

Comment by Cantique:
Good idea to do a sillhouette. Love the sharpness and find your composition beautiful and elegant. One of my favorites in this challenge.

On The Half Shell - wout cloning
by Techo

Comment by Techo:
Thanks Jen :)

Reason why I mostly prefer Basic Challenges, for one it's good practice for me to get the pic right from the start and not much of brainer when choosing how to edit it but those little specks/sensor dust can drive one nuts hehe. When shooting for a challenge even when it's for Advanced, I try to keep in a Basic state of mind.

I sometimes even forget I can clone out a speck something out while editing a photo for Advanced. I'll just try keeping to cloning only specks for Advanced and think twice if I do anything more. About the canvas, I didn't realize it was bought up in the forums before, the blackground was already black so I wanted more negative space, it is now in my mind a major element, I won't ever add a sliver. Some for folks where not DQed for that some where. I guess it depends to what extent it was applied.

When shooting the pic I wanted to get as close as possible to fill in the frame with as much as detail as possible and naturally still get enough negative space. The big problem was, the shot I chose to edit wasn't level, by rotating it I had to cut some of what little was left out. It wasn't rotated by much but it made a difference. If I chose a frame taken a few shots earlier, it was wider had the same lighting, etc. but the white balance was off, the colors where cooler, that I could've fixed easily via Color Balance, and there would've been no need to extend the black canvas. So another lesson learnt, thinking it was advanced I thought it was ok take that one and just tweak it.

Sorry for the long read. And thanks again to everyone for their comments and support :)

Oh and...

I don't know what the SC team think of me keep telling or rather suggesting folks to double check with them if they have any doubts with their editing steps. Becuase the help and ask for validation tickets submitted could sore. But I think they're a fine group and like to help. They dont like to DQ pics so I guess at the end verifying it with them before submitting a photo could save them the hard task of deciding to DQ or not?

Message edited by author 2006-07-31 13:31:15.

On The Half Shell - wout cloning
by Techo

Comment by jenesis:
So sorry to hear about your DQ. I have a hard time with the whole "major" element thing to as it just doesn't seem consistent to me what is and what isn't. Here I just see you improving the photo by cloning out a reflection, no biggie. Didn't realize you added to the canvas, but to me, not that big a deal either.

You're entry is still a blue ribbon to me. But then again, who am I. :)

On The Half Shell - wout cloning
by Techo

Comment by Techo:
Hi :)

Well when I touched up the reflection I too didn't think it was a major element area wise, but me extending the black canvas didn't help my case either. I think the relection would make or break the image so it was seen as a major element by some. I've never cloned that much of a challenge image before. Got to tread lightly, and think twice. After getting a recent validation notice (My 2nd in an Advanced Challenge, this one was my first), which passed, on a my recent photo in a challenge still in voting phase. I do now have a better understanding of what is and is not acceptable cloning and touchup wise. Filters are not a big part of my photo editing so I have no problems or concerns there, and I'm not big on Burning/Dodging either.

Message edited by author 2006-07-31 12:59:46.

Set Free
by Techo

Comment by grisstxs:
very cute

Set Free
by Techo

Comment by Rissa:
Cool idea, nicely done - great composition and contrast.