The Last Mile
by phatphoto

Comment by KarenNfld:
Very interesting composition, the horizon is slightly tilted which is distracting. Not sure I like the mono-tone or the grain.

The Last Mile
by phatphoto

Comment by Kivet:
I love the grainyness of this

The Last Mile
by phatphoto

Comment by ashs:
Beautiful color and great stance. I love the endless look of the road and the sky is perfect. I only wish that the vanishing point was either centered or totally off to the side, instead of in the middle of the two. It would have also been a little better if hte horizon was straight. Good title.

The Last Mile
by phatphoto

Comment by blue_dragon:
Nice composition nad colour... usually I bark on those who submit photos with drunk horizon, but here it looks quite good. 8

The Last Mile
by phatphoto

Comment by GIS_boy:
Great!!! 8 :)

Birth
by phatphoto

Comment by OneSweetSin:
Greetings From the Critique Club

WOW what a first entry and what an outstanding concept you used here the fertilized egg and the light.

About the only thing I see that could have been done differently was a tighter crop on the hands and that is being picky to even say that. This is a fantastic first entry. Hope to see you with a ribbon in the near future.

Best wishes in your next entry.

Anna

Birth
by phatphoto

Comment by Canadian_eh:
Nice and sifficult shot! i love it, for a first challenge entry, fantastic!!!

Birth
by phatphoto

Comment by phatphoto:
PS--

To Younger who commented on the "unnaturally long fingers" they belong to me! :) I was too embarrassed to ask other people to help me with the photo so I had to work fast to get into position to take the photo.
:)

Birth
by phatphoto

Comment by phatphoto:
Thanks you soooo very much for the encouraging words. I was, and still am, on cloud 9 after this challenge. Quoting Ms. Sally Fields, "You like me...you really like me." :)
* * * * *
I had envisioned the photo and was determined to make it work and tried a couple of different ways to light the egg but regardless of what I did, it seemed futile since the light just wasn't passing through it very well. After several different attempts, I finally decided to drain the egg, through a dime-size hole on the back and then let the egg dry. I was burning a scented candle at the time and realized that I could use the melted wax as the yolk, which formed the yellow circular glow inside the egg. I then purposely burned more of the candle, which made a dark melted wax, poured that into the dried up "yolk" and that formed the shape which simulated the fetus or whatever you want to call the "shape" that's inside the egg. To get the egg to glow, I placed a pen light under the egg and between my hands.

I took several photos, playing with the exposure etc., until I found the right combo. Aside from making the photo the correct dimensions for the challenge, I didn't really do any editing since I don't know how to use photoshop...I was hoping to put a border on it, but since I didn't have the time to figure it out, I just submitted the photo (just barely made it on time).

If anyone has any suggestions as far as good books on learning adobe photoshop elements 3 (never used any photo editing stuff before) I certainly would appreciate a heads up.

Again, much thanks for your encouragement especially those who posted a comment. Btw, now that I've demystified this photo, how did you think I did it? Would be interested to know your thoughts. :)

Birth
by phatphoto

Comment by Jammur:
I think this is where I put down that this is my first entry "so be kind" :)
I don't think you got any of the pity vote, but certainly got quite a few people's attention.