I know. . .another bird. But they are just so darn photogenic! This one was so accommodating to pose for me exactly as I had envisioned the photo in my mind.
I processed my raw file twice. I actually never thought to do that until I noticed how SCalvert described doing that on his Magic photo. I processed it once to make the background black (but I still had to burn a little here and there), and once for the bird, then very carefully brushed through a layer mask so the bird showed thru all soft and pretty. I tried a glowing portrait action on it to see if I could soften his feathers up, and sure enough I like how it turned out. Hopefuly I'm not the only one who likes how it turned out :)
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I'm heartbroken that I lost my ribbon. I saw that a site council member had processed a winning photo twice, so I knew that was okay. And I had used the technique of increasing the shadows to darken the background before on a validated image, so I knew that technique was okay. But I guess you can't use those 2 techniques together.
I'm really sad, but wiser I guess.
Disqualification Details
Cloning, dodging, burning, etc. to improve your photo or remove imperfections or minor distracting elements, etc. is acceptable. However, using any editing tools to duplicate, create, or move major elements of your photograph is not permitted.
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Views since voting: 5552 Views during voting: 327 Comments: 104 Favorites: 20 (view)
Same thing happened to me Sandy...I have a little of the background still showing on mine and there is much less background than this...this is still amazingly beautiful
What a great photo!!!!!
I have read your comments on the DQ but still cannot understand why...
It does seem that there are some rather dubious interpretations made of rules when judging comes around, maybe its time for a better guideline for them to be published.
Anyway this is a shot that you have every reason to be proud of...Congratulations
Oh, Sandy. I just found this while looking to see how you did on Free Study XIII.
I don't understand the DQ - was there a lot of detail in the background?
This is a stunning shot, and one of which you should be proud. I think the incredible number of supportive comments, including this one, and 19 (!) favorites, including mine, tell you that.
Sandy, I never realised that this was dqed till I looked at your portfolio...I am not sure I understand what you did that dqed you, but this is an amazing image...soft and delicate, perfect for the challenge
Sandy, This is again a winner in every way. Too bad the rules are enforced diffently over time and so hard to understand. You did great and it's still a winner! Well done.
I was disappointed when I saw your photo was DQ, it's an excellent shot which I like very much. I am sure you will get more ribbons soon. Keep up the good work Sandy.
Sandy, It's good to see so many of your DPC friends offering their condolences for the loss of your ribbon. The Site Counsel might be able to take away your well deserved ribbon, but they can not take away the prize capture you shot. Like Daniel said, the image is strong enough to stand on it's own.
You stand in the same group as one of the top photographers in DPC. There will be a lot more ribbons coming your way. Keep up your excellent work. Everybody here knows you are a winner and that you produce award winning photographs.
This truly hurts! Chalk it up to experience. But what a lovely image and I am still at a loss as to why it got DQued. This is why sometime back I pressed hard on this issue: that is you you work hard to process an image and then the whole effort falls victim to a dq. Regardless, you have my condolence for your loss. The image is strong enough to stand on its own as a fine study.
Now, is the dq because of the obliteration of the backgound to pure black? If I understand you, you produced two versions from the raw. One was darkened and then laid over the first to erased all other info except the bird. No reason for a dq unless all background info was made black.
Major bummer on the DQ Sandy, but it's still a fantastic shot. I just started shooting in RAW this week, and I can see how this would be a grey area in my mind. I had a DQ for similar reasons (at least one of the reasons was for removing the BG), so I know how it hurts. Hang in there and keep on creating these beautiful images!
My very first entry wa DQ'ed because when I cropped it, it left thin line on one side. (In those days frames were not allowed.) And it really stung.
As one who has never won a ribbon, I know this really had to hurt. Take heart in the fact that you did create a beautiful photo that is much admired. And who knows, perhaps this technique will be allowed in the future.
Don't be sad sandy. You still got the ribbon. You just got DQ'd on a technicality. Nothing to worry about. It doesn't lessen the achievement or the picture one little bit.
Oh my, so sorry about the DQ. But it is still a stunning image and you did get the votes for the ribbon. Keep your chin up and the camera in front of your eye - another ribbon coming soon!
very sorry to hear about your DQ...wonderful work is still wonderful work, and nobody will ever question your integrity....but still, I am sure it just feels wrong...wish for you it wasn't so...
This is indeed a sad, sad day, as this was an exceptional image, and so saddned to see you have a DQ's, what a shame, and I feel for you right now, and always will dear Sandy.
Don't be surprised with the results ! It's an excellent photo , with natural pastel tones.
The composition , lighting and your touch of magic (= a good edition) are very good.
I'm very happy for you my friend.
As always , all the best !
The beauty of this shot, besides the obvious beauty of the bird, is that it looks like a photo you would produce - soft, great color and aesthetically pleasing. Very good work with this!
Sandy!! Way to go! I agree 100% with PhantomEWO - this is expected and it´s wonderful. Sooo glad you entered. The colors are gorgeous. I love the sneaky looking expression on the bird. This is just beautiful.
Congratulations Sandy! Wonderful picture - great composition, excellent coloring, beautiful subject. The processing lets enough detail come through while keeping a nice soft feel. Very well done Sandy!
Beuatiful shot Sandy. I take a pic of these guys every week we are at the zoo and I can only wish to come out with one as nice as this (I am still wishing). Great shot and congrats on another ribbon.
Yes, my friend......Yes, I am so excited for you and my C.O.N.G.R.A.T.U.L.A.T.I.O.N.S. to you, for this "Yellow" ribbon, and you are nearly always so close, and nearly always on the front page. You can see you love what you do, and that is what matters.
Also adding it to my favorites as well.....
WOW!!! This is by far the best flamingo picture I have ever seen!! This is beautiful! I also think I am looking at a ribbon winner here! Great Job in composition and your edits. Good luck! Oh yeah - 10
What an incredible image! This soft salmon color is absolutely gorgeous against the black background. I love how this flamingo is looking right at you and how stunning your use of lighting is. Great Job!!
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