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Day 22 Polly
Day 22 Polly
jonfrommk


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Camera: Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Location: milton keynes
Date: Jul 22, 2007
Date Uploaded: Jul 22, 2007

Viewed: 183
Comments: 12
Favorites: 0

 OK well today's picture is one that brings me a great deal of happiness on a lot of levels.

This is Polly, one of my neices in my back garden at about 8pm tonight.

OK so why does this picture make me happy

1. Its the first shot I have processed using Photoshop Elements 5.0. Now in itself that is something to be happy about, but the fact is that this software was gifted to me by someone from the DPC community who recognised that I was struggling with PP. They use PS CS2 and had this spare so they contacted me and asked whether I would like PS Elements. They wouldnt take money for it and in fact posted it to the UK from the US and paid the postage as well (not inconsiderable seeing that it also came with a manual that I have been devouring). This person has also had a number of things to deal with in their private life and the fact that during their own times of hassle (which was much more significant than my not being able to PP) they actually thought about someone else shows a generosity of spirit that I think is remarkable. I am not a poor person but given my circumstances spending cash on this type of software is something that I would not do. I will respect this persons anonimity but I would say that every time I process a picture using this I will be thinking very kindly of them.

2. The techniques I have used in PP are ones that jackal9 took the time to sit down and explain to me how to use. Again another example of the DPC community helping others when i am sure they have plenty of other things they could be doing. Once again something I will always be grateful for

3. As I said before the person in the shot is Polly, one of my neices. She is actually Liz's sister's daughter and when Liz and I got divorced I wondered if it would mean I lost touch with her sister's two lovely children. However Kate and Brian have always ensured that I could see their kids and continue a great relationship I have with them and I love them for this.

4. Polly has told me before that she feels that she doesnt have many good photos of her and when she saw this she was thrilled. She thinks its cool and wants a print of it

At the moment Polly, her sister Cassie and Daisy are all having a sleepover at my house, having spent most of the day with me. All of the girls helped me with the weekly shop and after lunch we went to see hairspray very good, we all enjoyed it) before I made us tea. So this is a cool reminder of a lovely day

However one thing has spoilt it...I was showing Polly my camera and explaining how bits and pieces of it worked. I told Cassie (who is 8) about macros and the thumbnail below is about her third effort at doing one, taken in terrible conditions yet WAY better than my shot of the same plant. There been virtually no PP and I am a very proud uncle if a little hacked off at how good she is (disgruncled?)


Anyway a typical Jon long meandering story but just typing it has warmed my heart

Hope everyone out there has had similarly good ones

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AuthorThread
 07/23/2007 11:10:01 PM
What a great story. I was fortunately to have somebody on DPC send something and they refused payment, even for shipping. Good luck with PS Elements and you look like you're getting the hang of it!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/23/2007 10:38:36 PM
enjoyed reading your story. glad you have such a good relationship with your niece. hope they had fun with the sleepover!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/23/2007 01:24:08 PM
Another reason why I will never stray from DPC, what a beautiful story, I'm so glad to hear you will be able to use Photoshop 5.0 now. This is such a lovely shot, the blue eyes are an amazing touch, really brings out the picture! I'm glad to hear that Hairspray was good, I want to go see it this weekend. Thank you for your story!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/23/2007 12:45:05 AM
First - disgruncled. lol I had a good laugh with that. That is really cool someone sent you software like that. DPC is full of wonderful people like this.

Your background was also interesting to read. It's great that you are able to keep all these kids in your life and I am sure that makes it fun for Daisy as well.

Polly's a natural beauty and I am sure that even without the extra PP her eyes would have stood out in the pic. That's a great candid!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/22/2007 11:32:55 PM
Great notes, and a wonderful picture of Polly. Congratulations on maintaining family ties despite the divorce; it's important for you and the children to maintain the family unit as much as possible.

Enjoy PS Elements 5. I got PS Elements 2 and used it for about six months at which time I sold my soul and got PS7. One of my children is still a student, so I'll have him get me CS3 before he graduates. (This stuff becomes addictive after awhile!)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/22/2007 11:17:33 PM
Great long story, Jon, and a lovely photo of your lovely niece.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/22/2007 09:43:31 PM
Nice story and great photo.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/22/2007 07:40:12 PM
beautiful shot jon and i'm glad you were able to install elements .. have fun ... and that's part of the reason i love dpc, is the people who are so friendly, helpful and lovely .. :).. learning about processing and camera stuff is just icing on the cake .. !!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/22/2007 06:50:06 PM
Jon,
It's a lovely picture, and quite well done.
I'm so very glad to have met you through this community. You're a good man.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/22/2007 06:43:01 PM
What a very sweet photo. The crop is really good, Jon. And I like the blue eyes. I can imagine that your niece is thrilled with this portrait. Thanks for the story - always fun reading your tales.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/22/2007 06:15:01 PM
The softness is very emotive and such a beautiful girl with wonderous eyes... beautiful.

Ok, and if someone is handing out photo software... where do I sign up?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 07/22/2007 05:32:03 PM
Wow, wonderful heart warming story! I think she is a beautiful girl and I love what you have done with the photograph. Its moments like this that make life blossom.
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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