They are both very nice. Both are dramatic. My opinion is, if you can have an image that is dramatic without post work than stick with that. It's nice to be able to say, "I shot that picture and it my photographic skills made it as nice as it is. I didn't let the software help me." That's just my opinion though. Was this done with a digital camera? If not I would love to know what film you used. Very nice results. I like a lot of contrast... -Andrew

perhaps im old fashioned but i love the original.great shot

perhaps im old fashioned but i love the original.great shot

I agree with weirdstop, and also think that the original one is (far more) better than the rendered one... IMHO: - In the rendered one, the solar reflection on the sea is exploding, and thus suppressing many of the other elements... - The contrast and the brightness of the original one gives the eye the opportunity of seeing much more detail and texture...thus, much more info about the scene. This is especially true for the whole bulk of the ice globe, and seeing it as a whole seems to be more valuable... - The sole possible advantage of the rendered one is the blue duotone which suits the presence of ice... Conclusion: - The original one is a beautiful photo with its every aspect. Especially the subject matter is impressive, and I think you've succeeded in capturing its essence... - You're one lucky person for being able to see such natural wonders... :) Regards...

I have to agree with the others as well I like the original better.

I like them both. The two versions evoke different feelings. :-)

Thanks for nice words guys. I think I like the original too. Just fooled around with upper one. Its more abstract than "image", I agree. APFrey, I know what you mean, and I agree. BUT, its nice to say "I used Photoshop to do this image." For me, Photoshop is like tool, I like to work with it. But, again, I agree you. I shoot this with my old Canon AE-1, and if I remember right, film was Agfa 200. It worked surprisingly good with so bright light. AND, Alpha, I was really surprised when nominated for AOM. But, like so many times before, Poser folks will claim the pot. There are so many Poser renderers who are good friends, so rest of us dont have a change to be AOM. There are really beautiful pics tough, but still, would like to see 2D-artists there too. .n

And, flying in the face of public opinion once more, Mike says he likes the first one - why? Because it's got that unreality, that diversity, that erm... "other-worldness" to it. It's nice to get a good photo of something and leave it unchanged, but then you only get photo's of things you can see, things that another person standing next to you comes up with when they develop their film too......the postwork here gives something unique. That's not to say I don't like the original, coz I do! (",)

Was this just a block of ice on the sand or is that a block of ice on/in someones belly? I don't think the blue one quite works. Whats the difference between duotone and sepia? If Alpha means blue with a sepia tint around it and everything else b/w then I agree with someone else. the first has that otherworld quality. The original is interesting just that someone tolerated having a block of ice upon their stomach. But you people know me. I LIKE IT WARM!!! Bsteph

Wow The first looks like a WW2 arial photo... Nice effect. The secound one is excilent as well, though it is a bit too grainy for my tasts. I would Like to see a verry light blur, or maby unsharp mask to soften the grain lust a tinny bit, then cool the ice like you did for Alpha's request.

I really like these pictures. You did such a good job on them. Very original and creative idea. My favorite is the first one. The blue actually looks cold.

Alpha, what are the benefits of duotone? Is it somekind of filter or what? All I managed to do with it, is just a tint of color. And more easy way is to use paint bucket for soft light layer and adjust layers opacity. Bsteph, its only block of ice on ice. Sadly, no belly. ;oP In last winter, I was wandering in sea shore, and waves had thrown these beautiful blocks on the bank of the sea. Thanks guys. .n

...thanks Alpha, gotta read more about those tones. .n

Opps. I live in California, USA. So it get's cold but highly unlikely to find a beach with ice upon it. Here there MUST be a belly button nearby. Bsteph