Alpha-- swings both ways . She holding an "Elephant Ear" a large sweet dough,deep fried, covered with a cinammon and sugar. There are people here who don't think they have attended the Fair without having one. Bill

If you remove the leaf it appears as the California foothills at night from a 737.(As I remember it) If you create a duplicate layer it is possible to clone out some and leave other reflections. I tried some masks and could make the water a bit more blue, leaving the leaf clear. This type of image always challenges me to create an "arty" solution. Could be "a cigar is just a cigar". The more you work on it the further you get from the real picture. Bill

Being able to isolate these minor miracles in detail is really rewarding. With some planning you have a prize print. The color seems right on target. Did you use anything to get balance set? Bill

As understand, your original is a tree branch(S)with an empty background (black). If you mask the background and select the branch, can you copy the branch in sharp focus to a different background? You might use a paint on mask to isolate the featured items. Bill

As the series progresses, a single theme , but dfferent visions they reinforce each other. Do you have the series in your mind before you start or do you build as you move forward! To produce these images you must have a concept of content before you begin, or so it would seem to me. Different artists, differnt strokes. I always am interested in how the creative process plays out. Very powerful images. Bill

Well, about the frames. Sometimes we find a new wrinkle or technique and just have to explore. You'r right,the frame is toooo Blue. Unless you put it up for critique how are you going to learn. It also pays to review an image after a time, just to get a fresh view. The edge is reminsient of how drug store photos came back in the 50's. It should have been subtle. Bill

I could not figure out. For three days I have been humming "I'm always chasing rainbows......." then I see your neat picture. Bill

Sometimes our opinion of a print is based on where we see it. Dominate room color, lighting and matting, etc. Having the three together gives the viewer a good choice. My aim would be to produce the color balanced version. If you are learning Zone and Color balance techinques you are well into this business/hobby..It certainly won't kill you although it does make you more critical of your own work. I have been re-reading Walther Benser's "More Color Magic" from 1960. Principals don't change! Bill

I'll take guess, Hollyhock?

No 1 image needs a bit more contrast to highlight the fungi. Pretty, you bet! Bill

Yes, I haven't been submitting many and in the interest of getting critique as well as giving I selected this submission. Niko did something I would not have considered, good job! I have been spending time on effects and combinations. I'll submit some of those later, both the before and after. Bill

Good find to have an adult that can look younger. That could make her be able to model for a long time. Good eye set and reasonable coloring.

The standard high-pressure 300 to 500 watt work lights are very inexpensive $ 16 to $ 49 at Lowes etc. The color value is between incandesent and sunlight. They are physically hot but come with tripods. Painters work lights the clip on type are $ 8. If you look around flea markets you may find folding tripods with a top that takes the place of the clip. You might find the old spun aluminum reflectors that are 12" to 14" dia. They can be fitted to a new base and 300 w bulbs. I have considered standing fluoresent fixtures on a base for general lighting. They have a color temperature similar to sunlight, maybe more blue that can be either filtered or PS'ed. Misha comments on dimmer use which will move color temperature toward red. Since lumens varies with the square distance it is easier to use distance. Another place to look for lighting would be old theater lighting. Both floods and spots are already fitted for gel filters. They are heavy but can be reclaimed and refitted for 110v standard bulbs. For bases you can fill plastic milk jugs with concrete and stick a piece of conduit that lights can be clamped on. If they are 6' high you can use standard clamps for making setups. Happy hunting at the hardware! Bill

I'll vote for the stained glass effect as a picture. Saints are often shown in stained glass or near it. I often make two or three copies of an image and then combine effects and amount of transmission until I get what pleaes me. As Misha says, almost unlimited creativity available. Bill