Often when good changes come our way, we can't see it happening until much later. These changes could possibly be in the works right now. You do what you can, and keep on growing. If you WEREN'T on edge right now, now THAT would be a problem! When in similar frustration, I always escape into my photography and computer. You'll find you will do your best work! A silver lining, perhaps? Hang in there Slynky!

How about "Portal to Eternity"? Or perhaps "Beware, the Call of the Sirens!" But fact is, it's a great shot whatever the title is!

I did use the save for web in Photoshop, but due to the detail in the photograph it still made a huge file even at only 50% quality. I did play around with a sepia blend too, but finally decided to post this pure looking B & W. When I print it though, Ill probably go with the sepia. On the color version, I mixed in blurred blue sepia, and really liked the result. Thanks for the feedback!

I think Gilligans Island must have been filmed there. That looks like the USS Minnow. Beautiful sun.

The purple road kind of bothered me too, and I may tone it down some even though I have already, but I also thought it matched well with the bright yellow-green grass. I didn't use the film grain effect, but did in part have a blend of 3 layers using "find edges" under the "stylize" filter with "overlay" as the layer option. It's part of the same thing I did with the Memphis Brewery photo. Like nnelson1 said, "not quite a photo/not quite a painting", although the brewery colors remained closer to the original. If there were a car wreck here with police cars, ambulances, fire trucks and a huge crowd, then this could be my contest street shot!

You should have asked us to guess what the shot was. It would have been interesting hearing all the different interpretations. I like the clear leaf paired with the distorted background. Great shot. BTW, that would be a cool thing for all of us to do, to post unusual bizarre photos and see who can guess what it really is. Ill bet we all have a few of those!

Jordy, interesting you should mention that, because when I first worked on it, I had planned to do just that. But every time I started to do so, it was really late, and I think I was always too tired and/or too lazy. Kept putting it off, and finally forgot about it until I posted it. Then I noticed it! Ill probably get around to doing it, although Im kinda getting used to it. Appreciate the feedback!

Antoonio got it right. The bigger the apertures number, the narrower the depth of field (acceptable focus area). So the faster the film, the lower you can set the apertures because faster film needs less light. So if you want a wide depth of field, try a faster film. For less depth of field, use slower film. Of course, this is general, and your lighting conditions and what type of shot you are looking for is a factor too. The more light, the more ability to have a wider depth of field. Less light, less D.O.F. I hope this makes sense.

It was a 50mm lens and probably 100asa. As for shooting at the right location, due to the crowded alleys and other obstructions, this was the ONLY place to shoot. Even then I still had to remove dumpsters, parked cars, and other crap blocking the view of the lower portion. I even revisited it once to make sure I was filling in some sections correctly. Currently, the building is a wreck as its deep in remodeling. As soon as its completed, Ill shot an update. I was luck enough to catch it as it was for all those 111 years just before they began the construction.

Well, I've gots lots of ideas to play with. Many thanks!!!

The shotgun is a good idea. I just might kill somebody though. I know how pigdogs think! Oh well. I knew there had to be several ways to do the same thing in Photoshop. There usually is. I realize you are re-posting a JPEG, and probably did a rush job on it, but I have a couple of observation/questions. Her complexion looks better on yours, and there seems to be less overall contrast. That may be a factor. I realize that its difficult to match up monitors, but do you think mine has too much contrast? Also, Im a fanatic when it comes to losing any detail in a photograph while working on it, whether it results from an area becoming too dark or too bright. I noticed that some of the bright areas of her hair on yours did lose some of the detail. If you had wanted to avoid that, would you have used the magic wand/feather/inverse before adjusting the other areas? Just curious, because thats what I do. I dont know if that would work with your method because I havent had the time to try it out yet, but plan to. Other than what I mentioned, do you see much of a difference between the two pictures? Thanks for the input! :~

Thanks nplus, I wouldnt have thought of that. Ill give it a try tonight. If there are any more ideas, Id love to hear em!

I would like to give it a shot (no pun intended), whatever is decided.

As a newer visitor to the forum, I dont understand all the details. Is participation in the monthly contest by invitation only, or is it open to all, both in submissions and in voting? If open to all, how we view the submissions, and how do we vote? Thanks!