Thank you Brenda, for looking at the image and going back to square one. Of these three samples, I strongly feel that number three is the more refined. The first one is more like an over exposed photograph or one that has flare or film fogging. The second one is still lifeless while the adjustments in contrast has brought out the cypress and give the image the bite it needed. It feel very much as if it is just a few minutes away from the sun setting behind the horizon line, making number three certainly the more realistic. To answer your other question, I would not have almost identical images in my gallery, therefore my suggestion would be to remove the earlier upload and replace it with this one. Congratulations on the reworked version. It is truly excellent and reflects your best quality.

Monday, September 5, 2005 6:50 PM Pacific Time Dear Sheila. These two images are a dramatic improvement over the previous ones posted. I personally like the second one more, only because of the balance between IF treatment and that which is not effected by the filter. This does not mean the upper one is no good. Just my own taste so to speak. While on the subject of the first one, I would recommend toning the highlights of the IF down just a bit so we see more detail. It may be in the original and this is do to the down-sizing and jpg quality. You must look at the original on that. You will also find that certain times of the day have different affects on the IF filter and therefore the results will change. So it is important that you note not only the exposure but also the time of day and the relationship of the sun. Was it behind you, from the side or facing you. In general, Sheila, you are on the right track. I would also note that you should remember that I am taking about IF film experience and not digital since I have not tried to do this with the digital camera yet, however I believe there should be no differences between the two. Again congratulations on your success. Egmont

Well, what can I say. Curiosity got the better of me. For what it is worth, the colour version is perfect and nice, but it is just another colour photograph. Sorry. The duo-toned version is more deeper emotionally. It made me stop and think. As I always say, colour is emotional and B& is intellectual. Ah, a contradiction here maybe? No! Colour is a momentary emotion, B&W makes us think and in the duo-toned version I feel a deep connection, an emotion to the past memories of childhood. Stories of heroes and gods.

The second one for me since the skin tones are softer and not blasted out due to the filtration settings. Also the lens flare if one can call it that, which is coming on from the top left side is not noticable here. In version her right side of the face reveals more detail. So before playing with filters, I would look at the lighting technique, specificly the light on the background as i find it to harsh and not gradated enough.