OK, Ive run into a little dilemma, I have 2 possible final versions for my time machine project. Image #1 above is the original final rendition out of Bryce. It is low keyed with good contrast which helps pull the image together towards the center making it a nice wintry, cozy scene. You can also view all the other elements in the scene with no hindrance allowing the viewers eye to wonder about the picture and get the full effect of the eyecandy. Im very happy with image #1. Image #2 was an after thought that I had while doing the final post work in Photoshop where I got the idea to make it more child-like magical to enhance the look of wonderment in the little boys face. Because of the light rays the image contrast is let out a little and you loss that tight coziness that you had in image #1. The rays also now block part of the background, not that theres much there to begin with but I think that some viewers may find that a hindrance. I like image #2 because of the mystical wonderment and magic that it imparts. Personally, Im inclined to go with the original as per my original intentions but Ive become the prisoner of my own indecision so Im hoping to get some kind of public survey before I post the final in the gallery. So what do you think, which one shall I post? image #1 or image #2? Thanks for your time!

I love the original but Image 2 looks great as well, I like the lighting behind the machine, it gives it life. I would go with Image 2. Believe me i know what your going through. It happens to me all the time hehe Excellent Model work! Peace

You did some very cool modeling with your time machine Quest.... My take on it is that if you were to put a character in the seat of the time machine in image #2, then the wonderment would be that the boy is watching the time machine either depart from or enter into this time dimension. I would go with image #2.... they are both great images though. Great job man. 8) Wade

I would stick with #1. The glow on #2 might indicate that the time machine is activated. So, there should be someone sitting in it to pilot it. Then a few days with Poser would be needed. Just my opionion. Either way it turned out great.

#2 but make it MORE magical looking............. When I got what you were after, I suddenly thought that #3 could have years (1900 - 1800 - 1700 etc) coming out following the path of the yellow light rays.....just a thought....

In addition to above reasons, the outline of the machine is better defined in image 2. I'd go with image 2. Great model and great image!

I'm goin' with 2 on this one. It really adds to the fact that the machine isn't some sculpture or chair, it's a real and powerful piece of technology that's not yet completely understood. Anyway, that's my 5 sparrows.

My imagination runs more rampant with #2. Simply because somebody was there, - and just left. To somewhere . :) I think that in this case the post works ADDS something.. so, I'd go with #2

But brittmccary, in the movie(s), the time machine goes with the traveler. Number 2 does add an air of mystery to. Why not flip a coin Quest, their both wonderful.

hmmmmm i like #2, i think.... But if you wanna keep that "cozy wintery" feel, why not make the light rays more of a blue to purple, rather then pink and yellow? Very kewl pic! Jen

Image 2 for me, but I agree that there should be a figure in the machine to operate it. Great modelling Quest and a lovely scene for your Time Machine. 8) Catlin

The more I look at image #2 the more I relate with the little boy and Im thinking that the glow of the time machine is not a real indication that its being activated but rather that its all in the mind of the small boy. Hes lost in his own conjured world of vivid imagination and the endless possibilities and adventures that the machine can provide. So far, image #2 seems to be ahead and I'm starting to lean in that direction also.

But if you decide to put a figure on the time machine, he just has to be dressed in Victorian style. :^) These are both good by the way. I think you should post the one YOU like best, Quest. (Hey, that rhymed!)

You could post no. 2 as is and just put a little note of what you've said above about the little boys imagination. 'cos once you said that, the image looked better as it is. 8) Catlin

Yeah, tjohn, I know I would have to launch a new project just to create Rod Taylor unless I put him in drag (that would take care of the Victorian modeling aspect). The idea had entered my head but, like Spielberg in "ET", I didn't want to introduce "grownups" into the scene. I think a child's imagination is a very fertile universe and the hint of adults being about kind of restricts it. Youre right Catlin, if in the image description I propagate the storyline, the viewer will have no option but to see it from the boys point of view. Ill fool around a little bit more with this before I call this one finished.

you know what? just post BOTH! theres nothing wrong with that... nobody would go around telling everybody that "HEY QUEST POSTED TO PICS AIN'T HE/SHE WEIRD?" (i dunno if ur male or fm). 'sides both of these images post a great deal of time to make are are both outstanding... u can even make th origianl one in sepia or black in white, creating an illusion of old age like an old picture to deviate from motonity right? so do it man! post both! my 2 cents eyecon

I like pic #2..looks great. Maybe you could do another one with the 'cigar-sized' model that shows up earlier in the movie (dang, do I need a life or whate?..;)

i just realized that i have typed my sentence in a way that even i cant understand it... dang... sowee