Editing for the sake of it is not very interesting to me. While the very description of this challenge literally called for that, I tried to do my best to create some sort of story that would work with those constraints. The possibilities were not that numerous, but I finally decided to depict this hybrid of bird and dog, flying away with his catch.
Very quickly, it appeared that a high angle shot could be very effective, so I decided to work on such composition. Obtaining the appropriate photos was not that easy.
First, how do you photograph a flying bird, pointing to your direction, while being above it? The best way of doing that reliably that came to mind was to travel to the coast, and shoot the seagulls from the cliffs above the ocean. Unfortunately, it was a grey day, and the lack of light was really a problem for the autofocus of my camera (I should consider upgrading it, one of these days). Not mentioning the dullness of the photos. I came back without the perfect image, despite my efforts, so I had to do my best from there.
Then, the dog was a problem too, but my wife was taking care of one in the vet clinic she works at: she authorized me to get a few photos. Again, nothing ideal, but better than nothing obviously.
For the paved street, it was a bit easier, even if I had to climb on some sort of gate to get the good angle. A few kids that were playing in the area were intrigued enough to come and ask for explanation, which I quickly eluded. I left the place before attracting any more attention.
The rest of the photos (myself as a butcher, the cat, the bike, sausages) were shot at home. Quite simple in theory, but try to force a cat to look up on demand... In fact, I was planning to use another of my cat, who kept refusing to pose, while this one decided by himself to come by. Go figure!
Thanks all for the positive feedback, I always appreciate it a lot. I am very glad if some found the result entertaining.
ETA:
It looks like this is ribbon #100! What a journey. I can only say one thing: thank you DPC and all its members. Thank you all, really. I would have never imagined such an experience when I subscribed 4 years ago.
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I truly am interested in what your lighting thoughts are.
Thanks a lot for your extensive comment Lydia! First of all, I am so very glad so see you back :)
Regarding the lighting, you are right, there are supposedly two light sources (which is also why things have two shadows projected on the ground). The head of the dog being close to the lower right light source, the back of it is logically in the shadow. So, why no shadow on the wings? Frankly, I hesitated. I suppose that in reality, it would depend on the head size and position. I was unsure whether the head was big enough and high enough to actually cast a shadow on the wings: I tried with and without, and finally left it like that.
The lesson in that? Composites do require good photos to begin with! Unfortunately, in that case, the bird photo is far from being good: not the ideal position, not the appropriate lighting. No wonder why the result is not convincing enough. I believe the concept and angle are decent, but the overall image could have been much better with a good bird shot, which I was unable to obtain in that time frame.
CONGRATULATIONS! I always enjoy your creations... I explore them more than I do many other of the expert editing entries.
They always stand out as far above the rest... due to your extreme attention to details.
Because of that, I was surprised and confused at the light sources you've created here in this image.
I don't understand them. It seems to me that the middle of the top of the wings would be in shadow of the head... and the head's light sources don't match up to what I thought was two street lights.
All of that said, (I know you don't mind honesty from a huge fan and friend) I like all of this scene... it's amazing... EXCEPT for the bird body. To me, it stands out like a sore thumb in the rest of the amazing perfection of the whole of the scene and its perfection.
If the top of the wings are so light... why is the top of the head in shadows?
I truly am interested in what your lighting thoughts are. I usually show my family your amazing creations and we marvel. But, we couldn't figure out the light on this one.
THANK you for being my Expert Editing guru. I study each of yours in depth.
congrats on 100!!! Stand still for awhile so I can catch up with you!!
I love the stories that you tell with your images, Christophe. And I love your back stories, too. I thought about doing the same type of thing, from above (I can get seagulls from above on the ferry), but I knew that I'd have too much of a problem with the rest of it.
You do of course realize that the cat is the star of this, don't you? He better have gotten some extra treats with dinner, or I'll tell the union... :)
I find your work very tasty indeed. This is a hilarious original take on the challenge. Well done and a happy Christmas to you and your family too. And as Katie said, thank you for not entering the card challenge:)
Whoa! 25 ribbons a year! I'll echo what others have said, especially ubique. You're not especially "to my taste", but I'm glad you're with us. I admire the heck out of you :-)
Your storytelling images are outstanding as is your digital art mastery. I am in awe of your work. Congrats and thanks for sticking around DPC and sharing your work. There is a place for all types of art on this site.
Just when I think you couldn't possibly come up with a better entry than your last. You out do yourself. Your work is inspiring. Thanks for sharing your talent on this site. Please keep them coming.
One of my 2014 goals is to get a blue ribbon in one of these expert challenges that you compete in. You also have encouraged me to share some of my techniques and stories that go along with my entries.
Whenever I see an expert editing I don't participate because I know gyaban would be there and he is going to make the front page :) as usual nicely done! I need some tutorial from you on how you do it! It would be great if you have some!
Thanks a lot Girish! I do hope you are joking about your participation to challenges though, it is the entrants that make DPC interesting after all. As for tutorials, I usually look at the usual ones (youtube, etc.) but feel free to contact me if you want any information. I am always glad to help if I can.
Whenever I see an expert editing I don't participate because I know gyaban would be there and he is going to make the front page :) as usual nicely done! I need some tutorial from you on how you do it! It would be great if you have some!
I deeply admire your dedication to your craft, Christophe. As I am in awe of how very good you are at it. Your stuff isn't to my own taste, but that's my problem and not yours. When I look at your works, I find that I very quickly reproach my self to lighten up and enjoy your wonderfully absurd sense of humour, and your unparalleled (at least at DPC) mastery of digital imagery. DPC is very lucky to have you in the community. Congratulations, and thank you.
Paul, thanks a lot. Much, much appreciated. I feel the need to answer you: I'll do it in a PM.
I deeply admire your dedication to your craft, Christophe. As I am in awe of how very good you are at it. Your stuff isn't to my own taste, but that's my problem and not yours. When I look at your works, I find that I very quickly reproach my self to lighten up and enjoy your wonderfully absurd sense of humour, and your unparalleled (at least at DPC) mastery of digital imagery. DPC is very lucky to have you in the community. Congratulations, and thank you.
Dear Christophe, with all the extraordinary lengths you go to in creating your images (driving hundreds of kilometers, building entire sets, etc.), nothing, and I mean NOTHING is as difficult as trying to get a cat to do what you want :)
Congrats, though I must say I gave this a 6. I just felt the blending was not there. Looked like clip art pieced together. I do like the idea and that gave me a chuckle.
It's a fun image for sure, you can't fault that. Love the way the cat is looking up at the action, the blood splatters on your apron, and the bike and it's shadow, however the size of the dogs head on the bird does not compliment one another, and I know this is an absurd challenge to start with, but looking at other entries on here some blend in quite well!
looks like christoph in the picture.
love the background and the idea, but the dird itself leaves me feeling that it was more neglected than the rest of the image.
a 6 from me (5/5 for everything else, 1/5 for the dird)
What's bothering me here, Christophe, is that the gull-wings are stretched out in "soar" mode, but the action requires that they be in "climb" mode, 'cuz the bird has to be clawing for altitude with all that drag holding him back.
Usually your attention to detail is a little more pervasive. Still, an amusing scenario and an almost-certain ribbon.
Christophe, thank you. I could not get past how silly this challenge was to me, and you were able to create something clever from it beyond just putting a dog's head on a bird's body. LOVE the cat and the bicycle - especially the how the curves of the cobble stones mirror the shadow of the bike.
Thief!
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