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 This image was disqualified from the Toothpick(s) challenge.
Problematic Dental Care
Problematic Dental Care
gyaban


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Toothpick(s) (Advanced Editing VII)
Camera: Canon EOS-5D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM
Date: Aug 10, 2014
Date Uploaded: Aug 10, 2014

 Dental care problems are often overlooked when it comes to vampires, don't you think? Not mentioning their shaving, or make-up... these guys definitely could use some consideration ;-)

Usually, I use strobes for lighting my creations, but their strong light don't mix too well with candles, so I decided to shoot that one without flashes, with a wide aperture and high ISO settings. It is definitely not my usual way, but experimenting a bit is always entertaining.

The photo was achieved by posing a first time in front of the mirror, with the camera on a tripod, to make sure the angle and settings remained the same. Then I modified the reflection in post-production. Of course, it was not possible to use directly the reflection like that, because of the point of view: the camera is not directly in front of the mirror, and the lens angle considerably deforms what one actually sees. So I had to "pre-deform" it appropriately in order to compensate for the camera viewpoint (namely, I had to make things much wider, especially in the lower left corner). Then I printed out the result, in real size, and put it over the mirror. From there, I took the final shot, by posing again, in the same exact position. You probably can't see it on the photo, but hot wax was falling into my hair, left ear and clothes: staying put was a bit of a challenge! Anyway, it was quite fun to disguise and design that one, a fun way to spend a rainy Sunday.

Thanks for the kind comments and votes.
Cheers!

______________________________________________________________________

A few words to clarify the DQ:

The candles were already lit, of course.
What I did is I made the flames much brighter, because printed flames do not generate light like real ones. The "added feature" is about the (subtle) glow around them, that was not visible on the print.
Disqualification Details
You may not use ANY editing tool to create new image area, objects or features (such as lens flare or motion) that didn't already exist in your original capture.

Statistics
Views since voting: 2381
Views during voting: 196
Comments: 27
Favorites: 3 (view)

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AuthorThread
Sony Alpha a1 II
Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS
 08/22/2014 11:52:39 AM
So sorry about the DQ! I won't pick on the SC too much since I haven't seen the original. However, it does seem a little over the top if I were to pick on the SC. :)

Still, I'm so glad I don't have to do the job. And you'll ribbon again next time you enter anyway. Your creativity always astounds me! :D
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Fujifilm x100
 08/22/2014 05:47:23 AM
Does seem to me to be very harsh. Still does not detract from the fact it is outstanding work.

  Photographer found comment helpful.
Sony DSC-RX100 VII
 08/21/2014 08:31:01 PM
Knit-picking toothpicks, what has become of DPC!! ;)

DQ or not it is a great image showing your incredible creativity and ingenuity. Keep them coming!
:)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D7000
Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED
 08/21/2014 08:38:14 AM
shame about the dq, i was afraid of that as soon as i read your notes :(
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D90
Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
 08/20/2014 10:28:44 PM
oh no.... I was so impressed how you pulled your magic off in advanced.... You still amaze and inspire me!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D750
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED
 08/20/2014 10:07:42 PM
Oh no
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-6D
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM
 08/20/2014 07:23:00 PM
Arg.

ARG!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS 80D
Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II
 08/20/2014 05:04:36 PM
Sorry for the DQ. Great image, regardless.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Sony Alpha a1 II
Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS
 08/19/2014 06:43:45 PM
I do love reading your notes!! What a great idea. I can hardly wait to see what you come up with for surreal!!! Huge congrats!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D7100
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
 08/18/2014 08:14:49 PM
Haha! Ah Christophe, that sexy widow's peak always gives you away :-) Love the shoot notes and appreciate the sacrifice you had to make with hot wax dripping on you. Also love the 'monster lighting' - don't think I've seen you use it before. Oh yes and congrats on the red - very fitting for this shot!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D5000
Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
 08/18/2014 01:16:23 PM
Even after reading your notes, I still don't understand how you accomplished this. You sure have one heck of a creative mind. I'm so jealous!

I didn't even realize that this was you! (Shows you how much attention I pay!) but in hindsight, I should've known it was you seeing how creative this was.

Congrats, again!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D810
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 G ED
 08/18/2014 12:31:54 PM
Ah, so very clever! Love this.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D750
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED
 08/18/2014 12:53:46 AM
Originally posted by ecmguy:
Can't wait to read about your setup on this one, I swear you have more fun on the advanced challenges because you never lower your expectations:). Great shot!


So very true. Which is why I think I am more impressed with how you conceive and achieve this stuff in non-expert challenge. You set the bar SO high. Congrats for the ribbon on this delightful image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D7000
Nikon AF-S DX 18-105 f/3.5-5.6 ED VR
 08/18/2014 12:30:34 AM
Congratulations, Christophe!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-6D
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM
 08/18/2014 12:04:11 AM
Ha! Congratulations on your ribbon! I didn't think this was yours because the sleeve jacket is not reflected in the mirror. Way to throw me off! :D

  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D810
 08/18/2014 12:03:53 AM
Congratulations on the ribbon Gyaban! Love it!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
Nikon D7000
Nikon AF-S DX 18-105 f/3.5-5.6 ED VR
 08/17/2014 10:10:40 PM
Very creative - love the 'floating' toothpick.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Sony DSLR-A580
Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED
 08/17/2014 09:41:26 PM
Good idea and the light and tones are perfect - great mood.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-50D
 08/17/2014 03:08:07 PM
Took me a minute to see all this but definitely very clever.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
 08/17/2014 04:27:46 AM
Ha
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D800
Lomography Petzval 85mm F2.2 MF
 08/16/2014 11:36:27 AM
Can't wait to read about your setup on this one, I swear you have more fun on the advanced challenges because you never lower your expectations:). Great shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon Z7II
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
 08/16/2014 12:02:23 AM
Great composition, creativity and lighting.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D5000
Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
 08/15/2014 05:30:15 PM
This is silly and excellently executed. Perfect lighting to make it very moody, too.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS R6
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM
 08/13/2014 11:10:35 AM
Ha! Excellent.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-6D
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM
 08/11/2014 04:09:04 PM
Hahahahahaha! Priceless!

Brilliant!

I'm still laughing!


I love it!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D7100
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
 08/11/2014 12:54:19 PM
8 for public lol
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Sony DSLR-A550
Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED
 08/11/2014 05:18:37 AM
what a super idea don't know if a toothpick thru the heart does it here pobly need garlic side dish
  Photographer found comment helpful.
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