It was my model Tiffany's idea to get in the pond. No koi were hurt and after Tiffany was in the water for a bit they weren't even that scared. While I love our giant koi, I never thought of actually getting someone to swim with them, let alone in the middle of winter. Tiffany was up to it though and we are both very happy with the results.
This was originally my concept for the Asia challenge, but after I got the set of photos onto my computer I realized this didn't say "Asia" as strong as I thought my challenge entry did:
I thought I would submit this shot into the free study, but then I noticed the transparency challenge going on and realized it fit perfectly. It helped that this didn't need advanced editing. I was amazed she was able to create such a peaceful look underwater, especially since she was never underwater for more than a second or two, so this was the middle shot in a series where she dips underwater and comes back up.
We got lucky with the weather because it was in the 70s, but the water was still pretty cold and Tiffany had to take a hot shower and I fed her hot chocolate and then hot tea as she snuggled in a blanket while we looked through the photos. Despite freezing her it was really fun.
Here is another shot from the photoshoot in my pond taken from my roof:
Another Outtake:
Wow a ribbon! Thanks guys! I really appreciate all the feedback I have gotten on this shot.
Statistics
Place: 3 out of 152 Avg (all users): 6.7137 Avg (commenters): 8.0000 Avg (participants): 6.3906 Avg (non-participants): 6.8261 Views since voting: 9371 Views during voting: 416 Votes: 248 Comments: 67 Favorites: 28 (view)
This is one of the best shots I have seen on DPC in the fivish years I have been hear. Absolutely fantastic and original. You should feel very proud of this.
Claire, this is GREAT! I love your outtakes too, but this is just FABULOUS for Transparency, and your'e right: Tiffany looks so at peace. It's surreal.
Yes. . .you are certainly not short in the talent department :) CONGRATULATIONS!
So, let's pick the people who scored this below 5 and put their names on google's homepage... we'll then start a virtuos cycle to increase voting quality ;-))) I'm kidding (but not that much)...
Wow, is she really in the fishpond? Kudos to her, you wouldn't catch me in there with all that floating fish poo! ;) Like this one a lot, it's quirky, interesting composition, great high contrast black and white...
I like this. How you got the model to swim with Koi I'll never know! ;-)
*Revisited*
Well now I know how you got her to swim with the Koi! I think this is a good complement to your image in the other challenge. (No change in my scoring of this image)
I just saw one almost like this the past day with the woman at the bottom of the frame, but I can't find it now. Was that you also? Nice shot, though it looks like something from CSI. How were you able to get permission for the model to swim in a Koi pond, let alone have her go along with it? Is this a personal pond?
Now you're talking. The fish are perfectly clear and the lady is distorted (but not dim!). This is a nicely balanced photo and the darkness serves you by eliminating distractions and making the water seemingly endless.
Best of the bunch. Excellent light, composition, conversion, etc. Mostly just a great feel to the shot - relaxed, zen-like. I could see this in a photography magazine.
A very neat image. I like the way you included two elements in the shot. I know it must be hard for her to submerge into the pool while this shot was taken. My only nit is that both fish on the left and right is distracting.
Bubbles
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