I didn't have much for this month and bet the ranch on a daytrip to Chicago last Monday. Due to time and outrageous parking fees it didn't happen.
Plan B was take use the new fisheye in the local old church but the priest was very cranky and unfriendly and un-priest like so that didn't pan out.
So this was plan C. I've been a huge fan of mpeters version below and decided to try my own. I believe his is superior but at least I like how this one came out.
Mark's version:
Alien Bee in front to her left and reflection on bottom left.
convert from raw
crop
convert duplicate layer, blowout background, mask out Cartesia
curves/levels
lots of spot hue/sat/luminosity adjustments
clone out small imperfections
Nik Efex Glamour Glow
Nik Efex Tonal Contrast
Nik Efex Classic Soft Focus
Nik Efex Vignette Blur
resize
sharpen
save for web
All the Nik filters were used with a light hand to give a subtle effect.
Post challenge: This is one of my most disappointing entries ever. I had high hope for this one but I blew it. After resizing and sharpening, I thought the voters would think they were too sharp (I was fine with them). I second-guessed myself and got out the blur tool, blurred 'em and submitted. I should know beter. Hopefully I learned something.
Statistics
Place: 128 out of 407 Avg (all users): 5.8757 Avg (commenters): 6.6000 Avg (participants): 5.9298 Avg (non-participants): 5.7636 Views since voting: 1084 Views during voting: 290 Votes: 169 Comments: 17 Favorites: 0
Hi Ken. My own shot crossed my mind when I saw yours! Several of your comments related to the eyes and their lack of sharpness. Looking back at mine, i'd say mine were overdone(remember the era of "pimp my eyes"). Somewhere between the two would have been the best IMO.
Perfect color match on the ornament and her eyes. Your lighting is professional.
She is beautiful and the score is secondary... Thanks for being a fan of my niece and her photo. ;)
Good lighting, good composure, but the sharpness could be increased a little. Perhaps not in the whole photo, but definately around the eyes. Those nice blue eyes are a focal point.
My only nitpick is I think she needs a bit of a smile, or to look at the camera. Her expression just seems too static to me. It makes a big difference in how it comes off to me, however.
a gorgeous little winter princess for sure .. love the soft and delicate processing . her expression is perfect .. in fact everything is perfect . good luck in the challenge .. :)
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