Natural Talent

© Sue C. Cole

Natural Talent

Uploaded: March 01, 2012

Description

Exif: F Number: 2.8, Exposure Bias Value: 2.00, ExposureTime: 1/200 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 1250, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 78.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 40D

Comments

Aimee C. Eisaman March 02, 2012

I love this image...so artful. The pose is amazing. I think I'd hurt myself if I were to get into that pose! lol Did you capture this in the midst of a dance or was it a stagnant pose? I do wish it wasn't so soft. Did you denoise alot? Sometimes I think leaving the noise in these kinds of images is better. :~) #1446922

Jeff E Jensen March 02, 2012

Yeah, this is really cool, Sue!

I'm guessing that she was moving, there's a tad bit of motion blur, but it's not bad. Not sure what is going on with the skin on her extended leg though. #10017805

Dale Hardin March 02, 2012

This is a gorgeous piece of art Sue. Your timing was equisite and the composition is spot on.

Although you were plagued with low light and hence captured a lot of movement, that can be compensated for with a couple simple changes. Since it's hard to envision what I'm suggesting, I've take the liberty of pulling a screen shot and illustrating for you. Of course you would have better results with your original file.

To minimize the edge movement and enhance the harsh lighing effect, simply apply a levels adjustment. Move the center slider to the right to about .80 or so untill the shadows turn dark. You will however want to keep the arm in view but a simple mask will let you reveal that. Aslo mask the light on the floor.

The main indication of motion blur is on her right hand and it is distracting. By cloning the edges with a hard brush, you can take away that blur.

Congratulations on a superb study in light. This should do well in contest. #10017936

Sue C. Cole March 02, 2012

Thanks for all you suggestions. Aimee, I was attending my granddaughter’s dance rehearsal when I captured the young girl performing. (She is only 15 year’s old) she is amazing. I use to be a dancer years ago, but I would have never been able to do this kind of move. If I had tried, I may have been the first to discovered breakdancing,
literally, Lol! I do believe the softness is from a very low light and motion blur situation, she was moving very quickly, very quickly. This would have been a good image for Dale’s challenge before and after a huge amount of noise in this one.
Jeff, The extended leg area, I think you are referring to, is a result of major noise so I am going to try and see if I can edit it using Dale’s suggestions. I like that look better.
Dale, I have never used the masking tool in PS, I struggle so... with this editing stuff, so it may take a bit but I will try and master it. Thanks for the help!
I’m also wondering what category you all would place this in the contest under. People or aliments of design ???
#10018672

Sue C. Cole March 02, 2012

OOOPS!! •Elements of Design not Aliments #10018715

Stephen Shoff March 02, 2012

Very interesting picture; nice capture, Sue. #10018724

Dale Hardin March 03, 2012

Sue, I'd be glad to put together a little tutorial on how to make those changes if you wish. Do you use CS5 or Elements? It will work in either. #10019529

Michael Kelly level-deluxe March 03, 2012

A very interesting art type photo Sue. I do think Dale's edits help it quite a bit. I don't see the motion blur is a major problem as it does denote the movement of the subject. I don't think it is overwhelming. I have to take your word for it that there is noise as it does not show up in the small Better Photo version I see here, at least on my high-resolution screen.

I can see this is a lobby plaque for a dance recital.
#10019971

Aimee C. Eisaman March 03, 2012

I'd go with people...I don't think the judges will relate elements of design to a person even if it is the design of a dance. :~) #10020085

Peter W. Marks March 03, 2012

Oh yes, now we are into fine art photography and I do like this Sue. Ideal for monochrome and you have super composition. For me there is a wonderful tension in the shot that holds my interest. #10020242

Sue C. Cole March 03, 2012

Thanks again for all your encouragement and suggestions. Aimee, I think your right, I will go with people. Dale, I would love a tutorial I use CS5 Thank you so much. :)) #10020418

Rita K. Connell level-classic March 03, 2012

wonderful capture sue, its not very often you get to see this type of image. I bet she was fun to watch dance. I think that dale is on to something. looking forward to seeing your edit. #10020602

Debbie E. Payne March 04, 2012

Sue - I love this one and following Dale suggestions should put this one over the top. I think either People or EoD would work but Aimee might be right about People. In looking at the submits in that category we mostly see beautifully posed and amazingly lighted face shots. This one, so fluid and obviously artistic could certainly stand out from the crowd. #10021335

Sue C. Cole March 04, 2012

Thank you Rita and Debbie:) #10021339

Beth Spencer March 04, 2012

This is an amazing capture! I do not know how people can get their bodies in that position. Maybe they have no bones!
I think it would do great in the people category! #10021926

Teresa H. Hunt March 04, 2012

Stunning photo!! It does have a fine art quality about it. I'm very anxious to see the edits as well.

She looks so graceful!! #10021949

Dale Hardin March 04, 2012

Just a reminder. The edits have already been done and posted. See above. #10021982

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