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Playful - Revised

© Karolyn R. Moltzan

Playful - Revised

Uploaded: January 21, 2008 23:21:28

Description

I went back and re-edited this - because I feel like I know more now than I did when I first did it (the first version is still in my gallery). I like to use a surface blur to make the skin look perfectly smooth, like porcelain. Before I didn't go back and be more selective with the blur. This time, I made sure the eyes, mouth and hair is still sharp and crisp. I also made the blur layer a lower opacity to let the natural skin show through some to look more natural. I also added a vignette, a hue/saturation layer to sepia at about 75% and a black/white gradient map set to soft light to add more contrast to the shadows.

Exif: F Number: 4, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/25 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 400, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 28.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL

Comments

Mollie Kendall January 22, 2008

This is really beautiful. I didn't see the original yet but I love the treatment on her skin. Your lighting is great too. Nicely done! #836607

Karolyn R. Moltzan January 22, 2008

Thank you, Mollie! #5377922

Flavio Carnevale level-classic January 22, 2008

Everything in this picture is perfect. Lighting, pose, beauty of the model, lips, eyes, skin, composition, expression.
Outstanding job #5378673

Karolyn R. Moltzan January 22, 2008

Thank you so much, Flavio!! I forgot to mention this is a self portrait, so it is wonderful to hear your comments both as the photographer and the model! #5378745

Scott A. McDaniel January 22, 2008

Instantly one of my favorite captures on the BF site. You know a picture is amazing when you wish you either took it or took one like it. Absolute perfect. #5379985

Karolyn R. Moltzan January 23, 2008

Scott, that has to be one of the most flattering comments I've received as a photographer. Thank you so much. #5380009

Scott A. McDaniel January 23, 2008

It was well deserved. Now I gotta go try and duplicate it. Just kidding...kind of. #5380033

Flavio Carnevale level-classic January 23, 2008

I never had a beautiful photographer as a model... what about posing for me? ;-)

Great work, again! I added this to my favorite photos #5380156

Karolyn R. Moltzan January 23, 2008

Thanks again, Scott! You have an amazing gallery.

Flavio, you have an awesome gallery as well - I'd be honored to be photographed by you - unfortunately there is considerable distance between our locations, lol. Thanks again! #5381704

Scott A. McDaniel January 23, 2008

Funny, I don't typically read the other comments on the board because I don't want them to influence what I feel. I didn't realize that this was a self portrait. Now I am completely in awe. I was going to comment on how difficult it is to not only find the perfect model, who can tell the story of the photograph with a look but then to be able to capture it all as you wanted to. Very gutsy exposure but the end result was certainly worth the effort. Thank you for sharing it with us. #5381800

Karolyn R. Moltzan January 23, 2008

Scott, Thank you!! Many people are surprised to see all the self portraits in my gallery - I guess even though it is a lot of work, and trial and error to get everything set up right, it seems to work for me... I guess I know the look I want so rather than try to tell someone how, I just do it myself... Not to mention I'm in rural North Dakota - there aren't a whole lot of models for hire around here (not to mention, my model works cheap this way...) ;) I used to hate being in front of the camera, but once I started taking my own photos, I felt a lot more comfortable. I've been encouraged to model, now - but again, in rural ND...just not much call for it! So I guess the self portraits suits both my interests. Sorry for getting long winded!! All I really need to say is, THANK YOU! #5381955

Louise Kumpf January 24, 2008

Thank you, Karolyn, for sharing this stunning portrait with us, and for describing your steps in creating it. It is, indeed, a wonderful artistic tour de force! #5388651

Lana S. Burnette January 26, 2008

yes thank you for sharing how you accomplished this look, truly beautiful! #5399371

Karolyn R. Moltzan January 26, 2008

Thank you, Louise and Lana! #5399377

cheryl m. phillips January 27, 2008

Very impressive for a self portrait, Karolyn! This is beautiful!!
Very nice work!
~cheryl #5405459

Karolyn R. Moltzan January 27, 2008

Thank you very much, Cheryl! I really appreciate all the positive comments! #5405665

Sarah F. Myers February 01, 2008

Gorgeous, she looks like a young Meg Ryan.
Thank you for the info on the touch ups you did, they were very helpful.

Great Shot!! #5430229

Karolyn R. Moltzan February 02, 2008

Thank you very much, Sarah! I'm flattered! #5433012

Shawn Jennings February 22, 2008

Fantastic, Karolyn! Congratulations on your finalist! #5534017

Dawn M. Schneider February 22, 2008

Not only is she naturally beautiful I think you made her perfect!!! very nice shot and congrats on the finalist #5536288

Judi Morrissey February 23, 2008

This is gorgeous and well-deserved, Karolyn. Great work! #5539852

Patrik Winge February 24, 2008

Amazing! A beautiful model and an excellent photographer. Is it really possible to make self-portraits like this?

I can't stop looking. It's so beautiful! #5543101

Flavio Carnevale level-classic February 24, 2008

Congrats on this great finalist.
Flavio #5545811

Karolyn R. Moltzan February 24, 2008

Shawn, Dawn, Judi, Patrik and Flavio - Thank you so much for the positive comments!! I really appreciate hearing all this feedback. :) #5546689

Sarah F. Myers February 24, 2008

Congratulations! #5547102

Roger Fry February 29, 2008

Fabulous! Irrisistable ! #5570848

Holly J. Jackson March 21, 2008

WOW!!! eed I say more??? Nic job in EVERY aspect!! ...an even MORE incredible as a SP!!! Congrats!! ; ) #5674668

Gary Lange March 24, 2008

Huge congrats on this terrific Finalist, Karolyn! Excellent DD work as well. #5688244

Karolyn R. Moltzan March 24, 2008

Thank you very much, Sarah, Roger, Holly and Gary! I certainly appreciate hearing such wonderful comments! #5689306

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