Photo Discussion
Category: Friendly Praise Archive

To discuss a photo, sign up as a BetterPhoto member or log in.

 

Playful - Revised


 
BetterPhoto.com Photo Contest Finalist   Playful - Revised
Playful - Revised
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.

Karolyn R. Moltzan

 
 
 

Mollie Kendall
 

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!


To love this question, log in above
January 22, 2008

 

Karolyn R. Moltzan
  Thank you, Mollie!


To love this comment, log in above
January 22, 2008

 
- Flavio Carnevale

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Flavio Carnevale
Flavio Carnevale's Gallery
  Everything in this picture is perfect. Lighting, pose, beauty of the model, lips, eyes, skin, composition, expression.
Outstanding job


To love this comment, log in above
January 22, 2008

 

Karolyn R. Moltzan
  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!


To love this comment, log in above
January 22, 2008

 

Scott A. McDaniel
  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.


To love this comment, log in above
January 22, 2008

 

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


To love this comment, log in above
January 23, 2008

 

Scott A. McDaniel
  It was well deserved. Now I gotta go try and duplicate it. Just kidding...kind of.


To love this comment, log in above
January 23, 2008

 
- Flavio Carnevale

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Flavio Carnevale
Flavio Carnevale's Gallery
  I never had a beautiful photographer as a model... what about posing for me? ;-)

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


To love this comment, log in above
January 23, 2008

 

Karolyn R. Moltzan
  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!


To love this comment, log in above
January 23, 2008

 

Scott A. McDaniel
  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.


To love this comment, log in above
January 23, 2008

 

Karolyn R. Moltzan
  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!


To love this comment, log in above
January 23, 2008

 

Louise Kumpf
  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!


To love this comment, log in above
January 24, 2008

 

Lana S. Burnette
  yes thank you for sharing how you accomplished this look, truly beautiful!


To love this comment, log in above
January 26, 2008

 

Karolyn R. Moltzan
  Thank you, Louise and Lana!


To love this comment, log in above
January 26, 2008

 

cheryl m. phillips
  Very impressive for a self portrait, Karolyn! This is beautiful!!
Very nice work!
~cheryl


To love this comment, log in above
January 27, 2008

 

Karolyn R. Moltzan
  Thank you very much, Cheryl! I really appreciate all the positive comments!


To love this comment, log in above
January 27, 2008

 

Sarah F. Myers
  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!!


To love this comment, log in above
February 01, 2008

 

Karolyn R. Moltzan
  Thank you very much, Sarah! I'm flattered!


To love this comment, log in above
February 02, 2008

 

Shawn Jennings
  Fantastic, Karolyn! Congratulations on your finalist!


To love this comment, log in above
February 22, 2008

 

Dawn M. Schneider
  Not only is she naturally beautiful I think you made her perfect!!! very nice shot and congrats on the finalist


To love this comment, log in above
February 22, 2008

 

Judi Morrissey
  This is gorgeous and well-deserved, Karolyn. Great work!


To love this comment, log in above
February 23, 2008

 

Patrik Winge
  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!


To love this comment, log in above
February 24, 2008

 
- Flavio Carnevale

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Flavio Carnevale
Flavio Carnevale's Gallery
  Congrats on this great finalist.
Flavio


To love this comment, log in above
February 24, 2008

 

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


To love this comment, log in above
February 24, 2008

 

Sarah F. Myers
  Congratulations!


To love this comment, log in above
February 24, 2008

 

Roger Fry
  Fabulous! Irrisistable !


To love this comment, log in above
February 29, 2008

 

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


To love this comment, log in above
March 21, 2008

 

Gary Lange
  Huge congrats on this terrific Finalist, Karolyn! Excellent DD work as well.


To love this comment, log in above
March 24, 2008

 

Karolyn R. Moltzan
  Thank you very much, Sarah, Roger, Holly and Gary! I certainly appreciate hearing such wonderful comments!


To love this comment, log in above
March 24, 2008

 
Log in or sign up to respond or interact.