Three Years Energy

© Steven Lewarne

Three Years Energy

Uploaded: March 05, 2002 10:47:26

Description

Taken using a Canon Powershot S30 with Sepia setting for novelty. Post production done in Photoshop to blur background.

Comments

Steven Lewarne March 05, 2002

This is my first submission to the website. I wasn't entirely happy with the composition of the picture but delighted that my daughter's energy was captured. #4041

Colleen M. Walsh March 10, 2002

Great Job! I love this. Sometimes it's not about perfect composition. You definitely captured her energy.

Tell me more about the blur technique you used in photoshop.

colleen

colleen_m_walsh@hotmail.com
www.geocities.com/customphotos_2000 #5998

Steven Lewarne March 11, 2002


Colleen,

Very kind comments. Great that someone else approves!!

I started by using a quick mask to make an accurate selection around my daughter.

Look at the following URL to get some basic quick mask instructions for Photoshop 5. (http://www.webreference.com/graphics/column23/5.html)

After that I made a new layer that contained just my daughter's outline. I then blurred the entire original picture using "Radial Blur" and selecting "Zoom" as the blur method (Photoshop Version 5).

After that it was a case of replacing the focused layer of my daughter back on top.

Finally I resized the image to a width acceptable for the website and sharpened it slightly.

Total time, approximately 1 hour. Does that help at all?!!

Steven. #6016

Debbie Groff April 07, 2002

I too love the way you captured the "pure spirit" of what I would describe as a "young girls sweetness-happiness-and joy".
Such a "darling!"
As for the approval of PS. I read an article by the publisher's of National Geographic..they have been using the technique known today as "tweaking" since the beginning of ....time...:)
The ability to use this program for the general public IMO is a blessing! I've often wanted to personally thank those who have worked hard to make this all possible.
I hope I'm not wrong in wanting to make that comment on this wonderfully captured moment of a young girls life that I'm sure will be cherished for many many years in the future.
Debbie #6621

Steven Lewarne April 08, 2002

Debbie,

She can be a darling, although she has her momments like most children!

Capturing her energy has always proved a challenge despite the fact that she never sits still. I tend to take most pictures of her when she is doing something quietly. On this particular day, the wind was gusting and she was just delighted to be out walking with us. A simple joy for life.

We will cherish the picture (and many others) and thank you for your comments.

Steven. #6657

Donna R. Moratelli April 08, 2002

Hi Steven, She is a doll!!!! I hope that you plan on doing some more shoots like this as she grows up. #6663

Piper Lehman April 08, 2002

Steven, I love this. Very "fine art" and a bit different from what is usually posted here at betterphoto. This looks more like the shots I see at PDN or one of the other sites that showcase more fine art shots. Also a good case for documentary or street photography. Nice job with the sepia. By the way, just how much blurring did you do in post? #6676

Steven Lewarne April 08, 2002

Thanks Donna and thanks Piper.

I'm new to all this, my first submission to the website so I'm not up with other sites such as PDN. Will try and have a look when I get the chance. What is the URL?

The sepia was just an experiment rather than a deliberate choice. When I look at the photo now I can't imagine what it would have been like in colour - possibly less effective.

The blurring was relatively minor. As a result of the aperture setting I already had a shallow depth of field so only the subject was properly focused. However Photoshop allowed me to modify the background with a radial, zoom blur that definitely added to the energy of the shot. It's an effect I've seen used in advertising and I thought it would work in this context. #6686

Donna R. Moratelli April 08, 2002

what is PDN ? #6687

Piper Lehman April 08, 2002

PDN: Photo District News. I'm surprised you don't know this one, Donna. Check it out for what's happening in the industry. www.pdn-pix.com. #6690

Cheryl Meisel April 22, 2002

Great great shot, what fun! Congrats Cheryl #7215

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