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The Kiss

© Erica Butler

The Kiss

Uploaded: June 14, 2005

Description

I took this picture of my little sister in our back yard. I was really pleased with the way it turned out!

Comments

Ellen Peach level-classic June 14, 2005

She is adorable...nicely done, Erica! #263466

Kathi A. Poulsen June 15, 2005

Very Cute !!! Great posing making a sweet photo. #1471576

Erica Butler June 25, 2005

Thank you guys! #1520565

Kimberly C. Miner June 27, 2005

PRECIOUS!!!! #1527797

anonymous A. December 28, 2005

Great potential here, Erica, but could I respectfully suggest that those blown out highlights could be toned down a bit, both in the face and in the skirt. The face is not only glary, but it makes hard lines under those lovely eyes and takes away from both her eyes and lips, while the bright area so close to the base of the picture drags attention down and away from your cute sister.
Please excuse my criticism: I just think such a good picture deserves a better "print". #2230279

Erica Butler December 28, 2005

First of all, I really didn't ask for your criticism, and I was slightly offended that you began criticizing my photograph first before "apologizing" for criticising it. It wasn't respectful at all; I personally found it very rude.

Second of all, the photograph in question was a scan of a negative. The negative and the prints made from the negative are not as contrasty in the face and skirt. But I like both versions, the non contrasty print and the scanned, contrasty version. It's a matter of perspective, and I like it. If you don't, I'm sorry, but it's my photograph.

Next time, I'm sure you'll remember to find out what you are talking about before you begin "respectfully" criticising other people's photographs. #2230725

anonymous A. December 28, 2005

Thanks for your frank response, Erica; you are quite right and it is a matter of taste. Although, as I said, I DO like the photograph I probably would not have commented except that you said in your bio: "I really like constructive criticism, so please feel free to let me know what you think I could do better with my photographs!"
#2231210

Erica Butler December 29, 2005

You didn't say what you think I could do BETTER, you said what you think is WRONG with the photograph. That's not constructive criticism, that was pulling my photograph apart and criticising it. That's not constructive, that's just mean. #2232089

anonymous A. December 29, 2005

Well, Erica, I'm sorry if I phrased it badly. When I referred to the highlights and suggested they could be toned down a bit, that was intended as a positive suggestion for improvement. More specifically, I would open te image in an editor, add a layer above the photo, fill it with grey or another dark tone, erase the areas above the picture where the tone and exposure are as I want them them, then reduce the opacity of the top layer until the overexposed areas are balanced with the rest of the image.

Now, that sounds more like a (probably unwelcome) lesson in basic photo editing than in a suggestion of what you might do better. But why would you want to do better if no one ever says why you might look at you work with a critical eye? None of us is perfect (me especially) and I know that none of my works is above criticism, but I welcome people who take the time and trouble to write: I learn NOTHING from praise and everything from criticism; but I NEVER intended to denigrate or bring down you or your picture. We all thrive on praise!
David. #2233057

Erica Butler December 29, 2005

As "basic" as that lesson in photo editing was, it was actually something I don't know how to do. I really try not to manipulate my photographs much. And when I have the time, I might try it. I like to recieve constructive criticism, but I don't like to be criticized. But constructive criticism helps me to be a better photographer and digital editor to my photographs. While I like praise, it doesn't help me get better or learn.

So thanks. #2234338


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