Photo Discussion
Category: Friendly Praise Archive

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

 

WWII Strike


 

BetterPhoto.com All Time Best Photo Contest Staff Favorite BetterPhoto.com Photo Contest SECOND PLACE Winner  
WWII Strike
WWII Strike
A total rework from RAW of a favorite "lucky" shot. I was shooting on the National Mall with Sue Rosin, and we knew a storm was approaching soon. We were
at the WWII Memorial (shown) around 9pm; I wanted a motion-blur fountain capture. I set up the tripod & camera for a very long exposure, and halfway
through it, this MASSIVE lightning strike hit with no warning, seemingly yards away. (I'm sure it was farther than it looked.) I yelled out loud,
partly in fear, partly knowing I'd captured it, and then had to wait out the exposure, before I could see how it turned out. This rework fixes many things
in the original, particularly noise, and color cast. A new crop and larger BP image size, and some other editing steps I didn't know about last time.
08-11 2nd Place, T&P

Chris Budny

 
 
 

Joy Rector
 

awesome


To love this question, log in above
August 28, 2011

 

Martin Cregg
  Outstanding photo, Chris.


To love this comment, log in above
August 28, 2011

 
- Melinda F. Schneider

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Melinda F. Schneider
Melinda F. Schneider's Gallery
  Lucky, yes, but also skilled and very outstanding in every way!!


To love this comment, log in above
August 28, 2011

 
robinsonphotoart.com - Jeff Robinson

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Jeff Robinson
Jeff Robinson's Gallery
  Amazing - Outstanding every way!!


To love this comment, log in above
1
August 28, 2011

 
- Linda D. Lester

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Linda D. Lester
Linda D. Lester's Gallery
  Winner!!!!!!


To love this comment, log in above
August 28, 2011

 

Anita Hogue
  WOW, this is gorgeous!


To love this comment, log in above
August 28, 2011

 

Katarina Mansson
  Spectacular and beautiful work...as powerful as the natural forces displayed! Looks like a new winner to me...


To love this comment, log in above
August 28, 2011

 

David M. Montero
  Great capture of this magnificent memorial. Electrifying Christopher.


To love this comment, log in above
August 28, 2011

 
- Lindley Johnson

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Lindley Johnson
Lindley Johnson's Gallery
  Amazing, Chris!! Fabulous timing, composition, and processing.


To love this comment, log in above
August 28, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thank you all very much for the kind words; I'm very pleased with this reworked version!


To love this comment, log in above
August 29, 2011

 
- Ann Varley

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Ann Varley
Ann Varley's Gallery
  This is truly spectacular Christopher!
I'll be in Washington DC in October, hoping to shoot in the same area. I'm sure I wont have THIS kind of luck though. WOW!


To love this comment, log in above
August 29, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thanks, Ann! Look me up when you get here; perhaps we can go out shooting together---I enjoy meeting fellow BPer's!


To love this comment, log in above
August 29, 2011

 

Susan Fox
  What can I say, it's perfection!


To love this comment, log in above
August 29, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thanks, Susan!


To love this comment, log in above
August 29, 2011

 
- Judy V. Kennamer

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Judy V. Kennamer
Judy V. Kennamer's Gallery
  Congrats on your beautiful Finalist Chris!!! Great job!!


To love this comment, log in above
September 25, 2011

 

Thomas E. Hinds
  Just perfect, Chris! Wonderful and deserving Finalist!


To love this comment, log in above
September 25, 2011

 
- Kay E. Mahoney

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Kay E. Mahoney
Kay E. Mahoney's Gallery
  Congratulations on your finalist, Chris. Good luck in the next round.


To love this comment, log in above
September 25, 2011

 
- Nikki McDonald

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Nikki McDonald
Nikki McDonald's Gallery
  A wonderful rework and stunning entry. It's on its way. Congratulations on the Finalist and best of luck in the next round.


To love this comment, log in above
September 25, 2011

 

Tammy Espino
  Congrats on your awesome finalist!! :)


To love this comment, log in above
September 25, 2011

 

BetterPhoto Member
  Very dramatic!


To love this comment, log in above
September 25, 2011

 
- Gail Vitikacs

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Gail Vitikacs
Gail Vitikacs's Gallery
  Way to go Chris!!!! Love this! Congrats!


To love this comment, log in above
September 25, 2011

 
- Ann Varley

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Ann Varley
Ann Varley's Gallery
  Was there ever any doubt? Congratulations Chris!


To love this comment, log in above
September 25, 2011

 

Datha Y. Thompson
  AWESOME!!! Congratulations Chris!! WTG :)


To love this comment, log in above
September 25, 2011

 
- Michele Peterson

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Michele Peterson
Michele Peterson's Gallery
  Fantastic, Chris! Glad to see this get a finalist!!


To love this comment, log in above
September 25, 2011

 
emptynestphotos.com - Agnes Fegan

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Agnes Fegan
Agnes Fegan's Gallery
  Congratulations Chris!


To love this comment, log in above
September 25, 2011

 
- Lindley Johnson

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Lindley Johnson
Lindley Johnson's Gallery
  I love this dramatic image, Chris! Congratulations on your fantastic finalist.


To love this comment, log in above
September 25, 2011

 

Patti Coblentz
  Amazing, Chris...congratulations!


To love this comment, log in above
September 25, 2011

 
- Bojan Bencic

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Bojan Bencic
Bojan Bencic's Gallery
  Congratulations on your beautiful finalist, Christopher.


To love this comment, log in above
September 25, 2011

 

Naomi Weiser
  wow, great capture, congrats


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 

Naomi Weiser
  congrats, what a unique capture


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 

Linda Blair
  Totally awesome Chris...congratulations...I'm sure we'll see this one again!!


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 

Cathy Barrows
  Congrats on your finalist...simply awesome


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 

JO ANN CLEVELAND
 
Congratulations on thise awesome finalist Chris!

jo ann c.


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thanks so much, folks (and the BP Judges!) for the kind words! This has long been a favorite image; the fresh rework I did was way overdue, given the things I see as flaws today, in the original version. I like it so much better than before!


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 
- Joannie Bertucci

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Joannie Bertucci
Joannie Bertucci's Gallery
  Congrats Chris on this stunning finalist...I smell gold! :-)


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 

Donna La Mattino Pagakis
  This is so cool Chris, a beautiful finalist, congratulations!


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 

Debra R. Harder
  WOWZA...this is absolutely SUPERB, Chris! Huge congratulations on your OUTSTANDING finalist! Deb


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thank you very much, ladies!


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 

Ellen Hodges
  Huge congrats on a super fab finalist, Chris!!! Very best luck with this outstanding image!!!


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 

Patti Coblentz
  Congratulations on your amazing win, Chris!!


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 

Ujjwal Mukherjee
  HUGE congratulations on your excellent Winner,Chris!!


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 

Katarina Mansson
  WTG Chris - congratulations on this superb winner!


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 

Renee Doyle
  I don't blame you for yelling out .... how awesome is this!!!! BIG congrats to you Chris on this excellent capture and deserving WINNER!!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 

Ellen Hodges
  Huge congrats on your awesome win, Chris!!! Yeah!!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
- Carolyn M. Fletcher

BetterPhoto Member
BetterPhoto Crew: Volunteer
Contact Carolyn M. Fletcher
Carolyn M. Fletcher's Gallery
  Wonderful shot, Chris! Big congrats! Resubmits do pay off sometimes, don't they?


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Usman M. Bajwa
Usman M. Bajwa's Gallery
  Fabulous exposure and lightening was the icing on the cake, Chris. HUGE CONGRATZ on the beautiful Gold Winner, WTG!!!

UB.


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
- Ann Varley

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Ann Varley
Ann Varley's Gallery
  Awesome GOLD !! WTG !!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
- Dayna Cain

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Dayna Cain
Dayna Cain's Gallery
  A truly amazing image Chris. Congrats!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 

Thomas E. Hinds
  A well deserved Winner! Congratulations, Chris!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
- R. J. Laudenbacher

BetterPhoto Member
Contact R. J. Laudenbacher
R. J. Laudenbacher's Gallery
  I knew when you showed me this in DC, Chris it had winner written all over it. Truly an amazing shot! Congratulations to you on this so deserved win!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 

Tammy Espino
  Congrats on your win :)


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thank you all very much! I'm thrilled this "made it" as I like it so much better than my first attempt awhile back!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
- Linda D. Lester

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Linda D. Lester
Linda D. Lester's Gallery
  Congratulations on your awesome win!!!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
buffalogalphotos.com - Terry Cervi

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Terry Cervi
Terry Cervi's Gallery
  I remember you showing this to me too when in DC and thought it was an amazing shot, Chris! Congratulations on a well deserved win!!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
- Judy V. Kennamer

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Judy V. Kennamer
Judy V. Kennamer's Gallery
  Congrats on your gorgeous WINNER Chris!!! Amazing capture!!!!!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 

Anna Diederich
  Congratulations! This is just stunning!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 

Monnie Ryan
  This one just HAD to be a winner, Chris - big congratulations!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 

Julianne Bradford
  Wow Chris..what a double thrill! Great capture and deserving win! Congratulations!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 

Debra R. Harder
  Absolutely BRILLIANT, Chris! Huge congratulations on your OUTSTANDING GOLD WINNER! Deb


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
- Bojan Bencic

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Bojan Bencic
Bojan Bencic's Gallery
  Congratulations, Christopher!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 

Karen Celella
  Congratulations on your amazing winner, Christopher!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 

Susan Fox
  Congratulations on your winning photo


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
- Mitch Spence

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Mitch Spence
Mitch Spence's Gallery
  Lighting strikes twice and twice makes perfect. Congratulations on the gold, Chris.


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
- Joannie Bertucci

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Joannie Bertucci
Joannie Bertucci's Gallery
  I told you I smelt gold! :-) Congratulations Chris!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
- Leslie McLain

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Leslie McLain
Leslie McLain's Gallery
  No surprise. Congrats on an amazing winner, Chris.


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 

Karen E. Baumann
  Timing is a wonderful reward to images Chris and you got this timed just right! Congratulations on your Gold!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 

Richard B. Hallick
  Congratulations on this awesome capture, and the gold medal!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
- Tamara K. Walker

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Tamara K. Walker
Tamara K. Walker's Gallery
  Magnificent capture, congratulations!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
- Michele Peterson

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Michele Peterson
Michele Peterson's Gallery
  I ditto what Mitch said! Congratulations on "another" win for this fabulous image. It needs to be in a magazine somewhere, it's amazing!!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
- Ken Smith

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Ken Smith
Ken Smith's Gallery
  It's all in the crop! :-) Congrats, Chris...definitely deserving of the gold!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thank you all very much for the kind words!


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 

Donna La Mattino Pagakis
  I am so pleased to see this in the winner's circle Chris. Congratulations, just incredible!!!!


To love this comment, log in above
September 28, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thanks, Donna!


To love this comment, log in above
September 28, 2011

 
dmd-photo-art.com - Dominick M. Dimacale

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Dominick M. Dimacale
Dominick M. Dimacale's Gallery
  Congratulations Christopher on your Win!!!


Dominick


To love this comment, log in above
September 28, 2011

 
- Mary Beth Aiello

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Mary Beth Aiello
Mary Beth Aiello's Gallery
  So glad you waited for this Chris. Huge congrats on this beauty.


To love this comment, log in above
September 28, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thanks so much, Dominick & Mary Beth!


To love this comment, log in above
September 28, 2011

 

Cesar J. La Rosa
  Congratulations on this well-deserved Winner, Chris!!! It is a BEAUTIFUL photograph!!!
Cesar


To love this comment, log in above
September 29, 2011

 
- Lindley Johnson

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Lindley Johnson
Lindley Johnson's Gallery
  Definitely one of my favorite winners of the month, Chris. So dramatic and well done. Big congratulations!


To love this comment, log in above
September 29, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thank you both, Cesar & Lindley!


To love this comment, log in above
September 29, 2011

 

David M. Montero
  Congratulations on your second place selection of this striking image Christopher!


To love this comment, log in above
September 30, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Dunno if you intended a pun, but I got a chuckle---thanks so much, Dave!


To love this comment, log in above
September 30, 2011

 

Mick Burkey
  Fantastic capture, Chris! Timing, eh!? Love the lighting. Congratulations on a well deserved winner!!


To love this comment, log in above
October 02, 2011

 

Merna L. Nobile
 


Congratulations!
You’re the kind of person who makes the world a better, brighter place…You worked hard for this, you made it happen, and you have a right to be proud. So enjoy these satisfying moments; you deserve every one! Merna


To love this comment, log in above
October 02, 2011

 

Phyllis H. Burchett
  BIG congratulations Chris on this awesome winner!


To love this comment, log in above
October 02, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thanks so much, folks...!


To love this comment, log in above
October 02, 2011

 

Rona L. Schwarz
  WOW, Chris! Very scary, but so very worth it! Really awesome capture! Sorry I'm so late, but HUGE CONGRATS on this most marvelous winner!


To love this comment, log in above
October 03, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thank you, Rona!


To love this comment, log in above
October 04, 2011

 
- Amanda D. Austwick

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Amanda D. Austwick
Amanda D. Austwick's Gallery
  WOW Chris, what a great lightning catch to top off a great image! CONGRATULATIONS on this well deserved Gold Winner!


To love this comment, log in above
October 15, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thank you very much, Amanda!


To love this comment, log in above
October 15, 2011

 
- Laura E. Swan

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Laura E. Swan
Laura E. Swan's Gallery
  Holy Doodle, Chris! WOW! Talk about a STRIKING image! This is so totally awesome. Isn't it true that as we learn and grow we can take an already cool photo and raise it up to a whole new level? Well, now you have seen it go gold with your new skills. I just did this yesterday. (Took an older image and reworked it). What a difference. It went Finalist last time around but maybe she will hit Gold this time! (The Lady of the Forest).

On Your More Than Deserving Gold Win, Chris!

-Laura :D

P.S. Nice to see you again. It's been a while! :D


To love this comment, log in above
May 09, 2012

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thanks, Laura! I do enjoy reworking some of my oldest favorites... We're always (hopefully!) continuously learning new skills, so why not revisit some older "worthy" images and see if they'd be improved---I think this was a perfect example. (Though pleasantly, the first version, which I now see as inferior) also managed 2nd Place, awhile back!)


To love this comment, log in above
May 10, 2012

 
Log in or sign up to respond or interact.