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Wilson's Tomb


 

BetterPhoto.com All Time Best Photo Contest Finalist BetterPhoto.com Photo Contest SECOND PLACE Winner  
Wilson's Tomb
Wilson's Tomb
f/6.3, 7 Seconds, ISO64, N.D. filter, tripod
Two months after I got my camera, I shot my "Light Lives Here" image. It made Finalist
but I've wanted to reshoot it after a year's learning; looking back on it now,
I think it is too bright & yellow, with some of the glorious stained glass color blown out.

So this is my reshoot 14 months later, inspired by that image but with significant changes; while shot in the same aisle
and in similar early morning light, I used a much lower POV (8" off the floor) capturing more of the
reflections in the polished marble. I used a ND filter this time, making it a 7-second exposure (vs. 1 second)
A darker overall result, but I like the color saturation much better.
This comp has no zoom (vs. 3x zoom before) giving greater length to the aisle, and it pulls Woodrow Wilson's tomb
(barely visible before) prominently into frame, at right.
01/07 - Travel & Place

Chris Budny

 
 
 

HuHu Lin
 

Good job,Christopher
still your style of shooting like always!


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January 06, 2007

 

Remi Trepanier
  nice picturre ,beautiful colors Christopher!!


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January 06, 2007

 

Brian Lobdell
  Wow, just stunning, Chris! This really is a remarkable composition! I liked the previous, but I do like this one even better! The colors and reflections are just awesome compliments to this wonderful architecture. Thanks for sharing your steps in shooting this. (Not a bad start for the year LOL!)


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January 06, 2007

 
photosbyjanine.com - Janine Russell

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  Chris, excellent colors, clarity, exposure, lighting, detail, point of view and DOF; I really like the improvements you made to this image.


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January 06, 2007

 

Michelle R. Kovach
  Wonderful improvements Chris.
I like the lower POV & the slightly different angle. I think your colors are definately better in this one as well.
My only gripe about the whole thing is the overhead light you can see in the hallway just under the arch. I's a distraction for me, but other than that, which you could probably remove very easily, I'd say you have a winner!


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January 06, 2007

 
- Judy V. Kennamer

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  WOW - marvelous Chris!


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January 06, 2007

 

Tonya R. Boles
  Wonderful image.


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January 06, 2007

 

Pat Gamwell
  Absolutely magnificent improvement, Chris! I agree with Michelle....cloning out the hallway light would make it perfection! It's still a winner in my book!


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January 06, 2007

 
- Sherry Stricklin Boles

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  Great job, Chris! The retake is FANTASTIC! I looked at the original (which is beautiful also) and I think you did a spectacular job of improving the shot! The angle, the colors and the composition are WONDERFUL!


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January 06, 2007

 

Arlene Krassner
  Christopher I never saw the original but this is stupendous! I love everything about it.


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January 06, 2007

 

Rhonda Smith
  This is amazing... WOW !!


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January 06, 2007

 
- Bob Cournoyer

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  Yup, what they all said and then some!!! Awesome shot!!!

Bob


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January 06, 2007

 

Susana Ms Heide
  This is AWE inspiring Chris!!!! Last year's image is beautiful but the colors in this one are truly magical! Definitely WINNER potential!! Good luck Chris!!


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January 06, 2007

 

Katarina Mansson
  This looks like a winner to me! Gorgeous perspective, composition, colors and detail. It really shows that there is a lot of work and talent behind this photo. Congratulation to a great result!


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January 07, 2007

 

Lynne Morris
  WOW Chris this is a stunning image, the colours, clarity and reflections are just fantastic, excellent work!


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January 07, 2007

 

Joy Rector
  stunning


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January 07, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  I wish you all could see my face this morning, upon reading all these great comments; I am beet-red, blushing right now, with a big grin on my face! Thank you all so much!
(Michelle, I completely missed that chandelier peeking out in the arch---now, after reading your comment, it is starting to bug me!! I'll probably clone it out, afterall!)


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January 07, 2007

 

Nadya Johnson
  I did not catch the previous version (or at least, do not recall it at the moment) but this is MAGNIFICENT, Christopher! The composition and the coloring, the light -- "Sublime!" I do agree about the chandelier: an almost microscopic flaw and easily removed. Otherwise, Sheer Perfection! This is both technically superb and awe-inspiring in its mood and sense of grandeur. OUTSTANDING work!


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January 07, 2007

 
- Amalia Sylvia Arriaga Salinas

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  Beautiful, great job Christopher!,
Amalia


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January 07, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you very much, Nadya & Amalia!
(Nadya, the original is in my gallery towards the bottom of page 1, if you want to compare it.)


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January 08, 2007

 

Datha Y. Thompson
  Excellent work Christopher... It is breathtaking!!!!!! as is your gallery!!! :0)


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January 08, 2007

 
- Don Johnson

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  Chris, this is definitely a stunning image. I repeat, a stunning image! The colors and reflections are wonderful, as is the POV. But I do agree that you should clone out the overhead light. That would make a great image even better.


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January 08, 2007

 

Cathy M. Gromball
  This is a fantastic photo, Christopher!

Cathy :)


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January 08, 2007

 

John Caruso
  Chris--

I tip my hat and bow low to you. Your handling of so many different--and powerful--aspects of the photo really is something. You're (obviously) working the strong light/color aspect, and working it quite well. But you've also got the strong lines/patterns of the columns, both on the wall and on the tomb. Then, you also have a strong dof element with the arches--subtly echoed with the repeating arch pattern on the tomb. Then there's the reflection on the floor.

The more I look at this one, the more I see and like. For me, that makes a compelling image. Wunderbar!


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January 08, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Datha, Don, Cathy and John; thank you all very much!

Don (and those who've mentioned the light fixture is distracting---wish I'd seen it sooner!!)... at this point, I'm going to have to wait and see how this version does, with the judges. I've got my "cloned fix" ready to go for a resubmit, if this one doesn't do well ;)

John... do you hire out for P.R./promotional work?! Thanks for that detailed, wonderful review!!


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January 08, 2007

 
- Dr Silly

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  WOW love the colors and angle of this photo. :O)


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January 08, 2007

 

John Caruso
  Chris--

Lol! You certainly don't need me. You're photos speak volumes.


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January 08, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you, Doc!
John, I appreciate the encouragement!


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January 09, 2007

 
- Judith MacArthur

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  This is an outstanding shot, Chris...Don told me about it and recommended I take a peak..what a treat. And thanks for sharing your method and the POV...You've taken your subject to a new level -- that's for sure...and you continue to raise the bar for the rest of us! Beautiful! :-)


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January 09, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you very much, Judith... I dunno about raising that bar too much---I did completely miss the light fixture that several folks (here and offline) have pointed out!


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January 10, 2007

 

Mick Burkey
  Magnificent reshoot, Chris. You made all the right decisions as far as I’m concerned. Love the new POV and the colors really stand out much better in this version. Wonderful work, my friend!!


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January 12, 2007

 

Beau Hudspeth Photography
  The colors in this image are just exquisite! A++


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January 12, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you both, Mick & Beau, very much!


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January 12, 2007

 

Thomas A. Statas
  Chris,

I see what you mean. Great composition, color and POV.


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January 20, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thanks, Tom!


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January 22, 2007

 

Sharon Day
  Simply gorgeous, Chris!!!


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January 31, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thanks so much, Sharon!


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February 01, 2007

 
- Nikki McDonald

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  Well, I missed this when you posted it but the Cocktails and Chocolates thread got me to your gallery to find and compare to the original. I agree with so many others and definitely think the selection of the tomb for foreground interest makes for a stronger image. Really good luck!!


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February 14, 2007

 

Tamera S. Phillips
  Look at the improvement from a year ago! The lighting and colors are stunning Chris. This one has to get past Finalist.


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February 14, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thanks, Nikki, for checking out both, and commenting!
Tamera, I can only hope you're right ;) I'd be on cloud nine!


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February 15, 2007

 
- Christine Czernin

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  Big congrats on this beautiful finalist,Christopher.


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February 24, 2007

 
- Bob Cournoyer

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  Very well deserved!
I'll be looking for this one in the next round, too... :-)

Bob


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February 24, 2007

 

Sylvia Rossler
  Big congrats on your finalist Chris !! Your favourite made it :O)


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February 24, 2007

 

Susan Fox
  Congrats Chris! Love the colors and lighting.


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February 24, 2007

 
- Nikki McDonald

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  We knew this was beautiful--hope it's a winner, too.


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February 24, 2007

 
photosbyjanine.com - Janine Russell

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  Chris, congratulations on your finalist.


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February 24, 2007

 

Cathy Barrows
  Congrats on your finalist...love the window inspired colors


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February 24, 2007

 

Michelle R. Kovach
  Congrats Chris!


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February 24, 2007

 

Brian Lobdell
  Congratulations, Mr. Chris!!! We all knew we'd see this here, after all, the judges can't ignore a pinacle of photographic excellence like this one! I'm betting on another medal to go with this...Good Luck!!


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February 24, 2007

 

Tamera S. Phillips
  I'm so glad to see this one make it! Congrats to you.


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February 24, 2007

 

Marie Fields
  Congratulations on this STUNNING finalist, Chris!!!


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February 24, 2007

 
- Dr Silly

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  Congratulations on your finalist, Chris. :O)


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February 24, 2007

 

Kara L. Hendricks
  Chris, I know you love this shot... I am thrilled to see it among the finalists... SPLENDID!!!

Congratulations my friend...


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February 24, 2007

 
- Judith MacArthur

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  I counted two fine finalists for you this month, Chris, but this one takes the cake in my book...In fact, I will be surprised if it doesn't take everything this month! :-) Judy M.


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February 24, 2007

 

Michael S. Swaffar
  I agree with all of the above, Stunning,Splendid, beautiful... I can't imagine what could be done to make this any better.. I'd say you nailed it! I'm proud of you and a lil jealous at the same time. I really want to see it get some GOLD.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya, buddy.


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February 24, 2007

 

Susana Ms Heide
  S*T*E*L*L*A*R in every aspect!!!!!!!!!!!I'll be very disappointed if this doesn't get the GOLD!!! CONGRATS Chris on this fine finalist for now and hope to see it again in a few days!!!!


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February 24, 2007

 

Cesar J. La Rosa
  WOW!!! This is another BEAUTIFUL image, Chris!!! The lighting, the colors, the composition. Everything is just PERFECT. I also want to see this one again soon. Congratulations!!!


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February 24, 2007

 

Katarina Mansson
  I have said it before: it looks like a winner! But first: Congratulations to another well-deserved finalist!


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February 25, 2007

 
- Les Rhoades

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  Congratulations’ on your FINALIST! Good luck in the next round.


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February 25, 2007

 
- Kay E. Mahoney

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  Congratulations on your beautiful finalist. Good luck in the next round.


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February 25, 2007

 

Jennifer Rennison
  WOW, Stunning, love the perspective, depth and colors!! Congratulations, Chris, on this outstanding finalist!! Best of luck in the next round!


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February 25, 2007

 

Mick Burkey
  WTG, Chris! Much deserved and congrats on the finals.


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February 25, 2007

 
- Claudine Grove

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  Stunning color!! Congrats!


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February 25, 2007

 

Colette M. Metcalf
  Congratulations!!


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February 25, 2007

 
- Don Johnson

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  Chris, I knew this was a winner the first time I saw it. Great shot. Congratulations! You did very, very well this month!


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February 25, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Christine, Bob, Sulvia, Susan, Nikki, Janine, Cathy, Michelle, Brian, Tammy, Marie, Doc, Kara, Judith, Michael, Susana, Cesar, Katarina, Les, Kay, Jennifer, Mick, Claudine, Colette and Don... (Does anyone remember Romper Room roll call? ;)
Thank you all, so much, for the great comments and encouragement. This image is my all-time favorite of everything I've ever shot.


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February 25, 2007

 

Carla Metzler
  This is so gorgeous, Christopher! Congratulations!!

LOL, Romper Room roll call...Romper Stomper Bomper Boo, Tell me tell me tell me do, Magic Mirror tell me today, did all my friends have fun at play? :)


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February 25, 2007

 

Cyn Valentine
  Big congratulations Christopher!! Beautiful image..good luck!!


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February 25, 2007

 

Holly Shao
  Congratulations, Chris!! Great image and beautiful colors!!

Holly


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February 25, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Carla; glad it isn't just me, remembering it that way! ;) Thank you, and Cyn & Holly!


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February 25, 2007

 

Sharon Day
  My favorite of your finalists this month, Chris!!! Beautiful image! Congratulations and good luck!


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February 25, 2007

 

Datha Y. Thompson
  CONGRATULATIONS Again Christopher!!! Good Luck!!!! :0)


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February 25, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you both! Sharon, there's no question in my mind, either, between the two!


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February 26, 2007

 
johnvroscich.com - John V. Roscich

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  BEAUTIFUL IMAGE CHRIS
CONGRATULATIONS
JOHN


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February 26, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you very much, John!


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February 27, 2007

 

Michael S. Swaffar
  YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You DID IT!!! Huge Congrats my friend!


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February 27, 2007

 

Susan Fox
  Woohoo Chris!!!!!! Congrats on your second place win!! :-)


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February 27, 2007

 

Carla Metzler
  Woohoo!!! Congratulations on your win, Chris!


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February 27, 2007

 
- Dennis Flanagan

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  Congratulations on your Gold Chris. Well deserved.


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February 27, 2007

 
- Dr Silly

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  Congrats on the win, Chris. :O)


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February 27, 2007

 

Cyn Valentine
  COngratulations Chris..beautiful image..well deserved!!


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February 27, 2007

 
- Don Johnson

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  Congratulations Chris! I told you this was a winner. When do you turn pro?


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February 27, 2007

 

Mick Burkey
  WTG, CHRIS !!
Fantastic job, my friend, and BIG Congratulations on the win. You deserve it.


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February 27, 2007

 

Kara L. Hendricks
  A HUGE COngrats to you on this well deserved win Chris... I know you love this shot... Makes it all the more special...:)


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February 27, 2007

 

Holly Shao
  Chris, Congratulations on your wonderful win!!

Holly


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February 27, 2007

 

Jagadeesh Andrew Owens
  Susan Lucci no more! Congratulations, friend!


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February 27, 2007

 

Michelle R. Kovach
  Congratulations Chris!


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February 27, 2007

 

Judyann Plante
  Chris, Congratulations on this much-deserved winner!!!

Judyann ><>


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February 27, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  I wish you all could see the grin that has been plastered on my face at the office this afternoon, since I logged on and learned of this; I've given up trying to work for the rest of the day; ran down the hall telling my coworkers (those who understand!) then I had to call mom, email the rest of the family, friends, etc... :) A bit ridiculous, perhaps, but this is the first BP gold I've achieved, and I'm a little giddy!

Thank you all very much, for your compliments, encouragement, and advice... BP is the best online photography community I've ever come across, and the members make it so!


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February 27, 2007

 

Revonda L. Gentry
  Congrats. on this very well deserved win!!


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February 27, 2007

 

Sylvia Rossler
  Big congrats on your win Chris :O) WTG !!


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February 27, 2007

 

Kay Beausoleil
  Hooray for you, Chris -- congratulations on your win!!! The reshoot was sure worth the effort!


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February 27, 2007

 
- Nikki McDonald

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  We could not be happier for you. This is a great shot. CONGRATULATIONS on the finalist and the W*I*N*!!


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February 27, 2007

 
- Claudia Kuhn

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  Beautiful lighting and perspective Chris! Congratulations on your win!


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February 27, 2007

 

Cesar J. La Rosa
  Congratulations on this BEAUTIFUL WINNER, Chris!!!


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February 27, 2007

 

Debra Booth
  Congrats on this beautiful winner, Christopher! Your persistence paid off!


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February 27, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you again, everyone, for your kind words today! I'm still beaming, at home now! :)


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February 27, 2007

 
johnvroscich.com - John V. Roscich

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  VERY COOL CHRIS
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WIN
JOHN


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February 27, 2007

 

HuHu Lin
  Congrats on your first "second place winner" in BP,Christopher...after so many finalists you finally win it, cheers!


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February 27, 2007

 

Sharon Day
  One of my favorites, Chris!!! Big congratulations!


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February 27, 2007

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

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  Congratulations Christopher on your fabulous win...Dominick


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February 27, 2007

 

Datha Y. Thompson
  CONGRATULATIONS Christopher on this Excellent WINNER!! I am a huge of this shot AND your work!!!!! WTG :0)


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February 27, 2007

 

Datha Y. Thompson
  oops, meant to say a HUGE FAN!!! sorry about that :0) CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN :0)


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February 27, 2007

 

Brian Lobdell
  I'm so glad this got gold, Chris! Very deserving and overdue!! Congratulations!


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February 27, 2007

 
sherry-adkins-photography.com - Sherry Karr Adkins

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  Congrats, Christopher on your win. I think this is one of the most beautiful photos I've ever seen. EVER! Now, have some chocolate and a cocktail to celebrate this very well deserved win!


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February 27, 2007

 

Katarina Mansson
  I have told you twice before and am very happy to finally be able to say: BIG congratulations to your well deserved win!


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February 28, 2007

 

Wally Orlowsky
  Congratulations on this colorful and well-composed winner, Chris!


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February 28, 2007

 
- Kay E. Mahoney

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  Congratulations on your second place winner:)


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February 28, 2007

 

Margie Hurwich
  Oh, Chris, I'm so excited this one won! Congratulations!


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February 28, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thanks so much, everyone, for taking the time to comment; I really do appreciate it... it makes my morning!

(Sherry, thank you for such high praise---I'm thrilled with how this one came out, and that you like it so much! I find many photographers on BP are constantly offering up the most beautiful images I (for one) have ever seen, on a nearly daily basis!)

If you're ever in DC, stop by the cathedral for a tour, and I'll point this scene out to you!


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February 28, 2007

 

Marianne Fortin
  Beautiful image, Chris. Congrats for the win!


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February 28, 2007

 

Marie Fields
  Congratulations on this AWESOME WIN, Chris!!! :)


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February 28, 2007

 

Jenny Bosmans
  Congratulations on this beautiful winner, Chris! :)


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February 28, 2007

 
photosbyjanine.com - Janine Russell

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  Chris, big congratulations on your Second Place Win!


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February 28, 2007

 

Robert Baer
  chris
congratulations on this finalist. I love your images of the cathedral. check out the chapel on my site, it is my "national cathedral". justin in tahoe


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February 28, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you, Marianne, Marie, Jenny, Janine & Justin... (Plenty of alliteration to go around!) I appreciate your comments!


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February 28, 2007

 

Susan M. Hembree
  Hey Chris! Congratulations on your win on such a beautiful image! I was reading some of the comments on this discussion and I know what you mean about feeling giddy inside and having the big grin and running and telling anyone who will listen. I had my first gold in this last set, too! I'm still pinching myself!


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February 28, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thanks so much, Susan, and congrats right back at ya! I love light/motion captures, and yours is a real eye-catcher!


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March 01, 2007

 

Nobu Nagase
 
Way to Go, Christopher!!!
Many many congratulations!
What a great image!
You've created a beautiful image.
It's a great treat to view it.


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March 01, 2007

 

Jill Flynn
  Beautiful work and the colors are out of this world! A big congratulations on your win Chris!


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March 01, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Nobi & Jill, thank you both very much!


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March 02, 2007

 

Tonya R. Boles
  Congrats on your wonderful win..


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March 05, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you Tonya, and thanks again for the screenshot you sent me!


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March 05, 2007

 

Patricia (Pat) C. Exum
  Hi Chris,
You did it again! Wonderful color and overall beautiful image.
Congratulations on your win!

Pat

P.S. Your don't need a DSLR, you're doing just fine with the camera you are using!


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March 05, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thanks so much, Pat! You must be right; I haven't been able to talk myself into an SLR so far!


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March 06, 2007

 

Karen Bacon
  Congratulations on this outstanding image Christopher!


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March 09, 2007

 

Sherrye Nozaki
  You have made Sony very proud with this one! Just incredible!


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March 10, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you both, Karen & Sherrye!
(Sherrye; I think it was in Jan. 2006 that the BP Grand Prize Winner was shot with the same Sony model I've got---talk about making them proud! ;)


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March 10, 2007

 
- William C. Raco

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  Wow, the lighting and colors are amazing.
Beautiful work, Christopher
Congratulations

Bill


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March 25, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thanks so much, Bill!


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March 25, 2007

 

Geraldine E. Lefoe
  Chris, what astunner, congratulations on your well earned gold. Thanks so much for sharing all the detail about how you did it - use of the ND filter is not something I'd considered for such a shot but I'll keep it in mind now! Again congratulations, one I'd hang on my wall! Geraldine


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March 31, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you very much, Geraldine! I think I used the ND for the wrong reasons, but I like the result. Next Nov. I'll have to try the same shot again, without the ND, and compare...


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April 01, 2007

 

Carol Teal
  This is really beautiful Christopher! I thought I had commented on it before, but maybe it was the other one. Anyway, a late congrats on your win!


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April 24, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you, Carol!


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April 25, 2007

 

Karolyn J. Seeley
  Okay Chris, it took me some time to find your gallery and this shot. A ton of people have commented b4 me but it is a knockout shot. Really love it and your gallery is first rate. I need a tripod so badly, my hand held stuff is marginal at best and will never become a finalist unless I improve soon so after reading your introduction I am on my way to a tripod, any suggestions you can offer on purchase??? Thanks Chris for your inspiration. Karolyn


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May 23, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thanks so much for making your way to my gallery, Karolyn, and commenting on this image!

I totally support your idea of getting a tripod; I pretty much dread taking handheld shots now, in all but the brightest lighting outdoors, even with image-stabilizing lenses. Though for most of the first year of shooting, I did just that, with a P&S camera that had a built-in image-stabilizing mode. But I always look for a ledge, wall, brace, other support, whenever possible, to help eliminate my own shake.

I've had 3 tripods so far; 2 inexpensive Sunpak ones easily found at your typical big-box electronics/camera retailers, and a pricier carbon-legged, ball-head setup, purchased just last month at Adorama online. (All 3 have served me well, and I only "upgraded" to the carbon model because it collapses more compactly for travel, and is more stable than the other 2, generally speaking. Outside of mountainous terrain or strong winds though, I think you'd find quite acceptable stability in the $50 Sunpak.)

Interestingly, this particular image was shot on the smallest & cheapest of those 3 tripods; a $15 desktop mini-tripod! (It could barely hold the weight of my SLR however, without tipping sideways!)

Whatever you end up with, you're gaining an immediate improvement on camera stability, over handheld, which can really make a potentially big difference in just about any shot! I would recommend that you also use either a remote control for your camera (if available) or, if that isn't an option, look for your camera's self-timer mode, and learn to use it. Either of those 2 methods, with a tripod, will ensure that you're not phyically touching the camera when you fire the shutter---thus eliminating any human-induced vibration or shake, no matter how small, and no matter how carefully you think you can press the shutter button. That is especially important if you like macro images, or take longer exposures, such as night shots.
Good luck, and happy shooting!


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May 23, 2007

 

Susan M. Hembree
  Hey Chris--I'm reading your discussion about tripods and I was wondering about tripods in the National Cathedral. I know in D.C. that you need a permit to use a tripod just about anywhere you go and especially if it is considered a National Park. I've heard that if a policeman sees you, they will ask you to put them away. So, do you use a tripod in D.C.? And at the Cathedral? Just curious because I am planning on going up to the cathedral soon to do some shooting. Sue


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May 23, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Hey Sue... The Washington National Cathedral does allow tripods; they just ask you to keep them out of high-traffic areas and aisles, etc.
I've used tripods throughout DC, but there are many places that forbid them (Union Station comes to mind, as does the grounds of the US Capitol.) But, I've used a tripod all over the National Mall itself, the National Arboretum, Dupont Circle Park, etc. It just depends on the place. The Lincoln Memorial allows them up to the main floor level, but not "inside" the memorial space itself, for instance. It always pays to call in advance if you can, if you have a specific place in mind... I just visited England, hit 3 major cathedrals and had I not emailed them in advance, I would have never known that Durham alone of the 3, prohibits photography inside. But, has a photography permit you can buy (cost about $25US for the day!) and thus bypass their regulations! Go figure.
And sometimes while tripods are forbidden in certain places, monopods may not be.
Let me know when you might make it to the cathedral; I'm a tour guide there on alternate Saturdays, and would love to say hello to another BP'er!


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May 23, 2007

 

Karolyn J. Seeley
  Chris, thank you so much for your speedy and lengthy reply! It is so appreciated and I will take your advice. I haven't had the opportunity to go out shooting in weeks, hopfully future additions to my site will include some tri-pod shots.... again, it was so nice of you to take the time to give me some needed advice. cheers, Karolyn


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May 23, 2007

 
- Don Johnson

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  Karolyn, I have taken tours with Chris at the Cathedral. He does a great job! In fact, I originally meet him there and when we both found out we were BPers, we really hit it off.


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May 24, 2007

 

Steven E. Ray
  Your eye for unusual subject matter is outstanding. This photo is of superb quality! Good capture.


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July 19, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you very much, Steven! I'm happy with this image, but I plan to "try again" this fall, when the light returns!
And thanks belatedly, Don, for the tour compliment! ;)


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July 19, 2007

 

Katrina McMeans
  Wow, yes it has been. And this photo is just stunning. The colors and lighting... wow, very breathtaking. I'm surprised it didn't place higher, actually. But I bet the remake will!


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August 28, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thanks, Katrina. Fall will be here so soon, I can hardly wait!


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August 29, 2007

 

Corinne M. Thompson
  Absolutely stunning capture Chris! Belated congrats on capturing the Gold!


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October 01, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Many thanks, Corinne!


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October 01, 2007

 

Lorri Shane
 
Another stunning winner, Christopher!
I love the fact that you gave a description of how you made this image as it helps me to learn. Amazing how you captured this color!!! Congrats!


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October 27, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thanks, Lorri... I was just at the cathedral today, discussing this shot with a visiting photographer---we're coming into the season of that great early morning sunlight right now. I hope to get back to reshoot this scene once more, on my Canon, and see what I get...


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October 27, 2007

 
- Lisa J. Boulden

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  Gorgeous!!!
-Lisa


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November 28, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thanks so much, Lisa!


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November 28, 2007

 
- Shelly A. Van Camp

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  This is one of the prettiest images I have ever seen. I love the colors, DoF, lighting and the over all image. Super job on this and well done. I am happy to see the gold on this!


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January 11, 2008

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Many thanks, Shelly; I appreciate your kind words! This was my first-ever winner at BP, and holds a special place in my heart :)


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January 11, 2008

 

Dianna Murphy
  I've been here, you did an outstanding job of capturing the light and beauty of it.


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February 21, 2008

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you very much, Dianna. I've shot this aisle 3 years in a row, chasing the winter light; I have yet to grow tired of the cathedral as subject matter ;)


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February 21, 2008

 

Julianne Bradford
  I can see why you love this wonderful place Chris. Congratulations on this stunning winner :-)


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September 29, 2010

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you, Julianne! It is a spectacular place; I'm going Saturday for tour duty--hopefully the rain will have cleared out by then...


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September 30, 2010

 

Merna L. Nobile
  CONGRATULATIONS, MERNA


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January 17, 2011

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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  Belated CONGRATZ on this wonderful Winner, Chris. and CONGRATS on having this n Jim's and Kerry's new book, WTG!

UB.


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April 03, 2012

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Thank you both, Merna & Usman!
Usman---this one actually appeared in their prior book, "The BetterPhoto Guide to Creative Digital Photography", released in 2011.
The newer book, released today, is "The BetterPhoto Guide to Photographing Light"---and while this image isn't in that book, two more of my cathedral images are! Very exciting!!


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April 03, 2012

 
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