Sunset Serenade [For the Birds ]
Uploaded: May 10, 2005 17:53:51
T
Nobu Nagase May 10, 2005
Deborah, you continue to come up with the most beautiful and most gorgeous water bird images!!! ... Wow, fantastic silhouette, fantastic colors, and another great composition... #247445S J May 10, 2005
Love your work on this image, Deborah!! Beautiful effects and presentation!! Love it!! #1338671Nemil B. Chabebe May 10, 2005
WOW, WOW, WOW, so beautifully done, gorgeous, nice colors. How did you do it? #1338680Deborah Sandidge May 10, 2005
Thank you so much, Nobi, Sanjay and Nemil!! You're very encouraging, and I appreciate your kind words! :o) Hi Nemil, this composition was created in Photoshop (the sun and silhouettes are "real" photos). The egret pair silhouette was repositioned so the pair faced each other. The sun was yesterday's sunrise, the black background and watery reflections were added in Photoshop - all combined to create a new image! #1338707Kerby Pfrangle May 10, 2005
Deborah this is awesome. Love the lighting and the two egrets center in the middle of the light and rest of the image dark. It POPS off the page big time. Just lovely. Kerby #1338722Kara L. Hendricks May 10, 2005
I think we have another winner here... Good luck with this Deborah.. WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!! #1338758Donna La Mattino Pagakis May 10, 2005
This is abolutely gorgeous. I love your creativity!!!! #1338770Cathy Stancil May 10, 2005
Incredibly beautiful deborah !! #1338773
Kathleen K. Parker
May 10, 2005
Stanley J. Contrades May 11, 2005
Your technique in bird imagery is remarkable, Deborah, and just inspiring! Depth of colors, as well as clarity, is just amazingly beautiful!!Deborah Sandidge May 11, 2005
Thank you very much, Kerby, Kara, Donna, Cathy, Kathleen and Stan - I appreciate your thoughtful words and so pleased you liked this! #1341128Connie J. Bagot May 11, 2005
Totally awesome---beautiful----I'm almost speechless! #1341191Jill A. Johnson May 11, 2005
Fantastic Work Deborah!!!Jill :) #1341206
Deborah Sandidge May 11, 2005
Thank you Connie and Jill for your kind comments! #1341229Stephen Zacker May 11, 2005
Stunning #1341303Anita Hogue May 11, 2005
OH MY GOSH!!!! This is AWESOME, Deborah!!! Winner on this one!!! I'm just trying to get a great photo of an Egret. You are definitely THE BEST photographer on these beautiful birds!!!! Please keep them coming........anita #1341352Goshka G. May 11, 2005
One more WOW from me, Deborah!! #1341408Deborah Sandidge May 11, 2005
Thank you, Anita and Goshka! #1341742Christy C. Snodgrass May 11, 2005
Great image! Love your gallery! You definitely have a gift. Never thought of these birds as beautiful, til now. #1341785Kate Jackson May 12, 2005
Amazing idea and effects Deborah. Beautiful birds. #1343809
Laurence Saliba
May 12, 2005
Deborah Sandidge May 12, 2005
Thank you Christy, Kate and Laurence, your comments are deeply appreciated! #1345553Siete Meeter May 14, 2005
Dear Deborah, this is too magnificent!! #1351550Michael Khoury May 18, 2005
Hi Deborah...Deborah Sandidge May 18, 2005
Thanks so much for your kind words, Siete and Michael! #1365111Kara L. Hendricks May 19, 2005
Congrats on being in the DD Newsletter Deborah!!! #1368300Deborah Sandidge May 19, 2005
Thank you, Kara & George! Hi George, the "real" parts of this images were taken at sunrise on different days. No exposure compensation for the sun and I exposed for the water (reflecting the light) beside the egrets. With the sun, I started out playing with the idea of Arthur Morris' keyhole technique for silhouettes, but my cormorant wasn't cooperating, so I played with sun instead! #1369204David Ziff May 19, 2005
I admire the artistry of your creation but that's not the thrust of my remarks which are more philosophic than otherwise. What your work brings to mind is at some point we are going to need a re-definition of art forms. If this image were presented as a photograph it would be a fabrication. In fact, that's the first thing I asked: is this a photograph or is a photoshop composite? So thank you for your honest explanation. Of course, the question itself doesn't compromise either your expertise or aesthetics but clearly there are two different technologies at play. Someone putting himself into position, perhaps after days of searching, to actually photograph a lynx leaping across rocks would have gotten a one in a million shot and it should receive proportional acclaim. I actually saw such an image and the shadow detail revealed that it wasn't what it purported to be - it wasn't a photograph of the moment, but a composite created in photoshop but not declared. Both Bryan Petterson and Galen Rowell speak to this issue, the integrity of the image. So perhaps we need two words: a photograph and a photoshopgraph. Please, listen, I'm not trying to denigrate anything. Art is art and it's valid in whatever form. But I find myself asking whenever I see an amazing photo: did this actually happen in nature or am I seeing a an image created in a darkroom (photoshop)? As long as the photograph cum photoshop technician declares which it is (as you did) then we can relax and just enjoy the artistry. I hope I don't provoke a firestorm of replies. It's really a question that has to do with the philosophy of aesthetics, that's all. DavidDan Holm May 19, 2005
Wow, Deborah!!! What a magnificent DIGITAL image you've chosen to enter today in this DIGITAL image contest!!!! ... Excellent work on this! I absolutely love it!! I'd bet we'll see this one again! ... #1369500Deborah Sandidge May 19, 2005
Thank you for you comments and constructive feedback! I understand your point, David, and I appreciate that you brought it up. I agree, art may assume a variety of forms, all are valid... including "digital art" which is presented as such. And you're right, for any outstanding photograph -- the viewer begs the question, "Is it real?" I'm sure there are many "photoshop technicians" out there, (but there are also "digital artists" who enjoy using Photoshop or Painter as a creative art form or virtual paintbrush.) Regarding redefinition of art forms, I believe it's been done. For example, most digital artists refer to their work as "digital art," and the category here at BetterPhoto -- "Digital Darkroom" is precisely for such creations. However, your point remains, and is well taken -- I understand the intent of your comments.David Ziff May 19, 2005
Deb - thank you, thank you for capturing the spirit of my comments and giving such a thoughtful reply - my hat's off to you. :-) I'm still working hard to perfect my in camera images and certainly admire your virtuosity in the virtual darkroom. I also note that you're shooting with the D2x. I hefted one in Wolfe Camera the other day and was blown away. I'm very happy with my D100 but the D2x was something else. I had expected something cumbersome and heavy but it was so ergonomic, it just felt it like belonged in my hand (but for now my wallet doesn't agree). However, if I could change the subject somewhat, if you don't mind, could you tell me what kind of work flow you're using now that you are dealing with the D2x files? Are you using raw or JPEG primarily? What size files are you working with? Platform? Speed of processor? Amount of memory? Is your work flow fast or slow with that setup? Did you have to upgrade your computer or memory to cope with the file sizes? Sorry for the volley of questions.:-(Michael McCook May 19, 2005
Deborah, this is truely awesome!!You've out did yourself again with this one. You are the Queen of birds shots and now now the Ruler of these digital silhouette's!! Congrats on making the DD newsletter and on such a masterpiece of "Digital Art". #1369914Deborah Sandidge May 19, 2005
Thank you very much, Michael! LOL, that's quite a title, I'm honored and I appreciate your kind words!Scott Pedersen May 20, 2005
Normaly I don't care much for digital manipulatin but this one is very awsome. Good work. #1372198Deborah Sandidge May 20, 2005
Thank you, Brooke and Scott! Hi Scott, I'm glad this image is one you enjoyed! Thanks bunches! #1372485Jonna Bergström May 22, 2005
Many congratulations on this fantastic finalist!! #1381738bob cornelison May 27, 2005
Another great digital darkroom entry! I, for one, am not fortunate enough to have the time to sit and wait for the "magical moment" that comes around once in a blue moon. A lot of photographers, professional and amature, have all the money and time that it takes to get those shots.
So I ask this of David (take this in the same spirit that you ask your questions)...Does that mean only the fortunate can have great photographs? I guarantee you that most of us could have a kick ass gallery if we had more money and time to devote to photography instead of a regular job and a family to spend time with. And I bet that most of us at bp do the best with what we have to work with.
I admire all kinds of art and if it makes someone smile, feel good or evokes any sort of feeling then I believe that is as good a "photo" as a photo that was shot with the best equipment that costs thousands of dollars. I hope you understand the intent of my comment as it is not intended to be malicious.
Thanks Deborah for letting me comment back to David since I tend to use my camera as a first and crutial step to my work but not as a final step!
Again keep up the good work with the birds...I only got the 2 minutes with them!
~:O) #1402589
Odelia June 08, 2005
Wonderful work. The birds look so graceful in silhouette and the sunset makes them really pop out. I also just visited your gallery after reading everyone else's comments and I must say that your bird collection (as well as the rest of them) is a joy to look at. #1445467Deborah Sandidge June 08, 2005
Hello Jonna, Bob and Odelia - thanks so much for your comments! Thank you for your kind words and thoughts too! #1447242Michael Khoury June 21, 2005
ya can't beat this Deborah...a BIG Congrats to you!! #1498484Kate Jackson June 21, 2005
This must be just the start Deborah, Congratulations! #1499386Nobu Nagase June 21, 2005
More beautiful than ever, Deborah!!!
Jim Kinnunen
June 21, 2005
Jonna Bergström June 21, 2005
Congratulations on this fantastic image, Deborah! #1502254Jennifer Rennison June 21, 2005
Beautiful, Deborah, another big congrats!! #1502270Debra Booth June 22, 2005
Fantasttic work, Deborah! Congratulations!! #1503550S J June 22, 2005
Congratulations on this creative Finalist, Deborah!! #1503721
Don Johnson
June 22, 2005
Dale Ann Cubbage June 22, 2005
One of my new favorites of yours Deborah! Many congrats on this great finalist!da #1504649
Deborah Sandidge June 22, 2005
Thank you for your kind congrats and good wishes - very much appreciated! #1504746Laura Clay-Ballard June 22, 2005
love this ! congrats! #1504847Judy S. Fung June 22, 2005
Congrats, Deborah! #1506339
Kay E. Mahoney
June 22, 2005
Deborah Sandidge June 22, 2005
Thank you very much Laura, Judy and Kay! #1508188Karen Engelbreth July 08, 2005
Big congrats on your POTD, Deborah :0))! #1568494
Evy Johansen
July 08, 2005
S J July 08, 2005
CONGRATULATIONS on this OUTSTANDING POTD win, Deborah!! #1568507graham lancaster July 08, 2005
Whoa!! what and outstanding picture, absolutely gorgeous, Well done!! #1568509Stanley J. Contrades July 08, 2005
Nobody does them like you do, Deborah!! What a fantastic choice for the POTD, and big CONGRATULATIONS to you!!Carol Brill July 08, 2005
What a thought-provoking and positive thread, Deborah, almost as fascinating as this truly remarkable image, whatever art form you'd like to categoize it as!!! Congratulations on your POTD, I always enjoy viewing your avian masterpieces!! #1568552Judy S. Fung July 08, 2005
Congrats on your POTD, Deborah!! #1568663
Gail Vitikacs
July 08, 2005
Kathleen Clemons July 08, 2005
Congrats to you, Deborah! #1568754Donna J. Taff July 08, 2005
Congratulation's on this beautiful picture of the day, Deborah!!! #1568755
William C. Raco
July 08, 2005
bill
#1568762
Joy Rector July 08, 2005
congrats on your POTD #1568829Virginia L. Allison July 08, 2005
Fantastic, so well done. Congrats to you. #1568851Darren K. Fisher July 08, 2005
Congrats on this beautiful piece of art and your POD. #1568884Tammy Scott July 08, 2005
Congratulations on this gorgeous POTD, Deborah!!! #1568894Anita Hogue July 08, 2005
Congratulations on this awesome POTD!!!! #1568979Scott Pedersen July 08, 2005
This is very nice. I thought you had submitted this a while back. #1568988Debra Booth July 08, 2005
Congrats on your POTD, Deb!! #1569011Donna La Mattino Pagakis July 08, 2005
A true work of ART!! Love your creativity Deborah, congrats!!!! #1569016Terry R. Hatfield July 08, 2005
Hi Deb!Congratulations On Your POTD Very Well Done:-) #1569027Charlene Bayerle July 08, 2005
AWESOME!!!!!! Congratulations Debbie....well deserved!!!!!! #1569184
Deborah Lewinson
July 08, 2005
Kathleen R. Struckle July 08, 2005
Gorgeous!!Congrats, on POTD!! #1569201
Adilson F. Ferreira
July 08, 2005
Jim Kinnunen
July 08, 2005
Claudia Kuhn
July 08, 2005
Donna Dunbar July 08, 2005
Absolutely gorgeous and your photoshop work is outstanding. Congrats on POTD. #1569317Mary N C. Taitt July 08, 2005
Congratulations on your POTD! This is a wonderful image and I am glad there's a safe category for such art. Mary #1569397Laura Clay-Ballard July 08, 2005
congrats on potd! love it! #1569418Sandy Stigliano July 08, 2005
First let me congratulate you on potd. This is one of the most beautiful photos I have seen. WOW!!! is all I can say #1569514Amanda Price July 08, 2005
Congrats on your POTD!!! #1569521Claudette Foote July 08, 2005
CONGRATULATIONS on this OUTSTANDING POTD win, Deborah!! #1569529Dale Ann Cubbage July 08, 2005
Many congrats, Deborah on this beautiful POTD! Well deserved!!da #1569541
Michelle B. Prince July 08, 2005
Wow. I love this. If you don't already you should sell your prints. I can see this on the wall. It is beautiful. I would love to make a similiar picture with a person. #1569545
Gail Vitikacs
July 08, 2005
Murry Grigsby July 08, 2005
Congratulations on your very creative and stunning image for todays POTD Deborah!! #1569566Kara L. Hendricks July 08, 2005
Look at you with a POTD!!!! Way to go!!!! #1569582
Linda D. Lester
July 08, 2005
Barbara Helgason July 08, 2005
Congratulations on the POTD. This is beautiful, I am sure we'll see it again soon! #1569788Gary Riedel July 08, 2005
Deborah, this may be the most striking photograph I have ever seen. Well into the National Geographic level. Your artistry is amazing. With that said, I would like to add to all the comments about digital darkroom work. I continue to maintain that it makes no difference how many stops along the way a photo has to go to get to its final showing, if it's a work of art, that's just what it is. I admire your skills behind the camera and in front of the PC monitor. It makes no difference, it is your creation. I'm from the old darkroom days and believe me I used every trick available to add quality right there in the dark. We heated up the developer for certain effects, overdevelped, underdevelped, dodged, burned, reticulated, and did everything else that the day's technology provided. Yes it is nice that you mentioned the PS assistance, but in my opinion, no need. It is a work of art, no matter where you did the work. I always say, the film guys do the same thing in the dark that we do in the light. Great, great job, Deborah.Gary Riedel #1569927
Deborah Sandidge July 08, 2005
Thank you so much! What a nice surprise! I'm so glad you enjoyed this as much as I did creating it! :o) I appreciate each of your thoughtful comments and nice emails - you all are the best!!!Leanne M.E. Boyd July 08, 2005
This is so gorgeous, Deborah! However it was captured and worked on, it is an amazing image. Congratulations, on your POTD! #1570061Lori Carlson July 08, 2005
Hi Deborah~a big congratulations to you! What an image!! We love your works of art, so have fun with your POTD! :0) #1570314Souha Dooly July 08, 2005
wow great work great art Deborah!!! love all about it !!!Congratulations, on your POTD! #1570833Luhut Napitupulu July 08, 2005
This is really awesome, Deborah...great POTD, congratulations! Do you mind sharing with me how you made this photo? Is this a sandwich photo? Thanks... #1570902Deborah Sandidge July 08, 2005
Thank you for your comments! This is a digital composition in Photoshop using elements of different photographs to create a new image. In a nutshell, the sun was photographed at sunrise, exposing for the sun which left the background black. The egret silhouettes were shot on a separate morning, and repositioned in front of the sun. The "water" is just one of many flood filter effects (available from Flaming Pear.) Experiment, have fun! ~ Deb #1570950Mata Patan July 08, 2005
Many many many congratulations, this imagine deserved much more that a finalist!! At least today you had your satisfaction!!!Jenny Bosmans July 08, 2005
After all these well deserved comments, there is little left for me to say, isn't there Deborah?! Apart from that I agree with them, and that you already know that I love your work!Stephen Zacker July 08, 2005
Just Stunning! Congratulations #1571604Deborah Sandidge July 08, 2005
Thank you Mata, Jenny and Stephen - I appreciate you stopping to comment! #1571809Anita Taylor July 08, 2005
Amazing, Deborah! This is just incredible :) #1571976Wren Hendrick July 08, 2005
I don't know which to congratulate you on first, the ABSOLUTE beauty of the picture and your work in PS, or POTD!!! Oh, well--decisions, decisions!! LOL!! BRAVO, Deb, it's breathtaking..... #1572159Doug Taylor July 09, 2005
An absolute beautiful piece of 'digital artwork' !!! I look forward to the next one. #1574196Deborah Sandidge July 09, 2005
Thank you so much, your comments mean a lot to me and are very appreciated!! #1574304Kerby Pfrangle July 09, 2005
DeborahAbsolutely stunning.
Congratulations on your POTD.
Kerby #1574768
Diane Addonizio
July 09, 2005
Roger Bernabo July 10, 2005
One more Congratulations on your SUPER shot Deborah #1576671Leonard Pierce July 10, 2005
Congratulations Deborah!!! A fantastic work of art and very deserving of POTD! #1577838Keith L. Clayton July 10, 2005
It doesn't get any better than this. What a shot!! #1577860Colette M. Metcalf July 11, 2005
Congratulations on your POTD Deborah!!! #1582469Pam M July 16, 2005
Wow! Glad I took the time to get caught up on my pics of the day emails.Yes, yes ... the digital darkroom and film darkroom yadda yadda will go on forever ... I'm betting there were critics who even questioned the manipulations of film in the darkroom.
But as I see it ... To keep from being just another bloke using a camera as a copy machine, the photographer must become an artist ... able to manipulate every artistic tool that achieves THEIR UNIQUE ART ... moreover, the artist must understand art/composition concepts.
The thing that blows me away is when the artist can look at a collection of their photographs and create an even more breath-taking image.
WOW DEBORAH! DO IT AGAIN!
Have fun,
pam #1600766
Deborah Sandidge July 16, 2005
Thanks so much for your comments! I appreciate your kind congrats and thoughtful words! ~ Deb :o) #1601576Luhut Napitupulu August 22, 2005
Lisa J. Boulden
July 28, 2008
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