When I saw the Weekly Photo Challenge prompt this week – Escape – I had grand ideas of heading into Second Life, pulling out a photo prop I have of balloons lifting me into the sky. Or wandering through one of the lovely sims I’ve featured before, or finding an all new destination to share. But to be honest, lately my escape has been in trying to improve my photo editing skills.
So I opened up a couple of folders and started reworking some old images. The first one is a totally different shot and crop from a photo I used for my Movie Soundtrack blog challenge (click the link if you want to see the original). I loved the idea behind this photograph – trying to recreate the elegance and beauty of Audrey Hepburn – but even after several attempts, I really wasn’t satisfied. Each of those shots, though, were tight closeups. Today I decided to go at it a different way – I pulled back the cropping and yes, I used a shot that has me sporting blue eyes, not Audrey brown. And I added a shadow.
I’m still not totally satisfied with this version, but it’s getting closer.
The second image I escaped to was the photo I entered in the Truth Model Search. I blogged this photo earlier this week , but sadly, Truth Hawks didn’t “favorite” it on Flickr. I was disappointed, to be honest; I worked very hard on this photo and it was one that I was actually pleased with when I finished it. Apparently, not good enough.
I decided to try a new technique I’ve picked up from a couple of tutorials – adding body shadows. This is my first attempt, and I’m not sure how successful I was, but it was an escape for me for over an hour.
I also added a frosted edge. I just don’t like sharp corners, and that was one thing that I regret not adding in the original. Easily fixed 🙂
I haven’t yet decided whether to enter the reworked shot in the contest. There are still a few days left before it closes; I may just leave my original entry, or I may continue my escape to create a winner.
I’ll let you know 🙂
As always, click the link to the Weekly Photo Challenge blog post above to check out the other entries.
Pics by Peep 
What an interesting approach to photography. I see what you mean abou the shadow on the second photo. I think it is a bit too strong on the right side and needs to be replicated on the other right side surfaces of her body that would be facing away from the quite strong light source (breasts, arms, face). Plus the light on her cheeks doesn’t work quite with the direction of the shadow. Having said this. You can certainly do something I don’t know how to do, so well done and good luck.
Thank you so much for your advice! This is a very new technique to me, and getting the placement of the shadows is the biggest challenge. I’m sure I’ll be reworking this photo again and again, trying to get it right 🙂
I am starting to sound like a broken record when posting a comment here, but the pics are amazing. Truly amazing 🙂 And Turth Hawks is missing out. *hugs*
*hugs you hard* You’re one of my best cheerleaders, Rwah, and I thank you for the constant encouragement 🙂
well hmmpf! He didn’t fave mine either! 😉
bastid! 😀
exzackery! 😉