Russ Butler  


Fairy doll by Russ Butler

October 2020 - Fairy doll

October 2020 - Russ Butler

Original

About the Image(s)



Attached is my before & after versions. The edited version is what I saw in my mind when I took this image. But the only lens in has was 50/2 (75 FF equivalent) which was much too short for how far away I was.

Created Feb 2020 with Fujifilm XT3, 50/2, aperture priority, available light, 1/250, f/2, ISO 500. Converted to BW with Silver Efex Pro, High Key preset, then FastStone Image Viewer for cleanup & adding a border.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
14 comments posted




Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
Great advanced planning of how you wanted the shot to come out in the end. I like the change to a formal, uncluttered background.
How about telling us the story of the shoot? What was the event, how did you come to shoot it, and was this anyone you knew? Are they rehearsing or performing a named ballet?   Posted: 10/01/2020 12:25:03
 
I am a member of Boise Camera Club who made this event possible. This was from a rehearsal of the "The Fairy Doll" preformed by the Capital City Youth Ballet Feb 2020. There was about 20 from the camera club at this event. Each of the photographers gives images to the CCYB as thanks for being able shoot & learn from this event. This is the 2nd time I was able to shoot a rehearsal. While I do not know any of the performer's or producers it was a enjoyable & interesting experience. I hope to go to next years rehearsal but with a longer prime lens.
Thanks Stephen for your interest & comments   Posted: 10/01/2020 20:09:43



Jennifer Doerrie   Jennifer Doerrie
I like the choice of the monochrome conversion and background replacement you did in this image. Both help to emphasize the subject well. I'm noticing the stage lighting was very bright and warm (as is typical of stage performances). Did you do anything other than the preset to balance it out? I did brighten her face slightly. I think I prefer it a little brighter, but others may disagree. You can see what you think.   Posted: 10/08/2020 23:27:54
Comment Image
 
I used Silver Efex Pro 2's "control points" to lighten the background, then cloned out what it did fix. I like what you did to the face. Thanks for your comments & suggestions.   Posted: 10/09/2020 00:26:14



Diana Magor   Diana Magor
I love the reflection in the floor but was there a reason for cutting off the bottom of it? Was it to keep the horizon low in the frame? My only real criticism is that you don't have eye contact with her! I wish I knew when similar events were available for photographers here. Even less likely right now of course.   Posted: 10/09/2020 06:30:26
 
My intent was a pano effect when I cropped. I do like your suggestion that adding more of the reflection would add more interest. Thanks for your suggestion.   Posted: 10/09/2020 14:52:47



 
I love this image. In mu opinion, to convert to mono was the only way to go. You did a good job clearing the background. And Jennifer's suggestion to lighten the face slightly further improved the image.   Posted: 10/09/2020 09:22:18



Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
I think Diana's eye contact comment is valid--but as an alternative to what you did. Eye contact would create a relationship between the Fairy Doll and the viewer in a real world. This image as taken tells a story of a world we don't enter, but view from outside, as if through a lens (multiple meanings intended).   Posted: 10/09/2020 10:10:38
Diana Magor   Diana Magor
Yes I agree -it is a different photo because of no contact.   Posted: 10/10/2020 05:31:25



 
This is a great image. Regarding the discussion about eye contact, I agree with Stephan that the image tells a story of a world we don't enter. Years ago at my former camera club, we had a speaker who spoke on the evolutionary levels a photographer will go through from novice to expert. The last level was the photographer who can see the result before the image was taken; a level where most will never experience. Your forethought with the successful outcome reminds me of that lecture. Good job.   Posted: 10/10/2020 08:55:45



 
Thanks Lynne, Diana, Stephen, Asbjorn, & Jennifer for your comments & suggestions. Hope your day will be a good one...   Posted: 10/10/2020 17:47:29



Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
(Groups 36 & 67)
What a glorious bit of to bring back great memories of an older and more simple times. Count me in with those who do prefer that there is no eye contact. That would be a very different image.

Black and White was a perfect choice.


  Posted: 10/11/2020 17:38:55



Tom McCreary   Tom McCreary
Really nice image and the choice to go with mono is a good one, and you did a good job of cleaning up the background. As to eye contact, I think that it is better without it. Without eye contact to me, she shows that she is there for a reason, other than to have her photo taken. I like the reflection and wish that you had left more of it.   Posted: 10/12/2020 11:40:39
 
Thanks Tom. I agree & should have left more reflection. Next time I will use a longer lens to help from heavy cropping. This was a fun shoot/event. We were not allowed on stage or side stage & nor use a flash. I was on the front row right side. The setup was were in the dark, only able to use available light, not visible to the performer's & so we would not interfere with the rehearsal.   Posted: 10/12/2020 17:27:22