I can't tell how you processed this, but the result is magical and charming. I see you brought out the texture of the child's garments.   Posted: 08/02/2026 04:04:27

I forgot to send Diane the Comment.
Mostly with Nik Silver Efex, then Color Efex for detail extractor, then some tweating with Contrast, Brightness and Levels   Posted: 08/02/2026 15:14:26

That looks like a fountain that I have seen in Colorado Springs. Your processing gives it an interesting look and reminds me of the "plastic Wrap" filter in Photoshop. I like it a lot and I want to go try to make some similar images now.   Posted: 08/08/2026 01:20:27

Again I'm going to be different. I like the colour versions and not the 'bubble wrap' effect of the mono. She is a real cutie isn't she? She's gorgeous! Cooling water is definitely been needed these last few weeks. We've had 5 periods of official heatwave here in GB and it has been horrible- I prefer cold to hot weather any day.   Posted: 08/17/2026 14:06:03

100-102 is pretty constant mid-day here with occasional 104's. Every year and into September. I just tell myself that I enjoy whatever weather we have....that helps.   Posted: 08/17/2026 14:14:34

Hi Wes,

I love the processing, although I don't think I would have thought of doing it this way!

Her expression and stare are priceless! I love the almost plasticine look you have created. And it goes with the weather!

Kolkata is now past its super hot days, as the monsoons have moved in, so we are living in an intermittent deluge, better than the preceding sticky heat!

These fountains, which spout from the floor, haven't caught on in India, although I do remember seeing some in the UK, London, Nottingham, and a few other places. Next time I am in one of these places, I will be shooting a lot of candids, I am sure.

All the best

Som

  Posted: 08/17/2026 15:58:31

I agree with Diana that the original is the best, but then I am not much of a creative image person. But, I will say that the mono image is very unusual and nice. It is always best to have a good original image when going creative.

Splash pads like this one are very popular in this part of the country. The are fun for the kids and much less expensive, less maintenance, and no life guards.

We have more humidity here. Yesterday it was 97 degrees, but the dew point was in the upper 70's so the feel like temperature (heat index) was 116. Thankfully it cooled of some today so only 85 this afternoon. But unlike the UK we have air conditioning.   Posted: 08/17/2026 20:02:13

Tonight it is raining hard for the first time for 2 months. Fantastic!   Posted: 08/17/2026 22:29:00

As already mentioned by others, your subject here is precious. I like how you composed the image putting the child off to the side looking into the splashing water.

I do find that for me, the awning/roof line draws my attention away from the subject a but. Would cropping a little more from the top make it too tight on that side? Just cloning some of the wall over it might work if cropping more off the top is too awkward.


This might be a good color image to play with changing the color of the child's clothing to contrast more with the rusty orange colors on the ground. Maybe a deep blue or olive green?

We got a brief break in triple digit temperatures last week, but they are back for the rest of August here. I am looking forward to some autumn weather.

I've enjoyed your images and comments here in Group 32.
Wishing you all the best.




  Posted: 08/21/2026 10:15:53