*click image to download large size (1024×685)

Christina of Momology kindly lent us one of her fabulous photos for What’s Your Play this week. We’re all looking forward to working on, sharing and seeing everyone’s edited version of the photo above. Click the image to download a high resolution version and show us your processing prowess. Thanks again to Christina!

Remember to link to your version by leaving a comment below. You are welcome to add any specifics about what you did in your processing (software used, adjusted values, cropping etc) to help us learn. Click here to get the complete details for What’s Your Play. Remember, all readers are invited to submit their own photos for manipulation by emailing a high res photo (preferably SOOC) to play [at] dolcepics [dot] com.

The collection of images from WYP no. 6 are below. Enjoy and thanks again to all those who participated. We hope you will join us this week too!

focal length: 36 mm
shutter speed: 1/10
aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 1600
flash: none

Last night the family gathered together for some singing and fun. Good times! I had a few spaces left on my memory card so I snapped a few of my sis strumming away, from where I was sitting. Even at ISO 1600, I don’t notice too much noise; perhaps because the exposure was near correct. I ran a preset in Lightroom then tweaked curves and contrast in Photoshop to get a more striking image. I did have to burn some of the dusty spots on the guitar for a cleaner look as well as clone out some light areas on the bottom left that were distracting. I went for an artsy, high-contrast image for a change.

Want to see the SOOC image?

I debated on whether or not to show you the SOOC since it is so drastically different in colour, elements and overall mood. But I always find it interesting to see the original and compare it to an edited version so, maybe you will appreciate it too.

focal length: 24 mm
shutter speed: 15
aperture: f/8.0
ISO: 800
flash: none

Sarah-ji over at Shutter Sisters created an abstract image in-camera (no Photoshop here!) by using a long exposure, capping the lens, repositioning to another subject and removing the cap to complete the exposure of the second subject. The result? A composite, if you will, of two photos in one. A double exposure. You can read about her detailed instructions on how to achieve this here. I was immediately intrigued and seeing as it’s 3:30 am and I have nothing better to do, I tried it out. It took me a few tries, 16 shots to be exact, with varying shutter speeds and maneuvering techniques to minimize blur while positioning the second subject where I wanted. It’s harder than it sounds since your mirror is locked up and you have to blindly compose your second subject. But what a fun exercise that was! Thanks Sarah-ji!

Today is our 5th wedding anniversary. On one hand, it’s hard to believe that it’s already been 5 years when our wedding is still so fresh in my mind. While on the other hand, it’s hard to believe it has ONLY been 5 years when it seems like we’ve been best friends forever. I had to throw our baby into the mix because it’s the same thing with her. She’s already 16 months old and yet I can’t imagine life without her. A strange thing, love is.

focal length: 38 mm
shutter speed: 1/1600
aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 200
flash: none

I wasn’t sure if I like this photo all that much straight-out-of-camera (SOOC) but I was kinda digging the angle.  I warmed it up, cropped a bit, cloned out the pool logo and adjusted curves a touch.  But what I liked best was when I added a black and white layer on top with a reduced opacity of 42%.  It gave it a very different feel and I think it brought out the ripples in the water a bit more.

Here’s SOOC:

What do you think?

I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking I’d love to dip my feet in that cool water right now!

focal length: 44 mm
shutter speed: 1/50
aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 400
flash: none

You know I like to get up-close-and-personal, but usually only with young subjects. I don’t think adults would appreciate having a lens that close up to their face, nor would I want to shoot them that close. However, it seems to be forgivable with kids. They don’t shy away like adults do. They seem to be more intrigued by the reflection in the lens rather than feeling uncomfortable by the exposure. I’m thankful that kids don’t swat away my camera because I so love to capture them up close, especially when you have a subject as beautiful as Miss Malia here.

I just love the soft light on her beautiful skin.  She’s grown a lot since the last photo I posted of her hasn’t she?