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ctfchallenge | all galleries >> Challenge 83: Signature Images >> Challenge 83: Exhibition > Devotion
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March 5, 2005 Mary Anne

Devotion

Holyoke, Massachusetts USA

I love taking photos in and around churches. The architecture and art, the interesting light (often through stained glass windows), the candles, the people--all add up to images with some type of human interest. In addition, I don't have to chase around after them. (I've never been very good at action shots!)

This one was taken inside the side chapel of the church I attend. I just stood in the back for a little while, waiting for the light and the people to be just right.


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Rod 19-Jun-2005 11:20
That is better, a lot better. IMHO:-)
ctfchallenge18-Jun-2005 22:17
After finally trying Lonnit's suggestion, I decided that it does improve the image. I appreciate the help.
--Mary Anne
Rod 17-Jun-2005 13:17
Lonnits crop did seem to work & it made the people & Mary really balance out.
Guest 13-Jun-2005 15:15
Superb lighting , well done, Mary Anne.
Guest 13-Jun-2005 02:56
Its a nice shot and the colors are superb. I must applaud you for not trying to sharpen this up b/c it would have detracted from it - you've left a wonderful feel to the people especially, by leaving them softened. Since you were looking for a way to crop it, but couldn't figure it out, I'll tell you what it is. Take a look at what happens when you crop it right after Mary, where the wall ends - crop it right along the edge of that wall (BTW, the image needs a slight bit of CC rotation). See what it does? It brings a whole new intimacy to the image!! Right now the composition leads you right out that opening to the right of Mary. When you crop that off you remain in the room - there's nothing beyond to draw you away from this main room where the story lies. There's a whole big leap in intimacy and warmth. Amazing, huh? Do that and it brings it from a nice image to a truly beautiful one! Nice work! ~ Lonnit
Rod 10-Jun-2005 23:19
I think the lighting stops this shot from being busy. You just have the two people on the left with the lighting on the pews taking us to the portrait of Mary. Excellent.
ctfchallenge10-Jun-2005 19:14
I'm glad you all like it...although I'm not sure it should be sitting somewhere between Rod's "M and Me" and Lonnit's sexy self-portrait. LOL. More seriously, one of my real concerns was that the image is too busy, and I tried various ways of cropping things out--the windows, the candles on the right, the woman on the left--but it just felt as if it needs everything that's there. All this decoration is a bit overdone for my taste, but that's the way it is. BTW Rod, Mary is not wearing a blonde wig...it's a white veil. But you knew that!
--Mary Anne
Rod 10-Jun-2005 10:32
I think the devil made aaammmm say try it in B&W, as you must have had help from above with the lighting on this shot Mary Anne. It's terrific. Judging from the extra glow around the portrait of Mary it must be a Catholic church. Is she wearing a blond wig?:-)
ctfchallenge10-Jun-2005 05:01
I really like this shot! It is interesting with many things to see, but not busy. Perhaps it is the quietness of the church coming through. Lovely light, lovely image. Yvonne
ctfchallenge10-Jun-2005 03:20
The lighting on the two people and pews is beautiful. The richness of color and interesting elements make this image very appealing. Nice to know about your interest in church photography. The possibilities are endless. Shu