I still like the first one, but will bow to the community opinion. Thanks for the comments! This one I imaged from the raw file...which should fix any color issues, and I cropped in a manner to eliminate the ribbon.

Very good pic but that scarf(?) which hides part of her right shoulder is very disturbing.

Happy shooting,
Yakim.

Yakim, That is a ribbon that hangs off the hat. Both the hat and dress are from the 1940's. They belonged to my mother.

All I can say is that as the ribbon and the background are in the exact same colour, it may disturb some.

Happy shooting,
Yakim.

Well done, I only have one thing that bothers me is the color to the side of her face.

Norm

Wow, what a shot. Very nice. The lighting is perfect. Great work!
-Nick

Now you're talking. This is much better IMHO.

Happy shooting,
Yakim.

Yakim, I'm really confused now. I haven't changed anything...no edits...nothing. I assumed your monitor was showing the ribbon and background as the "same color", because you monitor isn't calibrated. On mine, there has always been a difference in luminosity between the two shades of dark gray/black.

I think its the ribbon and the fact the right arm is cut off and the left is so prominent. On first view I actually thought the ribbon was her right hand with another glove on..

Lighting is perfect though, was this a studio shot?

I like the look you're going for. The lipstick and the mole on her check are nice.

The image has been re-done...C&C welcomed.

Love it. Can I spy a slight "off black" top right of the hat? Finalist?

Jim--I honestly preferred you first submission, but your photos are always top-notch, no matter what you post. Well done.--Frank

Didn't see the first one, but I love the look of the fair skin against the rich clothing. Is that lighting, or a 40's styled cosmetic application? The red lipstick is the perfect accent.

1_of_9 wrote:
Yakim, I'm really confused now. I haven't changed anything...no edits...nothing. I assumed your monitor was showing the ribbon and background as the "same color", because you monitor isn't calibrated. On mine, there has always been a difference in luminosity between the two shades of dark gray/black.

Now I am confused.
I looked at it yesterday morning (at work), hat and ribbon are almost invisible.
I looked at it yesterday evening (at home), hat and ribbon are clearly visible and very different from the background.
I looked at it today's morning (at work), hat and ribbon are clearly visible and very different from the background.



Happy shooting,
Yakim.

It's evening. I'm at home. Hat and ribbon are clearly visible and very different from the background.

I don't understand it but I don't care. It's stil a lovely pic. A finalist IMHO.

Happy shooting,
Yakim.

Lovely, Jim. Nice work.

I like it. Nicely done.

Love the drama of the colors the pale skin and the red lips, and that touch of mystery added by the hat hiding the eyes!

I like this contrasty, bright color look a lot!

I was going to attempt a retro fashion skit, but couldn't pull it off, not to mention, you did so extremely well with this take. Very nice. Love how the Red and Greens are so powerful along with the solid black neutralizing it all. Nice. My only thing would be, I wish her necklace was straight..lol.

Steve R:

Perfect Retro shot, jim, my friend! Love it!!!

Fond regards,

Endre

Thanks for all the comments everyone!

Great capture Jim, simply amazing