Beauty and Grace Photo

Photographer’s Note

She is beautiful and she danced very gracefully. Her eyes were hypnotic and her hand movements were exquisite. I stood, walked, focused...and I could not seem to get enough of her. I was quite far and this is the best that I could capture. She was a participant in a Barong Dance in Batubalan, Bali in Indonesia. They danced with a real Hindu temple as their backdrop.

Auto adjustments, blurred the background a bit (since I used macro, the background was already blurred). My goal here is to create a postcard-like picture. I used unsharp mask to bring out he face of the lady some more.

migtey, dmitriy55 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

clodreno (0) 2004-01-24 3:54

Very nice image Manuel. I love dancers. In this picture, the movement is so elegant. You also composed it very weel. We can see the sculptures on the monument behind, but it's not disturbing.
Very nice shot.

snuggleaphagus (4140) 2004-01-24 3:57

I love how colors she's wearing contrast with everything in the photograph so completly. She seems to be dancing with her shadow, so very graceful.

joso (1786) 2004-01-24 4:00

The lady comes from the dreamland, doesn't?
The clear colours and her position/shadow works perfect on the blurred background.
EXCELENT, Manuel. As usual

orme (6746) 2004-01-24 4:05

An amazing composition, Manuel. The detail and colours are very clear. You captured the dancer in a very elegant pose. Well framed.

karin (175) 2004-01-24 4:22

I will buy this postcard, anytime. Artistic shot, gorgeous colours but most of all, the shadow is an attraction.

Guzman (577) 2004-01-24 5:50

Manny excellent post work to add to the background effect I like the back lighting and strong dress colours the movement of the dancer is well captured only point is its a little tight on the left side but I do see why you've used all the negative space to show the shadow ,amazing the length of her hair, nicly presented and worth the click

slara (371) 2004-01-24 6:25

This is an excellent capture.
A very good moment, with excellent DOF and colors.

regards
Sílvia

richtersl (3544) 2004-01-24 8:56

There's a wonderful dream-like essence to this photo. Well done, Manny!

nwoehnl (120) 2004-01-24 9:38

A dream of a shot, Manny. The dancer is beautiful, her face and posture show style, elegance and focus. The colors and light again are great, and I like that the dancer's gesture is echoed by including her shadow on the floor. Simply stunning.

eelliott305 (776) 2004-01-24 13:17

A very elegant shot, better than most postcards, Manuel. Beautifully composed and lit. We see just enough of the background to guess that it is a temple of some sort.

avigur_11 (21301) 2004-01-24 13:59

Excellent shot, Manuel. I ike the colors and the pose, the DOF and the light that plays in her fair, hat, even her fingers. I like very much your cropping, keeping enough space in front of her. She is beautiful and your shot is great. Very good job.

pascalbene (1730) 2004-01-24 14:50

I realy like the framing. Colors are perfect. Very well done. (One thing I don't like : too wuch work - Neat Image ?
Thank you.

Clochette (8076) 2004-01-24 15:25

Dancing is a way for the body to express something. In these asian dances, I like the delicate gestures, above all of the hands.

She is beautiful, and the pic is very well composed. I like all this empty space in front of her.

Great shot Manuel.

jrj (34779) 2004-01-25 5:43

Excellent shot of this dancer. Her posing is great. The shadow adds well to the total and the blurred background is perfect for this picture.

Michael_Gan (2772) 2004-01-25 16:40

A very elegant picture, manny! The light surrounding the dancer gives her an almost divine appearance. Very good choice to keep her shadow in the picture.

joseelias (367) 2004-01-26 9:18

Stunning colors and details. Also like a lot her position in the composition. Good treatment over the background which enhances her in the composition.

andrithaslim (73) 2004-08-25 7:38

i love the backlighting color.
make the poi seems like 3d
good shoot!

tinamunk3 (6382) 2007-03-08 10:15

Hi Manuel,

The Danish travel agency Stjernegaard is also using this image of yours - take a look here:

http://www.stjernegaard.dk/Version2/Rejsemaal/Bali/udflugter/Sanur_beach_og_Kuta_Beach.php

Regards - Tina