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la vie est belle... (44)
zmey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1112 W: 72 N: 1077] (4197)
i know, i know, to some folks it's a very silly song, but manu chao's "... la vie est bellle... le monde pourri..." was the first thing that came to my mind when i noticed this expression in the crowd. and... i like manu chao. so, here you go: 'la vie est belle' (life is beautiful) 'le monde pourri...' (the word is rotten) addition to my 2008 new year's series.

i know, the background can be considered distracting here, but i left it in very intentionally: with all the colors and everything else.

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the shot was made in front of Basilica de la Virgen de Agua Santa in Banos, Ecuador on the first day of this year. people from towns and villages close and far gather for blessings at the Basilica on this day.

Altered Image #1

zmey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1112 W: 72 N: 1077] (4197)
Photoshop
Edited by:Floydian Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4167 W: 814 N: 6661] (24151)

1001 adjustments but mainly getting rid of the background and putting all focus on the man. Some noise in his face, more sharpening on his eyes and finally conversion to b&w.