Nativity/Mother-love

[Didache]

Hi all

I went into London today to a museum I haven't been at in years. I was specifically after some nativity/mother-love shots for a project I am working on.

Here are the best two .... as always, any comments are very welcome. I am aware of the shadows in the first.

I would probably not use them as they are - but will eventually apply some layering to them.

Cheers
Mike

[Frog]

You always have nice stuff, Mike. Only thing I wonder about is the harshness of the shadows. Depending on what you use them with whether it will work or not.

[Greg McCary]

The composition and lighting are perfect. I really like the color treatment on the first one. I do seem to see a bit of noise in the shots. The shadows seem fine to me.

[Didache]

Thanks guys. The lighting is, I'm afraid, a wee bit harsh. This is what you get with museum spots.

Greg - just a little noisy - well spotted. Even with the spots I had to crank the ISO up a little.

I wasn't worried, because it was going to be a layered image anyway. Something like below.

Cheers
Mike

[jetrim]

These are both nice, Mike, and there's no question they'll both be fantastic once you work your magic on them

I do think that even with the layered treatment, the first shot would benefit from averaging out the wall behind the statue. It shouldn't be a big deal at all.

[readingr]

Mike,

Can't fault these, Are you planning Christmas cards?

Which museum is this?

Roger R.

[Didache]

Thanks again guys. My style is very much to keep tweaking, improving, and tinkering, until at last I am as happy with it as I am going to be. This is one reason I value the input here - it helps for other people to see the faults that maybe I am blind to. The lastest version is below - I think that will be the final version.

Roger .. it was in the V & A. I haven't thought of Christmas cards, but it would probably work for that!

Cheers
Mike

[readingr]

Sorry Mike,

I thought that's what the stars were meant for. I love the final image a lot, except for the Red spot/star right next to the baby's head. Looks a little to geometrical, I would consider loosing it all together.

Roger R.

[Didache]

Thanks Roger

Actually the purpose is to produce a Blurb book. I have a friend who is exceptionally gifted in writing meditations etc. She is currently doing a creative writing course and has been challenged to develop some project. We had the idea of producing a book of 28 meditations accompanied by 28 images, mainly in different styles. The timing is open ended, but we're aiming by next summer.

Having said that, I will certainly consider doing my own Christmas cards this year.

Cheers
Mike

[readingr]

Well, that is a cracking first image, love to see the rest and the book when you finish.

Roger R.