About three weeks ago, we asked you to go and use the free resources in our Image Manipulation Store to create the best image that you can for a chance to win $250 credit to the store.
The idea was to use a bunch of free CC-BY licensed backplates, images, and textures along with your own photo to create a wonderful composite. We had this contest judged by three world class retouchers: Renee Robyn, Pratik Naik and Roderique Arisiaman. I get thrills just by mentioning their names so closely in a single sentence.
The hurt was out, and now they came back: Here are their top three two picks:
Pratik Naik: “The first leaves of fall” by Kathrine Rosser
Katherine did the best in my opinion. Not only did she meet the guidelines, but she made the composite look natural and fitting to the final scene. I immediately felt in the moment. In the end, she conveyed a mood and I thought about that more. It’s easy to get carried away with being too obvious with Photoshop but she had a great balance.
Here is what Kathrine said: “The first leaves of fall <3 I used the model collection and a few other special things. Doesn’t she look radiant?!”
Renee Robyn: “Eye Candy” by Patrick Shipstad
I like the one by Patrick Shipstad a lot :) Nice and dark and gory! I like the color tones a lot and the retouching work on the face of the model to clean up the makeup application!
Here is what Patrick said: ” “Eye Candy” by Patrick Shipstad. I used one of the great backgrounds from the Decay Archive 2 series :-)”
Roderique Arisiaman: The first leaves of fall” by Kathrine Rosser
Katherine Rosser is my fav. Her composite of “Leaves of Fall” is a beautiful image, with vibrant colours, and a dynamic composition. The image has a nice depth to it both visually as in narrative
Here is what Kathrine said: “The first leaves of fall <3 I used the model collection and a few other special things. Doesn’t she look radiant?!”
So About That….
So you probably noticed that two of our judges picked the same photo :). We actually never restricted the judges, nor allowed them to converse, so this is just a happy coincidence that will probably make Kathrine really happy when she finds out she won a double prize :)
As for you, what are you waiting for, go and create something beautiful.
I am THRILLED! I can’t believe I won. Thank you so much for your kind words in this article. I can’t wait to go on my shopping spree! :)
If you’d like to see the other composites I created using DIY’s fabulous creations, come say hello on my facebook fan page!
http://www.facebook.com/kdrphotography2013
http://www.kdrphotograph.com
Yay.. congratulations Katherine on your double win! Really beautiful work! See you in the store.. save some for me :-P
There were some great submissions! Thank you DIY for putting on this contest., it was a great call to action to create something and share it. And thank you to the judges for their time and consideration. :-)