it’s been a while…

Since I posted a black and white picture.

 There’s no denying that my heart belongs to good, clean, classic color but every now and then I get the urge to play.

This shot of Pi’bears was seriously nothing special when I took it. (besides the subject matter of course…she’s pretty special)

Let me bare my soul and show you the SOOC version…

(It’s okay, I’m secure within myself. One day maybe I’ll even post a picture of me with no makeup! HA!)

I ran my basic b/w action (grab it from the drop down menu up top) which gave me this…

Still blah. Very blah. I adjusted a few layers by erasing back areas that I thought needed to be tweaked and got this…

And then I brought out the big guns – the dodge and burn tools. I burned many of the shadowed areas (neck, coat creases, dimples, hair) at about 8% exposure over and over until I achieved the deep, rich look I wanted. Then I dodged the highlights on the zipper and fur collar with a very light hand, just enough to give it some depth.

And there you have it!

***

Thanks to all of you who headed to Ally’s blog to encourage Janel and her family yesterday. I know it meant a lot to them! Somebody’s kindness is about to be rewarded:

Selena posted this comment on Ally’s yesterday:

“Hi…I found you through Erin’s blog. Glad you had a great day togetherOur Father is able to do all things….God bless you and give the strength needed for each new day!!”

Selena, email me and I’ll hook you up with Amanda for your necklace. I hope all of you who came out of the woodwork to support Ally and her family will continue to do so over the next TWO YEARS of their battle with Leukemia. Can you imagine being eight years old and having two years of such treatment ahead of you? They need all the love, support and prayers they can get. Won’t you join me? =)