Love it - Photographic Art - and there's nothing wrong with that - who are these purists anyway - there used to be alot of tweeking going on in the darkroom in the old days

I agree with your comments Delbon. But I have a foot in both camps. Sometimes the "tweaks" work other time's they don't   -  Hence the reason I posted both shots.

If you are lucky enough to obtain the "pefect"  photograph  --- why "tweak" it!?!?!? - But let's face it how many of us capture that "perfect" shot !?!?!? Is there such an animal ????  I say YES there is but a very rare breed indeed. - That's why we all keep trying with our photography.

Gil,

I was worrid there for a moment.  You've saved the day with this.

Very well done and I like it.

I hope my comments didn't come over as against good photography we all strive for that perfect photograph and I have great admiration for some of the work on this site which I in my own way am trying to emulate- but like the good advice you gave me "don't apologise for your equipment" don't you apologise for being creative - I am an image man whether it be video - stills - or painting and if it gives  pleasure then the creator has acheive his or her objective. (sorry Gill didn,t mean to make your site a forum I will now shut up)  

Del

Thanks you both (Alf and Del) for kind remarks of encouragement  - as long as you enjoy - makes my efforts seem worthwhile.

One word - Beautiful

prefer this version ;)
cool way of using photoshop.

Thats what I thought too Kacos - But many others don't agrree - So your support for this is well appreciated.

I prefer this version too...I am definitely not a purist...I do what I need to make my shots look better...  :)  I agree it is best to take a great shot in the first place, but when the photo doesn't turn out great, it is nice to know it might look good as monochrome, or with a filter applied.  

I'm with you on that one Ryan.

nice, am liking all the portugal stuff, modified or not. keep it coming!

Thanks for your kind words of encouragement Bob.

very nice effect, would look good as a canvas print.

Love this photo! This something that is you could sell! I love raw photography but mainly photos that i would possibly have in my home or that is marketable! You have proven that you can do both exceptionally well. Keep up the good work!

Thanks Claire - I will try.

Great shot and well done on the post shot editing.

Yep! It works for me.

Glad you both liked it Pedro and Keith - Thanks guys.

This shot is fantastic. As Rob said, it would look great on canvas.

Some people don't like the mix of photography and art - but I say if it works - try it - and quite a few seem to agree with you - its all down to personal preferences - -told you you may see a few "gems". EyeWest lol

Great image Gil.........it reminds me of the fill in the numbers oil paintings that my gran used to do............and they turned out pretty good too.

Hi Gil out of the 2 images for me the toned version seems to gel better with the subject. I agree that its great to experiment, have you tried VERTUS fluid mask at all there is a tryout version you can download for free, iv'e bought the package but not had time to use it or more to the point not quite experienced enough yet on the computer side.
Best Regards Bev.

Yes Wayne I agree a wee touch of nostalgia - "painting by numbers" - and no Bev but will try it out - sounds my "cup of tea" - a very belated thank you both for your positive comments on this one.