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Athansor β€” Ghosts of Yesteryear...

Published: 2005-03-08 17:08:03 +0000 UTC; Views: 4122; Favourites: 140; Downloads: 151
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Description Another piece in my "Visions" project: an ongoing exploration of fantasy; pre-Raphaelite; and Victorian classicism inspired images.

This particular image reminds me of the ghosts of women from another era...it's not exactly an attempt to recreate an old photo--but rather, to capture the *feel* of an old photo--something by Julia Margaret Cameron, or the Allen Sisters--the photographic equivalent of the work done by the Victorian classicists and pre-Raphaelites. I rather liked the slight overexposure on it--it made it feel more authentic, to me--and didn't attempt to correct that before posting.

The photograph this image came from is almost two years old--and features two of my favorite models--Becca and Stephanie--when they were just barely twelve. It was late in the afternoon, at the end of a shoot, and some of my photos were turning out skin tones that were almost completely lacking any pigment. In this shot, Stephanie in particular had such milky skin--and such haunting eyes, combined with her rounded cheeks and tiny chin--that she looked like she'd stepped right out of a Waterhouse painting. (I plan to do a themed shoot with her inspired by Waterhouse, at some point!)

Alas--I've never been able to fix the packground (plain grass) to my satisfaction...so my "Waterhouse" interpretation has never been realized...yet another reason that this final version represents "ghosts"! (My thanks to UKTara who confirmed my suspicions about other, color versions of this image, btw!)

For those of you who enjoy seeing "Before and After" images--here you go: [link]

(One nice thing about the B&A here--is that it allows me to show off my favorite color version of this image--so you can admire the beautiful skin tones--without my actually claiming it as a finished piece! )
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Comments: 99

KinkedSpawn [2012-01-31 23:20:03 +0000 UTC]

The Photography is Brilliant, you have got skills

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AVPMfreakify101 [2011-09-06 20:27:11 +0000 UTC]

OMG this reminds me of Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn!!! Great job I really get this eerie feeling that someone's watching me when I look at it!!!

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Amy-Lea [2008-04-22 06:59:02 +0000 UTC]

There is something about this picture, I can't put my finger on it, but I like it.

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Athansor In reply to Amy-Lea [2008-04-22 10:18:03 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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UnholyIndulgence [2007-08-06 12:56:49 +0000 UTC]

I love it.

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Athansor In reply to UnholyIndulgence [2007-08-07 01:00:24 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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magpiesmiscellany [2007-07-17 02:08:32 +0000 UTC]

So beautiful. This version really does convey much more emotion than the color

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Athansor In reply to magpiesmiscellany [2008-03-12 03:30:40 +0000 UTC]

Alas--this is a VERY belated response (I'm SO behind, in resonding to my comments!)--but I wanted to thank you for the lovely comment, nonetheless!

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magpiesmiscellany In reply to Athansor [2008-03-14 02:37:27 +0000 UTC]

Aren't you sweet

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FuzzyDiceChick [2007-03-07 02:38:48 +0000 UTC]

Very nice! Yes they do look like they've just stepped out of an old painting. Beautiful. And they look like they have some sort of story to their portrate. It makes it very interesting to look at. Nice!

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Athansor In reply to FuzzyDiceChick [2007-03-07 11:20:13 +0000 UTC]

Thank you! They were lovely girls to work with...and both strong Christian young ladies, to boot.

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FuzzyDiceChick In reply to Athansor [2007-03-08 02:17:07 +0000 UTC]

That's wonderful! It's great to see youg girls strong in faith. :yay:

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Athansor In reply to FuzzyDiceChick [2007-03-08 03:39:45 +0000 UTC]

Yes--it IS!!! they inspire me! One of them is our ex-preacher's daughter...(now he's a professor at Harding University), and went on her first medical mission trip last year. This year, the other one's younger sister is going, and is collecting money right now. I'm trying to figure out how I can help, since finances are tight this year--I've been through an expensive move, took a pay cut in one job, and quite my second job all in the last year...Pray for us, please! I'd like to help out financially...even though I know that even prayers are helpful!

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FuzzyDiceChick In reply to Athansor [2007-03-08 05:27:08 +0000 UTC]

I will pray for you. and glad to. We are kind of cuting it close this yeah as well. My dad has started a new home-biz and my Mum (supper woman in disgise I think) has been helping him run it. So I can kind of guses how you feel. I'll be happy to pray for you.

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Athansor In reply to FuzzyDiceChick [2007-03-08 12:27:18 +0000 UTC]

Thanks--and I'll keep your family in my prayers, as well! Sounds like it's a challenging, but exciting time for you all!

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FuzzyDiceChick In reply to Athansor [2007-03-09 07:16:06 +0000 UTC]

Yes, it is challenging, but we believe it will be rewading.

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Athansor In reply to FuzzyDiceChick [2007-03-09 11:47:35 +0000 UTC]

All things work together for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose...so in the end, succeed or fail--it's all for our ultimate good! (But it's always nicer when things succeed! )

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FuzzyDiceChick In reply to Athansor [2007-03-10 05:54:48 +0000 UTC]

True, but with failer you can be closser to GOD for it, or maybe just a stronger person. But yes, I do, as I think evryone dose, like it when we succeed. Even better when we are doing it with GOD in our lives.

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Athansor In reply to FuzzyDiceChick [2007-04-01 19:50:32 +0000 UTC]

Very true--and an excellent point!!! (But you're right...much nicer when we succeed...and stay close to God at the same time! )

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FuzzyDiceChick In reply to Athansor [2007-04-02 08:42:56 +0000 UTC]

"I can do anything through HIM who gives me strangth"



(Emp on the word HIM, mine)

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Athansor In reply to FuzzyDiceChick [2007-04-02 10:31:26 +0000 UTC]

A favorite of mine!!!

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FuzzyDiceChick In reply to Athansor [2007-04-03 01:54:12 +0000 UTC]

I love that one too!

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Athansor In reply to FuzzyDiceChick [2007-04-03 02:09:11 +0000 UTC]

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FuzzyDiceChick In reply to Athansor [2007-04-03 02:16:13 +0000 UTC]

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marchviolets [2006-10-03 10:01:25 +0000 UTC]

I'm in love with this, you may not be happy with the grass but to me the overall effect is definitely that of water. The plant in the top right hand corner looks like reeds. Perhaps it's because the photograph has been done in such a way that my mind is expecting water, but either way, it's beautiful. ^^

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Athansor In reply to marchviolets [2006-12-29 17:31:20 +0000 UTC]

What a very sweet comment!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to write it out and leave it for me, instead of just thinking it!!! I dearly love to hear *why* this image or that image "works" for someone, instead of just hearing how much they like it... (Oh, it's *nice* that they like it--but art's a two-way street...it's me--what *I* think--and then *you*--what *you* think. And the only part of that street that has any surprises on it for me, is the "you" part. So thanks for telling me about it! )

And better still--thanks for commenting--so I had a chance to see your lovely work. I look forward to seeing more of it--you've a winsome way with pen and ink...not to mention a dA name that reminds me of Anne of Green Gables...

May your new year be happy, healthy and above all, creative!!!

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galefra [2006-08-27 05:51:06 +0000 UTC]

Spectacular and nostalgic. Love it !

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Athansor In reply to galefra [2006-12-29 17:49:16 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much! I love that you find the time to leave comments...even as busy as I know you must be!

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temporary-peace [2006-08-20 11:51:16 +0000 UTC]

I just love the angelic look of the girls, you did such a wonderful job both with the photography and the post-processing

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Athansor In reply to temporary-peace [2006-12-29 18:56:26 +0000 UTC]

Thank you, so very much, for your kind and encouraging words! As busy as we all are--I am delighted and honored when someone finds the time to tell me why something of mine spoke to them!

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marauder1978 [2006-08-08 21:28:34 +0000 UTC]

This is stunning. I love this time period with a passion and you have captured it beautifully.

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Athansor In reply to marauder1978 [2006-12-29 18:32:39 +0000 UTC]

Lucky for me you love old things--because comments are practically antiques before I get around to answering them!

Thank you so very much for stopping by, and leaving me such a lovely comment. I, too, adore this era...and am always delighted to hear how my attempts at evoking it strike others with a similar passion.

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senza-fiato [2005-08-10 00:41:49 +0000 UTC]

Wow. I love their eyes--they seem to be staring out of a great distance. Such beautiful sepia--and I have the feeling that something tragic happened to these two young souls; or perhaps they are only mourning the death of a beautiful era, when words were treasured, when men wore waistcoats and those long coats with the buttons on the back , and romance was not so hard to find.

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Athansor In reply to senza-fiato [2007-01-24 20:21:00 +0000 UTC]

Ooooo...now *I'm* mourning that era!!!! Bless your heart, Honey--but you surely do have a way with words!!!!

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doorstopPhotos [2005-05-24 16:19:34 +0000 UTC]

It definitely has the feel of a vintage, turn-of-the-century (the previous century that is) feel. What makes this stand out actually is
the fact that when some go for the 'old' look, there is a temptation to add a lot of grain, and dirt etc. and i've been 'guilty' of that too.
This has a very fresh look - as if taking us back to that time and seeing a photo newly developed and printed.

The models look natural and serene and serve the purpose of your photo extremely well

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Athansor In reply to doorstopPhotos [2005-05-31 19:36:35 +0000 UTC]

Wow--THANK you!!!! I've spent a LOT of time, over the last couple of years, trying to figure out a fail-proof way of making a photograph look like an antique--and yet, modern, at the same time--since when they were taken--they would've been QUITE modern! I still don't think I've got it down 100%...but it's nice to have someone mentioning the very things I was going for--good to know I'm getting it part of the time, anyway!

(And I DO know what you mean about the temptation to add grain, dirt, scratches, etc...it's an easy way to age something--but I hate taking the easy way out--hate to do what everyone else does...even if it sometimes means the path towards whatever I'm trying to achieve takes a little longer! You better believe I'm tempted, though--everytime I see someone getting it "just right" through that sort of method! )

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such helpful--and thought-provoking--comments!

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doorstopPhotos In reply to Athansor [2005-05-31 19:45:55 +0000 UTC]

You are welcome and It's currently featured in my journal too

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Athansor In reply to doorstopPhotos [2005-05-31 20:18:59 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!!! I'm quite honored--I'm rubbing shoulders with some really talented artists, in there!

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doorstopPhotos In reply to Athansor [2005-05-31 20:54:33 +0000 UTC]

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TakenName [2005-05-08 16:39:59 +0000 UTC]

I'm so happy i stumbled across this picture! you are a great talent, +fave and +watch

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Athansor In reply to TakenName [2005-05-16 12:17:31 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the pic--the girls look quite haunting in this one, don't they? (Er--no pun intended! )

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kittynn [2005-04-22 09:07:32 +0000 UTC]

The first thing that passed through my head, actually, was that this was very reminiscent of a Waterhouse painting (he is one of my favs). The classic beauty and elegance of the models, along the pale beauty and softly falling hair, make this both utterly romantic and innocent. The word, I think, that sums it up the most, would be haunting.. not in a bad way, just in the way that an old painting will make you feel, when you look upon it and the eyes stare out at you.

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Athansor In reply to kittynn [2007-01-24 02:10:36 +0000 UTC]

Yikes!!! I'm embarrassed to see that I'm THIS far behind in responding to my notes--your original post was almost TWO YEARS AGO!!!!!!!!

Nonetheless, better late than never...and please accept my (belated) thanks for taking the time to share your impressions of my work with me! It means a great deal--especially coming from someone whose work I admire as much as I do yours!

Thanks again!!!

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Louvaine [2005-04-20 19:18:25 +0000 UTC]

This is stunningly beautiful, so ethereal - I love it!

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Athansor In reply to Louvaine [2005-05-16 01:34:42 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!!!

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Raspberry-Tea [2005-04-08 21:41:18 +0000 UTC]

Beautiful

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Athansor In reply to Raspberry-Tea [2005-04-12 21:13:06 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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tecwzrd [2005-03-09 15:05:54 +0000 UTC]

I’ve always thought Stephanie was the more beautiful of your 3 models but I must say Becca looks absolutely divine in this photo She has such an angelic demeanor that transcends her elegance and you captured it perfectly. Personally I’m fonder of the color version as both their eyes are electrifying and alive whereas the sepia effect has added somewhat of a dullness to them. But I understand why you went in that direction per recreating the pre-Raphaelite and Victorian idealism. In that regard it’s a fabulous recreation. I also looked at the ears you added to Becca (pbase) and for a first attempt it looks pretty realistic If you were to revisit that manipulation I would only add a little more hair around and over the ear as to pull off the illusion to an even greater effect.

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Athansor In reply to tecwzrd [2005-03-09 15:28:29 +0000 UTC]

Stephanie is absolutely the most "traditionally" pretty of my little trio (although naturally, she thinks her sister, Kaitlin is prettier!)--and is already quite the hit with the male population!

Becca, however--to my eyes--has something more subtle to her looks--something--oh, I don't know what it is, exactly, but it haunts me, and keeps me coming back to her, trying to capture it. Something in her eyes...the shape of her face, and lips... Plus, I love those little elf ears she has! (She hates 'em of course!)

Then again--I know Becca better than Stephanie--and she is incredibly beautiful inside, as well--which I'm sure has some influence on how I see her.

And I'm DELIGHTED to find someone else who feels as I do about the color version--because their eyes--and their skin tones (LOVE those skin tones!!!) just kill me every time! Unfortunately--it just doesn't have the overall artistic impact as the sepia...darn it!!!

And thanks for the comment on "Enchanted", as well. As I'd said before...unless I do revisit that image, it's unlikely I'd bring it over here, as it really doesn't have the polish I would give it now...but I AM proud of those ears!!! (If I were to do it now...yes, I'd add more hair...probably use a different background...work with bolder colors (while still keeping that white skin)...actually shape the magical wisps around her to suggest a fairy here and there...but revisiting is never as much fun as doing new stuff! )

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tecwzrd In reply to Athansor [2005-03-09 15:36:03 +0000 UTC]

It’s nice to know that Becca is as beautiful on the inside as she is outwardly. She does have a timeless quality that you capture quite well. I love revisiting older photos as my skills progress to see how I’d approach it differently. It’s like its new all over again. You could go β€œall out” and really make it enchanting adding wings and have fairies fluttering about

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