I took this picture, sort of by accident, the other day at the Chinese Carnival.
I mean, I was trying to get a cute picture of her.
But I didn’t know I’d love this one so.
Her expression.
Her sweet smile.
The glimpses of China behind her.
Here is the original. For fun. You can see, it’s not that great.
But as soon as I started messing around with it, I realized it was a keeper.
Don’t you love surprises like that?
And today, because it’s raining, and I have so much to do that I can’t even think straight, I decided to play around with it again in Lightroom.
How I love thee, Lightroom.
And I decided to give it a whirl in black and white.
Especially since it’s Black and White Wednesday.
Until I got into Lightroom and started trying different presets, I thought it was either black and white, sepia or color.
And while it’s true, I don’t know a whole lot more now (other than how to apply a preset) I have an appreciation for the huge spectrum of black and white.
And while I can appreciate the black and white, it’s subtlety and quiet beauty…
I am still a sucker for color.
What’s your favorite?
For more beauty in Black and White, visit my friend Lisa’s blog.
Jaymi says
great edits! I really like the 4th and 5th ones!
Patricia/nyc says
LOVE the first one and the original! Actually, she’s so darn cute it doesn’t matter how much you played around with the photo, she’s darling in every one!
Natalie E. says
What a cutie. I love the first one and #4 best.
Debbie Sauer says
She is a beauty!!
Kari Derkos says
Your photos are absolutely beautiful…not to mention so is your entire family! I LOVE your blog!!!
erika says
what a gorgeous picture! i am always so excited when i can save a photo that starts out just so-so. i use Photoshop CS5, and love it- i like to use actions when i’m in a hurry (which is pretty much always- LOL). i love all your plays- they look great- and you had a great model, too! π
Kayce says
Beautiful pictures of your precious girl!
lisa says
This is a beautiful shot of her…… I love it when you get something like this by mistake:)
Alyson says
I love the black and white photo, very striking! Beautiful! Perfection that wasn’t planned or created. She’s a beauty!
Alyzabeth’s Mommy
Rebecca says
To tell you the truth, the original is my favorite. My second favorite, sepia….She is beautiful!
Karin says
I like the sepia one the best. π Love the black and white’s too. Hmmm…maybe I should invest in Lightroom. I have Elements but cannot figure out how to load the free actions that I have. So annoying!!! Love your new blog look. π
Holly Wingate says
I love them all but the first and fourth are my favs π
Diana says
I have to say color in this one.. It is a such a sweet and sentimental photo of her. I love it!!!
Nancy says
I gotta go for the first one with those sweet pink tones! Seems like the colors would be just right for her personality.
Wanda (At Last...) says
Hard to choose – they’re all lovely. Number four and the first one too. Oh and two and three and…….. No….four has it!!!
=)
Au says
OK – lets see – with Vivi they are all keepers – but….
Far and away my fav is the original – a tad to the red maybe – but still – it’s the what it was! My second fav is #7 from the top….and maybe I’m guessing that a part of the reason I like the original best is just the “crime scene guy” in me, hard to get past 20+ years of practice!
Lee Ann says
SO beautiful Stefanie!! She just radiates pure joy! Love them all….I am seeing how addictive Photoshop and Lightroom are….fun! π
Football & Fried Rice says
Vivi Kate is gorgeous in e.v.e.r.y. color π
Joy Graham says
Just beautiful! -Joy Graham
Ruby says
I like the next to last one best, but they’re all beautiful.
Ruby
Karrie says
LOVE the first one!!!! Wow! Was it done with a preset??
Vivi is such a cute subject!! π
Hannah says
she is so adorable on the 5th one especially!!