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I have been gone...

Journal Entry: Sat Dec 19, 2009, 8:23 AM
Sorry, I have not been around in a long time, if you have any questions on anything please feel free to contact me here:


admin@duvallgear.com


Have a Happy Holiday Everyone!!!





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Name of Image


  • Mood: Content

..^^^...

Journal Entry: Wed Jun 3, 2009, 5:37 PM
I must get away from this mac, and go take some shots !!! I am Really missing DA lately... I digress....





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Name of Image


  • Mood: Confused
  • Watching: Ghost Hunters
  • Drinking: bud light

Popping in, Popping out

Journal Entry: Wed Aug 27, 2008, 6:02 AM
Lately, I have been overwhelmed with life and its many enduring and fascinating challenges. Currently I have changed my Masters major to Enterprise Software Architecture, which has taken the majority of my greatest asset, time.

Just wanted to let you all know that I am "popping in" from time to time to view your exceptional art work, excellent feedback and great comments.


You guys and gals are the best, thank you all,
Michael





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Name of Image


  • Mood: Confused
  • Listening to: 3 Libras - Perfect Circle
  • Drinking: Coffee

DeviantArt , A YouTube for artists?

Journal Entry: Mon Feb 18, 2008, 7:12 AM
In a recent article from Cnet's News.com, DeviantArt has been dubbed the "YouTube for Artists"...

Read full Article here: [link]


What do you think? Do you think that DeviantArt will ever turn into a Facebook or MySpace? If So, would you stay or go?







In other news I will be starting my Masters Degree in System Design and Development soon. I am hoping to learn a little more about programming, myself and life in general.
Posting soon,
Mike





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Name of Image


  • Mood: Confused
  • Listening to: DJ Tiesto Night Alumni - Empty Streets
  • Reading: Head First Design Patterns
  • Playing: with my IPhone
  • Drinking: H20

Is this Theft?

Journal Entry: Mon Jan 28, 2008, 5:30 AM
I am not sure but it seems like someone else is taken credit for some my images

link here:

[link]


I would advise others to take a look at photobucket and see if your images are posted there as well.



What would you do?






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Name of Image


  • Mood: Confused
  • Listening to: DJ Tiesto Summer Calling
  • Reading: javafx API - http://langintro.com/jfx/makeapi
  • Playing: with my IPhone
  • Drinking: Vanilla Latte

Lurking...

Journal Entry: Thu Dec 6, 2007, 11:27 AM
Lately, I have been working on some outside projects that have taken the majority of my time, (gotta pay the bills). I just wanted to let everyone know that while I cannot respond everyone's comments, I do log in from to time to view all of your great artworks.
I have some many new photo ideas and I can't wait to execute and post them soon.

Thank you all for your time and I hope you all have a Happy Holiday Season. :)





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Name of Image


  • Mood: Neutral
  • Listening to: Paul Hilfinger CS 61B UC Berkeley
  • Playing: with my IPhone
  • Eating: Cherry Sours
  • Drinking: Vanilla Latte

Get larger images from your digital camera...

Journal Entry: Wed Aug 29, 2007, 11:24 AM
It's been a while since my last journal entry hope you all are doing well. As for me I am busy as usual. I have been given the challenging task of learning JAVA in just a few weeks. In addition I am currently finishing up a photo album for the 1st wedding I shot on August 17th and counting the days until graduation.   
Hope to post soon :)




    Some Featured Deviations           


After reading many journals from gilad , I decided to share a few thoughts on why I chose this particular group of photos. Please take a few moments to visit some of these great artists and thanks for stopping.



Crisp with a very creative use of motion blur, I find myself scratching my head trying to figure out how exactly this shot was setup, but great non the less.


What more can I say but very cute and loving :)


Great Concept and execution.


Classic lighting with an elegant and powerful pose. This image reminds me of the old film noir movies I used to watch as a child.


Landscape photography at its best, the immense colors, reflection and sky give this image an exceptional feel of excitement and surrealism.


Very creative use of environmental elements. Definitely Daily Deviation material.


Excellent concept and very humorous, this pup appears to be willing to do what it takes to make its owner(s) happy. ;)


Nice position of elements inside the frame. The backlit objects really add drama and intensity to this image.


Excellent photo nip, very thought provoking to say the least


A great combination of lighting, color and pose. The profile and position of the model gives this image a certain degree of boldness while expressing a subtle humbleness that still maintains a strong elegant feel.
:thumb61765815:



    Some of my prints for sale:          


:shop557056::shop331887:  
:shop569077:
:shop450943:
:shop621332:

    Quick Photo Tip           


How to get larger images from your camera.

I was surfing the web looking for the pros and cons of why I should convert my existing camera raw files to DNG (Digital Negative files). While browsing, I stumbled upon this nice little application written by Thomas Knoll, called DNG Recover Edges.
Using two 30D cameras, for most of my work, I thought that it would not work well in my instance. Much to my surprise I was able to get a few extra pixels out of my images and even saved part of a nose that was cropped out of a very important wedding photo.

How many more pixels did you get from your DNG files?

On a 30D camera:
Original Size: 3504x2336
After DNG Recover Edges: 3522 x 2348


How do I use DNG Recover Edges ?

1. Download the zipped program here: [link]
2. Exact the program to your desktop or equivalent
3. Drag a DNG file onto the program
4. View your newly enlarged image via your DNG viewer


How do I convert a camera raw file into a DNG file?
To learn more about the DNG conversion process click here:
[link]

Additional information:
[link]
[link]





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Name of Image


  • Mood: Neutral
  • Listening to: A Guy Called Gerald - Humanity

My first DD....

Journal Entry: Tue Jul 24, 2007, 8:23 PM


What an honor!!  My First Daily Deviation!!

:shop944626:

Special Thanks to ^Davenit for suggesting one of my photographs…

As some of you may already know ^Davenit has a very special talent for expressing concepts through his photography. He places the utmost attention to detail and has produced some of the most amazingly clean - if you will- and well thought out photos on DA. Below is just a small tidbit of what you will see in his gallery.


:thumb59700404:
:thumb58302353:


I received a few Print Requests for the above mentioned Daily Deviation and would like to encourage those of you who submitted requests to please follow this [link] order.  A portion of all proceeds will go to the Habitat for Humanity International foundation, a great non-profit organization that "seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action."

Name of Image


    Some of my Featured Prints:          





:shop526576:

    Quick Photo Tip           

In response to many requests, I would like to spend a few moments of your time and answer some of the most popular questions I receive about ND Filters. While I am not an expert in this particular area, I feel it is my duty to share what little knowledge I have.

    ->What is a Neutral Density filter and what does it do?

A Neutral Density filter, basically, reduces the amount of available light entering the lens of your camera. By using a ND filter you can accomplish different tasks such as slowing down your shutter speeds, preventing highlight blowouts and make your photos (edit) "appear" darker" .

    ->What types of ND filters /setup do you use?

I personally use HiTech  ND filters with a Cokin Z pro filter kit, which allows you to stack up to three different and or similar filters at once. [link]
I use this setup mainly because it allows you to quickly remove filters and mix and match different types of filters for added creativity.
I also use a few different styles of the ND filters; some have a soft graduation [link] on them while others are completely dark to reduce light distribution consistently that enters the lens.

    ->Dude what the heck does .9 mean? (Yes, I have received this exact question many times)

.9 basically represents how many light stops the filter will reduce. i.e. .3 will reduce the light entering the lens by one light stop, .6 by 2 light stops, .9 by three stops, etc.

    ->How do I meter a landscape scene with the intent of using a Neutral Density Graduated Filter?

The most basic way to meter a landscape scene is to take a meter reading from the land and then the sky. Next subtract the 2 readings, the difference in the meter readings will determine which filter to use for a balanced exposure. i.e. if the difference is 2 stops then a .6 graduated ND filter would most likely be the best choice to use.

    ->How do you position a soft graduated ND filter anyway?

With the Cokin Z filter system you can slide the filter into the filter holder then raise and lower the filter and or rotate the filter system to the left and or right e.g. [link].

    ->Where can I find more intel on ND filters?

Below are a couple of links to sites that will fill you in. If you decide to purchase a ND filter and or Filter holder kit, please be sure to do your research to find a filter and or filter system that works well with your particular needs.
[link]
[link]
[link]

If you have any further questions please send me a note.





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Name of Image


  • Mood: Wow!
  • Listening to: Feist- So Sorry

My Journal Entry...

Journal Entry: Fri Jun 29, 2007, 9:24 AM
    Thank you So Much           


Thank you to all who have purchased my prints, it means a great deal to me.


    Some Featured Deviations           



Here are some of my recent favs, Please take a few moments to visit these great artists





:thumb58611145:

:thumb58664265:



:thumb58633511:



    Some of my Prints for sale:          


  




    Quick Photo Tip           


Coming Soon!









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Donate one of your pieces of art work to a worthy cause, click the icon below to find out more!


Name of Image


  • Mood: Content

Started back to college + New Favs....

Journal Entry: Tue May 15, 2007, 8:42 AM
My apologies for my recent absence:

Well it's that time again; I have started back to school and have found myself caught up with many other activities. Anyway... I will try my best to submit a deviation or 2 here and there and stay true to those who have supported me.

    Thank you So Much           


I also want to send out a special thanks to those of you that have recently purchased prints from my gallery, this means a great deal to me and keeps me motivated to continue on with my art photography.


    Some Featured Deviations           



Here are some of my recent favs, if you get the time please visit these great deviations:





    Some of my Prints for sale:          


  


    Quick Photo Tip           


Avoid Direct Flash

Bounce and or diffuse that flash, if you decide to take a photo that requires a touch of flash due to poor lighting conditions -and or other factors- bouncing and or diffusing the light source will greatly improve the look of your photos and save you a lot of post processing time- later on down the road.

Why avoid Direct Flash?

In many instances the results of a direct flash in low light situations will cause your photos to look harsh and unappealing. By harsh I mean you will end up with very dark, dense, shadows around your subject. If you are shooting people, many times you will end up with the- ever time consuming- red eye look.

Using an External Speedlight

If you are using an external speedlight try bouncing the flash off the ceiling or a wall behind you. This will not only diffuse the light it will also make the output of your light source much larger.

If the ceiling is too high, an off color or there is no wall behind you to bounce light off, try using a bouncing modifier such as lumiQuest’s pocket bouncer. This product is inexpensive comes in many different styles and fits easily into your pocket when you don’t need it.

On Camera flash

For those of you that use the camera’s built in flash you can diffuse the light source by securing a small piece of tissue -or equivalent- over the flash screen.

If you have a pop up flash on your camera LumiQuest also makes a great little product called the Soft Screen which easily fits onto many different brands cameras.









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Name of Image


  • Mood: Content
  • Listening to: Amy Whinehouse - He Can Only Hold Her

Features, news, quick tips...

Journal Entry: Fri Feb 16, 2007, 6:06 AM
    -> Support


Thank you all for your support, comments and favorites!!!

I will try my best to answer any and all questions you my have, to the best of my abilities. If you have any requests or need a faster response to a "burning" question you my have- just send me a note. :)

    -> Phototips Great Deviations and more


If you have the time, check out ~mmmrobin's recent news article. It is jam packed with great photography tips, advice for beginners and various deviations from some of DA's best Photographers/ Artists.

Link here [link]

    -> Featured Artists







:thumb48470405:








    -> Quick Photo Tip


Some photo gear is quite expensive- to say the least. Before deciding to purchase your gear online, take the extra time to research the web site vendor before sending your hard earned cash into cyber space. (A good tool:  [link] )

I have seen so many "too good to be true" prices for photo gear advertised on the internet and after a little research I have found that these websites are not even a real business at all.

Some shady dealers found here: [link]

Some trusted vendors:
BH Photo [link]
Adorama [link]
17th Street Photo [link]

So be careful, shop wisely and if the price is "too good to be true", then it probably is.









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Name of Image


  • Mood: Content
  • Listening to: Say it right - Nelly Furtado

A Very Condensed HDR Tutorial

Journal Entry: Fri Feb 2, 2007, 5:16 AM
I attempted to make this tutorial as simple as possible without getting too involved into the massive details of the HDR and HDRI. If you are the type of person that prefers a more technical approach, please refer to the reference links below. Also note that you are not limited to using 3 images for creating HDR’s.

    ->What is HDR/ HDRI?


Basically HDR refers to high dynamic range/ High dynamic range imaging; most commercial cameras can only capture images in a low dynamic range (LDR). By creating an HDR (in photography) we are combing several LDR images to create an image that expands the tonal range and detail of an image that a most cameras do not normally record.

By using a program like PhotoMatix we can create an HDR image by combining 3 or more LDR images with different exposure values.


    ->What is Exposure Value (EV)?


Exposure value is the value created between the lens aperture and the camera's shutter speed. It can also be used to measure the difference between multiple exposures i.e. if I shoot an object with an aperture value of 8 (f/8) and a shutter speed of 1/125. I can refer to this exposure as EV 0 (if properly exposed of course). To increase the EV of the next image to EV +1, I can change my camera settings to something like f/8 with a shutter speed of 1/60. By decreasing the shutter speed by one stop I am doubling the light coming into the camera and therefore increasing the EV from EV 0 to EV +1.
Typically when creating an HDR with 3 images, you want one of your images to be underexposed, one to be normally exposed and one to be over exposed based on the given scene and or object.
So if I decided to shoot 3 images with a one stop difference the EV's would be -1, 0, +1.
If I shot 3 images at one half a stop apart my EV's would be -1/2, 0, +1/2 and so on.


    ->Okay I have my 3 images how do I create the HDR?


To create an HDR image you have to use a program like PhotoMatix Pro or Photoshop CS2. I prefer to use PhotoMatix because it is very easy to use, requires only 3 images to create an HDR and does an excellent job of aligning your images together.


    ->To create an image in PhotoMatix Pro


1. Open all three of your images into PhotoMatix, you can do this by pressing ctrl+O, use the file menu or simply by dragging your images into the programs content window.
click here to see image

2. Next press ctrl+G or navigate to the generate HDR from the HDRI menu.
click here to see image

3. Next you should see a "Step One" menu confirming that the 3 images you have opened in PhotoMatix are going to create your HDR. Press OK
click here to see image

4. After pressing ok the Exposure Value's menu will pop up and ask you to input your EV values for the images. Most of the time this will already be filled out correctly, if it is not simply type in the correct values from the three images into the input boxes next to the corresponding images. Press OK. (So if I had three images and they were exposed one stop apart I would give the first-overexposed- image a +1 the second image a 0 and the third -underexposed-image a -1)
Please note in this example the images I am using have EV's of 0, -1, -2
click here to see image

5. Next the "Step two" dialog box will pop up Make sure that the standard response curve radio box is checked. Also be sure to check the "Align LDR images before generating HDR Image" , this will ensure that the three images will be lined up as correctly as possible.
click here to see image

6. Poof, you now have HDR image being displayed on the screen (as best as it can). Now we want to tone map this image so that it can be viewed and printed normally using standard equipment. From the HDRI menu select Tone Mapping. On this menu you will be able to adjust the saturation, white clip, black clip, etc. Adjust these settings based on your own subjective needs. Press Okay, then ctrl + S to save you HDR image.
click here to see image
click here to see image

Your viewable HDR image is now created and can be opened in your favorite photo editor program to make any final corrections needed.

    >>>Tips for successful HDR Images<<<        


    ->Use steady support

This is imperative to create an HDR image that is aligned properly. It will not only save you time but it will also create a sharper HDR image for you. Use a good quality tripod or other support such as a red pod or a solid bean bag.

    ->Set your camera's AEB

If your camera has this ability (Auto Exposure Bracketing), this will save you a great deal of time in calculating your EV's manually.

    ->Use a remote Shutter Release

By using a remote shutter release you greatly reduce the chances of getting blurry images from camera shake. To take this one step further use the mirror lockup function on your camera -if available.  

    ->Stay away from long Exposures

Long exposures definitely have there place in Photography but not so much in creating HDR's. Having tried this before I can definitely say that the images are very difficult to line up and any digital noise that you have in the photos will be greatly amplified from the increased contrast added during the tone mapping process. This does not mean it is impossible, just difficult.

    ->Use Fast shutter Speeds for movement-

It is not recommended to create an HDR image where there is a lot of movement involved. Although is some instances you can achieve this, you may have to line your images up in a program like Photoshop before combining them into your final HDR.

    ->Shoot in the RAW

To achieve the best results shoot your images in Camera Raw format and then convert them into 16 bit tiffs.

    References:

[link]

[link]

[link]

[link]


    > A tutorial for Photoshop Users


[link]









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Name of Image


  • Mood: Content
  • Listening to: Letting the cables sleep- Bush

Some Featured Artists...

Journal Entry: Sat Jan 27, 2007, 9:46 AM

Thank you all for your recent support, I greatly appreciate your time and efforts.

If you have any questions about anything just send me a note and I will get back to you alot faster, currently I have a lot of work on my plate- sort of speak.

Below are some of my recent favorites, please take the time to check out these amazing artists.







:thumb47469438:




:thumb46979789:















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Donate one of your pieces of art work to a worthy cause, click the icon below to find out more!


Name of Image


  • Mood: Content
  • Listening to: Counting Crows- Round Here

Some Featured Deviants of our Community...

Journal Entry: Mon Jan 15, 2007, 7:34 AM

Thank you all for your recent support, I greatly appreciate your time and efforts.

If you have any questions about anything just send me a note and I will get back to you alot faster.

Below are some of my recent favorites, please take the time to check out these amazing artists.



:thumb46519985:

:thumb46485335:



















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Donate one of your pieces of art work to a worthy cause, click the icon below to find out more!


Name of Image


  • Mood: Content
  • Listening to: Moby - Porcelain

...Some Recent Favorites...

Journal Entry: Thu Jan 4, 2007, 5:12 PM

I just wanted to start by thanking all of you that have supported me. I greatly appreciate your time and efforts. Please note that I am trying my best to thank you all, for the recent favorites you have given me.

Below are some recent favorites in no particular order.
**Please take a moment to check out these great artists**  
























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Donate one of your pieces of art work to a worthy cause, click the icon below to find out more!


Name of Image


  • Mood: Content
  • Listening to: Deftones - Anniversary Of An Uninteresting Event

The Winner

Journal Entry: Mon Jan 1, 2007, 9:02 PM


Congrats we have a winner!!!

Stephanie Rabemiafara

[link]


B


Thanks again to all who participated, I greatly appreciate your time and efforts. :)










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Donate one of your pieces of art work to a worthy cause, click the icon below to find out more!


Name of Image


  • Mood: Content
  • Listening to: Lucia Di Lammermoor

............Cast Your Vote ............

Journal Entry: Mon Jan 1, 2007, 5:02 PM

Below are a list of thumbnails of the final contestants.

To cast a vote for your favorite, chose the letter above the photo -you wish to vote for- and then use the journal poll to select your choice. here

Before casting your votes please click here to view the full size images.

A
A

B
B

C
C

D
D

E
E

F
F

G
G

H
H


I
I


J
J

Good Luck to you all!!












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Name of Image

Click on the devthumb below to doanate to Nadia & Nick . Thank you !!!

  • Mood: Content
  • Listening to: Lucia Di Lammermoor

..........Contest Closed.............

Journal Entry: Sun Dec 24, 2006, 9:13 PM


Thank you all, for your contest entries voting will begin tommorrow.


Happy Holidays to all :)




Please spend time and visit these deviants. They need your support :)

Remember it is better to give than receive. Support your community.


:thumb45043653:

:thumb44937932:

:thumb44957867:

:thumb44706091:



Also note that HellFireDiva is running a photo and art contest click here to find out more :)











Thanks for stopping!



Donate one of your pieces of art work to a worthy cause, click the icon below to find out more!


Name of Image

Click on the devthumb below to doanate to Nadia & Nick . Thank you !!!

  • Mood: Amazed
  • Listening to: Pno Con in F: largo
    Free Photography Contest 100 dollar Prize….
    Every once in a blue moon, I will be running a contest. I feel this is a good way to give back -a little -to the community that I have learned a great deal from.
    For this contest I will be offering one prize of 100 dollars USD to the winner, payable via PayPal only. To set up a PayPal account visit paypal.com it's easy and free!
    Basic rules:
    Submit a photo of your own creative subject matter.
    Photo manipulation
    Photo manipulation is a great art form but will not be accepted in this contest. You can however remove small distractions from your photographs with a clone tool or equivalent. You may also use the clone tool or equivalent to clean up your photo -as is a common practice in macro photography.
    You may also add as many adjustment layers to your image as you like. Please keep the original file if someone feels that you have manipulated your image your will be asked for the original "out of camera file" for verification purposes. If you can not produce the original you will be disqualified.

    Text
    Text or writing of any sort will not be accepted on any photograph, this includes water marks.

    Nudes
    Artistic nudes will not be accepted for this contest, but may in the future contests.

    Users Rights
    Please note that all users who enter the contest will maintain the rights to their photographs. This is not a scam just a competition, I really dislike contests that steal users rights. You made it you own it.

    First come, First Serve
    Only the first 500 entries will be accepted, upon receiving 500 entries I will post a note in my journal stating that the contest is closed.

    Only one
    Only one entry may be submitted per person, per contest. In other words, once you submit your art work that is it. You may not submit a new one to replace an existing entry.

    Time frame
    Entries will be accepted from December 1, 2006 until December 25, 2006. The top ten entries will be selected by me and then voted on by the entire deviantart community through a poll from December 26, 2006 until January 1, 2006 midnight Standard Eastern time.

    Quality
    Quality is a must. All poorly constructed images will be immediately disqualified from submission. All entries must have a minimum width or height of 800px and not exceed 4000px on either side. No web bugs or spy ware, guys and gals don't send me any jpegs that have nasty little surprises in them.

    Your entries
    Your entries must be your own. No royalty free stock is allowed for this contest nor do I condone the practice of thievery. Let's keep it clean guys and gals.

    Anonymity
    All submissions will remain anonymous until the voting is complete. This means that you should not submit your contest entry to your deviantart account until the contest is complete. All entries that are submitted will be immediately disqualified.

    Submission
    Submit your artwork, in jpeg format only, to devArtContest@michaelduvall.com. Include your name, title of your work and deviantart's ID in the email. Your jpeg file must also reflect the title and name of your entry i.e. duvallgearThisIsmyTitle.jpg Also include the PayPal email address that you would like payment sent to.

    Privacy
    Your privacy is very important to me. I will not sell or give your email addresses to any third parties even if you request it. You will not receive any emails from Viagra or Cialis as a result of entering this contest.

    Reporting Issues
    If you feel someone has used an image that does not follow the above stated rules just send me an email at devArtContest@michaelduvall.com. I will do my best to remain objective and I will guarantee your anonymity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Good Luck! and Spread the word!!!!!

Update: HDR Images are allowed!!



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Some Recent Favorites in no particular order.

Thank you all for the recent favorites I truly appreciate it!

If there is anything you would like to see send me a note.

Please take the time to visit these fellow deviants.




:thumb43551839:




















Thanks for stopping!



Donate one of your pieces of art work to a worthy cause, click the icon below to find out more!


Name of Image

Click on the devthumb below to doanate to Nadia & Nick . Thank you !!!

      Free Photography Contest 100 dollar Prize….

      Every once in a blue moon, I will be running a contest. I feel this is a good way to give back -a little -to the community that I have learned a great deal from.
      For this contest I will be offering one prize of 100 dollars USD to the winner, payable via PayPal only. To set up a PayPal account visit paypal.com it’s easy and free!

      Basic rules:

      Submit a photo of your own creative subject matter.

      Photo manipulation

      Photo manipulation is a great art form but will not be accepted in this contest. You can however remove small distractions from your photographs with a clone tool or equivalent. You may also use the clone tool or equivalent to clean up your photo -as is a common practice in macro photography.
      You may also add as many adjustment layers to your image as you like. Please keep the original file if someone feels that you have manipulated your image your will be asked for the original “out of camera file” for verification purposes. If you can not produce the original you will be disqualified.


      Text

      Text or writing of any sort will not be accepted on any photograph, this includes water marks.


      Nudes

      Artistic nudes will not be accepted for this contest, but may in the future contests.


      Users Rights

      Please note that all users who enter the contest will maintain the rights to their photographs. This is not a scam just a competition, I really dislike contests that steal users rights. You made it you own it.


      First come, First Serve

      Only the first 500 entries will be accepted, upon receiving 500 entries I will post a note in my journal stating that the contest is closed.


      Only one

      Only one entry may be submitted per person, per contest. In other words, once you submit your art work that is it. You may not submit a new one to replace an existing entry.


      Time frame

      Entries will be accepted from December 1, 2006 until December 25, 2006. The top ten entries will be selected by me and then voted on by the entire deviantart community through a poll from December 26, 2006 until January 1, 2006 midnight Standard Eastern time.


      Quality

      Quality is a must. All poorly constructed images will be immediately disqualified from submission. All entries must have a minimum width or height of 800px and not exceed 4000px on either side. No web bugs or spy ware, guys and gals don’t send me any jpegs that have nasty little surprises in them.


      Your entries

      Your entries must be your own. No royalty free stock is allowed for this contest nor do I condone the practice of thievery. Let’s keep it clean guys and gals.


      Anonymity

      All submissions will remain anonymous until the voting is complete. This means that you should not submit your contest entry to your deviantart account until the contest is complete. All entries that are submitted will be immediately disqualified.


      Submission

      Submit your artwork, in jpeg format only, to devArtContest@michaelduvall.com. Include your name, title of your work and deviantart’s ID in the email. Your jpeg file must also reflect the title and name of your entry i.e. duvallgearThisIsmyTitle.jpg Also include the PayPal email address that you would like payment sent to.


      Privacy

      Your privacy is very important to me. I will not sell or give your email addresses to any third parties even if you request it. You will not receive any emails from Viagra or Cialis as a result of entering this contest.


      Reporting Issues

      If you feel someone has used an image that does not follow the above stated rules just send me an email at devArtContest@michaelduvall.com. I will do my best to remain objective and I will guarantee your anonymity.

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