Well it seems like the majority of people can't handle comparison. I was never saying that any of the images in this journal were unimaginative, uncreative, or bad in anyway. I was just comparing images between people who didn't edit the background, and people who focused more on the image as a whole instead of just a foreground and a background.

But since the majority of DA is reading this journal as " <-- these are crap ----> and these ones aren't " I'm just going to remove the one set of examples. I'm starting to get really peeved at the level of reading comprehension on this website. And how people can't take criticism on any level, even if it is positive.

And if it keeps up I am just going to whip out the "this sucks" on ya'lls butts, because if I can't give you a rung to step up on, I might as well just push you off the ladder and tell you to try again.

I have been nice, I have been helpful and I have given you all the pat on the back that you want. But it seems to me that a pat on the back is ALL you want.

So this goes out to everybody... beginner... intermediate... and advanced photomanipulators alike: " Your work sucks, try harder. You aren't a master of Photoshop, so get off your high horse."

Now do I really mean that? No. I'm just showing you what the real corporate world would say. Now.... I ask you again, do you think that I was being arrogant, or mean or hateful by my previous rendition of this journal?


Now about my waterfall background. I am either going to put it in storage, (childish I know) or you can follow this challenge of mine.

This is my personal challenge to you to BE more CREATIVE and spend more TIME on manipulating your image. When I took this photo, I took it to hang on my wall, to sell prints, to use as art. I didn’t have to share it with DA as stock. But I did, why? I shared it with the community because I knew some good would come of it. And I’m not knocking the beginners out there. I know that everybody needs to start learning somewhere, and I realize that you aren’t as fluid as the manipulators who have been doing it for years.

But please, if you are just starting out, practice a while before using this waterfall of mine. Or at least sleep on your work before submitting it to DA. Try to think of how you can take it that extra mile and really make it stand out. That way when you go to use it I will say to myself, “WOW!” instead of “Oh no, not again”

Would you like some examples of how this image has been used in a way that doesn't scream "*Della-Stock's waterfall stock!" Check out these:

:thumb62867326: :thumb51842219: :thumb26790924: :thumb25398281: :thumb53229617: :thumb49853777: :thumb25707211: :thumb18065942:

So, if you plan to download this waterfall image of mine to just slap some girl on the rocks, please don't. I don't feel that asking this is rude or in any way stifling the young budding artist in you. Why? the gallery description for photomanipulations:

"Gallery Info: Photomanipulation
The Photomanipulation section is dedicated to digital photographs that have undergone post processing and/or editing via the use of a graphical imaging software. The extent of manipulation should be prominent and noticeable in ways where it can be clearly distinguishable from the unaltered photograph.

When submitting to Photomanipulation, keep in mind deviantART's policies regarding source image reuse. You must have explicit permission to use images that are not your own or are not stock images, no matter how much time you spend manipulating them. It is recommended that you also state if you've used your own pictures to avoid misconceptions.

Please Note: All images submitted to this section should be altered in such way that it is clear you have used techniques other than a filter and/or alteration in the colour of the original. ... Also note that drawing or writing on top of a picture does not constitute as a photomanipulation..."


THIS IS WHERE I NEED MY FELLOW STOCK ARTIST HELP

I'd like to have a special Issue of --> Stock Up <-- where each of us pick out our most used stock image (background) and show how it has been used properly. Please note me with your examples, and pile it on me. The more the merrier. I want to show people that they aren't limited by the photo to just plop a girl with wings on it. I want to show them that the background is just as useful to change and alter as the foreground.

So please take some time to look through your stock, look through your favorites, and send me as many examples as you can find. Even if it's not your own stock. If you know of good examples, please note me

Please note that I'd rather work with photo backgrounds, and not the pre-formed tubeish backgrounds that are already a manipulation of sorts. Thanks.