I have been very inspired by our own and highly revered manny librodo. I even flew back to the philippines this last month to do some work for some upcoming articles in metro active magazine. Sharing time to fly to thailand and meet manny for one of his workshops. unfortunately, I was number 4 on the waiting list and it didnt actualize. SO maybe in the future, I can finally train under manny and learn some of his masterful techniques.

until then, i was inspired by his work and rounded up a few of my wife's friends for an impromptu shoot with available light. actually the light was fleeting, and i had only 40 minutes left of sunsetting light to work. this is what we came up with. let me know what you think...

thanks for your input!

images in reply post...

the images are hosted at pbase, so if it doesnt appear be sure to refresh the page.

pentax k10d and pentax FA 77 limited f1.8
http://k53.pbase.com/o6/04/415004/1/75247874.I9rFzkii.IMGP8086copy.jpg

pentax k10d and pentax DFA 100mm f2.8
http://i5.pbase.com/o6/04/415004/1/75248305.6Yl11yYv.IMGP8059copy.jpg

pentax k10d and pentax DFA 100 f2.8
http://i5.pbase.com/o6/04/415004/1/75259322.az2IAYxV.IMGP8049copy.jpg

Wow, the 100 and 77 sure are sharp wide open. :)

I really like the 2nd and 3rd. I don't know if it's just my eyes, but I seem to see the hairs more in-focus than the eyes?

Amazing nonetheless.

well, as you all may know, i am a big fan of our own Master Photographer, Manny Librodo. i have often wondered how he achieves such dramatic results apart from his fantastic eye, brilliant composition and beautiful content. well, after browsing trek earth, as well as daddy nick tuason's post here on DPP that detailed manny's technique. Thanks for sharing manny and to nick for taking the time to post the USM technique.

here is an example from my recent shoot here in california, applying mannys technique:

http://i5.pbase.com/o6/04/415004/1/75287073.16C8foTd.IMGP8074copy.jpg

one thing to note, if your model has flawless skin, then this technique is stand alone. if the model has a few blemishes, it tends to accentate them, so you would have to go in and either spot heal or patch, either before or after you apply the USM.