Hi everyone,

This is a bit off-topic from photo restoration, so I thought I'd post this in Salon. I'm designing a postcard for the non-profit organization that I volunteer for (humanitarian organization in Viet Nam that supports orphanages and medical clinics). We don't have time to do an entire newsletter, but we want to let our donors know what we've accomplished with their donations over the year. Of course, we'd like them to send more $$ too. ;)

The question is what photo to use - happy children or "sad" ones? I know that including "sad" children will often increase donations, but I feel like since we're talking about all that we've accomplished - and since it's the holiday season - and since there's been so much sadness in the world lately - I'm more inclined to send "happy" kids.

I've attached two possible photos - I'm sure you can figure out which is which. ;) Any feedback you might have would be appreciated. (If I haven't explained the situation well enough, just let me know and I'll try to add more detail on this project.)

Thanks, Jeanie

Personally, I'd go with "happy" (even though the "sad" one you included doesn't look especially sad to me)

First of all both pictures are excellent. I really don't see the baby as being sad but if it were me I would go for the top photo of the smiling kids and on the donation card put something like "Your past contributions have brought happiness into the lives of these poverty stricken children. Please give what you can and keep those smiles coming." Of course I'm guessing at what exactly you can put on a tiny card but you get the drift.
That way they see what they have done but the message that there is still a need is stated as well.

You're a real saint Jeanie. I commend your wonderful work.
DJ

I prefer the happy too. It sort of looks like it could be a "thank you" photo.

My personal opinion would be to use the one of the baby. Although the other one might be more upbeat, the eyes of the baby make that a much more intimate portrait. I feel like I'm drawn right into the picture. Too bad you couldn't use both of them to suggest before and after. You must have a very good feeling doing what you're doing.

Ed

Just a thought...why not try blending the two together? Perhaps use the infant as a reduced opacity overlay or background for the happy looking kids...that way you can generate a sense of need and accomplishment. Tom

happy

but i would like to see thomas idea fleshed out too

I really like Tom's thoughts on this. Great idea!

Ed

Ed's on to a good idea with the babys eyes--perhaps an enlargement of the babys face accentuating the eyes and compositing a reduced opacity image of the smiling kids under the babys peepers and lower face....just musing though. Good luck. Tom

Wow! Once again you all came through at lightening speed. :D Thanks for all of the feedback.

Re: "Sad" not really being sad. I guess I'm projecting my own emotions onto the photo since I know the background of it. That little girl has HIV and was placed in a crib by herself out in the hallway away from the room with all of the other babies. My heart just broke when I saw her.

DJ & Ed, while I do often feel good about the volunteer work that I do, I wouldn't go so far as to call myself a "saint." ;) I'm just lucky that circumstances in my life fell into place such that I'm able to do something I love to do - and that "something" happens to help others less fortunate than I as well.

Tom, I'll get to work on trying to blend the two photos. I can't quite envision in my mind what the end result will look like, but I'll fool around with a few ideas and see if I can get a result I'm happy with. I may post a couple results here and ask for feedback again. ;)

Thanks everyone, Jeanie

Well, here's what I came up with trying to combine the two photos. Feedback appreciated! -Jeanie

I like both, but, the bottom one has a real tug-at the-heartstrings feel to it. Perhaps play around with a little tone manipilation and, if I'm not out of line, try:
(1) duplicate layer
(2) apply a 3-5 gaussian blur
(3) add layer mask to duplicate layer( to manipulate extent and intensity of blur with step 4)
(4) Try various gradient fills and airbrush to give a soft, but focused look. Play with blending modes, too.
Excellent compositing. I hope you'll share the finished version! Good luck, Tom

Tom, no, you're definitely not out of line. If I didn't want feedback, I wouldn't have posted. ;) Now, just so I understand what your saying, you suggest that I apply the changes to the overall photo - not one of the layers, correct? Thanks, Jeanie

I like the bottom one too. Can't wait to see the finished product. It's a shame little kids have to deal with something like that when they haven't even started to live yet.

Ed

Yep. Perhaps flatten the composit, duplicate that as a single layer and play around with tone, blending, controlled blur, etc.. Just my usual confused ramblings... Tom

I too like the bottom one Jeanie. Can't wait to see the whole thing when you're done. Looking good so far.
DJ

Thanks for the clarification Tom - and your opinions Ed & DJ. Don't know how much more I have time to work on it today (I just remembered something else I have to do - doh!) But I do promise to post the final version(s?) :dizzy: -Jeanie

I just realized I never posted the final version. After working with the montage for a day, I went back to a single photo but made the background simpler to allow for some text. Combining too photos made it too busy - esp. with the text added.

Anyway, I ordered 1000 postcards from a place online, then addressed and stamped them in 1.5 hours (with the help of one other person)! Hopefully people have started to receive them by now.

Jeanie

Wonderful job, J! Good luck and I hope you get a huge response. Tom

Hi Jeanie,

Took a look at your final version of the postcard and really liked the way it turned out.

I know you were wrestling around with various ideas, but I think this was the best way to go.

Great job- Carl

Very nice!

Thanks for the kind words Tom, Carl & Vikki. Tom, a special thanks to you for the suggestion about adding a "soft focused look." That really made a difference!! :)
Jeanie

Jeanie
That turned out great!!! Love it. Some how I don't think you even needed our help. You did a fantastic job on your own. I think that says it all.
DJ

Thanks, DJ. Actually, all of your suggestions got me playing around with the photos more than I would have otherwise and the end result is much better for it. In the future I'll just have to remember that asking for other's opinions adds time to a project - BUT the final result is worth it! :)
Jeanie

Jeanie,

Definitely a winner! Professional quality for sure! I too like the soft look. I don't know why, but it somehow seems more personal.

Ed