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Colonel Leavenworth

© Nikki McDonald

Colonel Leavenworth

Uploaded: June 16, 2011

Description

2nd Place Winner
I took this portrait at Fort Atkinson, Nebraska, last fall. This version was printed 24" x 36" on canvas, framed, and offered to "the commander" as a housewarming gift from another member of the reenactment group. The picture now hangs in his dining room. I've included an update on this story in the discussion section.
Category: People

Exif: F Number: 5.6, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 100000/1000000 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 400,400, FocalLength: 35.00 mm, Model: DSLR-A350

Comments

Nikki McDonald level-classic June 16, 2011

My husband and I were invited to dine with “the Colonel” as a thank-you for taking and sending photos to the folks who play the roles at the reenactment weekends at Fort Atkinson. The dinner was very nice indeed. There were eight people at the table: the colonel, the fort surgeon, and six guests. These once-a-month dinners normally cost $30 per person and anything over the cost of the ingredients goes to the Friends of Fort Atkinson and is used to further the restoration of the fort. In addition to the guests, a steward, the cook and her helper, and a delightfully attentive bus boy were present. The first course was a tossed salad accompanied by homemade bread, homemade butter and cheese. The main course was pork loin roast and fresh asparagus. Dessert was a delicious sponge cake called a pudding (steam baked for four hours!) served with a lemon sauce on it and accompanied by fresh strawberries and blackberries. All the food except the pudding was prepared and cooked on site. We drank water and had cranberry juice at the end for the toasts. Both before and during the meal, period etiquette was explained and, to an extent, observed. I am including a photo of the table as it was set that I took before the dinner. What a delightful experience. #1385679

Nikki McDonald level-classic June 16, 2011

I had to re-upload. Thanks to everyone for the very generous comments.

Linda D. Lester
Now I'm hungry! :) Awesome shot and I bet he loved his print!
6/13/2011 7:29:57 AM

Candice C. Calhoun
Fantastic portrait and an unforgettable dinner experience!
ccc
6/13/2011 7:39:10 AM

Usman Bajwa
Terrific treatment and capture, Nikki. This is even better than the one without the texture, IMHO. I hope the judges agree and its a FAVE!
UB.
6/13/2011 8:02:28 AM

Katarina Mansson
This is a winner and a beauty!
6/13/2011 8:10:32 AM

Bob Cournoyer
Perfect!!
6/13/2011 8:11:22 AM

Jeff W. Robinson
You have done an Amazing job with this portrait Nikki - Sounds like a Great time!
6/13/2011 8:44:14 AM

Patrick Rouzes
Can see why it is framed and hanging in his house, Nikki! Quite the honor, my friend! Congratulations & hope to see this again!
6/13/2011 10:49:00 AM

Joy Rector
well done
6/13/2011 10:54:51 AM

Bonnie C. Lackey
It's so nice to hear of wonderful work being appreciated and shown. Congratulations, Nikki. And I bet the dinner is a memory that will stay with you forever.
6/13/2011 11:05:44 AM

Anita Hogue
I can certainly see why he would love it! WOW, the clarity and lighting are amazing, Nikki!
6/13/2011 11:19:41 AM
#9463277

Nikki McDonald level-classic June 16, 2011

Tarun Bose
Outstanding image, I feel this one deserves to be a winner. Well done Nikki. I am sure dinner was delicious.
6/13/2011 11:41:19 AM

David Phalen
What a great way for them to say thank you!! Adding the textures raises this image to elite status!!
6/13/2011 12:49:21 PM

Marcie Fowler
Love this portrait. So well done.
6/13/2011 2:57:29 PM

MELODIE C. ROBERTS
Did you bring a doggie bag back for the rest of us??
I think I see a Winner here NiK
This is Outstanding!
6/13/2011 4:42:24 PM

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna
Magnificent images and what a wonderful honor for you! :-) k
6/13/2011 5:59:41 PM

Patricia A. Coblentz
I like Dave's comment and fully agree, Nikki...truly magnificent portrait work and what a wonderful experience! Start to finish.
6/13/2011 6:47:45 PM

Memoriee G. Sconce
Nikki what fun and on top of that you have a beautiful image that I am sure we will see again.
Memoriee
6/13/2011 9:48:31 PM

Renee Doyle
Cool texture and wonderful story Nikki!!! Excellent work!
6/14/2011 12:36:47 AM

Dave Montero
Sounds like a delightful evening and your image of the Colonel is fantastic with treatments fitting the period. Well done Nikki!
6/14/2011 7:33:18 AM

Christopher J. Budny
I can't decide which I like better! The texture addition to this one is lovely, and very appropriate, in feeling/age. Congratulations again, on both versions, the large print, and the dinner outing!
6/14/2011 6:05:43 PM

Jessica Jenney
Fantastic capture, beautiful textures and treatment, Nikki! Amazing detail!
6/14/2011 6:25:14 PM

Leslie McLain
A stunning capture, Nikki.
6/15/2011 7:48:06 PM
#9463280

R. J. Laudenbacher level-classic June 16, 2011

Nikki...this is just a wonderful capture and I love the expression on his face and the texture you applied. Right into one of my favorites. Wonderful work.! #9463304

Nikki McDonald level-classic June 16, 2011

Thank you, Becky :) I had a couple of other favorites on it and I lost them because of the upload :( #9463317

Agnes Fegan level-classic June 16, 2011

A wonderful job on this portrait Nikki...love the expression you captured. Sounds like a fun experience! #9463342

Karen Celella June 16, 2011

A wonderful experience for an extraordinary portrait. How exciting, Nikki. Congrats! #9463436

Danny B. Head June 16, 2011

Wow! #9463514

MELODIE C. ROBERTS June 16, 2011

Guess I need to mark this a favorite Again!! ;0) #9464090

Mitch Spence level-classic June 18, 2011

I think it's absolutely terrific that you got to do that sort of delightful followup at the dinner. I don't know which of the two images I like better. I adore them both, and they are both gold to me. #9466538

Mariann Kovats level-classic June 18, 2011

What a wonderful experience, thanks for sharing, you made me hungry, though. LOL
Beautiful capture and work! #9467244

Jayne Martin June 20, 2011

WOW for the both story and the portrait of this handsome guy! I agree this is a definite winner!! Love the texture! #9469941

Heather Thorsen June 27, 2011

A lovely portrait, and I am sure "The Commander" is very proud of it. Thank you for a description of your meal. It sonds wonderful. #9490939

Tammy Espino July 28, 2011

Congratulations on your awesome finalist! Good luck next round :) #9560866

Mary Timman July 28, 2011

Congratulations on this beautiful Finalist! #9561191

Michele Peterson level-classic July 28, 2011

Congratulations, Nikki!!! #9561332

Phyllis H. Burchett July 28, 2011

Fabulous Nikki, congrats on your finalist! #9561437

Bill Johnson July 28, 2011

Nikki, Congrats on your finalist selection. Good luck. #9561443

Heather Loewenhardt level-classic July 28, 2011

Whoohoo Nikki another finalist. Congratulations on this award. I think this should win! #9561467

William F. Clair July 28, 2011

Wow!!! Everything that can be said about a photo is in this photo...color...crop...substance... and on and on... #9562132

Susan K. Snow July 28, 2011

Congratulations, Nikki, on another well done finalist. #9562214

July 28, 2011

thanx for sticking with it. super job. #9562328

Usman M. Bajwa level-classic July 29, 2011

Glad to this wonderful image again, Nikki. CONGRATZ on the Finalist and good good good luck up next!!!

UB. #9562477

Freddy Bland July 29, 2011

Outstanding, Nikki!! Many congratulations on this superb Finalist!! #9562505

Monnie Ryan July 29, 2011

Congratulations once again, Nikki! #9562894

Stefania Barbier level-classic July 29, 2011

CONGRATULATIONS Nikki!!! #9563041

Linda D. Lester level-classic July 29, 2011

Congratulations on your finalist! Good luck in the next round! #9563395

Mariann Kovats level-classic July 29, 2011

Congratulations on your awesome finalist, Nikki! I hope we see it again with gold! #9563579

Chris Budny level-deluxe July 29, 2011

Big congratulations, Nikki! #9563710

JO ANN CLEVELAND July 29, 2011

Congratulation on this awesome finalist
Nikki and so very well deserved! Love the history of it and about your dinner...hope it gets gold!

jo ann c. #9564201

Lydia Williams level-classic July 29, 2011

This is a favorite...love it, Nikki!! #9564256

Stephanie Frey level-classic July 29, 2011

I love both! What a wonderful experience. Congratulations, Nikki!! #9564261

Jessica Jenney July 29, 2011

Congratulations, Nikki on your fabulous finalist! #9564314

Wanda Judd level-classic July 29, 2011

Well deserved, well done, simply the best...Congratulations. #9564396

Val Feldman level-classic July 29, 2011

I can't look at this superb Finalist and not see Gold attached. My fingers are crossed but don't think luck will be necessary - it's sure to go Gold completely on it's own fine, superbly executed merit. WTG, Nikki - Congratulations!! #9564528

Richard B. Hallick July 29, 2011

Beautiful. One of your best, and that says a lot. Congratulations. #9564626

Courtenay Vanderbilt July 29, 2011

Love this version too and Huge Congrats, Nikki! #9564799

Bojan Bencic level-classic July 29, 2011

Congratulations on your finalist, Nikki. #9564924

Bill Johnson July 29, 2011

Nikki, Big congrats on your winner!! #9565646

Bojan Bencic level-classic July 29, 2011

Congratulations again, Nikki. #9565669

Michele Peterson level-classic July 29, 2011

Yeah, Nikki!! SO happy to see this get a gold badge! Congratulations!! #9565671

Chris Budny level-deluxe July 29, 2011

I know how happy this must make you!! Congratulations, Nikki! #9565696

Courtenay Vanderbilt July 29, 2011

Couldn't help but be a winner, Nikki! Congratulations! #9565744

Jessica Jenney July 29, 2011

Congratulations, Nikki on your fantastic win! #9565807

Patti Coblentz July 29, 2011

So happy to see this a winner, Nikki...big congratulations! #9565842

Monnie Ryan July 29, 2011

A well-deserved win, Nikki! Congratulations! #9565863

Michelle Alton July 29, 2011

I haven't seen an image of yours, Nikki, that was not a winner in my eyes. This is a phenomenal portrait!
Congratulations! #9565889

Stefania Barbier level-classic July 29, 2011

gorgeous winner, congratulations!!! #9565929

Jayne Martin July 29, 2011

Congrats on this fabulous win, Nikki!! Love this capture! #9565972

Agnes Fegan level-classic July 29, 2011

Congratulations Nikki! #9566033

Marcie A. Fowler July 29, 2011

Congrats on your win Nikki . . . #9566300

Phyllis H. Burchett July 29, 2011

BIG Congrats to you Nikki on this fabulous winner! #9566328

Anita Hogue July 29, 2011

A fabulous winner, Nikki! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
#9566346

Nadia Paul July 29, 2011

Congrats on your wonderful winner Nikki! #9566457

Debra R. Harder July 29, 2011

WTG, Nikki! Huge congratulations on your SUPERB GOLD WINNER!! Deb #9566544

Rona L. Schwarz July 29, 2011

Absolutely FABULOUS, Nikki! And what a heart-warming story and memory behind it! Beautiful work, as always - and a favorite for sure! Many congratulations on this superb Winner! #9566563

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna July 29, 2011

Fabulous winner! WTG Nikki! :-) k #9566681

Renee Doyle July 29, 2011

Brilliant work Nikki!!! Big Congratulations on this excellent winner!! #9566696

MELODIE C. ROBERTS July 29, 2011

He should have come in first.....

Congratulations NiK

Hope you are having fun #9566990

David Phalen July 29, 2011

BIG Congrats on an outstanding Winner!!

Ditto on Mel's comment!! #9567015

Judy V. Kennamer level-classic July 29, 2011

Congratulations on your beautiful WINNER Nikki! #9567138

Linda D. Lester level-classic July 29, 2011

Excellent work....Congratulations! #9567207

JO ANN CLEVELAND July 29, 2011

This just had to be a Gold Winner!
Congratulations Nikki!

jo ann c. #9567213

Memoriee G. Sconce July 29, 2011

Love this, congrats.
Memoriee #9567249

Leslie McLain level-classic July 29, 2011

Congrats on your amazing winner, Nikki. #9567273

Mary Dimitriw level-classic July 29, 2011

Congrats on this exceptional Gold Winner Nikki!! Great story and memories for all. #9567412

R. J. Laudenbacher level-classic July 29, 2011

Way to stick with a great picture Nikki! So happy to see this with the Gold. Congratulations! #9567429

Usman M. Bajwa level-classic July 29, 2011

So happy for you, Nikki. WTG !!! HUGE CONGRATZ on your beautiful Second Place Winner.

UB. #9567741

Mariann Kovats level-classic July 29, 2011

Congratulations on your awesome win, Nikki! Amazing capture and work! #9567758

Renata Gusciora July 29, 2011

Big congratulations on your fantastic winner,Nikki!!!:-) #9567783

Katarina Mansson July 29, 2011

YEAH!!! Big congratulations on this fantastic winner Nikki! #9567913

Alan L. Borror July 30, 2011

Congratulations on this awesome winner, Nikki! Wonderful description of the event. #9568270

John Rivera level-deluxe July 30, 2011

Congratulations Nikki on your winner! #9568546

Gail Sullivan level-classic July 30, 2011

Wonderful work, Nikki...congrats! #9568602

Deborah Lewinson level-addict July 30, 2011

Huge congrats on your win, Nikki, for this magnificent portrait!

Debby #9568624

Ken Smith level-classic July 30, 2011

Awesome, Nikki. Congrats on your gold! #9568713

Stephanie Frey level-classic July 30, 2011

Congratulations on your win, Nikki. #9568791

Mike Clime July 30, 2011

Congratulations on your winner, Nikki! #9568806

Patrick Rouzes level-classic July 30, 2011

Congratulations on this amazing Winner, Nikki! WTG! #9569016

Robert R. Goodman July 30, 2011

A big congratulations,Nikki!!! #9569069

Susan M. Campbell July 30, 2011

Excellent! Congrats on your win. #9569126

Lydia Williams level-classic July 30, 2011

So happy to see this get a gold, Nikki...I love this image..Congratulations and best to you! #9569192

Mitch Spence level-classic July 30, 2011

You know how very pleased I am about this, Nikki. Congratulations to you and the Colonel. #9569386

Merna L. Nobile July 30, 2011


Imagine it. Feel it. Receive it. Congratulations, your entry was very special and thanks for sharing it with all of us. Merna Nobile
#9569754

Sharon Sawyer July 30, 2011

Nikki, HUGE congratulations on your outstanding and well deserved Second Place Win!!! Thank you for sharing the story behind this image... very interesting and makes me hungry. :) #9569816

Lindley Johnson level-classic July 30, 2011

This is truly a wonderful portrait, Nikki. The facial expression and setting are terrific and the treatment adds to the character of the image. I enjoyed reading the information you included, as well. Congratulations on your well-deserved winner! #9570223

Marilyn K. Lincecum level-classic July 30, 2011

Awesome image...Congratulations on a well deserved Second Place win !! #9570415

Dominick M. Dimacale level-addict August 01, 2011

Congratulations Nikki on your Win!!!


Dominick #9572927

Amanda J. Tanner level-classic August 01, 2011

Congratulations Nikki on this wonderful Winner! Beautiful work! #9574028

David M. Montero August 01, 2011

I had no doubt. Congratulations on your win Nikki. Well done. #9574972

Donna La Mattino Pagakis August 02, 2011

Artistic and cool, a beautiful winning portrait Nikki. A huge congrats!!! #9576879

Mary Beth Aiello level-classic August 03, 2011

No surprise here, Nikki. Love it. Huge congrats. #9579381

Randy D. Dinkins level-classic August 03, 2011

Great portrait capture and Big congrats, finally getting around to checking out the winning photos this month, certainly well deserved here. Cheers. #9579852

Carmody Baker August 18, 2011

What a gift Nikki. Congratulations!!! #9613039

Debbie Bray October 02, 2011

Absolutely fabulous, Nikki! Congratulations! #9710443

Wanda Knoss December 21, 2011

Wonderful image Nikki! Congratulations. #9881422

Susan Jane Allen level-classic March 13, 2013

Wow, what a difference those texture layers make--and what an artist you've become! #10607765

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