When searching for the enemy, we almost always look to those around us. We doubt the motives, the thoughts, the actions of our closest friends, the slightest movements of those we do not know. We rest certain that the things which will destroy us, will come from the outside.

But how often is it, that our fears are misplaced? The only force strong enough to beat a person lies within them. The devil inside plots and schemes in silence, covered daily by conscience, smothered in kindness. Even in the sweetest of hearts lies the devil, it is up to the individual to keep above temptation, and never allow the devil to rise and destroy them.

~~~~~

This picture was done for ’s Light/Dark Contest, despite my fears about actually entering it.

The stock photo used was: [link] with a few references to: [link] . Both are from Lucias-Stock, as the contest rules demanded.

So proud of this one. I’m sorry, I can’t help it. Just compare it to my last photo manipulation (Eyes On You, I think? *cringe*) and go ‘Holy Shit!’ because it’s seriously that much of an improvement. I think it’s even suddenly become my favourite piece, I’m really, /really/ happy with this one. It shows the extreme sides of the person... the 'angel' on the outer, and the hidden devil inside. Light and dark... YAY!

Time: About three hours.
Medium: Photoshop 7
Tools: Wacom Graphire 3 Tablet.

As you can see, I’ve only used the actual girl from the photo, everything else was painted in. The wings are my pride and joy, it’s the first time I’ve done anything like them, and look… they actually worked! (at least, I think so). Other obvious manipulations? The colour of the dresses (originally blue), of course, edits to the skin, gothic style makeup for the bottom figure, lighter makeup for the top figure… hey, check out the pictures, you’ll note the differences. And also check out the rest of Lucias-Stock’s gallery, there’s some awesome stuff there.