Baby

[bigfish50]

I'm new to this so you'll have to bear with me if this is in the wrong place. I just thought I'd post this for some feedback. I've a new camera and lens so I'm still trying to learn it all!

It was my nephew's christening last week and there was a party! I found this image among the many I'd taken of the day. I love the way he is lit up, while all around him is in darkness. I didn't do this intentionally, I probably wouldn't know how to! There has been no post processing at all. It's just a pity he didn't look straight at me - but then he is only 5 weeks old :)

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/bigorange50/RyansChristening/photo#5165432681948799842"><img src="http://lh4.google.co.uk/bigorange50/R69NqBbAY2I/AAAAAAAAAGw/APT7qPMf5NQ/s400/IMG_6339.jpg" /></a>

I'd really appreciate any feedback/comments.

ISO 1600
F/1.4
1/800 sec

[Mikkimak]

I really like how lite up the baby is, very cute. I personally think that you could make the picture look even better by cropping it closer and maybe a few little photoshop adjustments to make it even more dramatic. This may look really good with a black and white or sepia. Just some ideas :)

[bigfish50]

I really like how lite up the baby is, very cute. I personally think that you could make the picture look even better by cropping it closer and maybe a few little photoshop adjustments to make it even more dramatic. This may look really good with a black and white or sepia. Just some ideas :)

Thanks for that - I tried it in B&W and it did look good. What Photoshop adjustments were you thinking of?

[peeperita]

Thanks for that - I tried it in B&W and it did look good. What Photoshop adjustments were you thinking of?

i took cue from your question and edited your image....

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peeperita/2256249312/" title="IMG_6339 by peeperita, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2178/2256249312_9f6a3ae712.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_6339" /></a>

if this is a problem, just let me know and i'll take it right down....

a quick edit.....moving the midpoint slider in levels to bring up the shadows of the skin and then autocolor for take some of the blue away and rosy up those cheeks.....

peeper

[bigfish50]

i took cue from your question and edited your image....

if this is a problem, just let me know and i'll take it right down....

a quick edit.....moving the midpoint slider in levels to bring up the shadows of the skin and then autocolor for take some of the blue away and rosy up those cheeks.....

peeper

That's no problem peeper - I don't know very much about photoshop so the differences that can be made from some adjustments is great to see. thanks - you can see how cute he looks even more now :)

[Mikkimak]

Peeperita's edits look great. I am still learning about photoshop myself, but I usually start with playing with the contrast and brightness, then I have really enjoyed converting photos to black and white and then playing with opacity and blending options.

[jiminyClickit]

bigfish50,

DPS will give you the opportunity to see how different views show so many possibilities in everything photographic. I mostly focus attention on subject, using darkness, or blurring, or simple cropping (often all three). Here all attention is directed to the face.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2258441233/" title="RyanX by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2195/2258441233_d04bbea5cf.jpg" width="500" height="387" alt="RyanX" /></a>

[Mikkimak]

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mikkigrimley/DigitalPhotographySchool/photo#5165891864773575346"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/mikkigrimley/R7DvR-vowrI/AAAAAAAAA5A/4uqHtLCyhRY/s144/baby2.jpg" /></a>

I played with it a little bit too. Because there isn't much color on the photo and there is nice contrast, I kind of like sepia. I also lightened the baby and darkened the hand holding the baby. Just another perspective:)

[FrankenPengie]

Wow jiminy! That looks just like an illustrator's painting. I'd really like to see how this one was done.

[jiminyClickit]

Thanks. The key is selecting the face, and adjusting separately. There is a layer for overall control of darkening, and a vignette to force attention to face and cover hand on right. Eyes are also lightened and contrasted.

[KathrynWilson]

Here's a play from me too. I burned out the light as it had a really green tinge. I wanted to give the baby nice tones and bring out the eyes. I recropped too. All in all, it's actually a really nice shot.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2268/2259321443_59b92a688a.jpg

[bigfish50]

bigfish50,

DPS will give you the opportunity to see how different views show so many possibilities in everything photographic. I mostly focus attention on subject, using darkness, or blurring, or simple cropping (often all three). Here all attention is directed to the face.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2258441233/" title="RyanX by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2195/2258441233_d04bbea5cf.jpg" width="500" height="387" alt="RyanX" /></a>
Hi Jiminy,

As with my other image you worked on, I love it. It's clearly worthwhile learning the techniques available on photoshop because the results are fabulous. At least until I become an expert in photography and can get those results when I take the shot :)

[bigfish50]

Hi Kathryn,

thanks for that - clearly everyone is well used to getting fantastic results through the post-processing. I love what you have done, your attention is just completely drawn to his face!! When you say you 'burned out the light' how did you do this??