Nose Bite!

[wheelibin]

Hi again, I got this lucky shot while trying out my new SpeedLight Flash for my D40.
It's bounced off the ceiling but I think the colours look a bit washed out.

Is there anything I should have done better with the settings? (I had it on aperture pri to try and get both subjects in focus). Alternatively, what would you recommend I do in post? (I've already cropped it slightly)

Once again, look forward to your helpful feedback

Thanks
Jon

[geotography]

Jon,

I like this photo. I enjoy the focus you achieved and I particularly like the color tone showing the contrast between woman's lovely skin and the cat's lovely fur. Now, the bunk bed (or whatever) on the right side is a distraction and I am sure you already know that. I hope the tallest of the two subjects was not injured too severely...because my suggestion would be to try to make this happen again with a total black background. I think the colors of your subjects would look stunning against such a backdrop. You would have an action portrait with a studio feel.

If there is another take, try for a slightly different angle to catch a clear eye of the cat during the playful bite.

Best,

[prrs4me]

I agree with geotography. I like this photo. The colors look natural and not washed out to me. The background is a bit of a distraction but not for long. I keep going back and looking at the nose bite. Very good.

[wheelibin]

Thanks for your comments I tried editing the background, but to be honest, my photoshop skills just aren't up to it. geotography - If you fancy having a go then I'd love to see what you come up with!

If not then I guess its one of those capture the moment shots that speaks for itself

Thanks again
Jon

[geotography]

Nor have I yet acquired such skills Wheelibin. I think it would be a good question of any of the more experienced members: Is it possible insert a black background behind a subject if one wanted to do that?

Gosh, I just like what you did here...the quality of the photo is so beautifully clean to me.

[jiminyClickit]

wheelibin,

Do you have a cloning tool in your edit program? Using existing wall color to cover ceiling and "stuff" on the right and little gray bit on lower left, would keep that natural look. Her blouse is black; parts of her hair, its deeper shadows and cat's paw would also be an issue for a very dark background. Using what's there would leave her "flyaway" hair intact, and keep the softness of the image.

Does cat now have 8 lives remaining?

[wheelibin]

Do you have a cloning tool in your edit program? Using existing wall color to cover ceiling and "stuff" on the right and little gray bit on lower left, would keep that natural look.

That's exactly what I tried to do, I used the cloning tool on the wall but it's hard to do when I get up to the edges (I'm sure there is an easier way than I know about).

Gosh, I just like what you did here...the quality of the photo is so beautifully clean to me.

Thanks very much, as I said though I can only attribute a lot of it to luck!



I am off to find some tutorials ...If I acheive something worth posting then I will do so!


Thanks again
Jon

[jiminyClickit]

wheelibin,

Edges of . . . cat fur? That appears to be the tough area. I'd get an enlarged view, where a pixel is 1/8 inch, and fill in between hair clumps. Doesn't really take very long and a few "smudges" later, it looks authentic.

[wheelibin]

Yeh sorry I meant the fur...I will try your suggestion thanks.

In answer to your question yes he is down to 8 lives now

Cheers
Jon

[wheelibin]

My attempt at removing the background distractions: