Sweet Nothings...

[rachel_r]

Took this over the holiday. To me it just seems to be lacking something... I loved the idea but then when I got it home I don't feel it is as good as I thought it would be...

[NaturesPixel]

i think your wrong Rachel i do like this very much
only nit pick is the face is a tad blown out around the chin area ???

[Breathephoto]

It's that darn hair Rachel! You did a great job with this shot, but that section of hair between the faces makes an otherwise very intimate composition seem distant. Had that hair not been there, you would have seen his face pressed against hers. The skin on skin contact would have portrayed the intimacy of the moment better, I think. You did a great capturing the moment, it just has that one distracting element for me.

[rachel_r]

yes... I never thought of it before you said so but the hair does create distace... I couldn't have avoided it in this shot since they were hovering over me and looking down...but next time i'll try to keep that in mind... thanks

[photobyfelix]

Yes ,the chin is a little "blown out", but I like the overall affect. Nice photo bordering on intimate.

[rachel_r]

possibly my BW conversion technique (attempt at) was what caused the chin to look blown... Maybe I should try the conversion again?? ...here is the color version of the pic:

[wulf]

Perhaps a cupped hand could provide the transition point and hold back that hair. That would also move the foreground face a little to the right, reducing or losing entirely the triangle of space in the lower right section, which I don't think adds anything to the composition.

To do something with the existing picture, how about turning up the contrast in the foreground. The main subject would stand out, with shadowy whisperings and temptations being poured into her hair: with a change of purpose, the barrier of the hair might not be such an issue.

Wulf

[googlit]

I think it looks better in color. Mostly because it brings a lot of warmth back into the picture. If you like the b&w look better, you can take most of the color out, but either add some warm tones back in there or make a copy of the original, send it to the top, change the blend mode to color, and change the opacity to 15% or so.

[rachel_r]

Wow, thanks for the suggestions guys!

wulf - I tried messing with the contrast on her and it was difficult due to the light part on her chin... I know exactly what you mean about that though - the original picture was suuuuper dark so I was happy to get this much out of it...

googlit - I LOOOVE your suggestion! I tried it (see below) and I really like the new image much better... it just adds enough color to make it a little warmer, and tone down the hot spot on her chin.

Thanks for everything guys!

Here is the new img:

[Faded_Mantis]

I agree with googlit to. When I saw the colour image I realised how warm and intimate the moment felt. Having the colour partially overlayed in your last image gives the impression of B&W but still has that warmth in it.

Good job.