Portrait

[thistledo]

I've discovered GIMP, as suggested by stevesutt89 - thanks a million. And have used the curves to lighten up the portrait picture below. Is it enough? Or too much? And any other suggestions please



TFL

[ELAY]

I would say a tiny bit too far to my eye (but there is no right answer and this is certainly within the range of well-exposed).

I had a quick play around in GIMP, and when I darkened the photo (quick method -- duplicate layer, set second to Multiply mode, play with opacity slider), some lovely skin tones popped out (between 40 and 55% opacity).

As an aside, I was heavily into curves for contrast until I spent some time viewing the video tutorials over at Radiant Vista. The chief critiquer there, Craig Tanner, is a very gifted photo adjuster, and he seems always to use levels. Following his lead, I have been using levels almost exclusively for the last little while, and I have to say that except where there are extreme dark or light areas I want to tackle, it works as well as or better for me than curves for contrast adjustment.

EL

And one more PS -- the correlate of the quickie method for darkening photos is to do the same thing but setting your second layer on Screen Mode for quick lightening of photos.

[Arvid]

EL made some interesting comments on levels vs curves. I would like to add that I would like to see her whole ear in the picture.

[thistledo]

Elay, I played around with what you suggested and it looks great, thank you. I'm also going to have a look at levels

Arvid, I know what you mean about the ear. Thank you also

[ELAY]

Go ahead and post version 2 if you like -- nothing draws a crowd better than a "which one is better" debate.

EL

[thistledo]

Good idea Elay

duplicate layer, set second to Multiply mode, play with opacity slider

I used about 35% opacity to keep the texture of her hair.

Before


After


I'm really happy with the skin tones in the second image, and I learned how to use the opacity slider, so a BIG thank you Elay

[ELAY]

Allright -- looks great. I like the brick as a background -- the warm colour really sets your subject's face off nicely.

Next time out, try to pay more attention to the bits and pieces. Cutting off at the ear has been mentioned; I will also mention the tangle of fingers and forearms on the bottom left. Better in or out than truncated.

EL

[jdepould]

I agree with what elay said about curves v. levels, only thing I use curves for is film emulation.