What’s Your Preference?

alissasanderson · #1 (**permalink**) 01-14-2007, 09:26 PM

OK, this is a photo I took this morning of my youngest son, Nick. ISO 100, all natural window light, using the 50mm lens that I've barely ever used. I'm so not used to a prime lens. I know the focus is on his hair and not his eyes. What I love is the expression on his face. I sort of want critique, I sort of want to know what, if anything, I need/can do to make it better. Or is it alright--am I worrying about the focus issues for nothing? I am most definitely NOT a whiz at Photoshop--basic skills only. You can view it larger on Flickr.

Saralonde · #2 (**permalink**) 01-14-2007, 09:29 PM

I'm a photoshop noob, too, so I'll let others help you there. Just wanted to say I see what you like about the shot, his expression is so quiet and thoughtful.

Nicole · #3 (**permalink**) 01-14-2007, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alissasanderson

I know the focus is on his hair and not his eyes. What I love is the expression on his face. I sort of want critique, I sort of want to know what, if anything, I need/can do to make it better. Or is it alright--am I worrying about the focus issues for nothing?

You basically got everything I would have to say about this photo. I really like the soft expression on his face. I think my only suggestion would be that in the future make sure that your focus area is on his eyes. Sharp eyes can really make a shot pop.

Overall, the fact that the focus is on his hair doesn't actually distract in this picture though for me because his hair is so light, so unless you're actually looking closely at the picture I find it looks like you intended to have the soft focus.

I'm not a photoshop expert either, so I can't offer tips that way on how to fix up anything

jiminyClickit · #4 (**permalink**) 01-14-2007, 11:44 PM

alissaanderson, and everyone, is there a way to tag all these submissions as either (you don't mind someone else diddling with your photo), or (you would rather do it yourself?) The thread moves on sometimes before an email or thread request to owner is acknowledged. Granted it's a Photography forum; is Post Production an orphan?

So if you want, after you see this, I can describe what I did or take it off the thread.

alissasanderson · #5 (**permalink**) 01-15-2007, 12:02 AM

Ooh, I like what you did, and please, tell me how you did it!

For future reference, I will try to remember to say "please go ahead and fool with it". But if I forget, please, go ahead and fool with it!

jiminyClickit · #6 (**permalink**) 01-15-2007, 12:27 AM

alissa,
Maybe a short letter code or some other indication mark, just to prevent bad feelings for any trespass. I just could not have used enough words to describe the short process here so that you could apply it to your software, as well as showing this change.
With the change in front of you, obviously there's a crop, inspired by one of the first I saw on forum from Liacs (Before and After).
The eyes are sharpened a little, the one on the right (his left) is lightened and the area around iris smudged so the dark ring is smaller.
Also smudged is the contrasting pink and gray tones, on the cheek with window light. PhotoShop probably has a better way of doing that.
Gave the right side background a little stretch, a little saturation and then Flickr'd. Ta Dah . . .
This is my favorite thing to do, AFTER taking the best photo I can. Thanks for letting me practice

alissasanderson · #7 (**permalink**) 01-15-2007, 12:42 AM

Well, it made all the difference in the world. I can lighten an entire image, but have no clue how to just lighten that one part. I like your edit. Thank you for your ideas...

jiminyClickit · #8 (**permalink**) 01-15-2007, 01:12 AM

alissa,
Someone with PhotoShop, and experience with that system, could help in the same language PS uses. I speak the PhotoDeluxe.
Generally you draw a line around the eye to select it, and lighten as needed.
Same in each . . . practice and patience.
Learning is fun-damental!

Saralonde · #9 (**permalink**) 01-15-2007, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiminyClickit

alissaanderson, and everyone, is there a way to tag all these submissions as either (you don't mind someone else diddling with your photo), or (you would rather do it yourself?) The thread moves on sometimes before an email or thread request to owner is acknowledged. Granted it's a Photography forum; is Post Production an orphan?

So if you want, after you see this, I can describe what I did or take it off the thread.

I just added a line to my sig saying it was ok to re-edit and repost my shots. Not the best wording but it might be an idea people could add to their sigs to give a blanket permission.