fun posed shot—plus experimental Processing

[quo55]

These are a couple of shots I took of my husband with lights set up, and processed different ways.

[Saralonde]

Nice to have husbands that pose willingly!

I prefer the second one. I like the lighting and color and the off-center pose. The wire/cord on the left is distracting though.

The background on the first one seems a little busy to me.

[Turnipator]

Grrrr post attempt #2 (stupid browser went back a page and lost my initial comments).

Love the colour and grain of both images.
The first image makes his head look like it is pasted on or maybe enlarged? I think it is just the masking you have used around him to desaturate etc the background. (you can see the masking/halo more clearly in the larger versions).
It could be the stark contrast between the subject and the background too. I like the idea though. Also watch your background for highlights ie the curtain rod thing hanging down on the right above the coffee table.

Love the de-saturated look of the second image and the only thing I would do is clone the black crack in the curtains out... or at least see how it looks without it there, it draws my eye too much I think. The lighting has been handled fairly well and suits the image.

[xxpinballxx]

i like the second...the dark line is seperation from two blinds i believe.

[quo55]

Thank you! I really appreciate your feedback. These were fun experiments, and yes, it's great to have a husband who doesn't mind being in my photos. He's always willing to help out. The first one isn't supposed to be too serious. I had been asked to take some photos for a client, and we spent some time testing the lights. I thought it was funny to have him super "pose" for the shot, and I love the curtains behind him. The other is at our house, and the black line is separation of two curtains. I can see where that could be distracting. It never bothered me before, but I may try taking it out to see the difference.
Thank you so much!!!