Think im going overboard ?

[jbr0530]

Ok noob here... Great Site !

My wife and I just had a baby girl... So, of course its got me breaking out the camera more now ! I have always sorta dabbled with my camera, but I really want to get into photographing her and my wife (maybe ill get in a few shots as well).

I have used Photoshop for years, but not so much with the camera. I only have a Kodak easyshare 5.5MP (not sure the model #). I plan to upgrade, im looking at the Canon Rebel XSi (just need to convince the wife!) Once I get a SLR I will need practice with it, im sure. But I want to take the time and learn it. At least I will have a good subject to practice on !

Ok, well my question ...
...Do you think I am going overboard in Photoshop with these pictures of Jordan ?

I remove blemishes, correct (or at least I think) the color, add a layer w/ surface blur (then lower opacity, erase the blur layer around her eyes, lips, details) add another gaussian blur layer (lower opacity), add some color to the eyes... etc... It seems like im spending a long time on these images...

&... Do they just look overdone ? Do you think im making these images worse ?

Any tips or advice would be very welcome. If any forum posts come to mind that you think may help me, I plan on reading a lot on this site, so send em on over. Thanks in advance.

Oh and any tips and getting the wife to budge on me getting a new Canon would also be helpful ! lol




http://home.beld.net/~jamesr/jordan/jordan_p6.JPG
http://home.beld.net/~jamesr/jordan/jordan_p6_edit.jpg

------

[luvnbabysuli]

i think her natural skin tone was beautiful just the way it was, with cute rosy little cheeks! your photos and your little girl are beautiful, tho she does look a little more like a doll in the first "after" than an actual living baby.

[teaking]

I would say just colour correct where needed I wouldnt remove blemishes or smooth skin I dont think the pictures need it. Enjoy taking the pictures and spend the extra time you would be spending in photoshop capturing those great moments

[Indigo November]

The first one is definitely overdone, she looks fake. The b&w one looks nice though.

[mad editor]

I agree. First is overdone. But the second is lovely.
What a beautiful baby you have! Conrgatulations.

[jbr0530]

Thanks for the kind words, she is a cutie, huh ! looks like her momma
Im going to start to go a little easier in PS.... My sister said she looked like a doll in that pic too. I think I get carried away to much and just keep going.. lol
~thanks for the advice.

[CiiVii]

You definitely have better skill than most when it comes to Photoshopping- even though I agree that it is a bit overboard. I think that overdoing it goes with the territory until some of the initial excitement wears off.

The second picture is just beautiful. There's a bit of a weird effect (in both pics) taking place on the afghans... The added softness is nice, but it places it starts to look like plastic or noodles. Other than that, the close crop is cozy and sweet, and the b&w is done just right. You are going to have a great baby album!

[Photologyst]

Congratulations! Beautiful baby.

I like both looks. The Photoshopped pix, especially the first, one look like old fashioned portraits enhanced in the chemical darkroom. Not sure about the odd light at the top of her head.

It’s a matter of taste and style. I would keep both versions.

Savor every moment! They change every day and grow up quickly.

As for a “new” camera, how about considering a used one? Check out a prosumer digicam, one about a year to two old.

[SarahM2000]

I actually really like the photoshop job you did in the first picture. I think her eyes really pop. But I do find the light on the floor in the upper right corner to be a bit distracting - maybe crop it out?? Great pics!

[Meadster]

Nice work on these photos... I would say your first "after" image is slightly over done, esp for a baby where we expect more in the way of slight imperfections ( photographically at least!) I learned that the secret to post processing is that once you lean HOW to do certain things, you then need to learn the WHEN & HOW MUCH to use them.

Good job on the second...I like the close crop & the BW conversion.

Enjoy the new lady in your life - she's precious!