What’s Your Preference?

PhoenixGB · #1 (**permalink**) 11-14-2011, 07:05 AM

Hi all

Here is my before and after shots, i have been playing with portraits for a few weeks now, oh so much to learn!!

Getting anyone to model seems like a nightmare, everyone wants fotos but no-one wnats to model

A few nights ago a couple of friends came over and we sat and drank and smoked and talked, we were discussing Shisha and my friend said she liked smoking cigars, so I got two out, a big one and a little one, she took one look at the big one and said 'I want that one!' - Typical, my last good Cuban!

Anyway i took some shots, this one i ran thru the Portrait Professional software (OMG - what an amateurs dream this software is) to clean up her complexion etc - then into AcDsee 5 Pro - changed to mono, used the Orton filter (which i love!) and the Sunspot filter to give a 'highlight' and then into Adobe Fireworks CS5 and added the cigar glow, one red ellipse with feathering and transparency and one orange/red gradient ellipse again with feathering and transparency.

I'm a total noob at portraits but i was blown away by the end results (please don't burst my happy glowing bubble over it).

OutdoorCanvas · #2 (**permalink**) 11-15-2011, 02:36 PM

I like it! Would make for a nice portrait on the wall in someone's downstairs billiard room.

3Danes4me · #3 (**permalink**) 11-16-2011, 04:49 AM

The edit is gorgeous

However, this is just totally my own personal opinion, but I think the selective coloring takes away from the beauty of the woman. You have some nice catchlights in her eyes, so there's a lot of depth and intrigue in her eyes. But, my eye just keeps getting taken away to the tip of the cigar. So the focus on the woman is lost. But again, that is just my personal opinion!!!

HTH

NathanFranke · #4 (**permalink**) 11-16-2011, 08:15 PM

Ditto that. The selective color is kitschy in this instance. There are places where the technique works, but not here. Other than that, great job.

samutsim · #5 (**permalink**) 11-16-2011, 08:25 PM

Absolutely love the edit! She is gorgeous and you have captured it perfectly! Although I have to agree with the previous comments about the red cigar tip. Other than that this is perfect! TFS!

OutdoorCanvas · #6 (**permalink**) 11-16-2011, 09:33 PM

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...pun intended. LOL

Of course your eyes are drawn to the bright ember of the cigar tip. That would be the obvious intent of an entire grayscale image with one small dab of color. I don't think anything is lost in her eyes either. Her skin is much smoother and she looks healthier and younger in the edit as well.

Since we're giving opinions my only opinion is that the bright white tones are a bit much or a bit overexposed in spots. And I don't like the bright spot in the upper left corner of the picture. I still think this photo works and I love the bright amber cigar tip especially.

This is why photography is fascinating because what one person see's another one see's something completely different.

3Danes4me · #7 (**permalink**) 11-16-2011, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OutdoorCanvas

This is why photography is fascinating because what one person see's another one see's something completely different.

Agreed!!!

northmichigan · #8 (**permalink**) 11-17-2011, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3Danes4me

The edit is gorgeous

However, this is just totally my own personal opinion, but I think the selective coloring takes away from the beauty of the woman. You have some nice catchlights in her eyes, so there's a lot of depth and intrigue in her eyes. But, my eye just keeps getting taken away to the tip of the cigar. So the focus on the woman is lost. But again, that is just my personal opinion!!!

HTH

Quote:

Originally Posted by OutdoorCanvas

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...pun intended. LOL

Of course your eyes are drawn to the bright ember of the cigar tip. That would be the obvious intent of an entire grayscale image with one small dab of color. I don't think anything is lost in her eyes either. Her skin is much smoother and she looks healthier and younger in the edit as well.

This is why photography is fascinating because what one person see's another one see's something completely different.

I agree with both ^^.

I love how the skin turned out!

I'd like to see it with just her lips colorized... or perhaps her lips AND the cigar tip...? Just throwing out ideas.

I do really like it, though; and your model is beautiful!

ThruMyLeftEye · #9 (**permalink**) 11-21-2011, 12:12 AM

Both are very nice pictures. but I would stay away from the color on the end of the cigar. You have already created a nice touch of artistry with the soft focus and the smoke, and she is the story not the cigar. but very nice composition and photo.
I actually would like to see a pic of her going in the other direction. B and W, but harder, sharper, with the exposure dropped down just a touch to see her character more.

Hope thats constructive. Steve

RKell6898 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-28-2011, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3Danes4me

The edit is gorgeous

However, this is just totally my own personal opinion, but I think the selective coloring takes away from the beauty of the woman. You have some nice catchlights in her eyes, so there's a lot of depth and intrigue in her eyes. But, my eye just keeps getting taken away to the tip of the cigar. So the focus on the woman is lost. But again, that is just my personal opinion!!!

HTH

I totally agree about the beauty of the woman begin decrease by the cigar tip. But I still like the Image!