The Tenderloin

[edmDusty]

For this shot I was using an SB 800 flash through an umbrella. I was shooting the flash through some wacky gel. The girls kept moving around and it is was pretty difficult to keep the lighting right.

Here's what the shot looked like in RAW


Pulled the contrast and exposure waaaay up in RAW. This is why everyone should be shooting in RAW. If you botch the exposure, RAW can save the shot.



Spent about an hour retouching faces.

[(CMC)]

Damn. You really pulled one out there. The original was meh, but the end result is great.

As an aside, the reason I clicked on your post is because there is a well known California case called "Tenderloin Housing Clinic" that I have often seen cited. I once looked it up to learn the genesis of the name of the neighborhood. Very interesting!

[edmDusty]

Originally Posted by (CMC)

Damn. You really pulled one out there. The original was meh, but the end result is great.

As an aside, the reason I clicked on your post is because there is a well known California case called "Tenderloin Housing Clinic" that I have often seen cited. I once looked it up to learn the genesis of the name of the neighborhood. Very interesting!

Thanks. I often shoot a little too dark and then pull it out in RAW because I enjoy the grainy look it gives. I think it matches with the urban settings I shoot in.

I've recently started shooting with off camera lighting. It's amazing how much tolerance you have with a good, soft light source.


The Tenderloin (where both of these girls live) is where all the crack heads and transvestite prostitutes hang out. It's definitely the most seedy neighborhood in the city.

[edmDusty]

oh and not to imply that the girls are crack heads or tranny prostitutes. They are students. When rent is 750$ a for a small room, students live in the the tenderloin.

[dmg025]

Great touch up work. Once again, makes me wonder why anyone would shoot in any format other than RAW. Keep it up!

[windrider86]

A wonderful job. Makes me miss shottiong in RAW but my new camera and all my software dont mix. very frusterating

[candleman]

NICE WORK.

tenderloin.. the softest and most expensive cut of chicken. its nearly lunchtime and i'm starving

[KathrynWilson]

Nice shot - like it.

[jesseboyd]

First of all I want to say the Tenderloin is an awesome place for photography, you can't go wrong there, unless you get mugged. The backgrounds and characters never cease to amaze me. I recommend it to any photographer visiting San Francisco.

For your photo I have to say I am sick of plastic faces. I think the girls look better with their natural faces. People have pimples, wrinkles and scars and to me that is becoming more and more real and desirable to look at.

I like real people, faults and all, not plastic barbie dolls. This is misleading people and creating false ideals in our society. In some cases shadows do actually make a person look worse and that is because of the photographer and can be a good thing to lighten up.

Looking forward to seeing more of your work! cheers.

[Sela]

Great shot (I used to live in SF and I know the Tenderloin very well). I know this isn't in the critique forum but I just wanted to say that I also prefer version #2 because it has a more real feel to it. Maybe you could reduce the acne but I'd leave the natural shine and shadows. Just my (unasked for) two cents!