Portrait of my son

[abarickman]

Kinda boring to something I really like. Comments and criticism welcomed.

Before (straight out of the camera)


All Modifications in Lightroom 2
- Crop
- Bumped Exposure, Contrast (alot), Clarity
- Strong sharpening to the point where grain was intentionally introduced
- Conversion to B&W
- Added a coffee color to it using the split toning panel
- Vignette
- Very slight lightening to each eye

[foxor]

He's adorable, and I think your B&W version looks great!

so precious! lovely eyes! i always like the B&W portraits too!

[GarethHughes]

Nice pic, although i think that you might be able to work something colour also as the first shot is amazing.

Cheers

[abarickman]

Thanks all.

Gareth I tried to see what I could do with keeping it in color. I tried a 4x5 crop which I think I like better, I also lightened and added color to the iris to match what his eyes really look like. I then selectively sharpened them more. I'm still not crazy about the bland colors and I could not find a white balence that I was really happy with.



Which do you all like better?

[GarethHughes]

Actually that crop and white balance works for me much better. Personally, i think white balance is different to every person and the way their eyes see things. However, to me this new edit to me looks more WB neutral and the top one more yellow (plus perhaps a tad of magenta in it too?)

[MarioG]

Nice subject. I like the sencond color pic better. The adjustments just make it work.

[sdphil]

Ok, I am new here and certainly no expert so, mine is not a critique but just a viewers observation.
I like this version of the image. The crop is better than the OP and I also like the color version. I do like the B&W version as far as image but I feel your son is best represented in color. The highlights in his hair are awesome and the color adds a whimsical impact that held my attention longer. The B&W one IMO has more of a serious feel that doesn't play well again IMO with a beautiful child.
I do think that the image is well done and the child, well...... he beautiful

Originally Posted by abarickman

Thanks all.

Gareth I tried to see what I could do with keeping it in color. I tried a 4x5 crop which I think I like better, I also lightened and added color to the iris to match what his eyes really look like. I then selectively sharpened them more. I'm still not crazy about the bland colors and I could not find a white balence that I was really happy with.



Which do you all like better?

[abarickman]

Thanks for everyones comments.

I had not thought as much about the "feel" of the photo but I do agree that the B&W is more stoic which does not represent my son as well.

[Glayva]

Excellent shot and you have done a wonderful job with the conversion. Just one weeny critic - could you have added just a bit of a catchlight in each eye? I just believe catchlights give that extra bit of "life" to any portrait.