Portrait - First Try

[ressalg]

Originally Posted by SandeeWig

That is a maximum image count for your post, which includes smiley faces or quotes of other images. There are many threads on here where each post contains 1-4 images, so I don't think the thread is limited, just how many each post can contain.

Hope that helps.

ETA: I look forward to seeing your final version.

Thanks, SandeeWig... obviously I didn't read the "warning" it gave me too clearly.

[Ciscley]

Glad you settled on an image you both love. I didn't splurge on an external flash until recently, so dealing with color problems from incandescent lighting was my main post-processing task. I can definitely sympathize.

When you mention having a picture that pops, to me that means contrast and color saturation/vibrancy. You can manipulate that separately from the white balance of the photo. When taking portraits of people of color, it can be extremely poor taste to not represent the actual hue of their skin accurately, so definitely something to practice - being true to life, but still being dramatic.

Regarding your logo... I think it's important to place a logo or watermark, especially before presenting a final image. I let my subjects reproduce the image as much as they want, but don't allow them to alter it, including cropping. Somehow placing that logo on it helps remind them that it may be them in the photo, but it's still my property.

That said, I think the goal is for the logo to be there, but not to be so obvious. Consider changing the font, reducing the actual width of the logo or making the color more neutral. I also like to add a shadow to my logo. It helps soften it and keeps it from looking so harsh when the image is scaled down.

[ressalg]

Originally Posted by Ciscley

When you mention having a picture that pops, to me that means contrast and color saturation/vibrancy.

When taking portraits of people of color, it can be extremely poor taste to not represent the actual hue of their skin accurately, so definitely something to practice - being true to life, but still being dramatic.

Somehow placing that logo on it helps remind them that it may be them in the photo, but it's still my property.

That said, I think the goal is for the logo to be there, but not to be so obvious. Consider changing the font, reducing the actual width of the logo or making the color more neutral. I also like to add a shadow to my logo. It helps soften it and keeps it from looking so harsh when the image is scaled down.

Thanks for the tips. I still haven't decided on a name so the logo thing is very flexible at this point. I have been thinking about just using my name ("Joe Smith Photgraphy" note: my name is not actually Joe Smith. ) but then there's the whole privacy issue to consider when posting something on the net.

I think the most amazing thing about starting this particular thread is that it has given me so many different things to consider. Which is why I've been enjoying being a member of DPS... having so many potential resources to gain knowledge from.

[daddyoproductions]

Good first try...it is sometimes good to have them hold a prop, but it doesn't feel like the prop matches her classic portrait pose...and her skin is a little, okay a lot, George Hamiltonish.

[ressalg]

Originally Posted by daddyoproductions

Good first try...it is sometimes good to have them hold a prop, but it doesn't feel like the prop matches her classic portrait pose...and her skin is a little, okay a lot, George Hamiltonish.

I tried some new ones recently and have one processed out of that group. I'll be processing a couple more then I'll post those and see what people think. Thanks for your comments.

[Technical Tim]

i'd like to have a go at adjusting the image as i've just got a few tips on portraits from this month's digital camera mag

[ressalg]

Originally Posted by Technical Tim

i'd like to have a go at adjusting the image as i've just got a few tips on portraits from this month's digital camera mag

Be my guest, Tim. Let's see what you've got up your sleeve.

[Technical Tim]

Here is my effort using Elements,the workflow was as follows:

• duplicate layer
• add median noise filter(12) and gaussian blur(2)
• add levels adjustment layer and move below copy layer and clip to copy layer
• use black brush on mask and bring through eyes, mouth, hair, wine glass
• add new levels layer above copy layer and adjust shadows, mids and highlights
• use black brush on this layer to adjust tone of skin
• crop in

Hope this is of some use.

[ressalg]

Not bad, Tim. I feel there's something a little "off" about the face though. Kind of a borderline painted look to it. However, skin tone seems to be good. Perhaps going a little easier on some of the perameters would improve the overall look? Thanks for sharing.