High Contrast Mustache

[sunvalley23]

I took this image in the high-contrast portrait style. The main reason for the image was to document my friend's sweet mustache (it took him two weeks to grow this). I enjoy the contrast of his dark eyes and hair against the white background and his pale skin.

I am specifically looking for feedback on the high-contrast white technique, as well as any suggestions on more/less noise, more/less detail, etc.

Technical data is below the image.



aperture : f/5
shutter : 1/8
iso : 800
exposure : manually set
focus : manually set, focused on nose tip
processed in ACR and CS3

[CheaperKings]

I really like your idea here. Really. But, to me, this is one of them images that would rock in B&W.

[donciakas]

i sugguest you not more than 400 of ISO in such photos, while with more ISO you get more noise.

[eleanor06]

If your intentionally putting noise in a shot, I think it works best with B&W /Sepia shots. As for this shot...I agree with CheaperKings about converting it to B&W, it's really not popping to me. It's a good shot...just needs a touch of something, /\

[sunvalley23]

I'm hearing a call for a black and white try - so here we go!

Is it an improvement?

[zona5101]

the lighting is very flat and leaves the image less interesting.
It kinda has the feel of a mug shot...albeit a high key mug shot

[Surprised]

The black and white conversion works for me -- it looks great! I just wonder about a tighter crop, though, to add to the intensity? I wish I could grow that much of a 'tache in a fortnight though!

Surprised.

[outamyway]

I agree that the lighting is kind of flat, but I do like it much better in B&W.

2 weeks? Sheesh, if I shaved mine off before work, it would look like that by lunch! LOL

[sunvalley23]

Ha, yeah, he is a little lacking in facial hair growth!

My idea was to sort of make it look like a mug shot - what with that sweet mustache and all. So I guess I accomplished it! I myself like the amount of white around the face, but I can see how it'd also look good cropped even tighter.

Thanks for all the comments!