"Gritty" B/W - What works or doesn't?

[SandeeWig]

Hi all! I'd like to know your thoughts on what works or doesn't work about this conversion and image. I know it's got some hot spots and her barrette and shoulder are blown, but other than that... what do you think? Is it too rough? Enough contrast? Would it be better if it were "softer"? Any and all comments appreciated.

1/160, f/5.6, ISO 200, 50mm

[SusanH1970]

I love me a moody black and white! I like the contrast. I think if she were smiling, it would need to be a lot softer, but her expression works well with the high contrast. Great focus and I love the light in her eyes. You already know about the hot spots/blown areas, and half the battle is being able to see your own goofs. Well done, Aimee.

[Wifey]

My first impression of this photo is that it is very striking! It captures a lot of emotion and those eyes are heartbreaking She is beautiful.

I kind of like the high-contrast, especially for what it does for her eyes. . .although I might think differently if I saw it a little softer or with some correction to the blown out highlights (I realize that may be next to impossible). Looking forward to seeing what the pros say on this one!

[SandeeWig]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

I love me a moody black and white! I like the contrast. I think if she were smiling, it would need to be a lot softer, but her expression works well with the high contrast. Great focus and I love the light in her eyes. You already know about the hot spots/blown areas, and half the battle is being able to see your own goofs. Well done, Aimee.

Thanks so much, Susan! Your input is invaluable to me. Her expression is exactly why I went w/ the b/w. Her attitude exudes out of her eyes in this one. lol!

Originally Posted by Wifey

My first impression of this photo is that it is very striking! It captures a lot of emotion and those eyes are heartbreaking She is beautiful.

I kind of like the high-contrast, especially for what it does for her eyes. . .although I might think differently if I saw it a little softer or with some correction to the blown out highlights (I realize that may be next to impossible). Looking forward to seeing what the pros say on this one!

Thanks so much Wifey. I just love her eyes; so intense for a 2 year old!

I do wish I had not blown out those parts in camera, not sure what I can do about that, but am open to suggestions if any one has some.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by SandeeWig

I do wish I had not blown out those parts in camera, not sure what I can do about that, but am open to suggestions if any one has some.

Did you shoot in RAW? You *might* be able to recover a little bit in ACR with the recovery slider.

[SandeeWig]

Yes, RAW all the way, and think I recovered what I could in ACR. Maybe I need to play more in PS and just mask out everything but those particular areas. Or cloning w/ low opacity maybe...afraid that would look fake tho.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by SandeeWig

Yes, RAW all the way, and think I recovered what I could in ACR. Maybe I need to play more in PS and just mask out everything but those particular areas. Or cloning w/ low opacity maybe...afraid that would look fake tho.

Eh, I'd just leave it then. I think any more work would be a PITA and obvious. It's not like the whole image is blown. It's a keeper.

[GadgetRick]

I really like it though I might soften the skin just a smidge--not too much though.

Not much you can do about the blown highlights and they're not distracting anyway.

[SandeeWig]

Personally I thought her eyes caught the attention enough to overlook the blown areas, but still, I realize it's flawed. I'll see if I can recover anything more in ACR, but it's not like it's being printed or anything...

Thanks again Susan!

[SandeeWig]

Thank you Rick. You read my mind about the skin softening, will give that a go as well. Thanks!

Originally Posted by GadgetRick

I really like it though I might soften the skin just a smidge--not too much though.

Not much you can do about the blown highlights and they're not distracting anyway.