No-Face Portrait

[HillHavenStudio]

I did a shoot with two children the other day, and the mom was really excited because she wanted them bare foot. So, I thought that since that was something she was looking forward to in the pictures that I would take some of just their feet and legs. This is my favorite one. I made it black and white and upped the contrast a little. I also touched up some nasty bruises and cuts on their legs. I'd like critique on color and composition. Also, I am not sure if I would have rather left some of the bruises. What do you think? Any general critique on any part of the picture is welcome!

Shutter: 1/160
F-Stop: 4.5
ISO:100
Focal Length:100 mm
Camera: Canon Rebel XTi

[bmayfield]

I like it, but I would have left at least some of the bumps and bruises. I think it would provide more "kid" feeling and emotion. Also, did you do a lot of work on the leg on the left edge? Not sure if that is shadow or if you can see where you cloned out bruises. Otherwise I think it is nice, I like the composition

[SusanH1970]

I love these types of shots - I keep meaning to get some of my own kids! Clients seem to love them, too!

Your BW conversion is looking a tad muddy. I think if you bring the midtones up a touch you'll be good. Also, try to avoid cropping at a joint - is this an in-camera crop or did you crop in post? Mid-thigh would have been a bit better to crop at - the bits of their clothing showing is a little distracting.

As for the bruises, etc., I always ask the parents if they want me to leave them or take them out. I actually had one client that had asked me to take a scar off her son's face, but after seeing the proofs without the scar, asked me to leave it because it "didn't look like him". Glad I'd kept the original RAW files untouched.

Looking forward to seeing more from you.

[HillHavenStudio]

I'm not sure what the line is, I think it is a shadow, because I didn't have any bruises there to cover up.

Susan, I went ahead and covered the bruises and cuts because the mom was complaining about them that day. I personally thought they were a little endearing and adding to the story of the picture, so I saved a copy for myself with the bruises. That was an in camera crop, and the week after I took that pic I was told never to crop at a joint by my photography teacher- a lesson well learned now!
Thanks for the critique on the color, I love B&W and want to be able to do it justice. I am currently working off of an older version of Photoshop Elements and still haven't learned it completely, but I am trudging through!
Oh, and I am also looking forward to hearing more from you!

[SusanH1970]

Try opening levels in Elements and sliding the middle slider to the left until the skin doesn't look so grey - quick and easy way to bring up the midtones in Elements.

Between your schooling and posting here for critique, you'll get there! You definitely have an eye. Happy shooting!

[Loose_Canon]

Very nice - great idea, but leave the bruises. NO kid has baby smooth legs.

[DawnBrandon]

I guess it's realy up to you and the mom but I wouldve left some bruises cause you can still see them a bit! but great photo thanks for sharing

[suhail_dps]

love the idea n the outcome .. just my two cents .. crop tighter to remove clothes peeking from top and as everybody else said bruises, kids aren't sober they are naughty n that should come across

thnx for shaing the wonderfull pic