Advice on Post-production on a portrait

[bmjesus]

Hello,

I posted this portrait to another site (1x.com) but was rejected without any explicit reason. What I would like to get here is some useful advice on how you think that this portrait can be improved, i.e. more contrast, less contrast, etc...

I would be very thankful to anyone that takes time to comment the photo.




Thanks in advance,
Bruno

Exif data:
Horizontal Resolution: 72 dpi
Vertical Resolution: 72 dpi
Image Created: 2010:06:24 19:56:13
Exposure Time: 1/400 sec
F-Number: f/6.3
Exposure Program: Aperture Priority
ISO Speed Rating: 200
Lens Aperture: f/6.3
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Subject Distance: 1.50 m

[Kate Howells]

Hi Bruno

I like the composition of the image. I feel there is too much contrast. There are areas where you have blown highlights, and areas where you have lost detail in the black areas.
It also looks like the image has been over sharpened.
I like the detail in the skin (wrinkles), and the catchlights in his eyes.

[LeeR]

I am inclined to agree with Kate in that there appear to be some blown out areas and its a bit over sharpened. However, aside from that, this appears to be of a quality that would make it a good candidate for the 1x.com site.

[photofe804]

I am very much an amateur, but wanted to say I really like this shot! The black and white works great with this subject, and the detail in his face seems to allude to the experience of a long, well lived life. I did think that the white of his beard with the black of his shirt creates a strong contrast that is a little distracting. I would also have liked to see the rest of his head and hair, but that may just be my preference. I still love the shot and the composition, and although I am not familiar with 1x.com it is a mystery to my how they could reject a picture like this.

[bmjesus]

Hi guys,

Thanks for your input. In fact, no pixel is completely blown out, they're right at the edge of the histogram but they're still there ;-) Also, I deliberately went for the high contrast image since that's the way I imagine this portrait in my head. Nevertheless, I've had some negative reactions to this "look" in the past, so maybe I'm really going too far in my post-production procedures. Would you prefer something like this one?




The EXIF data is the same as above.

Again, thank you so much for your opinions!!
Bruno

[Kate Howells]

Bruno, my advice would be not to rely too heavily on other peoples opinions. Accept valuable advice, and use what you need to, but at the end of the day, photography is all about individual style. Many great photographers have a unique style by which they can be identified.
When you take an image, you will more than likely have an idea, or visualize the shot you are looking for. Know the rules, and know when it is ok to break them. Photography, just like art, is very much about personal taste, what works for some doesn't work for others.

I like what you have done with the image. Keep shooting... we want to see more

[Pitrih]

i really like the bronze :P look on the skin in the first photo, the beard is what is bugging me (it's to sharp!).

[bmjesus]

Pitrih, I see what you mean about the beard but I'm not sure what to do about it. I'm not doing any special sharpening there and it looks ok in Lightroom. It must be the sharpening in the output file. I'll see if I can smooth the beard a bit more. Thanks for the tip.

[denskii05]

I agree with Kate, Bruno. I think your work is really owesome! Photographers have different personality and eye on visualising compositions and that made them original from everyone.


Although comments and feedback make you grow, but embrace that passion and for sure you'll be on good track.

Enjoy shooting and enjoy sharing your art.

[sk66]

Both are fine, depending upon your intended feel... I might prefer a tighter or looser crop (with the rest of his hair).