Just realized how cool photoshop is :D

[sheila3]

Canon Rebel EOS XS
exposure 1/80
aperture f/5.6
ISO 100
focal length 55mm
no flash
exposure mode manual

So this is my Chloa. She let me curl her hair so naturally it was an opportunity to practice my photography. Anyways the original was very underexposed. Sun was just up. Perhaps I should have upped the ISO to 200 and slower shutter speed? Perhaps used the flash? So that is first inquiry. Next I was brave and dabbled a bit with levels and the clone tool. Took out a window behind her. Obvious? And what about levels? Maybe a touch too red? Thanx for any critique and for looking! And picture aside was very excited by possibilities with photoshop!!

[MrJones]

actually you had a couple of options on getting the right exposure:
1. bumping up the ISO even to 400 or 800 would leave you with a great photo and a little noise.
2. opening up your aperture, you're using f/5.6. but I don't know which lens you were using so we'll leave that out of the equation.
3. lowering your shutter speed - again, I don't know if you're using Image stabilizer in your lens but if you do - you could have used a lower shutter speed.

as for the PP work:
1. I didn't realize there was a window behind her so good work on that.
2. if anything I think the photo is way too cool and blue. I would add some red and yellow.

hope you don't mind but I edited it a little, let me know if you want me to take it off.

[carlyfan]

This is a really great photo! The only thing I see off is the color balance, which Mr. Jones fixed nicely. Great job!

Lisa

[sheila3]

[QUOTE=MrJones;1101902]actually you had a couple of options on getting the right exposure:

Thanx so much MrJones. I always appreciate and value your advice. And no problem with the edit. You made the picture look awesome. Funny I didn't even realize the picture had a cool cast until I saw yours. Perhaps I'm a bit color blind.

[sheila3]

Originally Posted by carlyfan

This is a really great photo! The only thing I see off is the color balance, which Mr. Jones fixed nicely. Great job!

Lisa

Thanx Lisa! Appreciate the compliment. And Yes Mr. Jones did awesome

[jolley]

Sheila thats a nice photo of chloa.
I too have done some work on it, I went for slightly different skin tones
When ever I do any work in PS theres 2 things I do automatically ,I check and Adjust the levels, then I run the unsharp filter over it.
I did it in your photo and was Quite pleasantly surprised to see her eyes really come to life.
If i figure out how to attach it to your shot I,ll send it

[sheila3]

Originally Posted by jolley

Sheila thats a nice photo of chloa.
I too have done some work on it, I went for slightly different skin tones
When ever I do any work in PS theres 2 things I do automatically ,I check and Adjust the levels, then I run the unsharp filter over it.
I did it in your photo and was Quite pleasantly surprised to see her eyes really come to life.
If i figure out how to attach it to your shot I,ll send it

Thanx jolley! Appreciate the compliment and tips. I would love to see your edit. Thanx again!

[Photologyst]

Here is my corrected version of the photo of your beautiful daughter:



Adjusted skin tones to eliminate the blues, with some cloning. Highlighted hair. Brightened eyes and sharpened them.

[sheila3]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

Here is my corrected version of the photo of your beautiful daughter:



Adjusted skin tones to eliminate the blues, with some cloning. Highlighted hair. Brightened eyes and sharpened them.

Wow photologyst! As her mother I didn't think it was possible to make her more beautiful but you did it. Thanx so much! Looks awesome! Love what you did with her eyes!

[Photologyst]

Originally Posted by sheila3

Wow photologyst! As her mother I didn't think it was possible to make her more beautiful but you did it. Thanx so much! Looks awesome! Love what you did with her eyes!

Thanks, Sheila!

It's easy when you have beautiful starting material.

Tougher are plain people who squint or wear glasses.

Let us see your final process.

BTW—Have you checked out Katrin Eismann's books on retouching and restoration?

Photoshop Diva - Katrin Eismann