ISO fixed? too soft?

[tasmo2]

Ok I fixed the ISO on the photo by running it though a topaz denoise filter. Does this look better? But is it too soft now? Now that the noise is fixed is there any other suggestions regarding composition, color, etc..?

Exposure 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture f/1.8
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 1000

For anyone who didn't see the previous post, I know that there was no reason to have an ISO of 1000, I was just testing out the high ISO capabilities of my camera. LOL I have always stayed away from 400 + out of fear, so I figured it was time to test it out. Of course, this was the time that my son decided to give me the cutest expression and no cheesy smile, which is what I usually get.. LOL

[MKlem]

well I didn't see the original with the noise, but I like the softness of the photo. His eyes seem to be sharp, so I think its fine! Lovely shot!

[DEBBIE BROCK]

I love the eyes.....nice and sharp.

[Thunder_o_b]

As with many shots, the eyes if they are sharp give you great latitude with the rest of the picture. Personally I like this shot, your angle and the tilt of the subjects head are engaging. I'm glad that you tried Topaz, used judiciously, it can be a great asset.

[Indigo November]

Well, I looked at the original and I noticed that someone in that thread did a little fix of it, presumably with the same program you used. I would have to say that I liked their fix better. It is all over a bit sharper than yours. That said, this is an amazingly adorably photo, and you can't go wrong with any of the versions, even the noisy one doesn't look bad!

[carlyfan]

I think I would be in the camp of a tad too soft now. The eyes are still super sharp, but his lips and the areas around his mouth are now softer and almost don't seem to match his eyes. Like if his face is that soft then his eyes shouldn't be that sharp. (If that made any sense) Did you apply denoise to everything except his eyes? Don't worry too much about it though. It's so nitpicky I almost didn't even mention it. I still love the photo though! Color and contrast look great. Nice job!

Lisa

[RLucas]

Allison, I remember the first one you posted, and didn't really have a problem with the noise at all. In fact, I quite liked it. This one does look a little softer than the original. For me, most of the Topaz adjustments I have seen do weird things to skin. It's no different for me in this case. His skin is just too smooth. Don't get me wrong, it is a great shot, and the sharpness is there where it counts, but you have to remember that noise reduction and sharpening work against each other. For me, the best workflow has been to do all NR first, before any other adjustments are made. That way when you sharpen, there is less noise there to begin with. If you use PS, use high pass. It keeps all the even tones out of the sharpening operation.
Don't be afraid to crank the ISO up. I am still using a crappy D70, and constantly use ISO1600, and don't have any problems. Of course, it may just be a taste thing for me, but I don't mind a little "grain".

[Thunder_o_b]

Originally Posted by RLucas

Allison, I remember the first one you posted, and didn't really have a problem with the noise at all. In fact, I quite liked it. This one does look a little softer than the original. For me, most of the Topaz adjustments I have seen do weird things to skin. It's no different for me in this case. His skin is just too smooth. Don't get me wrong, it is a great shot, and the sharpness is there where it counts, but you have to remember that noise reduction and sharpening work against each other. For me, the best workflow has been to do all NR first, before any other adjustments are made. That way when you sharpen, there is less noise there to begin with. If you use PS, use high pass. It keeps all the even tones out of the sharpening operation.
Don't be afraid to crank the ISO up. I am still using a crappy D70, and constantly use ISO1600, and don't have any problems. Of course, it may just be a taste thing for me, but I don't mind a little "grain".

The biggest problem with Topaz is learning where the "line" is, as it is vastly adjustable when you do not use the Pe-sets.

And I'm with you 100%, do the NR first before you do anything else, and then revisit it when you are done for a touch up. And I run above 1000 iso often.

Me, I'm a grain/noise killer can't stand it. (unless it is an artistic interpretation shot) so I spend a fair amount of time with Topaz

[sk66]

Very nice shot...IMO it's a bit too "plastic" looking if being particular...

[diedravitale]

His eyes are beautiful! I love the shot!!!