New model shoot - over exposed skin?

[ajax_andy]

I would appreciate some feedback on the following pic... The shot itself I dont think is over exposed... but the skin came out very white.

The model in question (my wife) was very fair skin, so i'm not sure if its just the way the light was shinning, or whether i've made an error in my exposure settings. I've tried to darken the skin which I think has worked a bit, but is her chest area still a bit over exposed and white?

Did I get the white balance settings wrong, and can that cause these types of problems?

For some strange reason Flickr isn't showing the Exif info so unfortunately I can't post it

[mikerob2334]

I wouldn't say overexposed, WB may be a little off. I have the same problem with my wife as a white sheet has more color than she does. Try a slight levels adjustment and see what you can get.

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by mikerob2334

I wouldn't say overexposed, WB may be a little off. I have the same problem with my wife as a white sheet has more color than she does. Try a slight levels adjustment and see what you can get.

Hi thanks for the feedback.

Yeah was wondering if I should have warmed it up a little in Adobe Bridge as think you're right about the WB.

I've done all sorts of Level & Curves but this was the best I could get it.

Might try a little Hue/Saturation to see if I can warm it up a little that way

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by ajax_andy

Might try a little Hue/Saturation to see if I can warm it up a little that way

Try a color balance layer, adding a bit of yellow. Great tool for skin tones.

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Try a color balance layer, adding a bit of yellow. Great tool for skin tones.

Hi Susan... thanks for that, would I do this in "highlights" or just all of them?

You gave me some very helpful feedback about my last pic, what do you think of this one as a whole ignoring the skin tone issue that I will hopefully fix with the colour balance layer?

[Rentham]

Really cool shot, and I like the overall cool tone... including the pale skin. For me, it works in this shot. I don't know that "correct" white balance is so important in these shots; it is more of a creative decision. If you want to warm her up but keep everything else cool you can try an easy move in Photoshop: apply a Photo Filter adjustment layer, pick one of the warming filters, apply a black mask to the adjustment layer, then just paint back in the portions of her skin you want to warm up.

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by Rentham

Really cool shot, and I like the overall cool tone... including the pale skin. For me, it works in this shot. I don't know that "correct" white balance is so important in these shots; it is more of a creative decision. If you want to warm her up but keep everything else cool you can try an easy move in Photoshop: apply a Photo Filter adjustment layer, pick one of the warming filters, apply a black mask to the adjustment layer, then just paint back in the portions of her skin you want to warm up.

Great tip and thanks for the feedback!

I'll give it a go tonight. I dont want to make her look like she's just stepped out of a tanning salon, but just want to make her a tad less white.

[Rentham]

I believe the Photo Filter adjustment layer has an option for amount or opacity. I forget the exact terminology in the dialog box. You can also paint with a lower opacity brush on your adjustment layer. Lots of control there.

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by Rentham

I believe the Photo Filter adjustment layer has an option for amount or opacity. I forget the exact terminology in the dialog box. You can also paint with a lower opacity brush on your adjustment layer. Lots of control there.

Excellent... sounds like it'll be pretty straightforward which is always good

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by ajax_andy

Hi Susan... thanks for that, would I do this in "highlights" or just all of them?

You gave me some very helpful feedback about my last pic, what do you think of this one as a whole ignoring the skin tone issue that I will hopefully fix with the colour balance layer?

I played with your image in CS2 and did a color balance layer of -11 yellow on midtones, and it looked great - just gave the tiny bit of warmth that it needed, IMHO. Took all of 3 seconds, lol.

The only other issues that stand out to me are the dead center composition and the busy background. Maybe try cropping it into a portrait orientation?

I like her pose, she looks quite ethereal.