In the Water

[Chip]

Last weekend, we went to a spot called the "Inland Sea." It's a place where a tidal sea creeps into the desert for a bit. Lots of people go for the day, to have a picnic, drive up and down the dunes, swim, to camp overnight, etc.

I know I broke just about every rule with this photo: it was taken in the early afternoon, into the sun, harsh desert light, etc. But, when my 13-year old daughter actually asks to have her picture taken, what else can I do but press the shutter?

I used a CPL, spot metered and shot in RAW.

I've lightened her face up a fair amount. Should I lighten it a bit more? While her face was pretty red that day, is it too red in this photo? How distracting are the reflections?

Any tips/criticisms would be appreciated. Please don't be gentle.



Exposure 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 200 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias +1/3 EV

Thanks for looking.

[MrJones]

the reflections aren't distracting at all but her face looks like a lot of PP went into it.
can you post the SOC version?

[Chip]

Thanks. I have a lot to learn about processing, so any pointers/tips you can offer would be appreciated. Could easily have gone overboard, in hindsight.

Here's the SOOC version (converted to JPG). The larger version should be available on flickr.



Thanks again.

[Chip]

I had another try at some post work.

Is this version more natural? An improvement?

[Blabito]

nice job, good face, good contrast with the water

[yulchick]

deffenetly like your second edit over the first one, looks more natural

[MrJones]

Originally Posted by yulchick

deffenetly like your second edit over the first one, looks more natural

+1 on that

[Chip]

Thanks, everyone. She looks much more like my daughter in the 2nd photo.

I think I was under the influence of strong narcotics when I processed that first one.