My Boys - Tan?

[clicktakeapic]

I posted this in the wrong place last night so I'm trying again. I removed the background with CS5. I cropped the picture a little bit. It was my first time really having them ever pose. I like the picture but everyone (except the slimy one) looks tan. My son does have a slight tan but it looks like they have been on a beach baking. UPDATE - So now I'm looking at this on a different computer and it doesn't look as badly tan. I am looking for critique regarding the picture in general and any feedback about making them less tan. I adjusted some of the levels but none of them really looked right.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62161046@N03/5656829861/

Camera Nikon D60
Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture f/3.5
Focal Length 18 mm
ISO Speed 200

[wulf]

It would be better to include the picture in the post - see the FAQ for how to do that from Flickr.

Was it taken with onboard flash? I suspect you might have been too close and thus the light drops off too quickly, creating a tan effect.

Wulf

[clicktakeapic]

It was with the onboard flash (aka my enemy). I took the picture on our stairs and had a few regular lights on but they were weak. I played around with the picture in Lightroom. I don't know. I really dread trying to figure out if I have the right skin colors. I usually look at my kids and then the computer and really question it. I don't know a lot about making adjustments online.....

The original I posted[IMG][/IMG]

After changing it in Lightroom

[wulf]

I think you have gone too far with the after version and it looks very overexposed; part of the problem may be that your monitor is too dark and needs some calibration.

What you can do to compensate for the drop-off effect that comes with the flash (things near it are noticeably lighter than things further away) is to create a lighter version and then blend the two together with a graduated mask.

That's probably too many things coming at you at once, so feel free to ask questions to unpack some more.

Wulf