B&W portrait

[Garett G]

Hello everyone,

Since is my first time here I would like to Salute all of you beginners and pro.
I am a very much beginner.
This is my first B&W attempt.
I will post the link with the original photo:
and the one B&W done in Lightroom ( first time playing in Lightroom also).

Exif data:
Canon T1i
F-stop: f/4
Exposure time: 1/250sec.
ISO speed: ISO-640
Focal length: 200mm
Lens: EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM

For the original photo I wonder what am I doing wrong: its a fade photo.
For the B&W I don't have any experience so any critique/comment is expected.

Thank you all for your time!!!
5951953322_7b9731c428_b.jpg - original photo

5953146558_0e0673a3f3_b.jpg - B&W photo

[nmajmani]

Your original photo is lacking in pop and impact, and this is mainly because it has a flat look to it. My suggestion would be playing around with contrast and levels to bring out definition. Also some colour saturation adjustments would probably help. In addition, one thing that bothers me is the soft focus of the profile edge of the subjects face. Perhaps try increasing your F stop to help bring this into focus.

As for your black and white conversion, definitely a marked improvement. The black levels are rich and inky, which is good. Personally, I like the black and white shot.

Hope that's helpful.

[Garett G]

I did play with the original photo and made some adjustments, but I wasn't sure if I'm allowed to post another link for it. Well here it is.
One mention: the subject has no idea of being shooting, he was a taxi driver stopped at the traffic light.
I did notice the soft focus of the profile edge of the subjects face but I didn't know how to correct it or if its possible to correct it.

Thank you very much nmajmani for your comments and for your time.

[Sana_Ibrahim]

hiii, i am a beginner photographer. just started taking up photography.
this is my first time to submit my work here.
i was trying to take a nice photo of my niece in my brothers room, with back lighting. i wanted to basically capture her innocence and beauty as a child.
i tried and did what i could.
would love you pro's to critique my work.

[Bruce A]

I like the B&W version also, but the halo around the nose distracts me.

[windrider86]

Much easier for us to critique if the actual image is posted here for us!

[Garett G]

Is there a way to get rid of that halo around the nose?


Thanks!