Does this sombre look work?

[Bruce A]

I took this last year and played with it in PS to get the feel I was after - which was one of sombre reflectiveness I guess. I understand the skin tones are quite drastic, but this was part of getting the desired result while doing away with wrinkles and blemishes. There was a slight gaussian blur layer, some dodging and burning, levels adjustment in the HDR box and a couple of other tweaks while I was in there. My question is did I go way over the top to get this somewhat different look or does it work for you as it seems to for me. Clicking through to the larger flickr image may help your judgement. Thanks


Okay, this is the reworked iamge. Now it's not really quite what I intended, but I think it's the best I can do with this portrait within my processing limits at present. I'd certainly like to know your thoughts on Sombre look #2
Thanks


Sombre by banphotography, on Flickr

Camera Nikon D90
Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture f/4.5
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias -1 EV
Flash On, off camera
Exposure Program
Aperture-priority AE

[fais54]

Hey! I'm not entirely sure what type of look you were going for, but the editing isn't my cup of tea to be honest . I understand the 'sombre' look with the pose/expression and muted colors - that part works. But, I think the blur is a bit much, and I don't really understand it. I'll try to examine it a bit more to see how I feel about it later.

It's definitely unique, so it may just be me not getting it.

[Bruce A]

Oh - you may be getting it and not to your liking which is perfectly okay. On reflection, I think I've been looking at this too much and lost a bit of my own objectivity, because coming back to it, the image sort of hit me that, yes, it may well be too overdone. So I'll get a few more thoughts as well as yours and then I might get back to the original and start again. I know what I'm after but I'm no PS expert as yet - sadly. Thanks fo ryour honesty, that's what I want

[Barbara V]

You've created quite a moody photograph. To me it feels a little sad, like she is waiting for someone who is not showing up, and she knows it. There's a dream-like quality here.

[Bruce A]

Thanks for commenting Barbara, that was sort of what I was after, but I now have to agree with Fais in that I have ovedone the blurred skin etc. I'm going to rework this when I get the chance and hopefully I'll come up with something a bit more real yet still capturing my original intent.

[John Hendry]

Yip a bit over worked I think the eye contrast is to high in combination with the softing.

Looking forward to the new image.

All the best

[Bruce A]

Okay, thank you for all your comments, they're much appreciated. Please go back to the top to see the reworked image and my added message. Ta!