Post Work on Hindu Holy Man?

[Chip]

This is a photo of this "sadhu" - a Hindu holy man.

It was a quick shot, taken on a vacation. No light modifiers, etc. were used to lift the shadows before pressing the shutter. So, his face ended up underexposed. Which I thought would be OK, since I could fix in post.

So, I'm most interested in your critiques on my post work. I lightened his skin and his irises, and sharpened his eyes a bit. Did I overdue any of this? Is there more I could do, either on these issues or or with anything else in the photo? No need to be gentle.

I have a hard time with portraits and am trying to improve.



Camera Nikon D90
Exposure 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias -2/3 EV
Flash No Flash

Thanks.

[anniehun]

To me it all looks fine, no over the top thing in it, nothing seems fake nor too much. Only, I would re-crop it a little so the man's figure won't be cut at the elbow level (a bit up would feel better ... more so to show the arms, but that can't be fixed I guess ... ). Hope I helped a little as it is a great portrait otherwise!

[Chip]

Thanks very much for the feedback, Annie. I took your advice on the crop, and like the results.