Self Portrait - Too Much Postprocessing?

[reidgilman]

Hello. I took this shot in our garden today with the camera mounted on a tripod and a Canon 430EX to camera right bounced into an umbrella. It was an overcast day, so lighting was easier than it has been in the past. Anyways, I spent some with this shot in Photoshop removing blemishes, softening my skin, and making some other small adjustments. Does it look too processed? I'm still getting the hang of PS, so please let me know what you think.

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 100

[corry]

for my eye it doesn't look overdone......your skin seems real and your features too.....not fair you have such great teeth though (at least the ones showing) haha. well done.

[CmoodZ]

ya, I second that, you do have nice teeth. To me it doesn't look like you did anything in photoshop. I am curious to see the original though. Nice tone, nice color and I like the crop.

[reidgilman]

Thanks for your feedback. Here's the original and the edited version -- side by side.

Unedited	Edited

Don't be too jealous of the teeth. I spent three years in braces for those.

[The Bing]

Nice edit! You did just enough to keep it believable!

Send my compliments to your dentist.

[dlaf]

It's a nice shot and I think you did a great job of editing!

[bagofscraps]

I'm going to run and hide after I've written this ... I prefer the unedited one. As soon as I saw the edited one it looke to me like the skin had been smoothed. It's probably just me, but I like to see people as they are and never like the perfected versions of people. It stops it being a portrait as it doesn't truly represent the person.

*runs to hide behind the settee*

[Loose_Canon]

Originally Posted by bagofscraps

I'm going to run and hide after I've written this ... I prefer the unedited one. As soon as I saw the edited one it looke to me like the skin had been smoothed. It's probably just me, but I like to see people as they are and never like the perfected versions of people. It stops it being a portrait as it doesn't truly represent the person.
*runs to hide behind the settee*

Well, I like the unedited version better also. It looks more manly. I'd leave the soft glowing skin to the female models and children. If you have some temporary blemishes, remove them, but keep the permanent marks that are part of your identity.

I heard of a portrait photog who once shot a man with many moles on his face. The photog removed them all and the man was furious.

So, how to people see and remember you - blemish free or a little shop worn?

[Mrs.Anthony337]

I like the 'natural' one better, too- but I may be alone on this- but the photo starting right down the center of the face bugs me a bit...