Window to the Soul

[Loving It]

My daughter was all dolled up for her dance recital and I couldn't resist getting a few shots before we left. I have been goofing around with post processing a bit. Here are my questions. Are the whites of her eyes too white? I have noticed that the smaller the image, the whiter they look. Here is a link to a large version.Does her skin look real or plastic?
Thanks for looking.


Canon Rebel Xsi
Exposure: 1/20
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 45mm
ISO: 400

[cphoniball]

I think her eyes are just a tad too white, and her skin a tad too blurred. Since you left the eyes and lips intact you can easily see the difference between them which draws more attention to it...

It does look nice and dreamy though.

[Trader]

The composition is excellent, I love the pose. I don't think the skin tones are over processed or plastic. The eyes would not be too white if there were some gradiants in them or even a hint of vessels. With them being just pure stark white it makes them look slightly fake. If you would have taken the original eyes and use the dodge tool it would bring out the white but also leave the effects that make them look realistic. Hope that helps.

[Bellalilyphoto]

You could also just paint the white in a separate layer right next to the iris then take the opacity down to about 10%...that way you still have the round shape to the eyes. If it is all one color it looses the shape. I love the photo though. Great composition and beautiful daughter!

[gdowden70]

I looked at the larger version and it looks better to me than the smaller version. The eyes still have their roundness and they still have some imperfections to let you know they are real. I think you did an excellent job with what you were trying to do. Way to go! I should be so lucky to take a shot like this.

[Loving It]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your input.

[Azeiku]

For those of us trying to learn. What type of post processing did you do? Did you touch up her eyes and use an unsharp mask? I'm new to all of this and I'm looking to get better. Looks like you are doing quite well already. ;-) Great pic!

Azeiku

[GeorgiaPeach]

I don't think her skin looks plastic and personally like the soft, ethereal quality for that particular shot. Lovely! I do agree with the others about her eyes, though.

[ricklumpas]

This is a perfectly composed and exposed shot. I like it. The perspective is also great. But I think you over did the PP on her eyes.

I see no problem with her skin.

Congrats.

[Loving It]

Thanks All.
This smaller picture really isn't helping. When I view it from My pictures, it fills the screen. The skin looks more natural and you can see lines in the whites of her eyes. I guess the best way to view it is through the flickr link and size large.