Is this Card Worthy?

[fbroschart]

I'm trying to get a decent shot for our Xmas card this year. We just moved to San Diego, so I am going to try and make a post card style card, ala "Greetings from San Diego" Do you think this image is good enough. I'm a bit bummed about her eyes being a bit dark, my reflector got ruined in the move and I haven't replaced it. Can the eyes be saved in PP or should I just do it over again?? My daughter gets so distracted at the beach because she loves to play, maybe I'll have to bribe her if we do it over again. Any other thoughts on the the composition would be helpful as well. THANKS!!



Camera: Nikon D50
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/180)
Aperture: f/9.5
Focal Length: 24 mm
ISO Speed: 200

[CodyJefferies]

I think that is an awesome idea for a greeting card..... I agree with you about the dark eyes.... I would recommend trying to brighten up that area. I just got into photography, so I have no clue if photoshop would be a good fix. Great work and creative idea!!!!

I miss california

[Footski]

A really good shot, but as you say, the eyes are a bit dark. I would use Photoshop to try to brighten up the strong shadows of the image. If it works, then i think it will make a great Xmas card.

[Chip]

I agree with the above 2 posters!

Also, is this tilted down on the left, or are my eyes playing tricks on me?

[naeno]

Cute idea!

The horizon is a bit tilted, and the arm going across her body looks uncomfortable.

For her face/eyes, you can try the following trick. Create a new transparent layer. Use your paintbrush to paint white over the shadowed area. Do a very large Gaussian blur (around 200-300) on the painted layer. Then, either reduce the opacity of the painted layer or change the layer mode to overlay. You'll probably still need to dodge the eyes a bit to bring them out.

[fbroschart]

Thanks for the input guys, I'll try the eye brightening technique and see how it works. I think the horizon may be a bit off, but I can straighten that. I was trying to keep the reflection in the shot. I agree about the hand as well, she did have it at a funny angle. If we get good weather next weekend I may try it again. Glad to hear you guys like the idea!

[denja]

As others have said, I think that this is a marvelous idea. I played with the image and did some selective dodging with mixed results. Because of the filtered light causing the shadows, both burning and dodging are necessary, and it is very difficult to balance them. I think I would try a reshoot, besides, I'm sure your daughter would enjoy it! You may want to try a fill flash as opposed to a reflector also. Great job!

Jim

[irishmuth]

Love both the idea and the shot, but agree that some PP needs to be done, so I took a stab at making some of the edits:

Brightened up her face and her reflection in the water

Added some saturation and contrast to the skyline

Gave the water a color balance (I thought the dark coloring made it look like she was sitting in a lake as opposed to the ocean in sunny San Diego).

Cropped it a bit tighter because I think you need to be able to see more of your daughter for a Christmas card that's about family.

Lastly, IF you decide to reshoot, I would do away with the sand on her legs - it was distracting to me and seemed more SI swimsuit cover as opposed to family Christmas card.

[fbroschart]

Wow nice edit, don't know if I can duplicate it, but I appreciate your effort. We may try a reshoot this weekend, I have a couple of other pose ideas. That's funny you mentioned the SI thing, that's kind of what I was thinking, but she thinks she is a glamour queen anyway and she starts rolling in the sand as soon as we get there!! I'll use my fill flash next time as well.

Thanks again everyone!

This is our first stab at the card, we are going for a vintage feel, but I think it looks a bit dark, what do you guys think? We used one of the other shots, but her eyes are kind of squinty on this one, but at least they are not shaded.

[denja]

That is a great edit by irishmuth, and I like the layout of your proposed card. I also agree about the SI thing with the sand on the legs. IMO. I think the reshoot idea using all of the suggestions might be the best approach. I have especially enjoyed this exchange, because it has truly brought out what I think is the original intention of this blog. My best to everyone!

Jim