making blacks blacker

[harrysixtie7]

The blacks in this entire series of photos came out brownish, this one is probably the blackest of them all. What can I do to make the brown into a pure black. Is this where dodge and burn comes in? I have CS3 and aperture, what can I do?

EDIT: I adjusted the black point and got a better background, but the shirt could use some work HERE

[kencaleno]

Something like this, for example? Regards, Ken

[JGennuso]

I would like to say that I think this is an absolutely beautiful photo! The baby is just adorable! And the way he/she is looking up is just priceless. Cute daddy too.
The edited one looks great. Nice job.

[harrysixtie7]

Thank you, I was really happy when I saw that picture on my computer. I think it was just the look they were wanting.

[OsmosisStudios]

There are different values for "black". Google up some information on Graphic Designers Black. It varies depending on the use.

In this case, however, there are a few ways of fixing it. For one, the black may be coming out brown because of a white balance issue (it's a bit warm). Following that, there are several ways of adjusting the colours using curves and levels.

[SusanH1970]

Honestly....I clicked on it and viewed it large on your Flickr. I would NOT make Dad's shirt any darker. It might make it look like "floating heads".

This is an amazing portrait. As is. The lighting on baby and Dad is fabulous - my eyes go straight to their faces. The bit of texture and slight color difference of dad's shirt make it realistic, without taking away.

The edit done previously takes away from the faces, IMHO - makes me look at Dad's shirt, not his and baby's face.

Don't change a thing. Or.....do a dodge and burn on Dad's and baby's eyes. Very slight....just to brighten a wee bit. If you want to see what I mean, I'd be happy to play around, let me know first.

[harrysixtie7]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Honestly....I clicked on it and viewed it large on your Flickr. I would NOT make Dad's shirt any darker. It might make it look like "floating heads".

This is an amazing portrait. As is. The lighting on baby and Dad is fabulous - my eyes go straight to their faces. The bit of texture and slight color difference of dad's shirt make it realistic, without taking away.

The edit done previously takes away from the faces, IMHO - makes me look at Dad's shirt, not his and baby's face.

Don't change a thing. Or.....do a dodge and burn on Dad's and baby's eyes. Very slight....just to brighten a wee bit. If you want to see what I mean, I'd be happy to play around, let me know first.

Thank you Susan, that would be great if you could throw together a quick dodge and burn. So do you think the darker blacks in the linked version are better or worse? I need to crack open photoshop and start playing around, there are just so many other things on my plate. Any suggestions are warmly welcome.