First pp with Lightroom!

[Brookeabee123]

This is my first up close editing with Lightroom. Ignore the fact that this is a picture of me lol It's really the only one I had of a person up close.

This is the BEFORE


AFTER


As you can see I lightened the exposure of the picture. I then went through and softened it except for the eyes, lips, and a few key facial areas. After that I brightened the eyes by bringing more color and light into the brown and then making the whites a bit whiter. I also darkened the eyebrows and eyelashes. Finally just for fun I added a some color to the cheeks and lips.

My question is, did I go overboard? The picture itself isn't that great, I know, but I really want to find out is where that fine line is between needing more editing and having to much!

Camera Nikon D3100
Exposure 0.077 sec (1/13)
Aperture f/5.6
ISO 800
No Flash
Manual mode

[brianxlt]

With what you had to work with (image wise) I think you did a fine job.

[Brookeabee123]

Thank you! Yeah! I can't wait to try with a picture I actually like. This was one I snapped on the way out the door lol

[Tito87]

For your first time, I think you did quite well. Keep practicing!

[KongeTorsk]

Hi Brooke!

This looks nice for a first time, but since it's the critique thread I will say-I do notice a few whiter spots around the top lip and the line between the bottom lip and the chin. If I were you, I would try to get those out of there because the lighting feels a little unnatural. Monitors can be be tricky!

Other than that I like it. The eyes don't feel too over-processed. The softening isn't too much. Great job!

[Brookeabee123]

Thank you! But wow I didn't even notice that, but now that you mention it, how can I get rid of it? It is driving me crazy now!

[Bruce A]

I'm sorry I'm going to be blunt: it's way over done imo - her skin looks like porcelain. This looks like one of those overcooked, touched-up mag shots designed to take years off the model. You have done a credible job with your first Lightroom pp, but try to keep it within the realms of reality. Cheers!

[Brookeabee123]

Ouch! Lol I see where your coming from though! Perhaps the skin is a bit too soft. So I went back and made the skin a little less soft and took some color out of my cheeks and lips. I also darked the whites of the eyes just a bit. STILL couldn't figure out how to get rid of those white spots!



Better? A little more realistic?

[zona5101]

Yes, better and more realistic! keep shooting and working in LR - lots to master in that application...

[Brookeabee123]

Good! Well I'm glad I am a little closer to that middle ground of making someone look nice, but at the same time real! Lol I'll be sure to keep practicing though! Thanks for all the advice everyone! If you want to add anymore I would be more than happy to hear it!