That bleached look

[Stryker]

I was looking for some bleach actions and came across this page on the Creative Pro site, which listed something very much like the look I wanted. I applied it to a bunch of photos and this one seems to have turned out good:

From Collection

EXIF:
Shutter: 1/60 sec
Aperture: f/5.3
ISO: 200
Focal length: 70mm

This is my wife holding my nephew (as JiminyClickit was mentioning the other day "How he has grown!") and after the bleach effect, I sharpened the eyes a little to make them stand out. I have also cropped the photo to the left, since there was more of that blown out glass door in the background. Do you guys think the effect suits the photo?

[windrider86]

I dont know why no one has commented. I personally like the effect you did. It makes a very strong statement. One thing I might suggest tho is a closer crop. Get rid of some of the dead space behind her head

[Stryker]

Ah, thanks, windrider86. I had given up on the thread, hence the late reply. For the crop, I am always confused as to whether it is okay to crop part of the head or if I should retain it in entirety.



Do you think this looks better or should it be even tighter?

[Chiwalatta]

Hi Stryker,

I really like the bleached look and it definitely suits this image. Glad you posted this thread as I have been wondering how this type of look was achieved, I now need to apply this process to images of mine!

As for cropping the into the head, I would compare it before and after and see what my gut feeling was. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but at the end of the day, its down to your personal preference.

Personally I think the cropped is tight enough and is better than the original... Great image.

Chiwalatta

[windrider86]

I've always struggled with that very same option. Is it ok to crop off part of a persons head.? I still have a hard time doing it but in the end, it is all all inthe eye of the beholder.
I personally like the cropped version better!

[Stryker]

Originally Posted by Chiwalatta

Glad you posted this thread as I have been wondering how this type of look was achieved, I now need to apply this process to images of mine!

Thanks, Chiwalatta. Good to know you like the image. I came across that page while looking for different post processing effects, glad to share it with you.

Originally Posted by windrider86

I've always struggled with that very same option. Is it ok to crop off part of a persons head.? I still have a hard time doing it but in the end, it is all all inthe eye of the beholder.
I personally like the cropped version better!

OK, so better photographers than me have the same problem! That is heartening to know I agree with both you and Chiwalatta about it being in the eye of the beholder, I actually tried a closer crop but didn't like the result.