Another Kick at the Self Portrait.. High contrast

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

10/04/2005 04:26:18 PM · #1

I know DPC is a bit more formal than the high contrast 'artsy' look, but IMHO, I really like that style. As a young struggling photographer I notice others' syle and wonder what is becoming of my own. I wonder, "Do people look at my photos and know right off the bat its ME>?" I hope so, or someday it could be so.... I know when I see a Joey L. or Shutterpug photo... bam, its them. Meh, comments?

res0m50r

Canon EOS-30D

10/04/2005 04:34:30 PM · #2

I love the approach, but I don't like that I can't see the detail in the left part of your face.

Give me some detail back in the left side and get rid of the thing over your left shoulder and i'd call it near perfect INMO

I have noticed these because they all have the same subject and style to them... (off to check your prof to see if its a common theme throughout)

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS

10/04/2005 04:50:42 PM · #3

Here, how is this?

mariomel

Canon EOS-5D

10/04/2005 04:50:52 PM · #4

I like high contrast stuff as well, but definitely find that the center of your face is completly blown out. As Joshua said, bring back the lost detail, and your on to something.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS

10/04/2005 04:52:11 PM · #5

How is the newer one? Better?

mariomel

Canon EOS-5D

10/04/2005 04:54:19 PM · #6

Originally posted by CalamitysMaster00:

Here, how is this?

This one is definitely not HC. Now we know that the detail is there to work with.

The contrast needs to be applied as you had in the first image, but keeping some detail in the center of your face. I don't think it can be done by a general contrast adjustment to the whole pic. It will have to be done selectively. Try creating a second layer with the HC image, then masking out where you want to keep the detail (your face).

Good luck.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

10/04/2005 04:57:34 PM · #7

aRG... WISHING I WAS A PS GURU....but I am not. :(

res0m50r

Canon EOS-30D

10/04/2005 04:59:14 PM · #8

I second mariomel suggestion... you have a good exposure to work with and I like the approach of the orignal shot...

Maybe a PS guru can come along and work with it because I am horrid at selective editing...

Hopefully someone will and post there steps so we can all learn.

Cutter

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

10/04/2005 05:00:25 PM · #9

Try achieving high contrast, without a blinding feel the first one had.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM

10/04/2005 05:03:35 PM · #10

awesome work... is yours soley on contrast? like the goat picture? how do you get such a clean background at a zoo?!

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

10/04/2005 05:05:19 PM · #11

Originally posted by mariomel:

It will have to be done selectively. Try creating a second layer with the HC image, then masking out where you want to keep the detail (your face).

Here's how it could probably be done *without* using a selection. (because someday you'll want to do this for an image using Basic Editing Rules)

Use the Shadow/Highlight adjustment in PhotoShop CS (or CS2) and adjust the highlight slider just a couple of notches to the right. A setting of only 1 or 2 may be all that is required to bring down the brightness of the brightest parts of the image to where you have sufficient detail in the final result.

Basically, the Shadow/Highlight filter is "selecting for you" either the shadows or the highlights and applying the adjustment. But I guess since you aren't the one doing it, it remains legal in Basic Editing.

Edit:
P.S. Don't forget to turn off (or minimize) the shadow settings. I think it defaults to shadow adjustment on, and highlight adjustment off.

Message edited by author 2005-10-04 17:06:37.

digitalknight

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

10/04/2005 05:05:54 PM · #12

here's my stab at it, starting with the low contrast second one you posted. If you are interested, I'd be glad to forward the PSD so you can see what I did.

Hope it's helpful.

res0m50r

Canon EOS-30D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

10/04/2005 05:06:44 PM · #13

nice rendition digital!

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS

10/04/2005 05:09:21 PM · #14

well, if you don't mind... I am taking my "new and improved pic" thanks sooooooooo much. I appreciate your time and tips!

mariomel

Canon EOS-5D

10/04/2005 05:10:25 PM · #15

Here's my quick and dirty attempt at a HC image using the layer and mask technique that I mentioned.

But, as mentioned, this would not be DPC legal for OPen challenges.

KarisMo

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 V USM

10/04/2005 05:13:28 PM · #16

I love this crop better, I feel it gets rid of distractions, and focuses the gaze on those gorgeous eyes, lips and hair, in that order.
score a 20 from me.