Best one I've taken so far... maybe

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

06/12/2007 10:20:08 AM · #1

so this is one of the best pics I've popped off lately. I think it's great, but i'm sure it could be improved on... any suggestions.

tate

Apple iPhone 15 Pro

06/12/2007 10:23:51 AM · #2

The colors and textures are great. Uniting humans with nature makes for good subject. The shadows are very strong and I'm guessing that's in the processing. Are you looking for feedback on the camera end or the processing? Edit to say: Either way, seeing the original can also help.

Message edited by author 2007-06-12 10:25:46.

Dirt_Diver

Nikon D3s

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

06/12/2007 10:39:33 AM · #3

I think that the exposure is too low. Try lightning up the trees some. I think they blend too much together with the model. Create a mask and paint the model with black to keep her contrast but surely make the background lighter.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

06/12/2007 11:50:12 AM · #4

Not home so i'll put the unedited up later... but I though the heaver shadows (and at that time of day they were strong anyway) added to the drama of the shot.

Message edited by author 2007-06-12 11:51:18.

soup

Canon EOS-30D

06/12/2007 11:57:21 AM · #5

if you've got a curves adjustment layer, try setting the blending mode to luminosity, and they the opacity to around 75%.

Jewelly

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

06/12/2007 12:06:35 PM · #6

I agree, it seems a little heavy. Nice pose too, but her bright pink bra is really quite distracting as a portrait.

digitalknight

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

06/12/2007 12:16:24 PM · #7

in the video world we refer to what you've done here as "crushing the blacks" - taking a big chunk of your histogram all the way to black.

This can be an effective tool for steering the attention of the viewer to you subject - I would look at masking the adjustment layers with the "crushing" effect in them to lighten up some of the area around your model and your model.

I find that once I have a look that I like, I need to back it off about 60% or more before I show the client - that has spilled over into my photography too.

The composition and the model are working well - I can see being pleased with this shot in your portfolio - I just think a lighter hand on the processing would serve you well.

wavelength

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

06/12/2007 12:30:41 PM · #8

Originally posted by Jewelly:

I agree, it seems a little heavy. Nice pose too, but her bright pink bra is really quite distracting as a portrait.

My wife has that pet peeve too.

The processing is a bit heavy, especially for DPC. Mind if I try an edit?

kiwiness

Canon Canon 1d x Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

06/12/2007 12:49:50 PM · #9

I agree the pose is good. But, you have lost too much detail drowning in the shadows. The whole shirt and areas of the hair have RGB values of "0". The blackest point in images should be at least 5% lighter than total blackout and ideally neutralised at about R=12 G=12 B=12. The skin tones also have a slight blue cast to them. The blue value is higher than the green value in the skin tones of your image. Ideally the blue tones in the skin should be one half lower than the amount that green is lower than red.

MonicaJames

Nikon D200

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

06/12/2007 12:53:52 PM · #10

Originally posted by kiwiness:

WOW, that is very technical. I am really impressed. That's why your pictures are so great. ^_^

I agree with the shadows and the pink bra. ^_^

Message edited by author 2007-06-12 12:54:27.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

06/12/2007 01:03:31 PM · #11

edit away

Originally posted by wavelength:

Originally posted by Jewelly:
I agree, it seems a little heavy. Nice pose too, but her bright pink bra is really quite distracting as a portrait.

My wife has that pet peeve too.

The processing is a bit heavy, especially for DPC. Mind if I try an edit?

Jason_Cross

Nikon D50

06/12/2007 01:18:49 PM · #12

I might consider desating or selectively desating it a bit to sort of naturalize her skin tone... Great job, congrats on the nice picture.