Hopewell HS senior Melissa in Brady's Run Park.
convert from RAW
USM
Crop
Velvia action (channel mixer adjustment)
hue/sat - reduce the red channel sat for skintones
resize to 640, USM again, save for web.
Statistics
Place: 184 out of 432 Avg (all users): 5.3684 Avg (commenters): 6.7273 Avg (participants): 5.4264 Avg (non-participants): 5.3139 Views since voting: 1806 Views during voting: 415 Votes: 266 Comments: 14 Favorites: 0
Overall, it's a pretty nice portrait. I know how it feels to get a way lower score than you expect, but if the client is happy it's OK, right?
The technical things that mk mentioned are true, and I wouldn't mind seeing a little more contrast and sharpness on the face. Maybe try a little smaller radius with USM, there are some small halo issues going on.
Also, expect to be scored based on the model when you enter portraits... it might not be your fault that the model's eyes seem to face different directions or that she's overweight, but people will score it lower if it annoys them.
You've done a nice job selecting a bg to get a good bokeh result. DOF used works out just right. Your title works as well with the bokeh giving the shot a dreamy kind of feel (with the subjects expression also of course). Good luck in the challenge.
Prof - After your post in the Black & White conversion thread I found this entry of yours right away. I was using a bit of sarcasm in the thread. Now I'm curious how you tried to hide it?
I'm not sure what makes you think this is a ribbon winner, exactly. It's a decent shot but there isn't anything especially stunning about it. There is bokeh but the dark black spot and the fact that the lighter spots are a similar but much brighter shade than her jacket both draw attention away from the subject so I'm not sure I'd consider it a strong addition to the photo. That, in addition to her shiny ring, make me look many places other than her face. Perhaps a stronger catchlight in the eyes would help draw attention to the proper place. Without the title, I'm not sure that I'd figure she was daydreaming - she looks more like she's less than interested in being there. I think it's a fine photo but lacking in anything that will pull it above the rest.
Very good portrait. One of the few that stand out after scanning the thumbnails for this challenge. Focus is spot on. Great title also if your model had been looking at the camera it would not have worked. Beautiful job. I like the colors, focus ,and crop/framing work. 10
Add photograph to your favorites
Add photographer to your favorites
Photographer found comment helpful.
