ALL THAT JAZZ

[FUJI]

This busker is a regular in our shopping Precinct, he plays mainly Jazz and Blues in his own style...very pleasant listening.

I have used a mixture of Silver Efex and my own Curves on flattened layers for the processing.

Comments Welcome:

FUJI 

[FUJI]

I'm going to kick this back into play....

FUJI

[kev7d]

I have looked at this one a lot. I am liking the composition but I am slightly at odds with the finish of the image. I am not sure why.

[Craftysnapper]

I love the gritty processing on the guy and the detail it has brought out on him and his jacket BUT all that processing has also been applied to the background and that pebble dash background is way to prominent and competes with  the subject.

With images like this I usually do clarity sharpening etc on sepeaate layers and erase them from the background using a layer mask.

[FUJI]

Thank you both....just the feedback I wanted...

'I am new to using NIK and Silver Effex, after using TOPAZ ......Since posting this I have got the hang of how to get best results in mono for my style.

I love the jacket figure and instrument, as is.....but will return to the shot to soften the pebble dash......

'very many thanks 

FUJI

[Korky]

I think Paul has got it spot-on.

It'll be interesting to see your edit.

Korky

[ChrisLumix]

I don't think it's the pebbledash on its own that's not quite right - it's the shadowed edge of wall where the recess begins that forms part of the background right where you don't want it. I might have been tempted to use the clone tool to make the background even in tone and texture.

[FUJI]

Yes.....I can see what you mean too Chris....

Strangely, this seems to be one of those shots.....

Three different observations here......nothing but positive comments on another forum....then today, because I was a bit befuddled....my ex pro mate a comp judge likes it as it is as a Street Photo......he says it isn't a studio shot.

I can undersand each pint of view now....I will edit to a plain white background to see what happens.

FUJI