More Help And Advice Needed

[Phil]

This is a typical example of what I'm up against, having to use the on-board flash meant flat, harsh lighting.

 

I've spent hours now going through the images and trying to make the best of a bad lot, what I need now is a fresh pair of eyes and/or alternative ideas.

 

Original.

 

 

 

 

Darkened BG and skin reflections toned down.

 

 

 

 

And an attempt at a modern twist.

 

[Korky]

I'm no expert when it comes to this style of photography and the technicalities of flash have always eluded me, but...

 

These images look pretty good to me and it just struck me that you may be viewing them with an eye that's far too critical. Chances are that the subjects will be thrilled to bits with your shots and just won't view them critically.

 

Korky

[Guest]

personally I'd be happy with any one of those 3, I think Korky may be right you may be a little over critical  

[Phil]

Thanks both, I guess you could be right. I've spoken to my sister regarding the issue and she was totally clueless as to what I was talking about

I've sent her a couple of shots and, as you say, she was over the moon, but I can't help feeling they could be better 

[Guest]

you will always feel they could be better, its the way we are all programmed we all see the minor imperfections in our own work that others don't notice

[geodar]

yep, I kept looking at your pictures and was puzzled as to what you were after, they look ok to me.

the only comment I would make is the background, but I know you can't always help that.

geoff

[FUJI]

Hi, again Phil,

 

I've cropped your pic as I suggested above, the added gaussian blur removes the distracting background..... done a little more carefully to a RAW file would really work I think?

 

FUJI

[ChrisLumix]

I think Fuji's crop works very well (the only downside is losing a wee bit of context?). But I also think your second shot above, i.e. your first attempt to improve, works well.

[colinb]

Phil - bottom pic too harsh and the girl will probably dislike the shiny and to a young lady slightly sweaty look.

 

Fuji's edit - I think is spot on a really works, i might be tempted to clone some of the flash reflection girls cheek, forehead and edge of nose but I think his edit is the way to go.

[Heather]

i didnt have a problem with the subjects in your images Phil but the green balloon in the background on the right did keep drawing my eye. Fujis crop got rid of that and i like the slight gaussian blur that takes the background down a notch... think hes got it bang on really.

 

I do think your being overly critical on your pictures though tbh  

[Guest]

I like your #2 image and agree about cropping out the balloon.

[NannyFerret]

I think all three of your pictures look good, but as Annie said the green balloon did stand out a bit too much.

[Phil]

Completely agree with the crop.

 

Honest thoughts on this one please.

 

[Heather]

not for me too much vignetting 

[ChrisLumix]

Not so sure about that one. The girl's face looks a little like a clown's mask?

[FUJI]

Great PHIL......but with less emphasis on the lips and eyes.......just an overall, romantic softness whilst still remaining in focus.........

I can sympathise with you on this project, because I had a very similar task after being asked to be the photographer at my best mates 50th Wedding Anniversary.........I processed over 100 shots....asked him and his misses to choose the best.......they chose the lot......PLUS......all the duff ones;-)

It took ages and ages.

FUJI

[colinb]

Completely agree with the crop.

 

Honest thoughts on this one please.

 

1.jpg

 

 

not for me Phil, sorry just don't like the heavy vignette and how it has brought out the dark tones on the faces. Chris's comment about a clown mask has some truth to it. Have you though about a duo-tone? using a pink/red colour might add some warmth?

[Barbara]

From Original

Not sure if this works Cribbed from someone else

Duplicate

add a new fill layer-solid colour-white

changed layer to screen

Opacity 25%

Brushed out main subject or try just leaving layer at normal and adjusting opacity

[Phil]

Many thanks. I think I'm looking for something a little different from the norm just can't seem to find it

[Phil]

Posted almost at the same time

 

Yes, something like that

[Leon]

I like the first three images, as said let someone else judge your images and they will be happy.

[Creativesnaps]

Had a quick play with No2.  

I mainly toned the warm colours that were bouncing around.  

I did a colour balance to my taste, I highlighted the subjects to make them pop a little,  desaturated the orange doorway behind them a little, a couple of B&W layers the bottom one on a softlight layer the top on a normal and lowered the opacity on both to taste.  I selected a level adjustment and all i did with it was selected screen and inverted it and painted the girls eyes a little to brighten them.  finally added a crop to it.

The colour looks OK on my screen and also  if you decided you want to use the adjustments then you could tweak it to your taste.

 

 

 

[Phil]

Excellent CS, I do appreciate all help and advice.

 

Here's a couple more for opinions.

 

 

[Barbara]

It is always a personal choice, I like this Using Topaz B&W Filters

[ChrisLumix]

Had a quick play with No2.  

I mainly toned the warm colours that were bouncing around.  

I did a colour balance to my taste, I highlighted the subjects to make them pop a little,  desaturated the orange doorway behind them a little, a couple of B&W layers the bottom one on a softlight layer the top on a normal and lowered the opacity on both to taste.  I selected a level adjustment and all i did with it was selected screen and inverted it and painted the girls eyes a little to brighten them.  finally added a crop to it.

The colour looks OK on my screen and also  if you decided you want to use the adjustments then you could tweak it to your taste.

 

s2.jpg

 

 

That's a great edit. My only tweak would be to add just the tiniest smidgen of red and yellow, but that may simply be the difference between my screen calibration and yours.