Outdoor Urban Portrait

[DarrenC]

 

I'd appreciate any feedback on this. I think I caught the mood  . I'm mainly interested in opinions on the processing because that's where I'm trying to learn at the moment. Thanks!

[FUJI]

Hi, DarrenC

Good to see you posting......

By a sheer coincidence I shot a portrait of a very similar subject very recently, the first version shows the shot......as taken, except for a little cropping, I was shopping at the time and requested a pic as I shopped too......he agreed.

The second version shows how I have used layers soft brushes on layers in PHOTOSHOP CS6 to get rid of the distracting background and to emphasise his strong features.

To finish off I used the, unusual.....HIGH PASS FILTER.....to sharpen the whole, very lightly at first, then on another layer, more strongly on targeted areas such as his eyes and beard.

Hope this helps?

FUJI

[Martyn]

Overall I like this image, but there are just a couple of niggles for me. You have lost detail in the front of the hat, and although I don't mind the sun flares in the picture I think they should be removed where they cross the face. Not saying that I could do any better, just my opinion; great shot all the same!

 

 

[DarrenC]

Nice, thanks! I'll have a try at that. I've got CS3 but masking brushes is one of the things I've been trying to get to grips with, I guess it's in a similar area?

[DarrenC]

Thanks Martyn, the lens flare lines across the face was one of the things I thought about taking out, I should have!

I'm really enjoying expanding my PS knowledge at the moment, to such an extent that I'm actually looking forward to re-starting this shot from RAW...

[FUJI]

Hi, again DarrenC

Go to the TIPF front page......look for SOFTWARE TUTORIALS.....then Sub Forums......find my FUJI'S SOFT BRUSHES AND LAYERS post......that should make things clearer?

FUJI

[colinb]

In the case of this particular photo I would be careful about removing the flare. The subjects eyes are closed and the flare helps give the viewer an explanation as to why they are closed, remove it and you have a story with no plot. I think the composition with the flare works and in general so does the whole photo, it is not a studio pose and looks good as it is.

[annie]

It's a great picture and I would be inclined to take Colins advice if it was my picture...

[DarrenC]

Colin & Annie, thanks for the encouragement!

I've gone back to the RAW & re-processed in a similar way to the first image posted with a mind to reducing the lens flare lines across the eyes. (Confession time... The lens flare is PS rendered.)

Better or not?

[Korky]

You've had some great advice there, Darren, so I won't add to it (not sure I can anyway!).

 

Your second edit is a massive improvement - good stuff.

 

I think there's a story as well, but to me, the expression, the seemingly held breath, the dreadlocks, the colours and the sun are all amounting to a very pleasant afternoon in the park.

 

BTW - Hello, Darren and welcome to TIPF.

 

Korky

 

I hope you don't mind my edit - I couldn't resist.

 

 

[DarrenC]

Much thanks Korky, Hello! You're right about the story but I couldn't post the uncropped image. GMP might consider it 'evidence'...

I'm hoping that if I can make 3 or 4 prints for this guy then he'll let me shoot him again with a bit more time & he'll trust me to do okay.

He's a great subject? Really lively! Wanted to be shot in front of the apple tree.

Off to look more into Fuji's suggestions on high pass filter now, really liked the effect that had.

[ChrisLumix]

If you Google 'High Pass Filter' there are some great advice pages online and no doubt a YouTube video or two.

[DarrenC]

Any favourites Chris?

[ChrisLumix]

Any favourites Chris?

 

This is a good enough one I think: http://www.photoshopessentials.com/photo-editing/sharpen-high-pass/

[Korky]

A good and useful little tutorial, Herr Lumix. Danke!

 

Korky

[Martyn]

Colin & Annie, thanks for the encouragement!

I've gone back to the RAW & re-processed in a similar way to the first image posted with a mind to reducing the lens flare lines across the eyes. (Confession time... The lens flare is PS rendered.)

Smokin Man Eyes Closed crop.jpg

Better or not?

 

Nice work Darren, I prefer this version to the original!

[DarrenC]

Thanks everybody! All input taken into account...