The Art Gallery Curator

[FUJI]

After a hair cut in Leamington Spa yesterday, I decided to explore a brand new Art Galley there, lots of great Art work to enjoy, plus this very hepful and attractive curator.

After we exchanged comments about some of the exhibits, I requested that I take a portrait.............Here is the result:.

As you can see, because of unavoidable shadows from display lights I have processed both as High-Key studies.............finalised by a touch (and I mean a touch) of Targeted High-Pass Sharpening:

Best viewed LARGE............................Click on Pics:

FUJI

[Korky]

The colour version works best for me - you've got it just about spot-on with the eyes.

 

Korky

[ChrisLumix]

What he said ^

[Martyn]

I prefer the colour version too, great portrait!

[Guest]

Colour for me as well.

[bugmeister]

#1 for me, the definintion seems better around her eyes in the colour one

[CanonChrissy]

Colour one has more definition,more depth. Im not good on portraits though so can't really give critique

[FUJI]

Thank you folks,

Yes! The mono version was an afterthought but, I wanted to see what could be done with an informal portrait taken in.....not ideal lighting conditions.

Like many Art Galleries, this one has lots of beautiful light that is directed at the art work on the walls........I had only just met the lass, so couldn't really move her away from the annoying shadows.

Ideally, a reflector would have been the best option, to improve the original shot........the High-key treatment here was to wash out the offending shadows.....it has worked better in the colour version.

FUJI

[ChrisLumix]

Fuji - is this any better? All I've done is apply Elements' Auto Smart Fix, nothing else. 

 

[FUJI]

Hi, Chris,

Thank you for having a go........satisfactory High-Key portraiture is not the easiest thing to achieve, I feel that I have gone about as far as I can with this particular mono version?

I was playing with the idea of softening the edges so my subject appears to be materialising out of a mist...........but that probably wouldn't work unless I softened her hair to match......then, the whole might look out of focus.

I might have another go using the original RAW file.

FUJI

[NannyFerret]

You haven't lost your touch, Fuji.

[THELONGMAN]

For artistic and creative reasons I like the soft mono, Nice work Fuji,

 

Geoff

[Leon]

I still do not have the nerve to ask for a portrait..... I need to though.

[ChrisLumix]

I still do not have the nerve to ask for a portrait..... I need to though.

 

Nor me. Fuji's explained his technique over and over again ... but it boils down to personality - I just couldn't do it.