First Try at B&W

[snibbetsj]

Here's an image I think looks good in B&W. This is my first attempt at this conversion, I like it but I'd like your C&C please.
Thanks,
Jeff


http://www.pbase.com/image/51090184.jpg

[Hellashot]

I'm not a B&W person, but there seems to be more bright than anything on this shot. Maybe even her shoulder and hair on left being blown out.

The DOF is very shallow. Her eyes are in focus but not her lips - very distracting.

[Robert_Lay]

I agree with Hellashot - the lighting is not working to advantage here. I agree that it is first an overexposure problem, but I also do not like the direction of the light or the orientation of the subject with respect to the light.

I do not see the DOF problem, so can't speak to that.

My suggestion is strictly for the future, and that is to go for more traditional lighting setups.

[snibbetsj]

Thanks for the comments. I did want a high-key type shot here but I guess it didn't work out. I'll keep pluggin' away! :D :D

[Robert_Lay]

OK - if you want high key, you have to light for it. The lighting for high key is the same as for other effects to the extent that you still need the modeling through the proper use of at least two lights. The thing that makes it high key is that the lighting is also arranged such that the majority of the tones are not allowed to go much lower than middle gray - even in the shadows.

In the example at hand, high key does not mean letting the highlights get blown out, and it also means that her face is a little too dark, and in general, there are too many very dark areas.

Try to get more diffuse lighting so as to keep the contrast low.

[FlipFlopWS6]

i guess some more experienced people find problems with the photo as listed above

but when i first saw the picture i got the sense that shes a fun loving spunky girl. I think you captured her well and its a great picture IMO