OK, Rip me to pieces :)

[BiikeMike]

So, here is a picture of my better half I took a while ago, and I worked on it for a bit in Post to try out some skin smoothing, sharpening, etc.

What did I do wrong?


http://hambergerproductions.com/photos/Jen1.jpg

[Lunajen]

It is just rather a bit dark...I really can't tell if the skin looks to plastic or not because it is a bit dark.

[BiikeMike]

Really? If anything, I thought it was to light! :)

[T.D.]

Really? If anything, I thought it was to light! :)

You may want to consider calibrating your monitor.

It's definitely dark.

[Lunajen]

It's about a step too dark by my screen.

[Jaime]

Unanimous, it looks dark to me as well.

[Titus213]

On the dark side. Not sure you did it on purpose but the plant in the background is quite distracting. This pose/position does not offer much in the way of lighting IMO.

[Sam]

If you look at the histogram the overall picture is on the dark side :evil: But if that is the effect you are shooting for then you nailed it ;)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y291/tborquez/March%202007/histogram01.jpg

I don't use the histogram for much more than a guide though, it may be because I don't fully realize its usefulness...


If it were my shot I would have looked at another angle or different cropping (at the time you took the shot). She looks very pretty but the composition is kinda bland for me. I keep looking at the feather in the background too.

[JSimonian]

Light vs. Dark...I won't comment. The model is quite pretty, but the background is very distracting. Also, the dark area on her shoulder could be removed, unless it is an integral part of her.

J.Simonian

[dlphotography]

When I was trained at LA Times, I learned one things: LESS IS MORE. ^_^

I think the background could be changed a bit. Here are some suggestions (http://www.pictureproofs.com/tutorials/tech3.aspx).

Aside from that, a bit of color would help unless you want to go for that nostalgic b/w approach, which is cool too. Worst case, just whip out a magazine and have her mimic the poses in ads ;D The ads cost $$$ to produce, so why not start by copying the best haha

Best!

[NewbieXT]

Don't see any noticeable signs of softening, so I would say your technique is fine.
Since you asked to be ripped to pieces... they are correct about the exposure, flat lighting, and the peacock feather. Not sure if the thing with her shoulder is her or dirty equip.

Bumped up the levels, to give you an idea of about what correct exposure would be.

[OKCPhotogrpaher]

Well, this one is brighter, good job.
Dale

[hawk911]

I'm not sure I like the pose. It's got no pizzazz to it. There's no interesting point to it, as you can't see why she's in that position, or even a hint of what she might be looking at. I think this pose works better when she's vertical.

[BiikeMike]

OK, Guess I'll try again ;)

And the mark on her shoulder is a part of her, so thats why I didn't remove it :)

Thanks for the comments, look for another one soon!

[Rascalphoto]

I think you did a great job on the smoothing, not over done at all. You might consider taking it a bit farther to remove the wave like line between her jaw and temple. Very pretty model.

[NewbieXT]

Well, this one is brighter, good job.
Dale
Hey man, I live in TULSA, and we don't spell Photographer like that.

[Titus213]

Hey man, I live in TULSA, and we don't spell Photographer like that.

Your problem is that you don't know what a grpaher is.

Neither do I.:lol:

[NewbieXT]

Your problem is that you don't know what a grpaher is.

Neither do I.:lol:
I was just about to ask you to enlighten me... then I finished reading:D

Maybe we could start a support group? LOL