A portrait that was improved by user comments

[tommykjensen]

As mentioned in another post the following portrait is one that was improved through users comments.

This is the first version I posted

http://www.klein-jensen.dk/photo.php?n=bafodomundo_portrait.jpg
Next version

http://www.klein-jensen.dk/photo.php?n=bafodomundo_portrait_edited.jpg

Final version

http://www.klein-jensen.dk/photo.php?n=bafodomundo_portrait_edited2.jpg



And this is the original

http://www.klein-jensen.dk/photo.php?n=bafodomundo_portrait_org.jpg


Which do You think is best? Did the users that helped me do a good job guiding me to a good result?

[Calis]

I think it is much improved.

[Scottes]

Definitely improved, and I like it. The feather getting cut off disturbs me a little bit though.

I have to wonder why this got missed. That's quite an expression, great color and character, indications of action - you know just what's going on.

[cindavphoto]

Wow, what eyes!!! I like the first or the original best.

[stopbath]

The trouble with the first shot is that the eyes are almost smack in the middle.

Try this:
crop the left side at his wrist, then crop above the feather.

The tighter photo helps show up the beads on the shirt, and gets his bulging eyes away from the middle of the shot. It also keeps a portrait framing to the image (instead of going almost square.)

You might burn in a stop or two on the fellow in the background but don't obliterate him. He offers up a bit of a story.

Great capture of the moment.

[tommykjensen]

Some thing like this?

http://www.klein-jensen.dk/photo.php?n=bafodomundo_portrait_edited3.jpg

[Scottes]

I'm thinking a little less crop. There's no continuity from to his hand. While you can't crop and keep continuity, I think that cropping so the edge of his shoulder was still seen...

But I'm getting pretty nit-picky now. I like this last one a lot.

[tommykjensen]

I think if I crop around the edge of the shoulder the eyes will be centered again so it would probably not be as good.

But thanks everybody I learned something new today.

btw the last attempt was created like this.

- convert from raw
- duplicate layer
- adjust blending options, I used color burn 15%
- then I used the eraser to bring back the main part of the photo that should not be burned

[PacAce]

I like your final version (not the last cropped one although a little bit of cropping would be OK, too). But for the clincher you definitely need another photo to go along with it, like say the one you posted a while back for Ian, the lady with the feathers. Now, those two pictures together would really tell a story!!!! :lol: :mrgreen:

[tommykjensen]

I like your final version (not the last cropped one although a little bit of cropping would be OK, too). But for the clincher you definitely need another photo to go along with it, like say the one you posted a while back for Ian, the lady with the feathers. Now, those two pictures together would really tell a story!!!! :lol: :mrgreen:

:lol: This one (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=220458#220458) :lol:


Thanks everybody for the comments they are appreciated.

But especially Scottes comments made me feel really good about this photo. You have a way of saying things in a non offensive way and a way that make me want to improve and learn more. Thank You :D

[Scottes]

But especially Scottes comments made me feel really good about this photo. You have a way of saying things in a non offensive way and a way that make me want to improve and learn more. Thank You :D

I'm stuck between "You're Welcome" and "I Do? ? ?"
LOL!

In any case, it's a darn good shot.