New Haircut Pictures for Friend

[sketchinist]

It's pretty self explanatory. My friend wanted me to take some pictures of her with her new haircut. I actually forgot to focus on her hair because I was just having fun trying to figure out some fun portraits. Oops! Either way, what could I have done differently? What do you all suggest?

[RandyMN]

Ooooh, she must hate you for not touching up those pimples.

[RandyMN]

Hope your not mad at me for de-zitting. The second photo looks great but I know if I had a zit I sure would hate looking at it every time I see the photo.

[sketchinist]

Yeah, I had to laugh when I saw you did that. I actually started to do it, but was only editing with iPhoto, and I wasn't completely liking the results. Your retouching is beautiful!

[RandyMN]

Actually it is extremely easy using the Bandaid tool from CS3.

Unforunately CS3 is costly but if you can get your hands on a discounted student copy it's worth it.

[kab8715]

I like the 2nd picture better - I think the 1st would be better if it wasnt so close??

Also, depending on how comfortable you are with ebay- if you are patient and do a lot of searching and comparing - you can get a new unopened version of cs3 for around $300. That is actually where I got mine from. I started by finding a seller that had A LOT of feedback - I think they had over 10,000 and I looked for someone with 100% feedback and were located in the US.
Definatly worth all the time though to save $300!

[sketchinist]

Thanks a lot Kim! I have been nervous about ordering something that expensive off of ebay, but it may by well worth it. CS3 would be a dream.

As far as the pictures are concerned, I was having a few background issues and was trying to keep it tight. I agree that it would've been more pleasing had I not been so close.

[johnz]

Hi,

The second image looks a little soft to my eye, maybe it's a focus issue, or just camera shake. Also in the second image, you might have benefitted from opening up your aperture by f/stop cause it looks a little dark to me, especially in the shadows. Although the light seems a little difficult because opening a might have caused the face to be overexposed. Did you use a flash? I am guessing not, and that ( especially off camera ) would've helped you in nailing the exposure more evenly on the subject.

[Flo]

I am finding the colors intense...more of a crop.less of the bough?http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/emmaloudawg/IMG_2375_2.jpg

[sketchinist]

I'm sorry, bough?

[Flo]

The pink thing running through her forehead?

[sketchinist]

maybe I'll just use a dictionary next time :) sorry about that

[ghosh]

Black white is nice....

[Flo]

maybe I'll just use a dictionary next time :) sorry about that
Lol..no problem..I thought that maybe I was wrong in that is might have been a hat or something!:)

[kab8715]

I do like the b&w better! Makes her skin look better.

[RandyMN]

Wanted to try a Scott Kelby technique here.

[chappie]

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/photocoffeebuzz/attachment.jpg

[midnitejam]

RandyMn and Chappie, your edits are good improvements. I would have used a little more "air-brush" appearance. The blowouts on her nose and right forehead should also be repaired.

As for the original shot, It's a wonderful pose and composition